2007 Paris Motorcycle Show

The calendar still says 2007, but in motorcycle years, it’s 2008. All the manufacturers are in the process of squeezing out — model by model — all the newest bikes in their 2008 and lineups.

The do it all over the world, and they even do it in the virtual world of the Internet. But often the big news is made public at the big European motorcycle shows. One of these is the Paris Mondial du Deux Roues (World of Two Wheels). Last held in 2005, the Paris Motorcycle and Bicycle Show — which opens today and goes through October 7 — will have displays from 1028 companies on 409,000 square feet, and going by the 2005 attendance figures, can expect some 380,000 visitors.

In addition to bicycling displays and events there will be riding lessons for all ages, a historic exhibition featuring motorcycles in the movies, a used-bike flea market and a series of debates hosted by the French Federation of Angry Bikers (I didn’t make that up). But of course the big news is the new-model unveilings. We’ve already seen some of the ’08 stars but now we’ve got additional photography, and there’s always a shocker or two unveiled.

So check out our Best of Paris Show photo gallery for images of the new bikes, then visit the CW Forums for more photos and to post your comments. Be sure to check back frequently to see what everybody is saying.