So Cal Cycle Swap – The Early Bird Gets the Worm
Words and Photos- WCM
Bikes, parts, bargains, haggling, deals, scores.. what else could you ask for, fellow motorcycle fanatic? The So-Cal Cycle Swap Meet is definitely a “must see” destination if any of the above sounds interesting for you riders out there. This self proclaimed “largest monthly gathering of riders in the USA”, the So-Cal cycle swap meet is more than just a swap meet, it’s literally a monthly bike show and gathering of So-Cal motorcycle culture and lifestyle. From BMWs to Yamahas, from cruisers to bicycles, vintage to new, this swap meet has it all.
Photo/Whiskey Cloud Man
Held in the parking lot of the Long Beach Veteran’s Stadium on 5000 Lew Davis Street, Long Beach 90808. The So-Cal Cycle Swap meet is a monthly event organized by Topping Events. This 7am to 1 pm event occurs every last Sun of the month, attracting buyers and sellers of motorcycles and bicycle parts all over So-Cal. From manufactures and vendors of custom parts, to just a rider cleaning out his/her garage of old parts, this swap meet welcomes all. Cost of entry is $10 per person and the parking is free. Drive down to load up on parts or stop by on your Sunday morning cruise and show off the ride.. or for $55, grab yourself a space and sell some of your stuff at the swap meet. “Cycle related parts, services, and accessories only!” is a requirement of all sellers by the organizer, that tells you how good this meet is.
Photo/Whiskey Cloud Man
This is an outdoor event that is advertised as “swap rain or shine”, but one would assume the wet weather will play a large affect on the turnout of both sellers and buyers. Temperature does warm up once the sun raises and burns through any morning overcast. Bike corral picks up later in the morning and turns into a good motorcycle show mid-morning. It’s great to walk up and down the aisle of bikes admiring other custom creations/modifications, while getting some ideas for your own rides. Wear comfortable walking boots or shoes, comfortable outdoor weather appropriate clothe, a big straw hat, and sunscreen lotion. Stay refreshed with onsite vendors selling food, beverages and even alcohol. Other ongoing events will also affect the attendance of this meet, like [when it was the] same weekend as Born Free, so check with Creative Riding to verify no other events are conflicting with this swap meet.
Photo/Whiskey Cloud Man
I was introduced to this event a little over a year and a half ago, and have been attending the meet on and off whenever time allowed. Show up early with cash and a checklist of needed items and this place will probably have it for sale. As a owner of a fairly modern “new” ride, I was initially skeptical of the amount of stuff that will fit my ride, but quickly changed my mind by the good amount of custom parts and take off parts available. New LED lights, leather bags, and takeoff aftermarket seats are some of my purchases from this swap meet. My best score at the swap meet was an engine crash guard that msrp for $280 and I got it for $90 as a takeoff, and my favorite item has to be a teardrop style tool box. The chrome was flaking off, but I didn’t care. It was an original, not a repop, with original key and mounting bracket included. Got it powder coated black to match my ride and it gave an old school feel to it.
I would highly recommend adding this to the must checkout list of any motorcycle rider and visitor of So-Cal Long Beach.
Happy Riding Creative Riding.
Whiskey Cloud Man Out.
Photo/Whiskey Cloud Man