It's not often you hear the words "family-friendly" and "motorcycle show" in the same sentence. But Eric Kropiewnicki uses them often when describing the Axis of Steel motorcycle show.

The show opened Friday and continues from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. today at the Lancaster County Convention Center.

"I'm a family guy," said Kropiewnicki, manager of Angel Marketing Group, Etters, which organized the event. "I wanted to create a family atmosphere for a bike show."

But the inflatable bouncy castle, trick-or-treat night and Halloween costume contest are just bonuses. Kids and parents alike come to ogle $1.3 million of chrome and horsepower.

Forty bike owners were invited by Kropiewnicki and other staff of the marketing group. Diversity was a key factor in choosing which bikes to include, Kropiewnicki said.

As a result, the show features American and foreign originals and custom bikes, each with a value of $12,000 to $100,000.

Among these carefully polished machines are a motorcycle hearse, a 10-seat limo bike known as the Anaconda, and an immaculate 1911 Harley Davidson.

Motorcycles are a family affair for the Polys family: Sam, 32, wife, Mackensie, 34, and their son Jesse, 8, of Williamsport. Each had a rag in hand, buffing their full custom chopper at the show Friday.

In just six months, they designed and built their motorcycle from frame to details with only American or custom parts.

This iron horse combines the aesthetics of a 1960s chopper with modern technology, Sam Polys said.

Its 2009 motor was altered to appear like a 1960s engine, yet it boasts a 100-cubic-inch Ultima Evolution Panhead. It has six-speed overdrive and both kick and electric starts. Softail suspension, featuring rear shocks or other form of resistance, is hidden behind swing arms that are just for show. The front end — 15 inches over stock — has a springer (a spring suspension).

Ruby-red metal flake paint shimmers underneath a candy-coat glaze to compliment the glistening chrome and copper under the body.

Among the ultimate fantasy bikes, the "Bad Pig" Texas Chopper twirls slowly on a revolving stand. A snarling pig tattooed on the fire-orange paint seems justified by what lies underneath.

It has a six-speed transmission, dual ram intake and Hi 4 racing ignition. The polished 107-cubic-inch motor runs on nitrous oxide. As if that weren't enough for the passersby drooling over the motorcycle, its mufflers also throw flames.

A sign displayed by owner Rick Fetrow, of Carlisle, reads "No Trailer Queen. Ridden (raced) daily."

Not all are sport or fantasy bikes. For example, Bruce Wagner, 58, of Manheim, showcases his royal-blue 2007 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail with a standard 96-cubic-inch V-twin engine.

Wagner has only been riding for three years. "I'm a late bloomer," he said.

Now, he rides every day, except in snow. His wife, Ellen Wagner, 53, rides along side on her own Harley-Davidson custom Softail.

Mike Ressler, 27, and his wife, Alicia, 26, of Conestoga, showcase their custom metric sport bike. They laptop-tuned a 2005 GSXR 1000 engine, stretched the rear 6 inches and added custom wheels, air suspension and a 240-millimeter wide rear tire.

As their daughter, Mikayla, 2, bounced and giggled in the castle, they complimented the show.

"I think it was a good place to have it. I think they're getting a lot of people coming out just to see the convention center," Mike Ressler said.

Besides, he said, out of the more than 15 bike shows the family has been to this year, "This is the first one that had a bouncy castle."

Admission is $15, free for children under 12.