I found an article on MSNBC.com that says that there is more than just the Detroit Auto Show going on in the upcoming weekend. For you motorcycle lovers, there is a motorcycle show going on in New York City next weekend. It’s called the International Motorcycle Show.  What’s interesting is that those interested in motorcycles and the motorcycle makers have the same concerns as the auto industry.  Sales are down and more fuel-efficient models will be showcased in order to try to draw in customers.  Tighter credit and “crippled consumer confidence” are also hurting the motorcycle industry.

Manufacturers are taking advantage of showing off their smaller models that normally in good economic times do not get any attention.  “We’re seeing motorcycles coming in that were originally designed for other markets that, because of people’s consciousness for fuel economy and ease of getting around, are all of a sudden finding a home in the U.S.” says Robert Pandya, the show’s spokesperson.

Scooter-maker Vectix Corp. unveiled two electric models; the VX-2, which will have a base price of just over $5000and will go 40 to 50 miles on a charge, with a top speed of 30 mph.  The VX-1E will cost about $3500 more but will have a top speed of 62 mph with a range of 55 miles.  Italy’s Piaggio & C. SpA introduced its new Vespa GTS 300, which can reach 80 mph with a 278-cubic-centimeter engine.  Honda Motor Co.,  Ducati, and Kawasaki also introduced new bikes.     

So, for those of you that are more interested in motorcycles than car/trucks, check out the International Motorcycle Show in NYC this weekend.     

 

This entry was posted on Sunday, January 18th, 2009 at 5:39 pm and is filed under Car Shows, New Cars. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.