Economy takes toll on Long Beach motorcycle show

03.12.09

The motorcycle energy has been in a major slump this year, but the local convocation of biker bigwigs, flashy steel and looky-loos will go on this weekend -- on a diminished register.

The International Motorcycle Shows, which for 29 years has traveled the country showing off its latest and greatest technology and products, makes its annual halt at the Long Beach Convention Center.

But the show will have nearly 9% fewer exhibitors and will be missing some of the persistence's major players.

Piaggio, which owns the Aprilia, Vespa, Moto Guzzi and Piaggio brands, won't have a disclose, opting instead "to put more dollars into helping our dealers move inventory with direct-to-consumer programs," said Gary Pietruszewski, failing president of sales for Piaggio Group Americas.

Also AWOL are Austrian manufacturer KTM, Taiwanese scooter maker Kymco, bankrupt electrifying scooter company Vectrix and Buell, the 26-year-old sport bike brand that holder Harley-Davidson Inc. shut down

Source: Los Angeles Times