International Motorcycle Show kicked-off today

Regardless of the economic downturn that is also negatively impacting motorcycle sales and the industry as a whole, the International Motorcycle Show (IMS) kicked-off today in Dallas Texas. The Dallas show runs from November 13th to the 15th and starts a series of 11 nationwide shows. For those of you familiar with the 29 years of the IMS, this year’s show will be smaller in both size and number of events.

The IMS promoters reportedly cut a number of deals to get the level of motorcycle OEM’s participation they now have. From our best estimates, at least three major manufactures decided not to participate this year’s activities. Piaggio Group (the Italian company which owns Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Vespa and Piaggio scooters), KTM (the Austrian power sports company) and KYMCO (the Taiwanese motor scooters and motorcycle company) have all chosen not to attend the show this year. As well, both Phoenix and Houston have been cut from the schedule reducing the number of shows from 13 down to 11.

Regardless of all the negative hype going around these day, I can tell you that many of your favorite brands will be on hand and I will say that we have seen (and already ridden) some really exciting new 2010 motorcycles from Harley Davidson, Ducati, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Triumph and many others. So, take a look at the schedule below and get yourself out for an interesting day of great fun.

2010 International Motorcycle Show schedule

>> November 13-15, 2009: Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, TX

>> November 20-22, 2009: San Mateo County Event Center in San Mateo, CA

>> December 4-6, 2009: Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, CA

>> December 11-13, 2009: Qwest Field & Event Center in Seattle, WA

>> January 1-3, 2010: Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, MI

>> January 8-10, 2010: Carolina First Center in Greenville, SC

>> January 15-17, 2010: Washington Convention Center…Washington D.C.

>> January 22-24, 2010: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, NY

>> January 29-31, 2010: I-X Center in Cleveland, OH

>> February 5-7, 2010: Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, MN

>> February 19-21, 2010: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago, IL

2010 International Motorcycle Show Participants