The 28th annual International Motorcycle Show, rolling into the Long Beach Convention Center, caters to the crowd that wants its bikes bigger, better and faster. But, in a nod to changing times, there’s a new feature this year: a scooter pavilion.
The three-day event is putting a focus on riders who want to commute on two wheels—new and returning riders who couldn’t care less about the flash and power that have dominated the industry for the past decade.
Click Here For More Scooters & Motorcycles Images
The added pavilion corrals the growing number of scooters on the market, instead of leaving them scattered throughout the exhibit hall. And new riders also can get help at a more prominent welcome center that provides information about safety classes and local riding clubs.
Among the transportation-oriented bikes making their debut this weekend are the Vectrix Vx-1 Personal Electric Vehicle, the Kymco Quannon 150 motorcycle and new custom scooters from Suzuki.
More than 700 vehicles will be on display, many of which get at least 50 miles per gallon, the show’s promoters said. It’s these impressive fuel-economy figures that have kept motorcycle and scooter sales from plummeting the way car sales have this year.
Aprilia, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Kymco, Piaggio, Yamaha and Victory are among the brands offering test rides for licensed motorcyclists who bring their helmets.
| 
|