13-city motorcycle and ATV show series presenting sales opportunities for local tire dealers

This nationwide series covering 13 metropolitan regions allows powersports fans from California to New York to get an up-close look at more than 600 new OEM models, including street bikes, dirt bikes, fuel efficient bikes, cruisers, scooters, all-terrain vehicles and watercraft from 19 major manufacturers. Eager-to-spend attendees will also be checking out the latest gear and aftermarket accessories while enjoying demo rides, new-rider programs and interactive entertainment suitable for all ages.

During last year’s show series, attendees spent $90 million on assorted merchandise and equipment. Their average annual household income amounts to $70,000. More than 75 percent of those attending already own a powersports vehicle of some type, each spending an average of $10,000 a year on the pursuit.

Attendance averaged 40,000 people per show.

Tire producers exhibiting at the 2007 series included Dunlop, Perelli, Metzeler and Avon. At the regional show level, tire dealers can set up a booth to sell your products and otherwise promote your business. “It’s a reasonable cost to participate,” explains marketing director Dave Scott. “We have local dealers, retailers and manufacturers,” he points out.

“For any dealer attending the show, we deliver volume,” Scott continues. “The key is that we’re delivering a qualified, high-income buyer with a propensity to purchase products – we’re delivering an enthusiastic crowd: How often are you going to get 40,000 people into your store?”

Each three-day event hosts an attractive kiosk exhibitor section set aside for major manufacturers, and they’re not selling tires the show floor to compete with you. Yet sales can be accomplished by local participating businesses.

The prominently placed, 4,000-plus square-foot manufacturer display area is the place for visitors to see the latest in aftermarket products and accessories, according to Scott. “You can compare and ask questions of manufacturer representatives and expert staff in a no-pressure environment and find out where to purchase the latest they have to offer,” he notes. “One example would be the best tire for your type of bike and riding conditions. There are a variety of companies and representatives waiting to help you find the best application to fill your needs.”

“With gas prices on the rise, motorcycles make an excellent fuel efficient transportation choice, and the show is the best place to see these bikes up-close and talk to the industry experts about the options,” says show director Jeff D’Entremont, adding that other tire-bearing powersports vehicles are also attracting significant consumer interest.

The 2008-2009 Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows presented by Toyota schedule is as follows:

• Oct. 31-Nov. 2 , University of Phoenix Stadium, Phoenix
• Nov. 14-16, Dallas Convention Center, Dallas
• Nov. 21-23, Reliant Center, Houston
• Dec. 5-7, Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, Calif.
• Dec. 12-14, Qwest Field Event Center, Seattle
• Dec. 19-21, San Mateo County Event Center, San Mateo, Calif.
• Jan. 2-4 , Rock Financial Showplace, Novi, Mich.
• Jan. 9-11, Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.
• January 16-18, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York
• Jan. 30-Feb. 1, I-X Center, Cleveland
• Feb. 6-8, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Chicago
• Feb. 13-15, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis
• Feb. 20-22, Carolina First Center, Greenville, S.C.

For the 16th consecutive year, Cycle World is the title sponsor for the series and Toyota will return for the 11th year as presenting sponsor. It is the world’s largest motorcycle show series.

For more information, call (800) 331-5706 or visit www.motorcycleshows.com.