World's premier motorcycle show opening in Milan --- with no sign of slowing

The 67th International Bicycle and Motorcycle Show (EICMA) will run at the Milan Fair from November 10-15, with more than half a million visitors expected to attend the world's biggest biggest show dedicated to two-wheeled vehicles.

As a corresponding event in Germany is biennial and in its off-year, this will be the biggest motorbike show in 2009. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi will open the EICMA show, welcoming 1,341 brands from 31 different countries.

The latest new models of motorbikes, clothing and accessories will be on display in over 55,000 square meters (600,000 square feet) of pavilion space. Japanese motorcycle giants Yamaha and Honda may not be attending but all available space has been booked, with an extensive waiting list, according to the show's organizers.

More than 85,000 square meters (900,000 square feet) of outdoor space will be dedicated to shows, races, tests, driving lessons and more. The show will also host the 2009 edition of the Motorcycle Design Awards this year.

There will be no shortage of hot new bikes, but some of the most highly anticipated models include: MV Agusta's new 2010 F4 superbike, capable of 186 horsepower; Ducati's latest exemplar of sleek Italian style, the Multistrada 1200; a motorbike from Austria's TM, which they have proclaimed "the future of motorcross"; and Harley-Davidson with four new models.  

The show is only open to the press during the first two days, opening to the public beginning November 12. An adult fare costs €18 and a child's ticket runs €12. The show takes place at the Milan Fair (Fiera Milano)

Website: http://www.eicma.it/moto/en