SYDNEY MOTORCYCLE SHOW:

Excellent sales and interest from exhibitors has marked last week’s 2009 Sydney Motorcycle Show at Sydney Showground as a successful event, with the industry showing its resilience and ability to adapt in tough economic times.

Organisers received incredibly positive feedback from a range of attending manufacturers and accessory, apparel and service providers, with many reporting a response on par with 2008.

Fewer family, child and senior ticket sales suggested the extreme midday and afternoon heat in Sydney contributed to the 22% downturn in overall visitors – 20,834 came through the doors from Friday to Sunday (excluding exhibitors, guests and staff).

Event Manager Mark Petersen said the final crowd figure was not an indication of the level of interest from attending two-wheel enthusiasts.

“It seems as though the extremely hot conditions have deterred visitors to the show this year, with our breakdowns indicating families, children and seniors tickets were hit very hard,” explained Petersen.

“The show looked fantastic and we had the most exhibitors present at any event so it is a shame that something as uncontrollable as the weather had such an impact.

“Many of our exhibitors reported it was their best show ever and did not notice the slight drop in visitors which is very encouraging.”

The event was opened on Friday morning by FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar, who congratulated members and the industry as a whole on an exceptional display as well as recognising their efforts to adapt to the economic climate.

With 2010 on the horizon, the range and diversity of new models on display ensured the show maintained its place as the nation’s largest motorcycle showcase.

Sports bikes, cruisers, tourers, dirt bikes, scooters, ATVS and mini bikes covered 12,500 square metres of the Sydney Showground dome and halls, with an extra 750 square metres of exhibitor space outside.

An array of attractions and guests kept visitors entertained in between checking out over 110 exhibitors and their latest offerings.

Three-time World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss and renowned author and adventurer Charley Boorman had crowds lining up for hours to grab an autograph and a photo.

The Yamaha Action Arena went off with Showtime FMX riders and the Stuntz Inc team putting on an awesome show despite the 40-degree heat. The Mini Moto playground and Trials arena added to the multi-discipline action display.

Other popular attractions included the Harley-Davidson Drag Dyno and the East Coast Custom Australian Custom Bike Championship display.

The industry will now turn its attention to the 2010 Australian Motorcycle Expo Gold Coast at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from February 19-21.