The NYC Motorcycle Show

The show this year was a bit of a let down as compared to years past. I just felt like there wasn’t much of a wow factor at the show. Admittedly it was fantastic to see a nice big Piaggio presence. The GTS was on display in prime position and it looked great. I am just mesmerized by the digital display on the bike. On top of that the improved shocks, extra 50ccs and fuel injection are all major improvements. I am hoping to test drive one in the next month or two (as I did with the GT). When I get my hands on one, I will certainly be writing about it here.

Aprilia is now part of Piaggio so there more scooters than just the LX, GT & GTS on display in the booth. Check out the pic of the 500cc Scarabeo that was one display. Now that is A LOT of scooter.

Aside from Piaggio & company, even though other vendors had scooters on display they were usually pushed towards the back and sales folks just did not have any interest in answering questions about them. I think that’s a pretty sad state of affairs when scootering seems to be taking off in urban America.

But some vendors were making an attempt to reach the scooter community. The folks at Yourbikeyourshirt.com were very quick to point out that amongst the many designs they embroider on their shirts, Vespas were included.

The people from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course given at Farleigh Dickenson University were there as well. I have spoken about the MSF before, and FDU happens to be where I took my course. I think the safety course is a must for all new riders. When I took the course I learned on a motorcycle. However the guys at the booth were very eager to mention to me that they are trying to reach the scooter community and will be running a once a month course customized for scooterists! So please contact them or your local MSF folks and enroll in a course soon. It will save your life! Keep up the good work MSF!