Thousands of motorbike fans poured into the six huge halls of the 2009 EICMA motorbike show at the Milan Exhibition centre. A lot of people, and especially a lot of women, thanks to ‘Woman Friday’, the day that celebrates women bikers and female biker fans by letting them enter the show for free. During the day it was interesting to see the women’s curiosity for everything at the show and it is clear they are well-informed and very demanding clients.
The growing number of female bikers is a recent phenomenon but is also a sign of the times. Women are comfortable using motorbikes because it can help them in their fight against time and as they combine work and their private lives. The world of two wheels is more and more feminine, with the industry working hard to respond to their needs. At the EICMA show there are more and more practical and easy to ride models, specifically designed accessories, special colours and clothing that combine style and safety.
The new products on show in the six massive EICMA halls prove that despite the current crisis, the sector has understood the need to safeguard the environment and so is able to help improve the quality of life in the major urban areas.
Of course many of the visitors to the show want to see latest high performance bikes and cutting edge technology. The spectacular models on the stands are there to be seen and touched before watching many of them in action in the outdoor MotoLive arena.
Friday was a great day for EICMA crowd wise, with higher numbers expected during the weekend, much to the pleasure of the organizers and the 1300 exhibitors. Arlene Battishill of the Los Angeles based Scooter Girls clothing company perfectly summed up the Milan show: “It’s definitely the best motorbike show in the world. Well done to everyone.”