EICMA MILAN SHOW REPORT

I end up wearing a lot of hats when I attend trade shows, so with exhibits to see, advertisers to talk with, dinners and banquets in the evenings, I am not able to deliver daily reports. But now that I am home and have my photos downloaded, here's my report and pictorial from EICMA, the world's biggest motorcycle show.

Tuesday was Media Day. At the opening ceremonies Italy's Prime Minister Berlusconi arrived to give a welcome speech to the world press and he stressed the significance of the motorcycle and bicycle industry to Italy's economy. He was joined on stage by two 2010 World Champions, Max Biaggi and Jorge Lorenzo. He is seen here congratulating fellow Italian Biaggi for his success in the World Superbike Championship on the Italian-made Aprilia.

Next up it was time to take in the many "unveilings" of new 2011 motorcycles and other new products. 

Triumph got the day off to a good start with its all-new 3-cylinder Tiger 800 Adventure bike. It comes in two variations, setup primarily for street use, and the Tiger 800 XC for more of an off-road application.

The Tiger 800 XC comes with spoke wheels, heavy duty skid plate and other features for off-road, plus this one had all of the Triumph accessories loaded on it.

The all-new Ducati Diavel has a very futuristic look, kind of blend of a Superbike with a Yamaha V-Rod. At the show it was well received with expectations that it opens up more possibilities from the motorcycle buying community rather than competing with other models in the Ducati line.

The Diavel looks great in black too.

Ducati had a nice "Thank You" display honoring Casey Stoner as he concludes his participation on the Ducati team at the end of 2010.

BMW unveiled a concept scooter to the press. 

On Tuesday evening, Pirelli and the EICMA organizers held a reception and dinner for 350+ members of the press and industry at the exclusive Villa San Carlo Borromeo.

Pirelli used the event to hold a brief press unveiling of the new Rosso II line of tires which as coming as standard equipment on the new Ducati Diavel.

Pirelli-sponsored 2010 MX1 World Champion Tony Cairoli was on hand and poses here for a photo with Vince Marazita of the Italian Trade Commission.

Wednesday was Dealers-only Day and the crowd grew compared to Tuesday.

The Italians know how to get people to notice their new models.

As I was saying...

Benelli had a display of historic machines, including this 1960s 350cc Grand Prix race bike ridden by the late Renzo Pasolini.

This amazing looking CR&S V-Twin features an S&S X-Wedge motor.

This multi-cylinder Husqvarna concept bike got a lot of looks. It's a little bit Sportbike and a little bit Ice Racer. Don't look for a production version anytime soon.

Because the show is a combined dealer show and consumer show, most Aftermarket exhibits are setup like this one from Adige.

K&N had a major presence at the show, just like they do here in U.S.

Here's a fun way to start your kids out early. Kiddiemoto push bikes in replica versions of legendary champions like this one of Mike Hailwood's Isle of Man winning Ducati.

And some companies brought the real thing. Like Max Biaggi's WSB championship winning Aprilia.

As it did with the press, the Triumph Tiger 800 got plenty of looks from the dealers and consumers.

There are both inside and outside exhibits for the consumers attending EICMA.

Things really got busy when the doors opened to the public on Thursday.

To make sure everyone saw the new Aprilia Tuono RSV4, the company stationed two models with that bike.

On Friday, I was en route past Lake Como over the Swiss Alps to Zurich, then on to LAX. Arrivederci Italy!