International Motorcycle Shows Cruises Into San Francisco

    SANTA ANA, Calif.--Nov. 5, 2002--The adventure never ends as the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows(R) Presented by Toyota Trucks roll into the 2003 season at the San Mateo County Expo Center on Nov. 8-10, 2002.
    Regarded as the nation's oldest and largest consumer-oriented powersports show series, this once-yearly gathering of new model vehicles is a must-see event for the whole family.
    A crowd of 40,000+ motorcycle enthusiasts is expected to be among the first to preview the complete 2003 model line-up of ATVs, cruisers, dirt bikes, dualsport machines, scooters, and sport bikes in factory showcase displays from the industry's heaviest-hitters, including Aprilia, BMW, Buell, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha.
    And, for the very first time, TEAM Powersports has the full support of Benelli and Polaris. Representatives from local dealerships will be available to answer questions and help enthusiasts determine the perfect ride for their size and experience level.
    "We love kicking off our full traveling season in the San Francisco market," stated Show Manager Jeff D'Entremont. "Northern Californians have an infectious level of enthusiasm, both for the show and the industry, that you really can't find anywhere else. We have worked hard all year to pull together a package of exciting features, vehicles and exhibitors that we hope will keep them coming back for years to come."
    The line-up of new vehicles wouldn't be complete without a full spectrum of aftermarket manufacturers and products to complement them -- everything from performance parts to the latest communications hardware and apparel will be available for perusal. Style-savvy riders and those who love instant gratification should take note: a large portion of the apparel and products on display will be available for onsite purchase.
    Enthusiasts are invited to preview this season's hottest product offerings at "The Factory," a special showcase display highlighting a wide array of the latest top-of-the-line aftermarket products designed to increase performance and style from companies such as Arai Helmet; Avon Tyres (Hoppe); Chatterbox; Cobra Engineering; Dowco Inc.; Gearbox International; Goodyear Dunlop Tire; HJC America; J&D Walter Distributing; K&N Engineering; Kendon Industries; Metzeler Pirelli Tires; Muzzys; Progressive Suspension; Shoei Safety Helmet; Wileyco; and Yuasa Batteries.
    Starving for two-wheeled action? Hungry crowds will tame their cravings with a feast of gravity defying acrobatics performed by Finnish Trials rider Tommi Ahvala of Team Extreme. Imagine a motorcycle launch a 16-foot vertical wall onto a flowing 22-foot waterfall, and then landing on a suspended platform barely the length of the bike!
    This radical display is not for the weak at heart. Outside of the show, Ahvala competes -- and often times wins -- at professional Trials competitions internationally throughout the year, maintaining an average world ranking "in the top three." Show-goers won't want to miss one of these stellar performances during daylight hours on Saturday and Sunday.
    Itching to test the goods? BMW of North America and Buell will offer licensed motorcyclists the chance to test drive their newest street bikes during daylight hours on Saturday and Sunday. To participate, enthusiasts just need to provide their own riding gear, including helmets, as well as a motorcycle license.
    To top it all off, one lucky consumer may win a new motorcycle or ATV as a result of his or her trip to the San Francisco show. Sponsored by American Suzuki Motor Corp., the Official Motorcycle/ATV Giveaway offers consumers a chance to win a 2003 SV650S or an Eiger LT-A400F.
    Tickets are available in advance on the show Web site, www.motorcycleshows.com, and onsite at the box office -- adults $10; children (ages 6-11) $5; children under 6 free. Groups of 20 or more are encouraged to purchase tickets online for a $2 discount or contact TEAM Powersports for information on receiving the discount at the show.
    Members of the American Motorcyclist Association, who show their membership cards when purchasing tickets at the box office onsite, are also eligible for a $1 rebate coupon redeemable at the AMA booth inside the show. $1-off discount coupons are also available at local participating dealers.
    Visit www.motorcycleshows.com for a current list of participating dealerships. Free Helmet and Coat Check, sponsored by BMW, as well as Free Motorcycle Parking, also sponsored by BMW, will be available onsite.
    Direct all reader inquiries to the InfoLine at 800/331-5706 CST and 218/723-9130 CST or to www.motorcycleshows.com. For media information, contact Nancy Larsen, telephone 907/696-8001, fax 907/696-8002, e-mail NLAlaska@aol.com or visit the online Media Center located at http://sfo.motorcycleshows.com/imssfo/V33/index.cvn?id=10067&p_navID= 15. (Due to the length of this URL, it may be necessary to copy and paste this hyperlink into your Internet browser's URL address field.)
    For additional information on the 2003 show series, contact TEAM Powersports at Advanstar Communications Inc., 201 Sandpointe Avenue, Suite 600, Santa Ana, CA, 92707, telephone 800/854-3112, 714/513-8400, fax 714/513-8481 or e-mail agray@advanstar.com.
    TEAM Powersports and the International Motorcycle Shows(R) extend their sincere appreciation to long-time sponsors Cycle World Magazine and Toyota Trucks for their continued support and contributions to the series. Additional thanks go to the San Mateo County Times for their effort and assistance with the San Francisco show.
    TEAM Powersports is one of the largest producers of tradeshows and conventions for the powersports industry worldwide. It includes the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows(R) Presented by Toyota Trucks, the Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo, Big Twin 2003 Presented by American Big Twin Dealer, Dealernews magazine, Powersports magazine, and Sturgis Guide.
    Advanstar Communications Inc. is a worldwide business information company serving specialized markets with high quality information resources and integrated marketing solutions. Advanstar has 92 business magazines and directories, 77 tradeshows and conferences, numerous Web sites, and a wide range of direct marketing, database and reference products and services.
    Advanstar serves targeted market sectors in such industries as art, automotive, beauty, collaboration/e-learning, CRM/call center, digital media, entertainment/marketing, fashion & apparel, healthcare, manufacturing and processing, pharmaceutical, powersports, science, telecommunications and travel/hospitality.
    The company has more than 1,300 employees and currently operates from multiple offices in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.advanstar.com.

    Note to Editors: Photos available upon request.