Motorcycle Industry Up & Rolling
30 July 1999
Motorcycle Industry Up & Rolling; Discover Today's Motorcycling Goes On Tour With Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
NEW YORK--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--July 30, 1999--Discover Today's Motorcycling (DTM) Friday announced its sponsorship of Lyle Lovett and his Large Band tour (an 18-piece ensemble), underwritten by Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki.Lovett plays New York's Central Park Friday as he crisscrosses the country this summer playing to sold out concerts from Connecticut to Los Angeles. Lovett won the Best Country Album Grammy in 1997 for "Road to Ensenada" and the Best Male Vocal Grammy for Lyle Lovett and his Large Band in 1989.
Both an on-highway and off-highway enthusiast, Lovett is among the millions who enjoy the world of motorcycling. More people in the United States are discovering motorcycling in record numbers. Overall motorcycle sales are up 25 percent for the first six months of this year compared to the same period last year. Last year marked the seventh consecutive year that new unit motorcycle sales increased, according to Discover Today's Motorcycling.
"Perhaps it's because they're the ultimate convertibles. Or it may be because motorcycles double as transportation and recreation. And then again, it may be because motorcycles come complete with an enviable attitude," said Beverly St. Clair, managing director of Discover Today's Motorcycling. "Whatever the reasons and perceived added value, motorcycle sales -- and sales of the motorcycle aftermarket -- are up and rolling."
As motorcycle sales head toward an eighth consecutive year of double-digit growth, the industry is attracting new riders, including women, in record numbers. Based on data from the 1998 Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) owner survey, nearly one out of every 12 motorcycle owners in the United States is a woman. That's about 8 percent of the nation's motorcycle owners, and the numbers continue to increase. In 1960, women constituted only 1 percent of the nation's motorcycle owners.
The MIC commissioned the new national study, which was conducted by Irwin Broh & Associates and tracks trends against three previous MIC studies completed in 1990, 1985 and 1980.
Another indication of the sustained enthusiasm for motorcycle riding is that sales of used motorcycles are estimated to be rising, too. The number of previously owned motorcycles sold in 1998 is estimated at 1.3 million, based on 67 percent of MIC owner survey respondents who said they purchased a used motorcycle last year.
The MIC Motorcycle owner survey shed more light on the demographics of today's rider. In 1998, the person underneath the helmet is likely to be 38 years old, to have attended college, and to be a well-established, family man.
What's more, today's motorcyclist earns more than the average American ($44,250 per year vs. $36,250), while more than 33 percent of today's owners earn at least $50,000 per year compared to 20 percent of owners in 1990.
Discover Today's Motorcycling, the communications service bureau of the Motorcycle Industry Council, is a source of information about motorcycling to the media and to the general public. Discover Today's Motorcycling operates a toll-free number (800/833-3995) that provides free "Straight Facts" brochures about motorcycling, as well as information about the Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCourses(R).
The Motorcycle Industry Council is a nonprofit national trade association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, motorcycle parts and accessories, and members of allied trades.
Lyle Lovett and his Large Band tour schedule is as follows:
Friday July 30 New York City Central Park Summerstage Saturday July 31 Boston BankBoston Pavillion Sunday August 1 Danbury, Conn. Charles Yves Center Monday August 2 Montauk, N.Y. The Ranch Wednesday August 4 Baltimore Pier 6 Concert Pavillion Thursday August 5 Washington, D.C. Wolf Trap Friday August 6 Atlanta Chastain Park Saturday August 7 Lexington, Ky. Kentucky Horse Park's Arena Sunday August 8 Kansas City, Mo. Starlight Amphitheater Tuesday August 10 San Diego Humphrey's Wednesday August 11 Los Angeles Universal Amphitheatre Thursday August 12 Los Angeles The Tonight Show Friday August 13 San Francisco Konocti Field Amphitheater Saturday August 14 San Jose, Calif. Montalvo Sunday August 15 San Jose Montalvo Monday August 16 Arcata, Calif. Humboldt State University Tuesday August 17 Roseburg, Ore. Stewart Park Thursday August 19 Portland, Ore. Showplace @ Portland Meadows Friday August 20 Seattle Pier 62-63 Saturday August 21 Seattle Pier 62-63 Sunday August 22 Bellingham, Wash. Sunsets on The Bay Tuesday August 24 Park City, Utah Deer Valley Resort Thursday August 26 Las Vegas Las Vegas Hilton Friday August 27 Reno, Nev. John Ascuaga's Nugget Saturday August 28 Reno John Ascuaga's Nugget
