Fast or purely functional? International Motorcycle Show caters to both sides

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When the International Motorcycle Show rolls into the Long Beach Convention center today, it will be with a new emphasis on commuting and entry-level riders. Open to the public through Sunday, the show features a ‘scooter pavilion’ for the first time this year as well as a ‘welcome enter’ to provide information about safety classes and local riding clubs. More than 700 vehicles will be on display at the event, the majority of which claim 50+ mpg. But that doesn’t mean the flash and power that have grown the sport into a $27-billion industry will be left out in the cold. While the Vectrix Vx-1 Personal Electric Scooter is likely to steal the show at the new pavilion, and the automatic transmission DN-01 will draw the attention of riders considering two wheels for the first time, it’s the Ducati Streetfighter, KTM RC8 and the Harley-Davidson XR1200 that will draw the eyeballs of enthusiasts.

28th Annual Cycle World International Motorcycle Show, Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach. Dec. 5, 4-9 p.m.; Dec. 6, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Dec. 7, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost is $13/adults, $6/children. Info: www.motorcycleshows.com

>> Click here for photos and more about this year’s participants.

-- Susan Carpenter