I think we don't get the same treatment in the "US" because (all personal opinions):
1.) We are the largest market worldwide for big bike sales, so perhaps manufacturers feel they don't need to try as hard? Triumph, for example, participates in all European and Asian shows, but at least for the past 5 years to my knowledge, not in the US.
2.) Great Britain and Europe have a much 'deeper' heritage of motorcycling as compared to the US. Pre and slightly after WWII, many families there had nothing other than a motorcycle and a sidecar for inexpensive transport in the UK and Europe. It was only the introduction of the affordable Morris Minor and other mass produced, lower priced cars in the late 40's/early 50's that turned the tide. Henry Ford introduced this concept to the USA in roughly 1918, at the advent of auto manufacturing, coupled with the $5.00/day wage offer to make car ownership a reality for the masses. Big time motorcycling ownership didn't take on in the US until the early 1960's.
3.) Great Britain and Europe have had paved roads since the Roman Empire days, which were continually developed and paved over and transformed into modern roads. The Romans followed the contours of the land, and followed ancient hunting and animal paths, meandering through the landscape. This makes for exciting, scenic, challenging, and enjoyable riding, thereby complimenting upgraded suspensions and riding abilities. In the US, we chose for the most part to gouge straight on through mountains, and straight across landscapes, in an effort to "get there sooner". This produces very efficient, but also very boring and unchallenging roadworks for the average bike owner. Depends of course on where you live, but for the most part, our roads don't compare to European roads... challenge - wise.
4.) In the US, we are far, far too worried about PC, and have gone waaaay overboard on what is considered "objectifying" or offensive to... anyone. Scantily clad females on stage enhancing the look and atmosphere of a new bike offer would bring on hails of protest from women who interestingly don't look as good as the ones onstage! I'm against pornography and stuff like that, but ... come on! Lighten up, sez I. Who voted for them as the "fun police".
5.) I think the price of a booth at one of these venues, and the (Chicago anyway) unbelievably silly charges and monetary demands of the local trade unions to set up one of these booths, drive the percieved need to price gouge on the wares. Interestingly, when you dO see a booth with great deals, they are totally swamped, and sell out their goods withoin hours. Why is it thst the booths surrounding them don't comprehend the concept? Interesting. Most Vendors I find have either MSRP prices, or slighlty higher. With extremely few exceptions, you can easily order the same stuff off of the internet that evening for half the price.
6. All of the above also explains why we don't have the same fanatical enthusiasm and deep fan base for motorcycle Racing
as compared to the UK, Europe, and Australia. Granted, we have very dedicated fans, but nowhere near the same as in the aforementioned countries numbers-wise.
In the end, we gots the money, we gots the huge population, so we buy a lot of bikes regardless of quality or price/value, but our gals are persnickety (!) and too easliy offended, and we need more of a racing program.
Ride safe!
Bob
