The world of motorcycle is constantly expanding, with a 3.8 percent growth in U.S. motorcycle sales last year alone. One of the fastest growing segments of the motorcycle world is dual sport riding, a varietal approach to the sport that offers opportunities for both on- and off-road miles. One popular destination for the sport is the small northern Wisconsin town of Wabeno, which is arguably considered the dual sport capitol of the world.
Every year the streets of Wabeno are flooded with hundreds of dual sport riders, converging in support of the Wisconsin Dual Sport Association’s twice yearly charity rides. Including riders from around the state and a variety of motorcycle brands, the association’s “Ride for Research” and “Big Woods 200” raise money for charities such as the Carbone Cancer Center and Forest County food pantry.
Providing a versatile choice of riding styles, dual sports today are being used for everything from commuting and grocery shopping, to world tours and hare scrambles. It’s easy to see how this broad crowd appeal translates into sales numbers, with the Motorcycle Industry Council’s Retail Sales Report showing a 14.2 percent increase (for reporting brands) in 2011 alone. June 6 marks the start of the Wisconsin Dual Sport’s first event of the year in Wabeno, WI, and the kickoff of another great Dual Sport season!
