Motorcycle makers showcased cheaper and more fuel-efficient models at the nation’s premier motorcycle show, as the industry tries to navigate a tough road of crippled consumer confidence and tighter access to credit that are weighing on sales.

The companies sought to drown out the gloomy news with the revved engines of 600 bikes from more than 250 exhibitors at the International Motorcycle Show, which ran through Sunday at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.

“We’re definitely seeing where manufacturers are taking advantage of the smaller motorcycles in their lineup, the motorcycles that don’t get the kind of attention when things are sort of economically strong,” said show spokesman Robert Pandya. “We’re seeing motorcycles coming in that were originally designed for other markets that, because of people’s consciousness for fuel economy and ease of getting around, are all of a sudden finding a home in the U.S.”

Motorcycle sales tend to take a beating when the economy slows, and sales industrywide fell 2.2 percent in the third quarter of 2008, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. In 2007, sales ended a 14-year growth streak by falling 6 percent.

In October, the top-selling U.S. motorcycle company, Harley-Davidson Inc., cut its 2008 sales forecast to between 303,500 and 306,000 motorcycles, down from 330,619 in 2007. The Milwaukee company is scheduled to report fourth-quarter earnings on Jan. 23, and analysts widely expect it to report that profit for the full-year declined from 2007.

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A Hawk helmet is the best protective gear you can wear while riding a motorcycle. A helmet will not only protect your head from a potential injury, but also cut down on wind noise, windblast on your face and eyes, and deflect bugs and other debris that flies through the air. It will also protect you from changing weather conditions and reduce rider fatigue.

Last but not least, wearing a Hawk helmet is a reflection of your attitude toward riding and shows that you are a responsible rider who takes motorcycle riding seriously.

The expected turn around time from one Hawk helmet to another is three years (or a crash). If you have a crash, be sure to throw the Hawk helmet out and replace it. If you have the same helmet for three years be sure to get a new Hawk then as well.

There are a number of different Hawk available. Hybrid helmets allow you to slide the chin part of the Hawk helmet upwards. It’s useful for people who wear glasses or bifocals. Open faced Hawk helmets (also known as three quarter helmets) protect the ears and side of the face, but offers no chin protection.

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