Although there is no 'motorcycle' in the events title many of the worlds two-wheeled manufacturers will set up shop at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show to feature their latest models and innovations.

While the auto industry, who are still reeling from record low sales are making headlines with car manufacturers giving the Tokyo show a miss, some motorcycle makers have decided to ride the same road.

In a surprise announcement Kawasaki has decided not to attend the major automotive event.

'Amid the quickly changing business environment that has had a major impact on the world economy, Kawasaki has been promptly taking countermeasures to cope with the situation,' the press release read.

It continues, 'Regretfully, as part of a relocation of management resources for greater efficiency, we have decided to forgo participation in the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Please rest assured that Kawasaki will continue to strive for higher levels of customer satisfaction by bringing to market exciting models as well as environmentally friendly products.'

The famous automotive show is hosted by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, held every other year and is scheduled to take place at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City for thirteen days starting October 23rd.
 
Kawasaki's three main competitors in Japan, Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha have all announced their intention to participate in the show. In the four-wheeled world the show also has seen Detroit’s automakers drop out, as well as British sports-car maker Lotus. In total, 108 auto and auto parts companies have signed up to take part in the 13-day event, the fewest number of exhibitors since it was first staged in 1954.

Ironically, motorcycles are getting a special stage at this edition of the Tokyo Motor Show with a a test ride program for the latest motorcycle models.

A special outdoor course, totaling 600m of both flat and slalom runs, will be set up with six companies, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Adiva, Harley-Davidson and Kymco, are all scheduled to participate in this program and will provide approximately 26 motorcycles in total.

The test rides are scheduled to be offered on the last five days of the show (Saturday, October 31 to Wednesday, November 4) and organizers expect a total of 1,300 participants to take advantage of the test rides.