Franco Acerbis has lived through 50 editions of the Milan Motorcycle Show, reaching the 50th EICMA event with the 2026 edition. His personal history therefore spans a long period of change for the exhibition, its visitors and motorcycling itself.

From European brands to Asian manufacturers

Across those five decades, Acerbis watched EICMA grow and change its character as its audience changed with it. The motorcycle industry was being reshaped at the same time. Italian and European brands lost ground, while Japanese companies gained prominence first and Chinese manufacturers followed later.

His relationship with the event went beyond simply attending as someone active in motorcycling. During a period when EICMA and the association managing it were facing a deep crisis, and the show appeared stagnant, Acerbis was among those who challenged the existing direction. Together with associates, he is linked to the effort that helped bring about the exhibition’s revival and its renewed format.

The Acerbis name is also linked to riders and competition in disciplines including Enduro and Dakar. That gives the 50th EICMA particular significance for Franco Acerbis: it brings together five decades of memories, the transformation of the motorcycle industry and his own connection with racing and motorcycling.