Roberto Fabbri was a mere child when he began dreaming of exploring new places on a bicycle. So when he was 12 years old, his father gave him a road racer for Christmas. But he only began living out his dream when he was 18 and bought his first motorcycle - a 250 cc Guzzi Airone (now a classic) - on which he travelled all over Italy during the summer holidays.

Now, that love for anything with two wheels has culminated in BikeAsia 2008, a trade show for bicycles, motorbikes, components and accessories to be held next year at the Singapore Expo.

'I like bicycles and motorcycles and I own and use them both. I also drive a car but there is more fun with two wheels,' says the managing director of BikeAsia Pte Ltd.

'In Italy, bicycles are a very popular means of transport not only in historical cities but in places like Milan where you see top models, famous industrialists, journalists and lawyers going around on bicycles. Cycling is a wonderful way to keep yourself fit and keep your senses alert.'

Largest show of its type

The BikeAsia exhibition will be held next year at the Singapore Expo from April 10-13. It is supported by EICMA, the organiser of the Milan International Exhibition of Bicycles and Motorcycles, the world's largest show of its kind.

EICMA is also a 50 per cent shareholder of BikeAsia Pte Ltd.

Mr Fabbri says he got the idea of starting the show because there isn't an equivalent one in Asia.

'This does not make much sense given the the fact that 90 per cent of the world production of bicycles and motorcycles is in Asia, namely China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand,' explains the business consultant and investor who has lived in Singapore for almost 27 years.

Another reason is the growing interest in two-wheelers as a form of leisure and exercise.

'In the case of fashion and lifestyle, Asian consumers want choices and wish to own better bicycles and motorcycles. Many already have cars and the bicycle or motorcycle is a passion, a sport or a convenient way to beat the traffic jam,' says Mr Fabbri. 'It is not only a matter of environmental consciousness; it is a practical approach if you do not wish to waste time on a congested road.'

Focus on motorbike market

He particularly enjoys riding his bicycle on weekends.

'I cycle with my neighbour every Sunday to Seletar Reservoir, Woodlands and Lim Chu Kang. It is a classic route known as the 'Kranji Loop' among cyclists and every week, I meet people from all walks of life, like CEOs, managers and civil servants all riding on beautiful bikes costing a few thousand dollars each,' Mr Fabbri says.

But even though the BikeAsia show will represent both bicycles and motorcycles, the main focus will be on the latter since the motorbike market is larger in terms of revenue generated.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) says that of the 34 million worldwide motorcycle sales in 2004, a massive 85 per cent were sold in Asia alone.

As a result, BikeAsia 2008 exemplifies the kind of business event that STB wants to attract and anchor in Singapore, says Shaun Goh, a director at the Business Travel and MICE group of the STB.

'Asia is where the majority of bicycles, motorcycles and components are produced,' says Mr Goh.

'Thus, key industry players in the entire value chain can leverage the abundant networking and business opportunities inherent in BikeAsia 2008 to tap into the region's vast trading potential for this industry,' he adds.