The American Motorcyclist Association • www.AMADirectlink.com

Posted February 21, 2007 Email | Print

Welcome to the show

Indianapolis. February. Motorcycling Mecca. One of these is not like the others, right? Actually, no. All three came together this past weekend for the 39th Annual Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo.

Whether you’re a dealer looking for products for your shop or you’re part of the bourgeoning motorcycle aftermarket, the Indy Show, as it’s come to be known, is the place to see and be seen. But if you're not part of the in-crowd, you won’t get past the security checkpoints at the door.

Don’t worry, we’ve made the trek for you, visiting the nearly 1,000 vendors spread across two hotels, the Indiana Convention Center and the RCA Dome. And while we probably didn’t see everything, we did find more than a few items of interest.

Take helmets, for example. Here, there’s everything from a shell that wouldn’t be out of place in a remake of Easy Rider to a high-tech lid that could serve on the set of Battlestar Galactica.

Fulmer continues to expand its extensive line of road and off-road helmets with an all-new design that takes its cues from the past. The AFV2 open-face helmet features perforated leather trim, a snap-on visor and comes in three vintage flavors: black with a Union Jack and checkered stripe, black with an American flag and a LeMans stripe, or the classic Easy Rider in star-spangled red, white and blue (above). Look for the DOT-approved AFV2 at your local dealer in sizes XS through 2XL or log on to www.fulmerhelmets.com.

For those who want a slightly more modern design in an open-face helmet, Shoei has the new-for-2007 RJ Platinum-R. The company says the RJ is exceptionally quiet for an open-face design, thanks to its aerodynamic shape. The helmet also features a removable, washable interior, an enhanced ventilation system and Snell 2005 approval. Visit Shoei online at www.shoei-helmets.com.

If a vintage racer replica is more your speed, Arai offers its newest street helmet, the Vector (left), in stylish black-and-white Phil Read livery. While the look may be vintage, the helmet is anything but. This lid is loaded with features like interchangeable cheek pads for a custom fit, a one-piece EPS liner and a ventilation system derived from Arai’s extensive involvement in Formula One racing. Check it out at www.araiamericas.com.

For those who crave an even higher level of technology, Nolan’s new N-Com line combines an expandable communications package with your choice of Italian-made flip-up (right), open-face or full-face helmets. The basic communications kit includes speakers and a microphone designed to fit into the helmet and allow the user to talk on a cellphone or listen to music. The intercom kit adds power and volume controls to the right side of the helmet and allows wired communication with a passenger. The Bluetooth kit further integrates the system with a wide range of wireless devices, including phones, GPS units and music players. Learn more at ncom.nolan.it.

But how do you carry all those gadgets? Look no further than the Techmount accessory mounting system. Whether you need to carry an iPod on your ATV, a GPS on your Fat Boy or a video camera on your Gixxer, the Florida-based company has an adjustable quick-change mount (left) that’s right for you. Best of all, the mounts come in a variety of colors and finishes to match your ride. See the entire line at techmounts.com. Some of the company's products are available through Aerostich RiderWearHouse at www.aerostich.com. Also cool is the line of SW-Motech of bits and pieces for connecting stuff to your bike. They're being imported by the folks at www.twistedthrottle.com.

Gas prices may have eased recently, but that hasn’t stopped the development of products designed to help consumers squeeze every last mile out of a gallon of gas. Take the new RevoPower motor in a wheel (right). Designed to be fitted to any bicycle that has a 26" front wheel, the RevoPower consists of a 25cc two-stroke motor that's integral with the wheel, much like the German Megola radial-engined bike from the '20s. The company claims that the set-up produces one full horsepower and a top speed of 20 mph. Best of all, it gets more than 100 miles to the gallon. See the company’s site at www.revopower.com.

That's just a fraction of the literally thousands of products on display at the Indy Show. Check out the photos below to see more items of interest:

Custom sportbikes continue to grow in popularity. A fact not lost on many vendors, like Braking, who used them to display their wares.	Need portability in a green package? Check out the folding electric bicycle on display in the Chinese Pavilion.	So you thought HID lights were only for high-end cars? Lazer Star (www.weekendconcepts.com)offers its self-contained HID IStar light, with 2 1/2 times the light of a standard 60-watt bulb, for $165.
CruzTools offers this trick fender-mount toolkit with its usual high-quality tools, for $99.95.	The Royal Enfield Electra: a CV carb, five speeds, an electric starter and a disc brake. Who could ask for more?	For the rider who has everything...
Off-road riders have used them for decades. And National Cycle (www.nationalcycle.com)makes clear hand deflectors for road bikes, too.	OK, it's not a motorcycle, but the ICI Hover Scooter is still cool.	Clothing and helmet manufacturer Icon had a number of customs in its booth, like this Evo Sporty streetfighter.
Warm is good. And Gerbing's (www.gerbing.com) new Cascade Extreme Jacket and pants, with heated lining, abrasion-resistant Cordura, CE-approved armor and plenty of pockets, is great. The jacket retails for $425, while the pants are $299.	Got two bikes in your garage? Then you need Deltran's two-bank Battery Tender (batterytender.com) with connectors for a pair of machines.	Ever wonder what would replace mercury in traditional carb sticks? According to tool-masters Motion Pro, it's "secret sauce''--meaning they're not saying. But this non-mercury Sync Pro goes for $99.
Bluetooth systems that work as wireless intercoms or in-helmet sound systems were a big trend at the show. Cardo Systems (www.cardowireless.com) offers its two-person Scala Rider system for $229.99	The trickest stuff from Spidi was customizable iron-on name and number grapics that you configure online and iron on yourself. Nice.	Sidi's new Charger boot-$350.
Storz showcased its products on this fully tricked out '07 Sportster 1200R flat tracker. Turn-key bikes start at $26k.	Worried about getting stranded by a flat tire? Carry Slime's SmartSpair (www.slimesealant.com). It comes with a can of Slime sealant, a battery-operated air compressor and a tire gauge.	How's this for retro cool? Scott's (www.scottusa.com) Alias Logger goggle in wood-grain and plaid.
New from Spectro (www.spectro-oils.com) are Platinum 4 fully synthetic engine oil and 6-speed transmission lubricant.	Retro is all the rage in Moto gear, as this Bell shows.	Carbs aren't a thing of the past yet, as the extensive Mikuni lineup demonstrates.
No it's not an SV650R, it's UM's V2S-650S. The 647cc twin carries an MSRP of just $5,599.	The latest from T-Bags offers zip-off side bags and a perfect fit on a Tour-Pak.	You know that you're supposed to torque your wheel spokes, but how? With a torque spoke wrench from RK Excel, that's how.
Suzuki's new Boulevard M109R is a very stylish machine, but fitting it with a windshield is a real challenge. National Cycle (www.nationalcycle.com) has the answer with its new N28201 shield designed specifically for the 109. Retail is expected to be around $220.	Ctek's (www.ctek.com) new line of battery chargers maintains your electrical supply and even offers a recondition option when needed.	Ancra's latest is the Trackstar Wheel Chock that slots into a track you bolt to your trailer floor for $79.95.
Guess who makes this retro jacket? Here's a hint: www.alpinestars.com.	Though you won't want to try to check these babies through airport security, Deemeed's $39.99 Grenade disc lock is the bomb (sorry).	In addition to a design that offers a bigger footprint the more you lean, Avon's Storm ST radial comes with a tire warranty.
It's hard to tell from this shot, but the bracket that the pannier attaches to removes via quarter-turn fasteners in about 15 seconds. Very sano SW-Motech gear from TwistedThrottle.com.	The guys at Formotion have another great innovation on the way with this clock, not yet released, that mounts very cleanly with a factory look. Check out all their gear at www.formotionproducts.com.	Several Scorpion helmets feature an internal, drop-down sun visor that looks extremely handy.
Looking for full wireless Bluetooth integration between all your stuff? Check out Chatterbox's $399 GMRSX1 platform.	Suomy's helmet graphics have proven extremely popular.	Tourmaster's Coaster II jacket offers a unique matte-finish leather that looks very cool. And with a $219 retail, it's a steal.
Got long fingers? Held has you covered with the Nero glove, available in two finger sizes at $149.	Coming on strong in recent years, KBC offers a lot of value in a very comprehensive helmet line.	Don't want to scratch your tank? Twist your tankbag to a gas-cap-mount instead, with the Corona tankbag from Marsee, $250 including hardware.
Stop and Go's (www.stopngo.com) Pocket Tire Plugger can be a lifesaver on the road. It contains a plug kit to repair your tubeless tire, plus a CO2 cartridge inflation system.	Want to make a motocross fashion statement on the street? Shift's (www.shiftmx.com) new Street Fighter jacket is a textile/leather hybrid with all the right stuff for $249.	J&M's (www.jmcorp.com) new Integratr IV audio system features a belt pack containing an FM tuner, a rider/passenger intercom, plus inputs for all your electronics: cellphone, iPod, etc.
Tourmaster's (www.tourmaster.com) $119.99 Cortech Super 18-Liter Tankbag comes with all the features built in: magnetic or strap mounting, hideaway backpack straps, an external eyeglass case, a removable and replaceable map case and a built-in rain cover that can't get lost.	Remember Scott motocross boots from the '80s? Well, they're back, in a completely updated form. The new $499 Genius boot (www.scottusa.com) features a similar hard-plastic shell, but everything else is new, from the comfort-liner bootie to the thin Sure-Feel shifter pad.	Z1R's Viper helmet (www.z1rhelmets.com) comes in the hot "Devil Girl" graphics package for $189.