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AIMExpo 2018 Show Wrap-Up

US moto showcase hits Vegas with new models, products, and demo opportunities

October 18, 2018

Hot on the heels of the much bigger Intermot show a couple of weeks ago came the US version of a two-wheel trade/consumer event—AIMExpo, held last week and for the first time in Las Vegas. Because much of the groundbreaking 2019 moto stuff already made its debut at Intermot, and EICMA in Italy is in just a few short weeks, new-bike intros were far and few in between (unless you were of the sporting variety). BMW and Ducati didn't even have booths at AIME.

Still there were still some cool products in the mix and gobs of eye candy for two-wheel fans. Let's take a spin through our top 12 highlights of the show then:

Good news for custom and cruiser fans everywhere, Avon has updated the popular Cobra series, passing the torch on to the new Cobra Chrome lineup. Despite the unimaginative name, there's some compelling new features to be found here, including exceptional wet grip, extended mileage, a snakeskin shoulder design, and 68 sizes available including an industry first 200/30R23. See more details here.Avon Tyres

Oh, wait, the Italians didn't even show up, so we couldn't see their new Scrambler models, which were announced at Intermot. Guess that's not really a highlight. In that case, read about the new Scrambler Full Throttle, Scrambler Desert Sled, and Scrambler Café Racer here.Ducati

Now that we’ve seen it, it’s hard to buy Suzuki’s claim of the SV650X as a café racer. It’s a good-looking trellis-frame middleweight sport/standard dressed with a mini cowling and a brown, tarted-up tuck-and-roll seat. Sure it looks good, but café?Suzuki Cycles

Triumph made a showing with a few bikes, but no other major news to announce. You can read about its 2019 releases here.Triumph Motorcycles

Yamaha had its refreshed 2019 Sport Heritage XSR700 and XSR900 models, along with various 2019 V Stars and Bolts. More info on the 2019 models can be found here. Also in the booth was Longhaulpaul, the Iron Butt Rally competitor who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and is riding to raise money for the fight against MS. His ride is called Chasing the Cure, and he's in the middle of covering 1 million miles. The Star Venture Yamaha donated to help Paul with his efforts was also on the floor; you can read more about it here.Yamaha Motorsports

We're in love. What else can we say? Honda's calling its trio of little bikes "miniMOTO." The Grom and Monkey are already in showrooms, and the trinity will soon be complete with the new Super Cub. Also on hand was the all-new Gold Wing tourer and other new rigs from Big Red.American Honda Motor Co.

Yep, Indian's eye-poppingly cool new FTR street tracker premiered at Intermot two weeks ago, but this was the first opportunity to see it in the flesh for American audiences. Check out this cool video for an even deeper dive.Courtesy Indian Motorcycle

Bell never disappoints and the new Eliminator looks totally in keeping with the rad new designs it's been pumping out the last few years. Read the details here.Bell Helmets

Not to be outdone by Bell, Simpson intro'd its first modular helmet, the Mod Bandit, which combines modular convenience with Simpson attitude. More info here.Simpson Race Products

Nope, a no-show. But we hear it'll be at the IMS Show in LA this November. Meanwhile read about it here.Moto Guzzi

Yep, all the usual suspects were there, including the all-new FXDR 114. Attendees had the opportunity to jump on certain bikes—Harley and others—for demo rides outside the convention hall too.Harley-Davidson

This helmet maker out of Australia caught our eye with an interesting (and patented) concept. The Vozz full-face, rear-access strapless helmet has no chinstrap to keep it on your head. Instead, the Voztec System (as its mechanics are called) uses an emergency safety release system with hinge pins and latches on each side, and a fully adjustable chin cup to replace the chinstrap. It’s essentially a rear-entry clamshell. Will it catch on in the U.S.? Time will tell, but meanwhile it's available online at www.vozzhelmets.com.Courtesy Vozz