AIMEXPO 2022

I had the chance to take in the 2022 AIMExpo in Las Vegas this past winter. In a time that the industry is doing both good and bad – if you could do both at once - the motorcycle industry has this covered, selling out existing stock and then moving into the used bike market as the supply chain broke. Let’s start with the positives… From the manufacturer’s side of things only Triumph, Suzuki, and Benelli were present amongst the big hitters. There were also a couple of lesser-known off-road brands there from the Asian markets which might be a plus to get young middle-class families and their kids into the motorcycle game. On Triumph’s corner, they featured three bikes. The new Tiger 660 is a fantastic bargain at an MSRP of just below 10k. The speed triple 1200RR cafe styled beast, as well as the all-new agship Tiger 1200. Suzuki had a small presence showing off the return of the Hyabusa as well as the GSX and the new GT. We look to the opportunity to try one as a long-term test bike to see its travel worthiness. Benelli, who has made quite the resurgence in Europe, especially in Italy, was also on hand showing off their models. Pretty exciting for the entry-level market. Quality-built bikes with a low-price tag. I believe their

approach will help get new and younger riders into our sport. They featured a 500cc adv bike and a cafe-style bike complete with a hood ornament on the front fender like days of old. Designed in Italy and manufactured in China they seem to be doing a great job. On the downside for them, the 2023 models are complete rip-offs of the Harley Sportster, Honda’s CBR600, Kawasaki’s Z bikes, and BMWs R9T in the design department. I was hoping to see some fresh ideas in the accessories department as well. As always SW Motech was there showing off their innovative designs along with Givi and Nelson Rigg in the mix. A smaller LoJack-style system was on hand called MoniMoto GPS tracker. A compact reusable emergency fuel pouch. Pinlock, with the anti-fog lenses, surprised me with their earplugs. I grabbed a pair to put to the test in this coming season. Plastex Plastic Repair Kits were also quite interesting. You can create a mold and repair most plastics and even recreate

broken tabs. They also offer an aluminum mix for repairing engine cases. A new apparel company called Gryphon based out of Indianapolis created by riders for riders with quality products and cool innovative features to rival the big manufacturers like Klim without the high price tag. Great for new riders as well as riders with a lower budget. Great gear at affordable prices is a thumbs up and helps keep people in the sport without pricing them out.

A new helmet manufacturer from Thailand, KYT, is entering the US market. EU and FIM approved helmets at an affordable price point. Proving once again that quality and safety can be had without breaking the bank. Keeping riders in the sport and inspiring new riders to join our aging dwindling ranks. The importer also runs tours in Thailand and is co-owner of the Ohvale Mini Bikes used by racers to train and apply techniques at lower safer speeds.

As for the downside… Once again there seemed to be too many non-motorcycle vendors. From electric bicycles which at least have two wheels to underwater electric handheld propulsion devices, Skateboards, scooters of different varieties. More like children’s toys than power sports. But, we do need new blood in our sport. Many manufacturers and suppliers had no new products due to covid and supply chain issues. So, from boots to bags, much of it was all the products we’ve seen already in previous years. We hope, as we ride out of the pandemic, the industry’s supply chain rejuvenates and we’ll have a far bigger AIMExpo come 2023. ~ Vasilios Rallis • www.greek-adventures.com