2012 Indy Show Highlights – Dirt Rider Magazine

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Sunday, February 19, 2012

As a staple weekend for the motorcycle industry, the annual Indianapolis Dealer Expo is the premier event for dealers, companies and enthusiasts to check out and show off the latest gear, hard parts and accessories from the top players in the sport. Dirt Rider was on hand in full force, roving the Indy convention center in search of cool, new and in some cases just plain weird products. Here’s a glimpse at some of the top things that caught our eyes:

There were a handful of solid dual-sport helmets at the Indy show, but MSR’s new X-Pedition lid really had people talking. The built-in shield and clean paint scheme made this a great-looking piece.

DVS’s signature Malcolm Smith shoe is one of the sickest limited-edition products we spotted at Indy. Less than 200 pairs were produced, but we were able to nab a shot of this signed shoe.

Pro Taper’s new Profile clutch perch has great action and feel, and is available for less than $89.99.

Motion Pro’s Nitro Tape can be used for a variety of trailside emergencies, from field-expedient gas tank fixes to radiator hose repairs.

Another Motion Pro product, this new Brake Bleeder allows for easy one-hand operation and less mess than ever before.

Billet baskets, clutch covers and pressure plates, oh my! Barnett brought out the fine China for Indy.

JT Racing’s retro-inspired gear lineup brought plenty of foot traffic in the middle of the expo-ironic, considering that not one of the mannequins had footwear on!

Sidi’s Crossfire boot now sports some cool day-glow buckles for easy after-hours operation!

Got stuff to carry but don’t have a place to carry it? Wolfman Luggage is the waterproof way to tote your stuff.

GoPro had an incredibly impressive booth at Indy, equipped with large 3D TVs, an array of different camera mounts and plenty of eye-catching footage.

In addition to a stellar new SX commercial, Athen has been hard at work producing their usual mix of engine-related products and goodies. You’ve seen their big-bore kits on DR project bikes in the past.

Novik debuted their new Geoff Aaron signature glove at Indy. Lightweight and durable, the GA glove is one of many new designs from the Colorado-based company.

OSSA’s fuel-injected trials bike sports a high-level of engine technology as well as a wild-looking gunmetal frame and black rims. Up close, this is one gorgeous bike.

The boys at Slick Offroad Wash brought out the latest dirt-fighting tools for the dirt-riding crowd, and their booth was packed all weekend. This stuff really works!

This Hinson clutch cable arm re-routes the cable away from the exhaust on a CRF450R, thus resulting in less melting of the inner cable liner and increased performance.

X-Trig has some beefy looking clamps, but word is that the increased strength does not equal increased rigidity on the track.

Travis Pastrana gives a thumbs-up for his Nitro Circus-signature Strider bike. Don’t backflip this, kids!

The AMA announced that Husqvarna would be the title sponsor of their Dual-Sport Trail Riding Series, a partnership that boosts the Italian manufacturer’s position as a major player in the street-legal category.

CV4 products had an amazing looking Yamaha WR250 in their booth complete with a Wiseco big bore kit and a trials tire. Um, could you point us toward the nearest trail system, puh-lease?

Steve Christini proudly shows off the new Christini AWD 450 Supermoto. $8,195 gets you two-wheel drive fun!

The Christini AWD 450 DS is a street-legal way to connect trails using All-Wheel-Drive technology.

Fastway’s System 3 stabilizer has been gaining popularity with its shiny, angular design. Oh, and it works super well, too.

The Pro Moto Billet/ Fastway Adventure peg was influenced by the needs of snow bike riders, but Adventure enthusiasts have been all over the wide-profile peg ever since it hit the market.

Didn’t know that Moto Concepts made goggles? Well, they do, and they look pretty sweet! Moto Optics was in the house in full force at Indy.

Klim had a very special KTM 450 on hand in their booth: the #81 machine of Ned Suesse, the only American to finish this year’s Dakar rally. Way to go, Nedly!

The new Beta 450 RR is a sweet looking machine. Look for a full test in the pages of Dirt Rider!

Alpinestars makes a lot more than just boots. Their B2 Carbon brace has four hinges for maximum mobility.

Don’t worry, Alpinestars makes great boots, too! The new Tech 8 light is most rumored to be the lightest piece of moto footwear on the market.

This crazy creation is a brd electric concept bike. The battery alone weights 60 pounds!

Dirt Rider Editor Chris Denison shakes hands with the legendary Maverick, Sarah Palin. She can totally see Russia from her house.

Umbrella-girl Sidi boot lift kit. Right on.

Gas Gas’s e-TXT electric trials bike was a total head-turner at Indy. The newly revealed machine boasts a claimed 58-volt motor that is said to produce 23 horsepower. Retail will likely be around $5,500.

Cylinder Works’ cool display stand was approximately 20,000ccs of display-power!

Moto Tassinari’s VForce Reed Valve Systems are one of the smartest, easiest mods that a two-stroke owner can mount on his or her steed for increased performance. The company’s Air4orce tunable intake system provides thumper owners with a similar option.

Somebody stole Villopoto’s engine! And wheels! And seat! And exhaust! And….

Acerbis’ new Chain Block Guide is a long-awaited product from the notorious plastics manufacturer, bringing enhanced protection to the off-road market. This unit is available for 2007 through 2013 KTMs and will retail for right around $70.
Check out www.motocross.com for even more coolness from the Indy Trade Show!

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