Cycle News Staff | October 10, 2018
The debut of the American International Motorcycle Expo presented by Nationwide from fabulous Las Vegas on October 11-14 will feature upwards of 500 exhibitors inside the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Globally renowned motorcycle and powersports vehicle manufacturers like Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha will be accompanied by ATV and SxS manufacturers like BRP/Can-Am and Roxor, as well as autocycle producers Polaris Slingshot and Vanderhall Motorworks for what will be North America’s largest and most diverse display of the marketplace’s newest vehicles. Additionally, prominent gear, accessory and aftermarket distributors Parts Unlimited / Drag Specialties and Tucker will showcase the latest products from their respective house brands and partner companies.
The sheer number of new models and products will be enough to satiate the needs of any enthusiast, but a hallmark of AIMExpo presented by Nationwide is the commitment to enhancing the overall experience for all attendees at AIMExpo Outdoors! This dedicated outdoor demo space provides a wide array of hands-on opportunities for those interested in putting new motorcycle models through the paces, and it continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for attendees. To add to the excitement of this year’s visit to Las Vegas, AIMExpo Outdoors! will feature some brand-new experiences.
A total of eight manufacturers will be present at the 400,000 square foot space just outside the showfloor, with returning participants Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian, Kawasaki and Yamaha each committed to bringing a fleet of their latest road-going models. Attendees at AIMExpo Outdoors! will be greeted with a dynamic collection of motorcycles to choose from in a range that includes the increasingly popular small 125cc street bikes like the Kawasaki Z125 and the Honda Grom, to legendary cruisers from Harley-Davidson and Indian, and high-performance YZF supersport bikes from Yamaha. Additionally, a trio of manufacturers will make their AIMExpo Outdoors! debut in Las Vegas, with SSR Motorsports / Benelli USA, Polaris Slingshot and Vanderhall Motorworks each providing their own distinct demo experience.
Thanks to its economical price structure, SSR Motorsports / Benelli USA has seen growth in popularity among entry-level riders. The California company has developed quite an assortment of vehicles, including scooters, dual-sport, off-road and street motorcycles, in addition to a side-by-side model, and has made an impact in the marketplace by establishing a sub $5,000 price point for all of them. The brand’s first appearance at AIMExpo Outdoors! will bring increased awareness to its efforts, where attendees will be able to get a first-hand look at this cost-effective collection.
Autocycle manufacturers Vanderhall and Polaris Slingshot offer two distinctly unique approaches to the three-wheeled vehicle segment. The lineup from Utah’s Vanderhall is defined by hand-crafted vehicles designed in the spirit of the American roadster. Each model features a retro design and a refined elegance that enters into a new area of luxury, built from a foundation of exceptional power and performance. With Vanderhall’s presence at AIMExpo Outdoors!, attendees will have one of the first major public opportunities to test drive a one-of-a-kind piece of American craftsmanship.
The Slingshot stormed onto the powersports scene in 2014 with unbridled levels of power that provide an exhilarating experience, and the buzz that it generated remains to this day. With its aggressive look and raw performance, the Slingshot helped pave the way for the three-wheel autocycle segment, and while attendees at AIMExpo presented by Nationwide won’t have the opportunity to get behind the wheel themselves, they can experience the thrill ride of a lifetime with the official Slingshot Joyride. Brave passengers will buckle in alongside a professional driver, who will proceed to showcase the true performance capabilities of the Slingshot on a specially designed drift course.
Collectively, AIMExpo Outdoors! will host hundreds of motorcycles and thousands of attendees, providing a constant stream of traffic and customer engagement during the course of the show’s public days over the weekend. Interested demo ride participants are required to have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license and can register for a ride directly with each manufacturer on site. Participants are also encouraged to bring a DOT approved helmet, eye protection and gloves. Suggested attire consists of ankle shoes/boots, long sleeve shirts and long sleeve pants. Each individual manufacturer may have its own requirements for riders.
AIMExpo Outdoors! Dates & Hours:
- Saturday, October 13: 9AM – 4PM
- Sunday, October 14: 10AM – 5PM
The countdown to the sixth running of AIMExpo presented by Nationwide and the inaugural Powersports Industry Week℠ continues. Be sure to stay tuned as there are still plenty of major announcements and exciting news set to come until the doors officially open on Thursday, October 11.