Top 10 Unreported Awesomeness From AIMExpo

AIMExpo’s final year in Orlando was an impressive one. The event was home to the world debut of Yamaha’s new YZF-R6, and the first time stateside to see up close and personal many of the hot new models for 2017: Honda CBR1000RR SP/SP2, Suzuki GSX-R1000R, Suzuki V-Strom 650/1000, Yamaha FZ-09. In fact, the amount of new-model videos we had to shoot left no time for some of the other cool stuff found at the show. So, here’s a compendium of the best of the rest at AIMExpo 2016.

Mini bikes live on in the form of Monster Moto’s selection of 80cc four-stroke Singles. Priced at $400 for the base model, and $450 for fancier editions like the Muddy Girl or American Flag (pictured above), the simple youth machines are seemingly available everywhere from the Monster Moto’s website, Home Depot, K-Mart, Sears, etc. According to Monster Moto there’s nothing more to do than attach the handlebars, add gas and go!

Tilting trikes seem to be gathering momentum. Piaggio’s MP3 has been on the market for a while, Yamaha’s Tricity is available in Europe, we reported on the Tilting Motor Works full-size Harley-Davidson earlier this year, and now comes Sway Motorsports tilting electric trike. In addition to its ability to lean, the Sway’s other advantage is its lithium-ion battery location below the chassis and between the front and rear wheels. According to Sway’s CEO and chief engineer, Joseph Wilcox, its first model will be available next spring for $8,700. Top speed is a claimed 55 mph, with a 35-mile range, and a four-hour charge time to 80% from a standard wall socket.

The Skwal came out a few months ago, but AIMExpo is the first we’ve seen the new helmet in person. Most notable about the Skwal is its array of LED lighting on both the front and rear of the helmet. It looks cool (in a Tron sort of way), but is more importantly a nighttime visibility feature unlike any other helmet currently available. The lights are accessed by a small switch under the rim of the helmet on the left side. The rechargeable battery is said to provide up to 15 hours of illumination. The Skwal comes with an internal sun visor, in a range of sizes from XS to XL. It’s also affordably priced at $250. Check out the Skwal here Shark-Helmets.com.

Available in spring 2017 is this cool-looking naked streetfighter called Mosquito from the newly established 47 Moto located way up north in Hibbing, Minnesota. The Mosquito is powered by a 250cc four-stroke, fuel-injected, OHC Single that gets a claimed 90 mpg. Other highlights include a powdercoated lattice-style frame, adjustable footpegs, brake lever and swingarm ride height, and an assortment of low, mid, and high handlebars. Price has yet to be determined. For more go to 47moto.com.

Weego came to the powersports marketplace last year ( MO Tested: Weego JS6 Lithium Jump Starter), but since that time the company developed two new models specific to motorcycle use. The 22 and 22S measure slightly larger than a smartphone and deliver 300 amps of peak power. Great for dropping in a saddlebag or slipping under a seat, the 22 and 22S now feature patents-pending Smarty Clamps with an in-line smart box of lights and sounds to guide the user through a safe and successful jump-start process. Unique to these models is the new, pinch-point tip, jaw design that allows a better connection on small terminals common on motorcycle batteries. For more info or to purchase go to MyWeego.com.

Ever seen the cult classic flick Starship Troopers? If so, this helmet may seem familiar because the lids used by the mobile infantry in that movie served as inspiration for Scorpion’s new 3-in1 Covert helmet. The 3-in1 concept is derived from the helmet’s ability to lose the chin guard creating an open-face helmet, as well as the lower portion the helmet’s shell creating a half-helmet.

The Covert comes equipped with a drop-down sunvisor, and is available in solid Matte Black for $210 and the Ratnik graphic in Phantom for $230. More info at the Scorpion website.

Cardo brings new communication technology to motorcycling via its Scala Rider Smartpack device. The Smartpack features Dynamic Meshwork Communication (DMC) which, according to Cardo, allows up to four riders within a three-mile range to randomly join, leave and re-join the group without any communication interruption, and negating the need to press buttons in order to rejoin the group. The embedded Bluetooth module also allows intercom conversations with non-DMC Cardo communication systems and third-party Bluetooth headsets. The device also incorporates mobile phone and music features, plus voice command operation. Check out all the features and benefits at CardoSystems.com.

We knew Klim was announcing a new helmet, but what we didn’t know is that Klim had four helmets to announce: Off-road, Adventure, Full-Face, and Modular. Klim is largely known for its off-road riding apparel, and the F3 ($299) and Krios Karbon Adventure ($549) helmets make for a natural fit to the lineup, but the TK1200 Karbon modular ($599) and K1R Karbon full-face ($549) helmets were certainly surprising. While the F3 has a composite shell construction, the other three feature carbon fiber shells, and Klim is claiming them to be some of the lightest helmets on the market. We’ll beg Klim for a few test samples and give you our feedback ASAP, but for now you can get more information from klim.com.

If you’re one of our readers who gave us hell for our Polaris Slingshot Vs. Can-Am Spyder F3-S Vs. Morgan 3 Wheeler Shootout because they’re not motorcycles, you’re gonna hate this next selection. Spotted at AIMExpo looking for more dealers, the Vanderhall is best described as a modern Morgan… A modern Morgan powered by a 1.4 liter, four-cylinder turbo GM engine producing a claimed 200 horsepower. Currently, Vanderhall produces the Laguna model in three guises ranging from $49,950 to $77,000. Launching next month is the Venice model at a much more affordable $29,950. For all the features and benefits, or just to fantasize a little, check out vanderhallusa.com.

Sena had a veritable shit-ton of cool new stuff at AIMExpo. One – the Intelligent Noise Control helmet we reported on last year but was never realized due to manufacturing complications – is, in fact, still in play with a new manufacturer, and is promised for spring of 2017. Another new helmet from Sena available now is the Calvary half-helmet. What makes the Calvary cooler than other half-helmets is that it comes pre-wired with integrated Bluetooth capabilities and controls ($299). A redesigned 10C Evo (all-in-one Bluetooth communicator and HD camera) comes with a plethora of upgrades, as does the 30K, Sena’s top-of-the-line communicator ($349). Last but not least, is the new RideConnected app that uses your cellphone’s mobile network to communicate with up to 16 riders anywhere in the world. The app is free for both iPhone and Android, but because it uses your existing mobile data plan, your rates may be affected. Check out all new Sena products at Sena.com.