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MOTORCYCLE A look back at AIMExpo 2014 26 • November 3, 2014 • Powersports Business www.PowersportsBusiness.com Here's a look at some of the exhibit floor highlights at the 2nd annual AIMExpo in Orlando The Powersports Business Institute @ AIM- Expo sponsored by CDK Global Recreation and STA-BIL drew attentive industry crowds throughout the duration of the two-day event. With 32 sessions across four tracks, including those sponsored by Dominion Powersports Solutions and McGraw Powersports Group, dealership attendees left with ideas for success. Thanks to Tim Buche of the Motorcycle Industry Council; Marc Hamud of GE Capital Commercial Distribution Finance; Jim Wood- ruff of National Powersport Auctions; Matt Lewaka of Capital One and Tom Etherington of KTM, the State of the Industry Roundtable session extended well past its 75 minutes of allotted time. Attendees took in a wealth of information, including: The projected percentage increase for new motorcycle sales in 2015; The current number of operating motor- cycles in the U.S., as well as those in need of service work. The average amount that a motorcycle owner spends at retail on riding apparel, accessories, repair and maintenance, and tires. The current rate of dealer inventory turns, and the percentage of aging dealership inven- tory. Attendees also learned about the rise in pre-owned floorplanning volumes. The growth in both repos and dealer consign- ment that have led to a rise in auction volumes. The percentage increase of the average whole- sale price compared to 2013. The rise in participation by dealers at auctions. Similar data points available only to attend- ees of the Powersports Business Institute were available during 31 other sessions geared at growing your dealership's bottom line. GARAGE SCHOOLING Just as the Powersports Business Institute @ AIMExpo provided a wide range of educa- tional seminars for dealers, the ACF-50 Rider's Garage did the same for consumers. Presented by Rider and Thunder Press, the complete schedule of courses and seminars welcomed consumers inside the ACF-50 Rid- er's Garage. Topics covered in the garage ranged from tire technology and suspension tuning to opti- mizing motorcycle performance and the future of electric motorcycles. Seminars were led by some of the best in the business, including rep- resentatives from top brands and organizations, as well as notable motorcycle and powersports industry veterans. HAPPY 50TH, KYMCO! With its all-new Camo UXV 450i UTV on full display, KYMCO commemorated the 50th anniversary of its brand at the 2014 AIMExpo. The electronic fuel injected 450cc engine pow- ers the UXV and produces peak performance in a compact design — so much so, in fact, that the UXV is able to fit into the bed of most full size pickups. A complete line of acces- sories is also available, and attendees had the opportunity to test ride the UXV at AIMExpo Outdoors! throughout the show. In addition to the exciting demo rides at AIMExpo Outdoors! and an engaging display on the show floor, KYMCO was also involved in the 3-Way Giveaway that offered attend- ees the chance to enter to win a brand new KYMCO Compagno scooter. ACE CAFÉ RACER Ace Café Orlando continues to draw closer to the launch of its downtown location and was back at AIMExpo with an impressive lineup of café racers to accompany its photo-laden booth and merchandise to further establish the legendary London hotspot here in the states. Through a partnership with Dime City Cycles and Café-Moto, Ace Café Orlando hosted "A Café Racer Exhibit" where more than a dozen different bikes were on display and battling for the vote of AIMExpo attendees. Taking home the first place prize was Jes- sica Lee's blue 1969 Honda CB350, followed by Shannon Hulcher's 1976 Honda CB 500T and Pat Mooney's 1978 Magni MV Agusta. In addition to its booth display and lineup of bikes, Ace Café Orlando kept AIMExpo rock- ing, quite literally, as they presented a free con- cert featuring "Stray Cats" bassist Lee Rocker on Saturday night. ITALIAN FLAVOR EICMA is one of the giant European super shows that AIMExpo has been modeled after. In support of AIMExpo, EICMA and the Los Angeles-based Italian Trade Agency (ITA) worked to bring the Italian Pavilion to life and showcase some of the most innovative brands on the show floor. One of the newest brands represented in the Pavilion was Energica, the manufacturer of an all-electric superbike capable of reaching speeds of 150 miles per hour. Other exhibiting brands included Adler, Alpina Raggi, Ariete, AXO, Dellorto, Dimensione Sport, Kite, Dom- ino, Mupo, Malossi, ProGrip, Spyke, Spinelli, and QD exhausts. GOING RETRO Retro Affair, Vintage Motorcycle Show, pre- sented in partnership with the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club (VJMC), hosted a wide variety of motorcycles that had been immaculately restored to like-new condition. An eclectic mix Among the presenters at the Powersports Business Institute @ AIMExpo were (from left) Jason Brecken- ridge, Mark Mooney, Sam Dantzler and Steve Jones.