writer: Mark A. Rolland
photographer: Adam Campbell
Once a year practically the entire ATV and motorcycle world packs up and heads to Indianapolis for the Powersports Dealer Expo. It's a chance for companies to hawk their wares, introduce the latest products and ink deals with clients. The event has grown so huge that it takes up all the floor space and hallways of the Convention Center (second floor included), the RCA Dome and big conference rooms in two adjacent hotels-connected via convenient walkways over the street. Part of the beauty of attending is getting a first glimpse at the newest and greatest. Hidden in the chaos are gems that make even the most cynical of journos ooh and ahh, and they are worth the long hours and miles of wading through the throngs of people gawking at models signing posters and ogling the mechanical eye candy.
When you first walk into the door, it's better than anything you could imagine. Displays bigger than some houses hunker down, with wheeled creations every hundred feet or so, making up some very cleverly themed exhibits such as the '70s-themed O'Neal booth. Talk about a blast from the past, complete with Led Zeppelin blaring from wooden-cased speakers. I was waiting for John Travolta from Grease to step out at any moment. The entire event is often a whirlwind of faces and products with displays practically overwhelming one's senses. This year we set out on a mission: find five items each to compose a top-10 list. Only choosing five turned out to be harder than we'd envisioned (there was so much cool stuff we had to skip), and we settled for six each. Thus, our Dirty Dozen
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AlpinestarsTech 4 and Tech 6 Junior Boots. Not ignoring the pint-sized riders, Alpinestars gave its $109.95 Tech 4s fresh graphics and a new rubber outsole. Colors are black, silver and white in kid sizes 10-1 and youth 2-8. Equally impressive is the Tech 6 Junior. A mix of the Tech 6 and 10, it has all the flexibility, protection and comfort of the adult boots in youth sizes 2-8 for $199.95. | 
American Kenda K537 Radial SBS-HDAll that techno jargon translates into a heavy-duty meat for your side-by-side. The six-ply radial is claimed to offer an increased load-carrying capacity of 225 percent. |
Auto ComHelmet Communications These full-blown communication systems allow you to haul butt down the trail and chat with a passenger, your riding buddy or pit crew at the same time. Just plug in a transceiver of your choice and the unique microphone design will allow you to talk in startling clarity as it filters out wind noise up to 160 mph. | 
Boyesen ShokOut-ATVThe "grip that gives" is now available for ATV use. Its three settings can fine-tune the degree of help in absorbing that tiring hand-yanking motion. | 
Cima International Performance SocksRemember what Lieutenant Dan told Forest Gump? "Take care of your feet." High-tech meets good sense with these choice riding socks. Using Coolmax, Thermolite and Baumwolle, the Cima footwear has the means for better moisture wicking in all weather conditions. |