Wondering what cool new stuff is hitting the ATV market right about now? So were we, and that's why we made the run out to Las Vegas for the first annual 2003 Offroad Aftermarket Expo held at the Mandalay Bay resort and casino. The event took place September 10th through the 12th and over one hundred vendors were on hand showing off a variety of parts. And as if that weren't fun enough, the Maxxis U.S. Open motocross series was held in town that same weekend at the MGM.
While small in comparison to the industry powersports bazaar held in Indianapolis every February (and not nearly as crowded, for that matter), this was in no way a drawback since we were able to talk to vendors at length about their new gear and walked away with plenty of article ideas to chase down and bring to you in the coming months. Although the event wasn't open to the general public, we were more than happy to snap off some photos of some new products coming to the ever-growing ATV aftermarket. Let's take a gander...
 |  The Maxxis races were a blast...  The Maxxis races were a blast to watch. You can see the results at www.ussx.com. |  |
Feel the Burn
Dynatek's FS digital ignition is a hot little item that features not only pre-programmed timing curves but also allows tuners to create precise curves to suit their individual needs by plugging it into a computer and using the included software to set the timing. The unit also has two RPM-activated switch outlets that can operate fun little devices like nitrous solenoids, shift lights, auto shifters, timed relays, or boost controls. It's a direct plug-in piece for easy installation and Dynatek makes it for several applications. Check it out at www.dynaonline.com.
A Colorful Rebuttal
Verde Powersports had some really cool custom seats on display in a variety of designs. The company also puts out custom shock and headlight covers to jazz up your ATV's looks. You can see more at www.verdepowersports.com.
That's a Wrap
Fast Action Outerwear's ATV Cocoon gained plenty of attention from folks. It's essentially a long raincoat that snaps to most ATV bodies to repel water while collecting motor heat for warmth. The Cocoon also unsnaps quickly and easily in case of an emergency. Fast Action sells it with a standard carrying bag or a larger deluxe bag, and plans to offer it in camo. Find out the full story at www.atvcocoon.com.
Black Bag Operation
Innovative Products Inc.'s (IPI) booth showcased that company's fine line of ATV luggage. Their Pro Series and Pro Series II bags feature IPI's Element Proof, All-Conditions System with its waterproof outer fabric, closed-cell lining for padded protection, hinged weather flaps to protect the zippers while allowing quick access (even with gloves on), and sloped construction to shed water. Both sets of bags come in either black or mossy oak breakup camo. See the full line of gear carriers at www.ipiatv.com.
Frontin'
Quad Boss has redesigned its front bumper and gave us a sneak preview of the prototype at their booth (they liked it enough to overnight it to the expo). It's an aluminum part that fits a variety of sport quads and flows with the fenders while offering better protection left and right of front center than its predecessor. It should be available in late December. You'll find the full selection of Quad Boss gear at www.tuckerrocky.com.
Proper Leverage
Wirtz aluminum levers are made to OEM specs and have bronze bushings to reduce friction wear over time. One other cool feature: the aluminum alloy they're manufactured from is meant to bend well before breaking (which is nice if you're the crash-prone type). See the full line of their products at www.wirtz.net.
A Little Bump and Grind
Armadillo Offroad's XC front bumpers are made from 6061 aluminum with a .125 inch wall thickness for strength in a lightweight package but they're designed to flow with the front of newer sport quads for a sleek look. But wait-- there's more. Armadillo's Banshee version weighs in at a mere 2 lbs. You can find them at www.armadillooff-road.com.
Raising the Bar
And also appearing in Armadillo's booth was an array of Tusk's handlebars. Their T-7 model is an aluminum piece that's knurled in key places like the clamp and grip areas to prevent slipping while ripping it up on the trail, while Tusk's carbon steel bars come in several bends and are made primarily for sport ATVs. Check them out at www.armadillooff-road.com.
Star Quality
PowerMadd had its Star series handguards on display and they were cool for a few reasons. First, their streamlined design looks good on a sport quad. Second, they have vents with removable covers so you can protect your hands while keeping them cool in hot weather. Third, their adjustable mounting system lets owners tailor their position on the bars. You'll find these and more at www.powermadd.com.
Hot Looks, Cool Protection
MSR had this flamed RG2 helmet to show us. It had all of the standard features (fiberglass shell with goggle strap positioning ridge, two dome crests for increased structural integrity, and dual intake manifolds above the eye port to guide air into the helmet, and rear vent panel for forcing out hot air, to name a few). Check it out at your local dealer.
In a Word, Sick
Sick Girl Apparel came out to show off its riding jerseys and pants for women. The cool part: this is riding apparel designed by women, for women. The Classic Riding Jersey seen here is 100% polyester and comes in blue/black, silver/black, red/black color schemes, in sizes ranging from X-small to XX-large. The Classic Freestyle Riding Pant is has a nylon Cordura shell and polyester mesh lining and Kevlar on inside of legs. Three mesh-lined zipper pockets are hidden on seams for stylish looks and a place to carry small valuables. The come in red with black, silver with black and blue with black, women's sizes 3-18. Their web addy is www.sickracinggear.com.
Shining Through
RIS makes enough billet gear to trick out any weekend dune-hopper. Take this grill for example. Not only is it billet aluminum, but the flaming dice are a great design touch for hot rod fans. This was just one of the many pieces they showed us; you can find more at www.risdesigns.com.
And Now for Something Completely Different...
Razorback Designs showed us some of their custom bodywork and seats like this purple and gray one with crushed velvet covering. A great way to bump up the style factor in the custom equation. But they also make flags if pimping large isn't your gig. The bonus here? They're made from reflective material so fellow riders can see you in low-light conditions. Their web addy is www.razorbackdesigns.com.
Works for Us
The show wasn't just about stuff to make you look good, though. There were ride quality enhancers as well, like these shocks from Works Performance, that pulled duty in both departments. Their display showed off not only their various makes of quad shocks, but also the new chromed versions for the style-conscious. For more info, go to www.worksperformance.com.
The Specialists
Sprocket Specialties makes so many sprockets they keep thousands of them onhand to fill orders but what was cool to us was the fact that they make color anodized ones for quads. Oh, and camo versions for utility ATVs too. You can check them out at www.sprocketspecialties.com.
Power Play
Duncan Racing has been around since the '70s and in the time since they've learned a lot about making high-quality performance parts like their line of Fat Boy 4 exhaust systems. Although they had several of those pipes in their booth, one item that really caught our eye was the PC 4000 4-stroke power cylinder. The PC 4000 is designed for the popular Honda 400EX and is cast and machined domestically; it also comes in displacements ranging from 440cc (with steel sleeve installed) to over 450cc with a Nikasil coated bore lining. It's a cool alternative if you don't want to bore out your stock cylinder. See it and the full selection of Fat Boy 4 exhausts at www.duncanracing.com.
Roll with IMS
Roll Design and IMS were partnered up showing off such products as Roll's footpegs and IMS's new front bumper. The pegs have a patented 3-rung design and come as either flat or kick up pieces. Made from stainless steel, these footrests were meant to outlast their lighter aluminum brethren. And the polished outer finish is a cool contrast to the powdercoat on the inside. On the IMS side, the new bumpers are not only good to look at, they're also a good way to protect the front of your quad without adding too much weight, since they're made from a custom aluminum alloy. Check out both companies' products at www.rolldesign.com and www.imsproducts.com.