Photos and text by: Tiffany Tudyk
February 26, 2008
The 2008 Dealer Expo had lots of cool products to make any rider or racer stand out. From safety gear to suspension setups, chances are you would find it sprawled across the show floor. Finding new products and customizing and adding accessories are great, but what makes all these new products and accessories even better is that most of them have an added safety aspect along with them being flashy and cool.
First off, as we all know anyone out on a ride has to have a helmet on. It was no surprise that they were everywhere this year. Many companies had new special or limited edition helmets. Everyone had one or more new gear lines that called out for attention with loud colors and cool graphics.
Troy Lee Designs- TLD always has really innovative designs and for 2008 there were lots of great products and a few Limited Edition pieces on display.
Most notable is the Limited Edition Day in the Dirt Helmet. It features a split design with each side of the helmet. Snell/DOT approved. Over the last few years, people have been starting to wear neck braces, so TLR has created a special LEATT neck brace. It does not inhibit the rider, and it is lightweight yet protects the neck and head on impact. It’s designed and perfected by top riders and racers in the industry.
Arai USA- Arai is the leading name in helmet technology. For 2008, Arai has once again delivered what is said to be the best helmet on the market, the XD3. The crossover design gives it a very distinct look. Key features include the Emergency Release Cheek-pad Design, a re-designed peak that further improves stability and airflow, Arai’s diffuser ventilation, and a pull-down chin-bar spoiler. Snell/DOT approved.
Scorpion USA- Scorpion Helmets take the customization stuff seriously. Their helmet line is extensive; their helmets have flames and skulls, wild graphics and plain solids. Also they have custom liners that are solid colors, zebra print, leopard prints, and fleece liners for those really cold rides. The KwikWick™
moisture-wicking helmet liner and cheek pads are breathable, easily removable and washable. Snell/DOT approved.
After one has the right gear, it’s time to dress up the ride. Oftentimes we want just a little bit of bling, but sometimes we want lots of it. And other times it is the performance that adds that extra ump to the ride.
Bling Star Industries- Bling Star has a full line of accessories to dress up any racers ATV. Some of the coolest products that they had were their Bumpers. They unveiled the Bumper line – two bumpers as of now – for the Yamaha Rhino. It is so fresh that they didn’t even have a name for it yet. At the show, they had a contest where whoever could come up with the best name for the bumper would win it and the name that wins would stick to that bumper. They also had their new DC Racer Nerfbar, which comes with an extended pre-drilled peg and the netting installed.
Innova Tires- Innova has a full line of colored tires for both sport and utility ATVs. One of the most popular colors is the camo green for the utility ATVs; Red, Blue, Green, Yellow and Urban Camo are also very popular. Multiple sizes are available for both the sport and utility models.
HMF Performance- HMF has multiple performance products and
many have a little individual style, too. Most of the aftermarket exhaust systems are a slip on design and are available for just about every make and model ATV. They offer a full line of parts and accessories, too.
Vertically Driven Products- VDP is a company that accessorizes the UTV/MUV. Top products include a special sound bar that really
delivers top quality sound and a four way speaker system to go with it, as well as an iPod/MP3 converter, which is a great choice with very little to install. They also have lots of soft goods such as mesh breathable tops, wind stoppers, storage pouches and sports caddies.
MATTRACKS -MATTRACKS conversion systems are the most technologically advanced, independent, rubber track system that are used for recreation, work, commercial and agricultural applications.The LiteFoot track conversion uses an exclusive rubber torsion anti-torque system and a revolutionary shape changing suspension (SCS® System) to keep a large footprint on the ground, providing you with unbelievable traction and mobility on any terrain, resulting in a smooth controlled ride. LiteFoot tracks have only about three quarter pounds per square inch surface pressure, which minimizes ground compression, providing flotation over soft terrain.
Newer and better products arise each year as the stakes are raised with more and more companies being introduced to the mix. Safety and comfort are the most important aspects of riding so it was no surprise that just about every manufacture had helmets, riding gear or both. After taking care of those safety necessities, we can focus on the image, customization and specialization of our rides. Remember to have fun but be safe with all the new products.