Cyril Huze Blog – World's Number One Source For Custom Motorcycle News

There is no doubt that just after a couple of years, The American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) has changed the way The Powersports Industry does business with dealers and consumers. As a matter of fact, in 2015, it’s now the only B2B and B2C North American Powersports Trade Show. For its anticipated return to the Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) this fall October 15 to 18 (general public days are October 17 and Sunday, October 18), the AIMExpo will feature a large V-Twin presence of manufacturers, part vendors and custom builders with indoor and outdoor activities during all weekend. I asked Bob Kay, AIMExpo’s V-Twin Director, how he organized all the V-Twin industry activities and what dealers and consumers can expect during this 2015 edition.

Cyril Huze. One year ago, The Marketplace Events Motorcycle Group, producers of The American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo), hired you as their show V-Twin Director. Your mission was to work closely with the V-Twin industry that you know so well to develop the AIMExpo’s activities in this important market segment. Tell me what has been your strategy to acquire a powerful V-Twin offering for vendors, dealers and end users. What can they expect during the upcoming 2015 edition

Bob Kay. First and foremost our plan from the beginning was to integrate the V-Twin and custom markets into AIMExpo rather then create a separate area that segregates this key segment of the motorcycle industry. However, we recognized that V-Twin dealers and consumers may not necessarily want to walk the entire show trying to locate their favorite products exhibitors. So we created a natural flow that would attract V-Twin exhibitors, dealers and consumers. As you enter the show floor you can head toward the “Made in America” area which features many V-Twin exhibitors as well as other prominent American companies.

As you come out the back side of “Made in America” you will find yourself in the middle of the AIMExpo Championship of the Americas / AMD Custom Bike Show, and if you follow that across the hall you will see many of your favorite exhibitors on both sides of the aisle. When you reach the other side of the hall on Saturday and Sunday you will notice that the Media Center has been converted into a Garage Party with builder and supplier exhibits, live music and the special feature, the “Chopper Legends Showcase.” I was humbled by the positive response from the V-Twin and Custom industry that has been my life for the past 40 years. Companies like Barnett Tool, Cobra, Gardner Westcott and James Gaskets positioned themselves in “Made in America” alongside returning V-Twin companies. American Dealer Magazine, S&S Cycle, Biker’s Choice and Vee Rubber jumped right in to support the AIMEXpo “Championship of the Americas”.

ACE Café, S&S Cycle, and Biker’s Choice, Cycle Source Magazine, Born to Ride Media, Kiwi, Jason Paul Michaels,  Leticia Cline and Kyle Shorey are committed to making Garage Party the coolest celebration of the V-Twin Culture. Our goal is to broaden the appeal of Florida as an October motorcycle destination. AIMExpo represents an opportunity for exhibitors and dealers to network within the industry on the broadest possible level to expand and grow business. A company can do their installs in Daytona where that traditional rider has come to get a great deal, but at the same time take care of their industry networking at an truly international show. There are many other V-Twin companies displaying at AIMExpo. For a complete list go AIMEXpo. The show is very well run but more importantly is attentive to the needs of their exhibitors, dealers and consumers. It is called WIN, WIN.

Cyril Huze. The AIMExpo is both an indoor & outdoor show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. Describe precisely the V-Twin activities and their schedule. And are V-Twin test rides also available?

Bob Kay. Let’s start with “Made in America”. This area is designed to showcase American ingenuity and feature companies where Made in America is part of their company DNA. We have had requests from Europe and South America for easier access to American brands, hence “Made in America” While it is a natural place for many V-Twin vendors you will also see American brands that focus on other segments. The AIMExpo Championship of the Americas represents an opportunity for an American builder (it includes North, Central and South American builders) to compete in the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building in Cologne, Germany for 2016. AMD has come to stand for the best in custom bike design , engineering and execution. Our association with AMD has already attracted some of the best builders to showcase their latest builds. The “Chopper Legends” is a special no-compete showcase of choppers and diggers from the 70’s , 80’s and 90’s. Pat Patterson of Lead Sled Customs will host this showcase  of some of the coolest custom bikes around.

We will have Harley test rides provided by Orlando Harley Davidson. The staff form Orlando Harley will go out of their way to accommodate certain model requests. I suggest you come early on Saturday and Sunday due to the popularity of this feature. There will also be UTV and ATV test rides for those hunters and land owners that ride V-Twins. The “Garage Party” represents, which is also what AIMExpo is all about, a fresh and exciting way to celebrate our passion for motorcycles. It is sure to attract a lot of attention and will start things off Friday night at Orlando Harley with a builder meet and greet and live music. Live music Saturday night on the show floor hosted by Bill Dodge of Bling Cycles and followed by an after- party at the ALE HOUSE. Be sure to meet former Hot Bike Girl, the lovely Leticia Cline, serving as our ambassador. The feature I am most proud of is my collaboration with the Power Sports Business Institute to create the Brick and Mortar Success Guide. We have put together a group of valuable seminars for independent shop dealers that do not have the support of a large OEM franchise. Thursday classes will be focused on the business side and Friday’s focus will be on running the shop area.

Cyril Huze. The Bike Building “Championship Of The Americas” intends to be a major annual event of the Custom Motorcycle Scene. It’s because it will feature not only the best builders from the USA and Canada but also those from South America with a path to compete, expenses paid, in the 2016 World Championship in Cologne, Germany. Tell me who is eligible to compete, on which platforms, in which classes, and who will judge the competitors creations?

Bob Kay. This will be a world class bike show and that is why we affiliated ourselves with the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building to set the standard for our entries. We will have a Free Style Class in which the winner will advance to the 2016 AMD World Championship held in Cologne, Germany with $7500 in expenses paid courtesy of S&S Cycle and Biker’s Choice. We will have a pre-84 Retro Class, a Street Custom Class for bikes with OEM frames and drivetrains, and a Performance Custom Class for all out non-street legal competition bikes and street racers. Continue reading ‘2015 American International Expo In Orlando (October 15-18) My Interview With V-Twin Director Bob Kay.’