We came, we saw and we conquered Indy’s annual motorcycle trade show. Feet sore, livers worn and camera cards full, we left the 2012 Expo excited about a sportbike industry pulsing with fresh new products. Vendor booths unveiled everything from VP’s T4 premium pump gas replacement to Scorpion’s bitchin’ new gear options. Brands like Zero Gravity and RK unveiled expansions to their lines with a complete seat line and Pro Series wheelset, respectively. The gear theme of the year featured stealthy jackets to pants lacking obnoxious brand labeling. Icon, A-Stars and AGV Sport all revealed awesome offerings with subtle labeling, massive style and supreme protection (aggressive styling we’ve come to love was available too). Wildcard finds included the lesser known Bull-it riding jean company that scoffed at Kevlar denim, instead toting Covec fabric for its claimed protection benefits. Then there was the AWD Christini 450 Supermoto—a true urban assault cycle.
A flapjack stack of business cards and press material later and SSB walked out with a line on the kind of street riding essentials you’ll be sure to put on a wish list. Further Expo coverage is available on the SSB website.