2015 AIMExpo Coverage from ADVMoto - Day 2
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Day 2 of the 2015 AIMExpo sported some of the latest in adventure helmets and electronics innovations.
Schuberth has it's newly released E2 modular dual-sport helmet on display. These are pre-produciton models and some of the parts are 3D printed, but it's complete enough to get a sense of the Schuberth quality build and engineering. Pricey but feature packed at around 800 dollars. SchuberthNorthAmerica.com
Edward from Scorpion is buzzing and busy like a bee innovating new products at Scorpion gear. Here seen standing next to their Yosemite jacket, which is feature packed at a handy price point of 370 dollars. Look for a lot more new designs coming from Scorpion soon...including a new helmet in the not so distant future. ScorpionUSA.com
We got our hands on the new TomTom Rider GPS unit. What a refreshing device on the motorcycle specific navigation scene. It sports quick updating and lots of moto specific functions like the ability to choose the curvy and hilly magnitude of your route. TomTom.com/Rider
The new TomTom interface is best explained in video, but this unit is sure to be a hit with it's solid build and just under 500 dollar price tag. TomTom.com/Rider
Only news on the motorcycle front was from Kawasaki who unleashed a digicam version of the venerable KLR650. We hope to see more from Kawasaki and expect the Honda Africa Twin will show at the regional IMS shows. Kawasaki.com
More famliair faces! Paul Guillien, Touratech USA man-in-charge, was on had to show off their new Aventuro, a Schuberth derived modular dual-sport helmet. Touratech-USA.com
As similar as it is, the Touratech version is not a carbon copy. They have included a few nifty features like rear exhaust vents, goggle strap retainer and a nifty color scheme. Touratech-USA.com
Paul poses with the new Touratech Aventuro Mod in it's fully open configuration. Touratech-USA.com
Also new at the Touratech stand, is the BMW ESA shock replacement systems. For about $3,200 to $3,900, you can completely replace the aging shocks on your 2007 and later ESA equipped Beemers with these seriously beefy upgrade units. Fully rebuildable with new electronics, these are likely to breath new life into your old units. Touratech-USA.com
Back in navigation land, Magellan has showing it's hand on an ingenious TRX7 navigation system mainly targeted at off-road enthusiasts. Some key features which many of us have been waiting for include the ability to mark sections of your route. Tags like surface type, diffulty ratings and various kinds of hazards can all be marked with a touch of the button on the fly. Finally! With a seven inch screen it may be a bit hefty on some smaller bikes, but it gives plenty of room for using the interface's many options and is built in a tough rubberized like finish. Available very soon at a 599.00. MagellanGPS.com
Magellan's more affordable TRXAPP will be available soon on Apple and Android App stores with bot free and low-cost subscription model. While not as robust as the TRX7, this offers many of the same great features and access to plenty of community created OHV routes. MagellanGPS.com
Perhaps the most impressive of the ADV electronics showings of the entire show is SENA, who has produced a complete set of integrated recording and communication devices, with a little surprise. They've also extended their hand towards two of ADVMoto's favorite world riders, Simon and Lisa Thomas of 2RidetheWorld.com SENA provided Simon and Lisa with the two new and fully equipped BMW's seen here. Much thanks to SENA for supporting not only the ADV product market, but community as well. SENA.com
SENA's biggest buzz maker at the 2015 show is their new noise cancelling SMART HELMET. We got a chance to try it on and was really impressed. The "ambient" mode allows you to hear what's going on outside the helmet and the sound cancelling more blocks outside sound. It really works. In ambient mode you can have a conversation, but in noise cancelling mode, all you can see is lips moving.
Coupled with a good amplifier, large comfortable ear cups and clear Bluetooth connection, speaking, getting directions or listening to music is a breeze. We're really looking forward to testing this new technology. Last note on the helmet is it's SENA produced. No OEM here! SENA.com
The SENA 10C is a wonderful integrated camera and recording unit, and one of the first to combine both. SENA.com
SENA's booth occupied a good footprint and had not only product on show, but more than a few of our favorite riders as well. SENA.com
Finally, at a nicely affordable price of 120 dollars, the SENA PRISM TUBE is a light weight lip-stick style camera with load of features. SENA.com
Overall the industry days have been a great experience at the 2015 AIMExpo with some old and new faces. The growth of ADV in North America is still fueled by companies and individuals passionate about riding and also fulfilling the needs of riders which have been ignored for so long.
Looking ahead, we hope to see the new Africa Twin on display in the US sometime this year, and perhaps some new bike models coming from EICMA this December. Stay tuned again for more of the latest from ADVMoto!
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