The 18th annual ‘Cinci’ show saw several regulars and major players absent themselves for a range of reasons, many of them not to do with the efficacy of the show as such. However, with concerns widespread, the 120 plus exhibitors (including several new vendors and returnees) who did make the investment reported better Saturday traffic than they’d expected, and better business done than had been the case in the past couple of years - even the “Super Bowl-free” Sunday was a tad better than usual. Most of the vendors that we here at AMD Magazine spoke to said that they would be returning for 27th-28th January 2018. www.vtwin-expo.com
CIRO: Aero Rudd, son of legendary Drag Specialties and Kuryakyn founder Tom Rudd, heads up a new parts and accessories business that has grown quickly since making its 2015 debut. Available from Drag Specialties, Parts Unlimited and Zodiac International, the range extends from advanced, controllable LED lighting solutions through to detailing and tidy-up parts for all areas of the bike, from the cockpit, fairing and front end to the rear fenders and bags; www.ciro3d.com
CenterFlo: A new exhibitor at V-Twin Expo, Sacramento, California based CenterFlo’s patented valve design throttle body utilizes a segment bored cylinder pair to precisely control air flow to form an obstruction free bore. Eliminating the throttle blade and shaft allows a greater volume of air to flow more freely into the engine, making more mid-range torque and higher top end horsepower. “Low rpm driveability, which often suffers with larger throttle bodies, is now greatly improved with finer control at the beginning of throttle movement.” It has mounting provisions for stock-compatible injectors and sensors. Projected to be available for 2006-2016 cable throttle Big Twins by summer 2017; CARB certification is pending; www.centerflo.com
K&N Engineering: Following the launch last year of their Big Twin, newly revised cast aluminum ‘AirCharger’ intake system, the Riverside, California, filter and performance specialist has added two more intake designs that are “guaranteed to deliver increased horsepower” - ‘Street Metal’, ‘The Shaker’, and soon to be released ‘The SideDraft’. These stylish, contemporary cast aluminum, high volume RK Series intakes feature a washable, oversized K&N high-flow air filter, backing plate and built-in dyno-tuned velocity stacks. They mount with an integrated breather system and completely replace the stock air cleaner assembly with its external breathers. Each feature a reputable K&N limited warranty. K&N will offer Drycharger wraps for use in inclement conditions and extended service intervals; ww.knfilters.com
Heartland: Now owned by former Sales and Marketing Director Lonny Spiva, the Fullerton, California, custom styling and conversion kit specialist is back on the new products trail again with a choice of recently introduced kits for Dyna models. The 200 D and 240 D allow for a 200mm and 240mm rear tire respectively, utilizing Heartland’s patented billet aluminum struts with a choice of two steel fender lengths and leather seat. The struts are slotted and pinned for Heartland’s also patented second seat options. The struts are finished in either chrome, gloss black or ‘TuxCut’. Check out their all-new website rebuild at www.heartlandbiker.com
BadJack Machine: Another new exhibitor in 2016, Austin, Texas based BadJack Machine’s patented Boot Draggers cruiser pegs for Big Twins are “an innovative and stylish solution that give bikers an alternate riding position, reducing fatigue on long rides.” They simply bolt on to existing OEM standard, swept and half-moon style floorboards without modification or damaging the boards. A deceptively simple idea, they are machined from high strength, lightweight billet aluminum and deliver a fatigue relieving alternate rider foot position; www.badjackmachine.com
Yelvington: The Florida based trike conversion kit specialist (Harley touring, Dyna and Sportster models) made their V-Twin Expo debut as a parts vendor, showcasing the reverse pulley for tourers that they introduced last year and their Suspension Technologies shock absorber program (headed up by Mike Alex, it includes shocks for the Indian Scout as well as Harley applications). Engagement of Yelvington’s patented reverse system is simple: “It’s just so natural,” says Director of Sales & Marketing Mark Russell, “just flip a switch and ease out the clutch. Once engaged, the pulley rotates normally, while the wheel rotates in reverse. To move forward, just flip a switch and ease out the clutch; www.yelvingtonusa.com