The AIMExpo powersports trade show made its return to Las Vegas for the 2025 annual event, and over 400 powersports companies from 31 countries showcased their latest for North American dealers. As always, the AIMExpo is an ideal place to check out new products, new motorcycles, the latest gear and inventions—some mainstream, some downright quirky and bizarre.
The American equivalent of EICMA, the AIMExpo might not be at the same level of spectacular with global product reveals and groundbreaking prototypes from major manufacturers, but we’ll go ahead and say that the AIMExpo is on the rebound in the North American market. Participation in the last few years is on the rise, and the 2025 show was too big to see everything in two days. But, here is a look at some of the major reveals from the Vegas show, along with some of the fun farkle (function and sparkle) and oddities from the 2025 AIMExpo.
Suzuki DR-Z4S/DR-Z4SM
The Suzuki Motor USA display was front and center at the 2025 AIMExpo, proudly displaying its all-new DR-Z4S and its Supermoto sibling, the DR-Z4SM. Replacing the outgoing DR-Z400 dual-sport, which has likely thrown some core loyalists into a complete panic, the DR-Z4S is a clean-sheet model, fully revised from the ground up, with a 398cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine. The dual-sport duo had a global debut in late 2024, but the AIMExpo in Las Vegas provided dealers a first look at the all-new yellow machines in the flesh.
We recently got to take a first spin aboard the new ‘Zook at the media launch in Tillamook, Oregon. Find the All New Suzuki DR-Z4S Dual Sport Test Video here.
Moto Morini X-Cape 700
Moto Morini woke up the AIMExpo on Wednesday morning with a heart-pumping performance from the drumline of local Del Sol Academy. The big news from the China-sourced Italian brand was the X-Cape 700. Moto Morini COO Chris McGee took the wraps off the new adventure bike, an upgraded version of its popular X-Cape 650 with new styling and a more powerful engine. The X-Cape 1200 was also on display, the premium tourer an all-new model to the North American market.
REV’IT! SAND 5
Dutch brand REV’IT! kicked off the Wednesday morning media tour with a breakfast and reveal of its all-new Sand 5 ADV suit. As the motorcycles in the adventure segment are progressing, becoming lighter, better and higher performance, so should the gear, rationalizes REV’IT! Sports USA’s Brian Ego. The Sand 5 is the newest generation of the brand’s all-in-one ADV gear. The three-layer construction offers many different configurations to meet the ever-changing demands of true adventure riding. The Sand 5 promises better venting, improved comfort and even more fit adjustment. It is available in new colorways and will also be available in a women’s cut.
Thumpstar USA
Along with the major manufacturers and brands, as promised, there were also some fun oddities spotted at the AIMExpo. Thumpstar USA is best known for its 110-, 125- and 140cc pit bike offerings, but those wacky Aussies took a stab at a full-size bike, sourcing a 500cc two-stroke BRC engine from Canada, and building a chassis around it. Yes, the Australia-based company plans to put it into production. “There hasn’t been a 500cc two-stroke dirt bike in production in more than 20 years,” Thumpstar’s Jason Young said. “We’re excited to see how people respond.” Young was proud to introduce the prototype to the media, which he says has some differences to what a production version would look like. The 500cc engine, based on the last CR500 offering from Honda, is carbureted and counterbalanced, and is equipped with electric start and a six-speed transmission. For more on Thumpstar USA and its current offerings, visit www.thumpstarusa.com.
Kabuto Helmets Geosys GT
While many companies, especially helmet manufacturers, seem focused on the entry-level price-point models, Japanese company Kabuto Helmets is taking the counter-approach. While the Osaka-based company does have a variety of product lines, the only one they plan to market in the U.S. are the premium models, including an all-new ADV helmet, the Geosys GT. Kabuto rep Scott Holbrooks explained, “We’re not going to have any price-point models. Kabuto does have a massive facility in China, but the helmets we’re bringing to America are only top of the line. All of the product in the U.S. is made in Japan only. It’s real craftsmen in Japan that are putting these together.” The Kabuto Geosys GT has MIPS inside and what Kabuto touts as advanced aerodynamics on the outside.
Burly Brand Titan Handguards
So they’re not actually parts for dirt bikes, but the V-twin accessories from Burly Brand caught our eye for obvious reasons. Its new Titan handguards are designed to look like motocross flag-style handguards, but constructed out of metal and built for fitment on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. “It definitely has a dirt bike off-road feel to it,” explained Burly Brands’ Josh Rowland. “We ask ourselves, ‘How do we evolve, and make something fun and unique for the customer?’ It’s a very eye-catching thing and a good conversation starter, for sure.” Burly Brand also offers MX-Evolution footpegs and floorboards for Harleys that are modeled after motocross-style footpegs, complete with a built-in bottle opener on the underside. Well played, sir.
Denago Powersports 140 MX3 FI
With companies like Denago Powersports, the entry point into OHV is becoming easier. The Texas-based company sources pit bikes and ATVs from China with a goal of providing an affordable approach into powersports. The idea, David Garibyan explains, is a value brand that gets people in the door and gets them started in OHV fun. One of the new models Denago Powersports revealed at AIMExpo in Las Vegas is the 140cc MX3 FI. The fuel-injected pit bike is what Denago calls “stout and durable,” designed to make ownership easy at a price point of around $1500.
Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma
Alpinestars was not technically an exhibitor at the AIMExpo, but the company still made a cameo on the New Product Central stage to give a demonstration of its latest Tech-Air 5 Plasma airbag system. The Plasma is a ground-up redesign accessory vest for riding either off-road, street or racing. It features a slimmer, lighter fit than its predecessor with better breathability. The Plasma can also change algorithms at the push of a button, letting it know what style of riding you are doing, which helps it to detect and anticipate a crash. The on-stage demonstration showed how deployment happens within microseconds—approximately eight times faster than the blink of an eye. The Tech-Air 5 Plasma can be recharged with a user-replaceable gas inflator that can be changed out without tools. The suit, which can be worn under a jacket, jersey or riding suit, is good for up to six deployments before it needs to be sent in for servicing.
The Alpinestars presentation closed with a teaser for the Tech-Air MX, which is currently debuting in Monster Energy Supercross with factory Triumph’s Austin Forkner. The all-new system is integrated into a chest protector, and the company says it’s been under development for over 10 years. Alpinestars is all in on the airbag tech and eager to push the entire industry to embrace the safety benefits they can provide. “This is something that we as an industry need to get behind as a whole,” Alpinestars rep Brent Jaswinski said. “Our goal is to someday equate this level of safety production with a helmet.”
ProTaper SMX 04 Tires
ProTaper is widely known as a handlebars, grips and controls company, but is now venturing into the tire business. ProTaper revealed an all-new line of SMX 04 knobby tires that is designed for weekend warriors and trail enthusiasts; in other words, more of a price-point tire for casual riders. The ProTaper meats will come in popular front and rear sizes, and are expected to be in the sub-$100 range.