AIMExpo’s 2 Wheel Custom Showcase next month will highlight 10 of the country’s best custom builders showing off their latest creations. The display area on the show floor inside the Las Vegas Convention Center will be curated by Kevin Dunworth of Dunworth Machines, bringing together the talents and diversity of style from builders Brian Buttera, David Chang, Larry Curik, Tim Dixon, Kacey Elkins, Oliver Jones, Roy Martin, Mark Rabideau, Anthony Robinson, and Paul Wideman.

“We’ve got the best of the best in this showcase, and AIMExpo attendees are in for a real treat,” Dunworth said. “For all the builders, being able to showcase their custom bike at AIMExpo 2024, with the entire industry watching, is a huge honor.”

Adding to the honor, Rod “Woody” Woodruff, president and CEO of the Legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip, will award one builder with “The Spirit of the Chip” trophy.

“I’m excited to see all the custom builds and to award the bike and builder that captures the spirit of the Buffalo Chip and the custom motorcycle culture it represents,” said Woodruff, whose 600-acre event site and campground is a huge part of the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. “The Buffalo Chip team can’t wait for AIMExpo 2024 and we’re going to have a lot of fun with the motorcycle industry. AIMExpo is the event the powersports industry looks forward to all year.”

Bios of all the builders are now up on AIMExpo’s website

“AIMExpo is about uniting the entire powersports and motorcycle industry,” said Andre Albert, MIC director of marketing and events. “Everyone has a place here, and collaborating with the iconic Legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip will help elevate our showcase within the custom and V-twin community and bring even more people into AIMExpo.”

Running February 6-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, AIMExpo will feature more than 360 exhibitors, including nearly 20 OEMs, and major distributors including Automatic Distributors, Drag Specialties, Parts Unlimited, Turn 14 Distribution, and Rocky Mountain ATV/MC.

The industry’s biggest powersports gathering will include a comprehensive Disruptive Thinking education schedule, two e-bike demo tracks, plus special presentations with vehicle showcases and the New Product Central stage. MIC members will have complimentary access to the conveniently located MIC Business Center, featuring workstations, device charging, printers, meeting rooms, storage, and a lounge with beverages and lunch.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Tariff Exclusions Extended for Select Products Imported from China

Powersports companies that sell and distribute many parts and products imported from China got some welcome relief late last month. The Office of the United States Trade Representative extended current China Section 301 tariff exclusions through May 31. The exclusions on these products had been set to expire at the end of 2023.

Unfortunately, the end-of-year extension forced U.S. Customs and Border Protection to issue a notice that, “Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) functionality for the acceptance of the extended product exclusions will be available on January 4, 2024.” This meant that the exclusions expired for three days and affected companies will now have to request a retroactive refund.

In a December 20 letter to the chairmen of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee and the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, the Americans for Free Trade coalition called for the U.S. Trade Representative to conclude and release the results of a four-year statutory review of the Section 301 tariffs.

“USTR has taken over a year and half to conduct the review, which has exacerbated the uncertainty around the future of the tariffs,” the letter stated. “In the last five years, American importers, including members of our coalition, have paid more than $198 billion in Section 301 tariffs on products imported from China. The cost of the tariffs has been borne almost entirely by U.S. businesses and consumers, and their continued imposition harms U.S. competitiveness and contributes to persistent inflation in our economy. At the same time, these harmful taxes have failed to change China’s use of unfair trade practices relating to intellectual property rights, forced technology transfers, and innovation.”

For the past five years, the MIC, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association have been partners in the AFT, and the industry association’s Government Relations Office has participated in hundreds of Capitol Hill meetings advocating for an end to Trump-era taxes that have been continued by the Biden administration.

The USTR will open a public docket for the China Section 301 tariffs to submit comments starting January 22. The comment period will end on February 21 at 11:59 pm.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT / DON’T MISS IT

Calling All Competitors for E-Bike Racing

Rider registration remains open for the SUPER73 Industry E-Bike Throwdown, taking place during the AIMExpo Industry Party powered by Turn 14 Distribution on Tuesday, February 6. Entries are limited and registering does not guarantee a grid position. Riders will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis.

The action on the AIMExpo e-bike track – inside the Las Vegas Convention Center – will feature four classes: dealers, exhibitors, and media, plus a surprise class to be announced closer to race night. Each class will race in brackets with the top rider in each race advancing to the next round, ultimately competing in a winner-take-all throwdown. To help ensure an equal playing field, the e-bikes will be provided. Competitors will need to wear appropriate gear, including helmets.

“The SUPER73 Industry E-Bike Throwdown perfectly demonstrates that community, technology, and generations can come together in a single event that will deliver a night of unforgettable racing and fun,” said Andre Albert, MIC director of marketing and events.

“We jumped at this opportunity to be title sponsor because the e-bike races speak to who we are – a fun, inclusive, enthusiastic community of riders who also have a spark of competitive spirit,” said Michael Cannavo, co-founder and chief marketing officer of SUPER73. “Our products have been fusing motorcycle heritage with youth culture, introducing new generations to powersports. Exhibiting at AIMExpo, sponsoring the most fun, adrenaline-pumping event at the show, and being able to connect and network with everyone in the industry is a no-brainer.”