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‘ Custom Culture’ speaks to a“ New Gen” future
AIMExpo presented by Nationwide Insurance closed its doors on Sunday, September 24th after four great days at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Ohio, that brought a stronger V-twin market dealer and consumer attendance than had been seen in the four years the show was staged at Orlando, Florida, and an exhibitor presence headlined by Indian Motorcycle and Harley-Davidson. With backing from Columbus, Ohio based AD Farrow( Harley’ s oldest authorized dealer in America) and Iron Pony Powersports( who organized a 300 plus consumer ride-out to the show), the stage was set for AIMExpo to start building critical mass for the“ Custom Culture” program it had unveiled at Orlando. The mission is to provide the existing custom market with a new opportunity, a forum, through which the new generations of riders and builders could connect with the industry of the Boomers, and for that industry to be able to understand how to connect with“ New Gen” custom builders and riders. Quite apart from the economic challenges faced by both the existing and the emerging markets, there is much else that unites the long-term interests of the future of our industry with its past. Industry veteran Bob Kay has been building the‘ Custom Culture’ concept and a range of initiatives under that“ brand” with one primary premise at its core – that cooperation and collaboration will top isolation every time. With the backing of the MIC, channels are being created that will provide a platform for industry outreach to a future that faces regulatory challenges, technology changes, and social and demographic landscapes in which the concept of the two-wheel
In addition to the Championship of the Americas, Custom Culture powered by BMW Motorcycles also housed the Simpson“ Paint Slinger” Shootout. Here, 20 Simpson M30 Bandits were custom painted by some of the most talented artists. The winner was Kacey Elkins of Krossover Customs in Stanford, Kentucky, whose design will become a limited edition run of 400 helmets.
32 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DEALER- NOVEMBER 2017 www. AMDchampionship. com