The Kneeslider

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Fischer Motor Company MRX 650 L – Lower Seat Height for the MRX 650

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Fischer MRX 650L
Fischer MRX 650L

After the US Highland article, I’ve been reminded of the Fischer Motor Company and their 650 MRX. This press release about the MRX 650L notes a lower seat height, but, notable, is the Ohlins suspension, among other things and the $7999 price tag. You don’t hear much about the Fischer but it seems to be a pretty nice bike with some high quality components.

The Fischer has been around for several years and doesn’t look like it’s changed much in that time but that could be because it’s a well designed package as it is. If you’re considering a mid range bike, this could be a nice choice.

Press release follows:

American motorcycle manufacturer Fischer Motor Company is pleased to announce a special new sport motorcycle with a lower seat height, the MRX 650 L.

Performance sport bike riders expect and demand sharp looks and great handling, but until now this has meant a high seat height that excluded some riders from being able to reach the ground when seated at a stop, or forcing these riders to ride cruisers. Sport motorcyclists can now ride on the street with style, comfort, and confidence on the Fischer MRX 650 L.

While visually almost identical to the beautiful MRX, the 650 L is more than just a lowered version, the MRX 650 L has new a suspension design developed upon the GP-based chassis and suspension geometry found on all Fischer motorcycles, but with innovative new linkage and a special Ohlins rear shock to provide progressive, compliant, and responsive feedback for maximum suspension performance. Just like the standard MRX and MRX SP, the MRX 650L features a powerful liquid-cooled, 90 degree V-twin engine, Ohlins suspension and Brembo brake components. With a comfortable, narrow seat at 27 inches high, the MRX 650L is perfect for more riders.

The MRX series features the unique Trellispar frame, the world’s only one-piece production motorcycle chassis. The Trellispar frame combines the best features from other types of frame construction to give riders a precision-tuned chassis. The MRX rider- and racer – will experience the precise front end feel and sensitivity of a trellis tube frame, but with the controlled rigidity of a twin spar frame. Created in America, the Trellispar frame is the centerpiece of the MRX line-up, and performs great on the street- and at the track. The MRX 650 L is the second of several planned models based on this sturdy platform.

Base price of the MRX 650L is $7999, and comes with many premium standard features found on motorcycles at twice the price.

Link: Fischer Motorcycles

Fischer MRX 650L
Fischer MRX 650L

Comments

  1. I have just one request for Fischer: resculpt that atrocious tank. The rear of the tank looks like it’s designed to break off the xiphoid process (tip of the sternum).

  2. Looks pretty sharp. Literally.

    Hopefully the brand gains some traction. I wonder how many folks have forgotten previous news, or never heard of this brand.

    Hopefully they get a lot more well known and established.

  3. The tank shape looks a bit uncomfortable in my eyes as well, but the whole sharp edges and angles style is not my favorite, but that’s just personal taste. The bike itself may be very well engineered, the styling takes some getting used to. If they redesigned the bodywork, I wonder if the acceptance of the bike would increase.

  4. VERY interesting, my wife, a short “would be” rider, wants to ride, but the only bike (stock) that fits her is the honda rebel. This might be a somewhat acceptable alternative. I’d love to have her give it a leg to see how close it comes to being acceptable.

    THANKS Kneeslider, this may have answered our prayers!

  5. lostinoz, if you decide to check it out or buy one, make sure you let us know your impressions.

  6. Wow- Worst marketing of all time. The photography is terrible, their presence in the media almost nonexistent, and the first image you encounter on their website is an eagle with an American flag across it’s face!?!? I didn’t even bother to investigate further. Fischer- please take this advice- you need to spend A LOT more money on marketing. Hey the motorcycle looks good, but if it’s surrounded by goofy imagery, and poorly executed, unprofessional copy……Well you get the point. JT

  7. I LIKE IT!!

    I wont be selling my Buell Firebolt for it, but if the wifey lets me buy another bike, I’d consider this. Definitely cool to see a new company starting off when everyone thinks the economy is in the dumpster.

    I think this bike will sell because it combines the v-twin rumble and power in the sport bike frame without the funky Buell styling and the Ducatti price tag.

    Good Luck to the Fischer team in their future endeavors, I will be watching for new developments.

  8. I can understand why shorter riders would want a lower seat height, but the pegs can’t be mounted too low or they will drag in the corners. So where does that leave riders who are 6ft or taller ? With their legs all scrunched up, is where.

    I was bicycle shopping recently and some models come in four or five different sizes !
    I know cost wouldn’t allow it, because there are a lot more factors to deal with than just changing a few frame tube lengths, but it would be nice if motorcycle manufacturers could do the same.

  9. @JT -instead of criticizing them, why not help them? seems like you know what you are talking about, and you probably have some good ideas.

    I personally will be forwarding this article with the link so friends can see and they can pass it on, and get some interest sparked.

    I’m not calling you out on anything, but I like to see positive comments on here, brings some sanity to my life.

  10. some may see practicality issues but i really like the styling of this bike. its nice to see something that doesnt look like everything else. I like the idea of having different sizes of bike like frozen said instead of having to abandon a bike because it doesnt fit but i dont know how viable that option would be.

  11. the comments about the tank…

    It looks like there is some sort of rubber pad or cover on the back side of the tank, from the high point down to the seat pan area. The sharp angles of the painted surface may be by appearance only, as the paint edge between the tank and the pad on the back of it.

    A bit rounder or more gently beveled dorsal profile on the tank might not be a bad thing, anyway, though.

  12. I like the bike and would consider buying one, but distribution seems to be an issue. I’m not sure how they’re selling them, but when I’ve clicked on the “dealers” tab on their web-site (for at least the last few years), all I get is an application form.

    I’d be a lot more interested in the bike if I knew I could buy it and get it serviced locally.

    As for the styling, I can live with it, but I would like them to tone it down a bit. Part of the thing I like about it is that it’s not an overly aggressive bike and it has the sort of real world performance that intrests me . . . but the styling seems to scream that it’s a beast. Reminds of some of the kids I see driving around with ground effects body-work and spoilers on Accords.

    Tone down the styling and get a few distributors on-board and I think they’ve got a winner.

  13. frozen prairie 03.26.10 at 12:05 pm
    I can understand why shorter riders would want a lower seat height, but the pegs can’t be mounted too low or they will drag in the corners. So where does that leave riders who are 6ft or taller ? With their legs all scrunched up, is where.

    ?? Cut the tailsection, and reattach using spacers? Like the Magpul Ronin 1125, or any # of street fighters? I dont know how aesthetically pleasing it would be, but theres an idea.

  14. Pretty cool machine. The Fischer website is pretty thorough as well. I had questions about the engine and they were answered….Hyosung. I’m not saying that is a bad thing though. Their frame division was involved in the production/design of the Harley VR1000 way back when.

    Just in case you still rub shoulders with Harley……..run!! Your fledgling company could be absorbed!!!

    “Free Erik”

  15. seat height and taller riders? This is a 2nd model as the article above states. Taller riders by the original model.

    Scott: “Reminds of some of the kids I see driving around with ground effects body-work and spoilers on Accords.”

    ..that is a good way to put it. Overly adolescent. Overhaul the tailsection & fairing with a much smaller one to show off the distinguishing element of this bike: the chassis. The sound of the 90 degree engine (Hyosung? & SV) with the right pipe will surprise you.

  16. A one-piece frame? That’s impressive and must save quite a bit of secondary operations (ie “cost”) plus it’s much easier to maintain tolerances. Styling is too “Ricky Racer” for me too but the effort is highly commendable. I’m sure they will sell many less of these than Buell has sold of theirs but Fischer is in business which can’t be said of Buell.

    So far this (and Roehr) is the Great American Sport Bike Company. Hopefully we can add Motus to that description once they get some bikes out.

    -todd

  17. Oh yeah, and add US Highland to that list. The demise of Buell may have opened up opportunity for a US built Sport Bike.

    -todd

  18. The edgy styling appears to be the current marketing strategy for anybody entering the motorcycle business. I smell Chinese food! Where’s that motor build again?

    I agree on the website. Passion is fine but the eagle and vague specs on the website. How about a rooster with running shoes on?

  20. I remember reading about this bike in Motorcyclist years back. Why haven’t they pushed for more marketing? There’s only a few seconds-long youtube videos of their motorcycles, it’s as if they don’t care! if anyone knows of any promotional videos, please link them. I’m so baffled, it’s as if it’s a chinese import sold at your local scooter store, but it’s American and has Ohlins shocks! wtf?!!?!

  22. Oh, and no dealer network. Combine that with the awful website and it’s bad news all around.

  23. Oops, red face here, I mis-read the article and thought this was the new and only model, not a second size, though my comment was about seat height in general, not just this manufacturer.

    Jerseymayhem’s idea was a good one and makes me wonder why the rear subframes of sportbikes are not made easily adjustable for height. Shouldn’t be too hard to do especially now that under-seat exhausts are no longer in fashion.

    And now that I think about it, some BMWs have seat heights that are adjustable over an inch or two, and Suzuki’s DR650 allows a semi-permanent change in ride height, so I guess some manufacturers are already addressing this issue.

  24. I’m with Fazer6, I’m not real wild about the Hyosung motor. I rode a Hyosung 650 Comet for about a week, it had some bugs and burned a little oil. I wouldn’t mind a little bigger motor, maybe sv1000 motor. The styling I could live with, fuel injection I can’t live without.

    I still wouldn’t mind riding one.

  26. I actually like the styling. It’s overdone but different from anything else.

    @BoxerFanatic
    I saw that black piece on the tank, but it still looks uncomfortable as hell. There shouldn’t be any tip or sharp edge there at all. If anything, I’d like to see that portion of the tank angled forward, not back.

    Sometimes function wins, sometimes style wins, sometimes they both win. In the case of that tank, I think they both lost.

  27. Its really great that at least one company recognizes the need for street motorcycles for shorter riders(myself as one of them). As said before, their branding and website can use a little work, but I really appreciate domestic companies building some bikes.

    I would seriously consider this if it didn’t have a Hyosung engine,

  28. From Dan Fischer:
    Hello and thank you for the comments, criticisms, and advice.

    The MRX has been a long-fought battle. Production finally began last July. We think it’s a pretty cool bike, with excellent handling, looks that appeal to many people, and great reliability. We hope that it is the beginning of a strong, sustainable brand. For now, we only sell in the US directly from our factory in Maryland, and overseas through distributors and dealers.

    We surely could market better, but the reason we have not is that we make very few motorcycles, a bit less than the demand, hence no need to turn on the marketing machine as of yet. As for the website, yes, an update is in the works, but since I produce the site myself, time – and talent – are limited.

    Regarding the Hyosung engine and transmission: Zero problems with the few dozen units we’ve produced. They use some of the same engineers and supply chain as the Big 4 Japanese brands, so there should be no issues there. Very reliable, strong, and smooth. Because our engines are housed in a pretty substantial aluminum frame it helps dissipate the harshness you might get in a steel tube frame.

    Any questions or suggestions? dan@fischer1.com
    Thanks to The Kneeslider for the coverage.

    Dan Fischer

  29. Thank you for the input Dan, I have to admit I would love to try one, it looks like a great San Diego commuter… And idea what the gas milage is?

    Yes, I know commuting is not the point, but that looks narrower than my big ‘ol K1200r (with bags). The point is to get something decent for the week, and a blast on the weekend…

    DW

  30. DW,
    The MRX would make a great commuter for you in San Diego.
    Riders are reporting just over 54 MPG on the highway, a bit less for commuting. I’ve been getting 47-48 with a mix of highway and ….country roads.
    Dan Fischer

  31. Thanks for stopping by Dan,
    I hope that it is the beginning of a strong brand too. That frame is sounding really nice.
    The design is up to personal taste, but the great thing about motorcycles is that its relatively easy to swap it out if you don’t like it. But there seems to be a good deal of high quality components and know-how underneath that skin.

    Best of luck!

  32. The website shows a red one, but it seems like yellow is the stardard color. Blue would be nice or maybe an olive green, just something different.

  33. I’m not worried about it having a Hyosung engine. I’ve ridden a number of different Suzukis and know others that own them and have experienced no problems. The engine is pretty much the same since Hyosung is who supplied Suzuki with motors. It’s not like they’re starting from scratch.

    -todd

  35. Dan,

    Thanks for checking in, and if you still happen to be hanging around, I wonder if you could comment on any racing plans. I’m not sure what the classes are called, but I know there are classes now running SV650’s and it seems like the MRX should be competitive in those classes.

    Is anyone currently racing them or do you know that anyone will in the future? If I remember correctly, you used to do some racing yourself, so I’d think it would be something you’d be interested in.

  36. very interesting bike, the engine is trivial, they missed the single cylinder what could have been a hit

  37. Some of the motorcycle press may not like Hyosungs too much but I’ve heard nothing but good things from the people who actually own those bikes and really put the miles on them. And if using a Hyosung engine means they can offer Brembo and Öhlins parts and an aluminum frame on an $8,000 bike I say go ahead. And the fact that it’s made in America is just icing on the cake. Sweet, sweet icing. 🙂

  38. Oh, and for those who don’t like the styling, mabye that could be addressed by a naked model. I bet that frame and Vtwin look very pretty when the bodywork is removed. Are you listening Dan?

  39. What disturbs me most in that photo is the background – some dusty old corner of a room with a bunch of crap behind it. Yes, it’s trying to look edgy, but… really…!!

  40. I really like the idea of this motorcycle. I thought production was up a few years ago, but I guess I was wrong. I am coming off a 675 Daytona, and hope this bike has some grunt coming off the corner like a good SV. You need to get some dealers interested and do some demo days!! The complete lack of a dealer network will stifle me buying one as of yet, but I hope you get that set up. Just don’t let HD buy you out!! Dan I hope you have at least a 1000cc model in the works. If the current model is anything like the SV650 it should be a blast to ride.

  41. As a partner in a Hyosung parts website (www.hyosungsource.com), I can say with some authority that the GT650 engines seem to be pretty solid. I’ve had several requests for rebuild parts for 125 and 250cc engines, but never yet a single question like this fro 650 bikes. Most oners of 650 engines don’t buy parts to fix their bikes, but to upgrade and accessorize them 🙂

    FYI, the 650 Hyosung engine is an engineering cousin of the SV650 engine. They don’t share any of the parts, but I think a number of members of the engineering team for Suzuki went to work for Hyosung, and I believe (I may be wrong) they share some similarities such as an innovative combustion chamber design.

    That being said, I want to give a shout out to Hyosung engines. My personal bike is a GV250, and man, I LOVE that bike. I’ve had 4 bikes before, all Japanese in the 500-750 range, and have ridden at least a dozen other bikes. This little 250 is the most fun motorcycle I’ve ever owned. Maybe it has something to do with how beautiful, winding and smooth the roads are down here in Jeju Island, but that bike is a blast and a half. It’s just a soulful and fun motorcycle, which feels much bigger than it is. The GT650s I have ridden also shared that characteristic.