Since we last mentioned the Fischer MRX just as it went into production, we’ve received several comments here and there is now an article about it in the December 2006 Motorcyclist magazine, the cover story, actually. In our first article, we noted it wasn’t clear where the MRX was actually built and it is now clear that the production is at their factory in Maryland. Engines are sourced from Hyosung but the bike is assembled here.
Our first article questioned a waiver the potential customer had to sign when placing an order and the waiver has since been removed so that no longer appears to be an issue.
I read the article by Alan Cathcart in Motorcyclist with interest because I’m trying to see where the MRX fits into the picture and Cathcart says it’s in Suzuki SV650S territory, though the MRX at $7999 is quite a lot pricier than the Suzuki at $6499, not a lot if you’re spending $20k but a big jump at this level. The MRX has a considerable option list which allows you to upgrade many of the standard components, though, if you add very many, the price can rise pretty fast and places the Fischer up against some pretty stout competition from Japan and Italy, not a good battleground for a small production startup company. In Dan Fischer’s own words, he is trying to make a “domestically produced, entry level sportbike consistent with the product American consumers are buying almost solely from Japan.” OK, fair enough, but if you are going in $1500 higher your bike needs to be as good as the competition will be with $1500 worth of upgrades, a very tall order.
The styling of the MRX is the type you’ll either like a lot or not at all, all hard edges and angular, it’s not my preference but that’s a matter of taste and many others may love it so it’s not a negative but not necessarily a plus, either.
The article seems to stress the Made in the USA label of the Fischer, calling it “The sportbike Milwaukee is afraid to build” and Alan Cathcart finishes up by saying, “not just hit the target, you’ve blown a hole through the bullseye,” and it’s “the most important new American machine in decades.” Wow! Really?
The MRX looks like a nice bike but it doesn’t seem to be quite as revolutionary or over the top as all that. I have to reserve any final judgement since I have not seen the bike in person and with the first limited run sold out, probably won’t be seeing one for a while.
I honestly hope the bike is as good as they are saying here and I’ll be keeping an eye on developments. Dan may have started out with a winner and it may take off in a very big way. I applaud anyone who makes the effort and takes the risk of starting a new company, willing to build a bike and face the competition. That means a lot in my book and it’s why I’m rooting for his success. Will it succeed in the market with customers who don’t care about those things? Time will tell.
Link: Fischer Motor Company
Mark Savory says
There is no way Fischer can build a bike that is cost competitive with something that is being built by Suzuki in the tens of thousands of units per month and an existing sales/marketing outlet to move the product. (it helps defray costs with larger volume) His differentiation factor is the style itself — and the handling and hopefully the quality of the final product. I consider his product more along the lines of an early Buells, Bimota, Ghezzi-Brian, etc. You buy the total package because of what they packaged around the generic engine platform. I wish Fischer much success with this manufacturing project.
Hugo says
Alan Cathcart does nice articles but is almost never negative so I wouldn’t value that too much. The Fischer just deserves a better engine then this which is a shame…
todd says
As far as I understand, a hyosung engine is pratically a suzuki engine. Hyosung, until recently, was the OEM supplier of many (if not all) of suzuki’s light-midcap engines. In my book, there’s not much wrong with the engine choice.
The only two things that will set this bike apart from the competition are:
It’s made in the USA. People are comfortable paying a premium if it has a “made in USA” label, regardless of deficiencies.
It is unique. How many Fischers have you seen? How many people will come up and ask a SV650 person about his bike?
I like the fact there is now one more motorcycle company around (a real company, not just a chopper shop). This adds to the mix, creates a little more competition, and inspires others to do the same. Keep up the good work.
-todd
James says
Not impressed. The bike in of itself may be great, but so what. We already have good choices in what appears to be its target market. If I could start a company I would want to try to do something different. I think a company that made bikes focused at the stunters could make a killing right now. I don’t stunt so I may be missing something, but don’t most of them make a lot of the same mods (reshaping the gas tank for example). Why not sale a bike with the basics designed in from the get go. Just image the aftermarket part/upgrade business you could create. Then there is the branding. What pubescent male would not want to throw away their OCC apparel and replace it with uber cool stunt company digs.
Hugo says
What I meant with a better engine is more hp because the chassis can handle it easily. The hyosung is a copy of the Suzuki engine but not as refined. I think they originally planned it with the Aprilia Mille engine and that would have been a lot more interesting (altought the price would then be a lot higher…)
Dodgy says
I notice they still list a $399 delivery charge…
“US Freight (The Fischer MRX comes crated with some set-up required)”
So now it’s $8398, and you have to do some assembly (setup?) yourself…
How does that affect warranty and liability?
“Sorry, you built it, and screwed up, and you’re now walking funny; tough luck freak boy…”
And what territory does the price put it into? Maybe a ‘serious’ 600?
coho says
Just like with Czysz, I wish Fischer great success.
If a handful of people buy it and like it, next year they will get a double handful and so on.
Most manufacturers outsource some parts, sometimes even the whole engine. If the Hyosung powerplant is good, and it seems to be, and if the bits that Fischer does are also good… Gotta say I’m with Todd on this one. Go team, and all that.
PS. More horsepower does not always a “better” motorcycle make. It’s the synergy of engine/chassis/suspension/rider that makes a better motorcycle.
Richard says
This is the only modern sportbike I’ve seen with such a pointy tank aimed at the rider. I wonder if any of the 20 people who bought one this year will end up suing Fisher sometime after they slide forward when braking.
JG says
Fischers choice of the Hyosung, Suzuki based engine is a great choice for this first attempt. This is a proven engine package that has stood the test of time and will actually encourage sceptics and first time buyers not to worry about reliablility. The chassis, brakes, etc are superior to the Suzuki SV650 and this bike looks nothing like an SV. If Alan Cathcart like the bike I bet I will too.
Armando Pereira says
Some of you are being critical of the engine and ergonomics without having even seen the bike first hand, let alone ridden it – Give me a break.
Bike looks terrific, and the price is right. This bike might not ride as well as the SV650, nor can you take a passenger, but it’s not meant to be a daily commuter, it’s meant to be a toy. Something to take our for a spin on weekends and maybe to the track a couple of times a year. Who takes an sv650 to the track!?
I’m waiting to read more about it but if all the other press is good, it might be time to make a pilgrimage to Maryland.
Armando Pereira says
Actually, let me qualify my statement… this bike better handle alot better than an sv650… and the engine should at least match the suzuki’s… I wouldn’t want to see the pimple faced tool with the sv650 beating me too badly on the time sheets… 😉 Cheers
Hugo says
It may handle better then a SV but don’t forget the engine is not from a SV. It doesn’t run so well, isn’t as refined as a SV and certainly isn’t better then a SV. A German sportsbike magazine rated this engine as one of the worst they tested. Getting an engine is very difficult so the solution is o.k. but the chassis can handle something better for sure. I think they should develop the engine more, and I want to see somebody who rides the bike regularly on a track and see if the engine holds up to it…
JG says
I guess time will tell. There will be some of these bkes on the road this spring and rider reports will tell the story.
JG says
I have been riding my new Fischer MRX since May and I love the bike. It’s hard to believe how well done it is especially when you consider that it’s not designed and built by a team of engineers, but one guy with a dream. The engine and trans are great and show their Suzuki design heritage.