When Doug wrote about the stillborn effort of Eller Industries to resurrect the Indian brand and introduce an American sportbike in the process, Brian left this comment:
I’d like to add something. I believe that the current economic recession should not discourage any dreamer from putting the pieces together to put out his/her own creation. Do it in a garage, do it at a friend’s shop. Bootstrapping is what this country was founded on and it needs to happen again, regardless of who’s in the high office.
I strongly believe THIS is the perfect time to innovate something new. Now more than ever little companies and job shops are begging for work, and if you’ve got a design you want to get built, now just might be the easiest time to do it.
I’m in total agreement. When economic conditions make many existing companies contract, they’re inclined to look out for their own survival, they cut expenses, they look inward. A builder with an idea and a vision of where he wants to take it should start now. It’s the perfect time.
Contrary to what is happening in a few segments of our economy, many folks are currently doing very well, the doom and gloom reported on the news is a made for TV story, it’s even better than broadcasting from the beach in a hurricane.
But even when times really were bad, back in the Great Depression, many were doing fine and those out of work were doing everything they could to get ahead, learning new skills, starting businesses, doing the things that needed to be done to keep moving. Magazines of the time were filled with stories of how to make, build and do things yourself.
This is no time to slow down and hide, if you wait for the news media to report good times, you’ll miss an incredible opportunity. One of the reasons our largest companies are having difficulties is their inability to move quickly and adapt, which is exactly why a small company or startup is in the best position to take advantage of fast changing conditions.
You’ve seen the many incredible builds featured on The Kneeslider, built in a garage or by a couple guys in a small shop. If one or two of those projects was reengineered with production in mind, we could see a lot of new small companies bursting on the scene and they wouldn’t need $25 billion to get started.
No one wants to buy junk, but, especially in tough times, there are plenty of potential customers looking for quality. Right now, there are more than a few investors looking for promising investments and a small company with a solid design and capable builders might be just the thing.
Is it time for a new small motorcycle company? Is this the time to hide or the time to build? I say build. What about you?
Casey says
Thank you for those words of encouragement, I had a similar mindset but it’s nice to hear them from someone like yourself.
Edison apparently had an unflinching optimism and excitement in the face of adversity, perhaps I would do well to emulate that.
Claymore says
Hear hear!
HotRodTroy says
I have been wooking at starting a shop selling bikes. The biggest road block has been, “Where do I get the financing”. From what I have been able to find, it seems as though a person must have the money in hand to get started. If anyone has any suggestions please pass them along. Thank you,
Troy
davidabl says
Crocker was started in the depths of the depression.
Mr. Tanshanomi says
You don’t need credit. Ever play the game “Bigger & Better” as a teenager? That’s exactly what bootstrapping is. Richard M. White, in his famous Entrepreneur’s Manual, uses the case history of a bankrupt okie in the dust-bowl days of the Great Depression who, managed to parlay a welder, some scrap metal and his old truck into the nation’s largest mobile drilling rig manufacturer. He never borrowed a dime in the process. In fact, every week, he’d put a roll of nickels in the company safe. That was the company’s cash reserves.
Tinker says
So, he didn’t borrow a dime because he was busy saving nickles?
mobilus says
Think: One Red Paper Clip
A guy traded up from one red paper clip, eventually for a house.
http://oneredpaperclip.blogspot.com/
hoyt says
Good topic…small business power is formidable.
It’s also time for large companies to get their ass in gear with innovation, efficiency, accountability, and diversity in product lines.
The disproportionate ratio of CEO & upper management salaries to the rest of the company is also bullshit. You are not rockstars
Tom327Cat says
Here is the problem: Everyone who wants to start the next great American motorcycle company seems to feel it is their due to start at the finish line. The Indian brand keeps trying to resurrect by producing the Chief model, which I am sure has the best profit margin, however, they might consider that by the time someone is willing to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a bike they may already have a brand that they are comfortable with. Sure a few people are going to jump at the chance to buy a new Chief, but how few, too few from what I am seeing. What I would love to see is an Indian Cub, a high quality 400-650cc bike that puts me back less than $8000 bucks. Sure that might be a failing idea too, but it would still be nice to see a motorcycle startup not making the usual mistake.
poweredbybeer says
I’ve wanted to start a motorcycle and/or car company for years, designing and building cool cars and bikes, but my biggest stumbling block is simply not knowing where to start. How do you begin building motorcycles when you live in a condo in the city, work full-time, and have no savings? I mean, I’ve worked on my bike in my living room before, but building a concept bike from scratch is a different story! Seems the odds are against me, and others like me. It’s a good thing dreaming is still free…
As an interesting sidenote, the subject came up yesterday at coffee break of open source product developement vs. proprietary rights (eg; Linux vs. Windows). What’s to stop the whole open source principle from being applied to products other than software, like motorcycles? What kind of motorcycle does EVERYBODY want? What would it look like? Would an effort like that even succeed in turning out a finished product? The idea was interesting, nonetheless.
Scott says
The open source idea has been tried for some time on the car front.
http://www.theoscarproject.org/
The particular problem with this project is too many ideas and no one driving the ship. All ideas are considered and it seems the group spins in circles. Like open source software, some parameters need to be established like what is the goal at least.
Dave says
The biggest problem with starting your own motorcycle company is that we as motorcyclists have become accustomed to perfect shiny bikes from the mighty corporations who have spent millions on r&d, mass production and marketing over many years.
A start-up can never compete with that.
Sure you may be able to come up with your own design, but then try to sell it to fellow riders at a minimum of three times production bike prices if you want to make a living at it, never mind a competitive warranty and you’ll see just how discouraging it can be, just ask any custom bike builder.
Best advice, build a prototype then look for venture capital of at least $20,000,000 and then become an employee of your investors who soon want a return on their investment.
hobomike says
wow. lots of great comments.
YES, I think we are going through the GREAT SHAKEOUT (which I hope doesn’t become THE GREAT BAILOUT, fingers crossed) and to start something new, right now, will be very difficult because of tight credit. That said, we have this great communicative technology called the Internet and so, I think it is very possible to get something new and exciting, up and running. You will need to be very focused and realistic with your plans. There are many wealthy people who will need places to put their money and motorcycles? well, it’s an emotional thing as well. This is good.
Tom327Cat said something great when he said that everyboby seems “to feel it is their due to start at the finish line. ” Yes, it’s sexy to start a company selling expensive showpieces but what about the bread and butter? Look at all the MC companies and see where their bottom line is…scooters? Or for HD? Clothing and accessories? You get the idea.
dave says
Interesting…
What about starting on the ‘ground-floor’ with a small-displacement bike that has ‘adjustability’ built in? Sold for a fair price of around $6k? Top-shelf parts available as upgrades, without being cheap to start with… One chassis, 5 different configurations… You choose the style, and can change it at any time yourself with simple hand tools. Nothing ‘fancy’ or hard to get parts. Common items available from ANY m/c parts dept.
$150k starts the company production, (including prototypes) and tooling/epa certs….
Anyone want in???
Garrick says
I’ll have to agree with everyone’s comments.
You may have pickup the fact that We all are dreamers with good ideas and the desire to see those ideas form into something Real that we can show others. No one is willing to believe in us until they can see what you see in your mind. You know that bright idea that wakes you up in the middle of the night, the idea that you have to stop doing everything else just to draw, and those ideas that you see every day that You would Love to BUILD. We need to break out our Legos, hit the savage yards, or raid your own garages. Just BUILD SOMETHING. That is how you get started on the next Big Thing.
Seymour says
Hey Dave, let me know how to participate!
Like some of you I have my own ideas on the “perfect” motorcycle that I’d love to build at least one of. It’s just that my abilities are far behind my ambitions.
Maybe we can form some kind of association to share ideas and resources..?
dave says
Anyone interested *in any way* should contact Paul… he’ll give out my email…
And for what it’s worth, The first mock-up is almost done, and on a shoestring, it’s taken a little while, even using begged/borrowed parts… Prototypes will, of course, be running vehicles, used for shows and/or media. Production units will follow in the Summer of ’09. The idea is to have initial production of under 100 units for ’09, with increases to follow pending the reception it gets…
Feel free to contact me if you’d like to know more.
-dave
Seymour says
I want to be involved “in any way” and have made myself clear to bienville, but to no avail. You can contact me at mtroy16 (at) comcast.net. Otherwise, please refrain from getting people’s hopes up. Thanks.
Mehul Kamdar says
I am no engineer but I do accept the view expressed by many here that innovation often begins in a garage. In recent years, Microsoft was built up that way. A different product from a motorcycle, no doubt, but you get the idea.
Speaking of retailing, SBA loans are still available for those who want to get a business off the ground. And when (not “if”) gas prices increase again, there are going to be a lot of people who look at motorcycles and scooters especially for commuting in the warmer months. Get going now and you will be ready when the time comes.
Yes, don’t lose hope. Bad times cannot last forever. The present economic climate will pass.
Tom says
The biggest problem is that the bike is going to be much less reliable and much more expensive than anything on the market until it can reach something approaching mass production (at least 10,000 bikes per year).
Until production can reach those levels, we’ll have to justify the price with something unique and exotic. While I love small, light bikes, we’ll have a problem selling a small light bike for the $20,000 to $30,000 we’ll have to charge for the first few years until we get our feet under us.
How about this: A 1200 cc parallel twin with power similar to the big displacement V-Twins, but lighter and more compact.
Since our components will be more expensive than mass-prduced components, let’s build on that and actually offer better, lighter materials. We can inlude machined aluminum parts for nearly the cost of machined steel parts (though both will be more expensive than our competitor’s mass-produced counterparts.)
Ultimately, I’m looking at a very light, small (let’s shoot for approximately 350 lbs) great handling 1200 cc parallel twin with approx. 150 HP that could run with the best bikes in the world on a twisty road or track for approximately $30,000.
Anybody interested in a bike like that?
Tom says
. . . and just to expand on that idea a little more fully, to get something like this off the ground, I think we have to think about our potential market.
If we’e trying to sell on “value” we’re going to get killed by Honda, Suzuki etc. If someone is on a tight budget looking for a bike, they’re not going to consider a difficult to maintain garage bike.
The people who will be willing to consider our Kneeslider Wildcat will likely already have a couple bikes in the garage and be looking for something unique they can show off (and a highe price, lower volume bike says: “Look at me! Look at me! I’ve got MONEY”
That’s the kind of customer who will ge us off the ground. I love what Fscher is trying to do, but I think they’ve set a very difficult task for themselves.
Affordable, fun transportation can be in the cards down the road, but those kind of bikes are a lare companie bike – not a start up.
We also need to realize that the first year of production (after we’ve gone through the loooooong EPA/DOT certification process) we’ll be lucky to crank out 500 units the first year of production.
At $6000 per unit, that will only bring $300,000 of revenue – barely enough to pay workers and heat a factory.
At $30,000 per unit, first year revenue would be $1,500,000 – still a small amount, but more able to keep an actual production facility up and running.
skadamo says
One proven way to start on a small budget is hang out on forums of up and coming manufacturers and create custom parts for these bikes based on owner gripes. It is a wide open market. Then progress to building customs based on the bikes from reinvested profits. Companies like Hyosung are very likely to license you the engines or more. This is happening now and I can’t wait to see where it goes. I know of 3 parts companies and an e-zine getting off the ground that cover “other makes”.
Tirapop says
If you want to build the American bike of your dreams, it should probably be a limited production one-off. If you do it correctly, it will pay for its own development and everyone can walk away contented.
If you want to build an American motorcycle company from the ground up, I think you need to start from the other end of the food chain. Without a pedigree, an existing profitable manufacturing business, or a large personal fortune, it would be difficult to compete with the major manufacturers (and boutique manufacturers) for full size motorcycles. It makes more sense to start out in scooters and mopeds.
When gas prices went through the roof (and they will again), acceptance of scooters as a viable transportation option increased. Start by importing and re-branding Chinese/Korean product. Develop a brand, in the same way Harley, BMW, and Ducati have. They don’t compete on value against the Japanese manufacturers. They sell a sort of uniqueness and an identity their customers want. Make it hip. Make it edgy. Aim at a younger market. Cross market with other lifestyle products. Develop a distribution and sales operation and a domestic engineering capability to improve quality and reliability. Source from multiple producers to cultivate relationships.
Once you’ve developed a track record running a viable two-wheel “manufacturing” business, it should be easier to attract investors. Develop new product, grow your engineering capability, and source the production globally. Find niches to expand into. Green technology will continue to get more popular. Get into hybrid scooters, LPG fueled engines, etc… Sell, sell, sell. Expand markets and start to compete with the major manufacturers, again emphasizing brand over value.
Now build a motorcycle. Your early younger customers will now have incomes to afford your bike and favorable associations with your brand. The street cred those younger buyers give your brand will have sway on some of the older buyers who want the halo associated with your brand. Build unique bikes that don’t compete in already crowded product categories.
JC says
Considering how many sport bike engines end up on eBay due to squids, might as well base your bike around them to have an inexpensive supply of engines.
Liter bike cruiser? why not?
dave says
Hmm, some interesting thoughts..
First, One cannot compete with the big companies. It’s not possible, on their terms. Value? Not going to happen. To make it simply about money is foolish. Money is not the reason most of us back-yard builders do this… We do it for the love of two-wheels. As far as “why”… Simply not having anything on the market that appeals to me, and others of the same mindset is enough. Sure, I can buy a KawaHonYamUki 250-500cc bike for under $4k USD. But there’s a MILLION of them out there, and as much fun as I may have on it, it’s not “me”. The problem with older bikes, like most of us own/customize to our liking: Parts availability. Sure, there are lots of spares, if you know where to look, but eventually you will run into that ONE part you cannot get.
A new motorcycle that uses COMMON over-the-counter major components will sell like mad if it’s what the people want. I’m not talking about having complete proprietary assemblies made for this thing… Frame, engine, and a couple of body-parts are the only things made specific to this model. All of the components are readily-available at any multi-line dealership. The main design is also infinately changable. The bike can be made into ANY style that suits the end-user. The design also takes into consideration the possibility of larger-engines, and different layouts further down the road. With very little tooling changes, it could be configured to carry an “American” V-Twin type engine.
On that subject: Who says the “American” motorcycle MUST use a monster V-Twin? Outdated technology, and the typical cruiser-look is not going to attract the youger, ‘hipper’ individuals that are now entering the marketplace. Shaking motors, loud pipes, and big horsepower does not appeal to everyone. This is one of the many reasons scooter sales have jumped so high in the last few years.
Also, who said that there’s gotta be a bunch of employees building these things? Confederate made do with 8 people prior to Hurricane Katrina… It doesn’t take alot of people to build a few bikes. Again, I’m not talking about 10,000 units, here. Again- money is not the ultimate goal. It’d be nice, no doubt… But not the reason for doing it.
As anyone in the industry knows, if any given item ‘takes off’ and has a broad-appeal, it will not be operating independantly for long… A bigger fish will come along and buy it up. I’m okay with that, if it were to happen, but NOT THE ULTIMATE GOAL..
dave
todd says
Then there’s the problem of Federal Compliance. Each and every model bike you build and sell as “NEW” will need to be EPA / CARB and DOT / FMVSS compliant (California requires a separate CARB certification regardless if it passes Federal standards – this means California is more powerful than the US Federal Government). That means very expensive test submissions.
Every time you have a new fuel tank design you have to have the bike tested for evaporative emissions – you have a charcoal canister and tamper proof vapor recovery system on that thing don’t you? Oh, you changed the pipes from low road pipes to high scrambler pipes? Test the bike again for emissions and noise compliance. Not only for new but you have to demonstrate that they will be in compliance throughout the bikes life. You removed the full fairing for a naked standard version? I see another noise test in the requirements. Each model will have to be submitted for testing every year even if no changes have been made. This all can cost lots and lots of dollars, even if you happen to hit the nail on the head on each test.
Certification can only be granted to the you if you can control the specification of your sourced products. If you import a motorcycle and want to get it tested for compliance you must have an agreement with the manufacturer that you have to approve of any future changes to the specification of that motorcycle – try that one with Honda.
You must prove to these agencies (EPA, etc.) that you can and are actively providing warranty service for your bikes and you must report all failures and defects to them. If any one emissions related component has as little as a 4% or 25 part (whichever is less) failure rate the entire motorcycle line must be recalled and a suitable replacement found, the bike being resubmitted for testing.
You also can’t just sell a stripped down bike and an open catalog. CARB / EPA laws require that all new motorcycles be sold in their original, emission-certified configuration with no modifications. At least this means you can pass on the cost of two exhaust systems to the customer.
Fear not; there are companies that do this for a living and are willing to help ($$$). S&S for one now has the capability of issuing CARB / EPA Certification or you can try Motor Science Enterprise Inc http://www.epacarb.com/bike_en.html .
If you want to go it alone, all states have free EPA compliance workshops to help you through:
In California: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/motcycle/motcycle.htm
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/fmvss/index.html
US Environmental Protection Agency motorcycle regulations: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/roadbike.htm
Happy researching.
-todd
dave says
Yep. Too much red tape, Too much $$, and Too much hassle to be worth it.
Screw it, I’m buying a suzuki tu 250…
curt says
Building and designing the prototype has always been the fun part, and if you can build one why not build more. This is where it gets discouraging, trying to find out whats required from the state can get exausting and seem never ending, this is where the money comes in. If there were no rules or regulations, such as back during the great depression it might be easier to actually put a bike into production. By the time you pay the state you have used up all your running capital that would otherwise be applied to production. Building on a small scale would be fine, but once you put yourself out there you now need to comply, wether it be one bike or three, if you are listing yourself as a manufacturer you need to meet there standards. $$$$$
B.Case says
Todd, although some of the information you posted is helpful, let’s try not to make it sound too daunting so that no one tries.
I agree that trying to market a mass-customizable bike will be a regulation nightmare, so it is beneficial for anyone trying to “break the mold” to go and read the nhtsa codes so they know what the can and can’t do. Also, call around to a few testing labs and ask them for advice. They’ll tell you straight up what to do without all the “red tape”
But for those dreaming of a bike that would fall in line with existing gov regs, but offers a slight alternative to the traditional American style (more in line with what TOM said above), then I would argue that EPA/CARB/DOT compliance is not as daunting as most make it out to be. Especially when you fully understand what you can and cannot do.
For those of you wishing you could get your idea off the ground, I say don’t worry about compliance until you’ve got a few prototypes built and you’ve convinced some people to give you money.
Until then, keep building.
-Brian
kneeslider says
Once again, I’m going to agree with Brian. It seems some folks want to talk themselves and others out of trying something before ever getting started, they’re looking for reasons why it won’t work. If that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll see lots of hurdles that seem insurmountable. On the other hand, if you address those issues one at a time and find out how others have done it, there’s usually a way. You’ve probably heard the old saying, “Those that say it can’t be done should not interrupt the person who is doing it.”
Is beginning a startup too hard and too risky? Whichever answer you give is right for you.
hoyt says
Would the following concepts cross-over into the manufacturing industry? The result could be a win-win, particularly in a slow economy…
Beer: “Contract Brewing” – one brewery will brew batches of beer for a separate brewer, typically the latter is trying to reach broader markets or a start-up trying to get their product launched. I believe Sam Adams was brewed at one time by Iron City Brewing company.
Iron City was able to generate more revenue from their equipment investment & Sam Adams was able to increase their capacity while not having the huge investment of expanding their facilities.
Wine: “Co-op” company allows multiple start-up wineries to use the facility & equipment. This is slightly different than the above example, however, there are some established wineries that also make use of the same scenario as above in order to maximize their equipment investment.
Would a company such as the new Indian be willing to reduce costs by “contract-manufacturing” the Wakan (or anyone else’s start-up motorcycle) ?
The plant does not necessarily have to be in the motorcycle industry if they have unused space to generate “rent revenue” from you, especially if the agreement allowed for your own staff to use the facility during the 3rd shift.
This arrangement would increase volume & reduce MSRP, resulting in brands that are within reach of the common enthusiast’s stretch.
kneeslider says
hoyt, remember my article on Virtual Motorcycle Companies? We’re getting closer all the time. Doesn’t this seem like the perfect time to do this?
curt says
Where would be a good place to look for investors. Lets say I have a model I would like to see go into production but have nothing more than that.
B.Case says
Doug(hoyt), short answer is yes, contract manufacturers do exist and yes it would be a good place to start for someone with an idea for a new brand. Good example with the brewers and wineries.
Although, I believe there are examples of what you’re talking about in motor vehicle manufacturing already. Off hand, the Ariel Atom comes to mind, which was contracted to Brammo, then to a group operating out of VIR. Of course, I’m partial to the Iron City beer example, being a Pittsburgh native myself.
There are plenty of companies with extra capacity right now who would be willing to do contract manufacturing. However, I think a lot of us, when faced with insurmountable odds, try to think of ways to shortcut the system or try to find ways to make it easier for the little guys to get started. I think that’s wasted effort, though, as it tends to derail you before you even get to the station.
I believe that we should not forget the most important thing, and that is having a GOOD idea in the first place.
Curt- Friends and Family.
-Brian
todd says
Not trying to discourage, just letting people know why it isn’t done all the time already. Even the big manufacturers take the red tape into serious consideration. That’s why there’s only a fraction of the models available in California.
If Harley sells all 750 new Sportsters that will barely pay for a short run glossy ad in Cycle World. All the free exposure they’re getting out of The Kneeslider and the like will help them direct some of that money to US certification.
I have been looking into this for myself. I’ve been finding it’s much better to at least start off as a custom bike builder (basically selling used bikes or building kits) before embarking on the huge task of building “new” bikes. Once you become slightly successful you might attract interest in investors. The key is EXPOSURE.
Just take it one step at a time. You have to build a bike and build an identity before you can build a company.
-todd
Kurtdesign says
All very good ideas above. Most everyone here has probably ridden a hundred bikes like me. I am becoming disenchanted with the 3 hp and 2 pound difference between each year of VTXYZFSVGSXRR1CBRZX etc. I want a fun bike (not necessarily long distance) that I don’t have to look over my shoulder for the police all the time.
How about not trying to make a “new bike” per se but completely “redoing an old bike” (modern powerplant, but completely updated with off the shelf chassis components, etc.)? Goal: fun bike with 60-70 hp on-demand “all the time”, 300 pounds max wet weight, sticky low profile tires, single seater. With <300 pounds, a lot of women may show up in the sport.
FYI: the reason I ask is that my company is building 2 different prototypes with same engine but different looks. Should be driving one on the street about Christmas 08. Mostly for my own curiousity, but I think there are others interested in the idea.
dave says
@ todd:
Trust me; This is not just some ‘random-idea’ that just recently popped into my head. This has been an ongoing project for almost 3 years. The ins/outs of regulation, and certification I understand. Possibly better than you, as I’ve had to deal with these things first-hand with another company. Hence the decision to use already-available manufactured components when/if possible. Take the engine, for example: It is already being used in an unrelated vehicle, and has over 5 years of development behind it. Not to mention CARB/EPA certs, that were done by the MFG.
Brakes/suspension componentry: Existing parts already in service on SEVERAL other motorcycles. Exhaust/Emissions: Again, already in use on SIMILAR motorcycles. Yes, once the bike goes into production, it will have to get several certs itself, but the hard/expensive work is done. Using your imagination, and the ability to integrate existing components seems to be rare… besides, once it hits production status, it won’t be much of an issue, as far as start-up costs. Until then, small-batch “pre-production” prototypes will be running around doing “product research”.
-dave
todd says
On the same page Dave, I envy your accomplishments. I’ve been hoping for a Vento 400cc roadster ever since I approached them with the idea four or five years ago. Did they give up on the project? Your modular concept is a great way forward, I wish you and J.T. the best of luck. -for those who don’t remember:
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2006/11/03/bienville-studios-jt-nesbitt/
My original idea was to make cafe racer kits and conversions for DRZ400 singles when they first came out. Those are already street legal, and solid. It’s not quite an original idea, Roland Sands has since jumped on the idea himself, albeit not a streetable version. Now I lack the time and the devotion (wife and kids are more important to me) so someone else might as well make a go of it.
I wasn’t quite as universally forward thinking in my approach as you but my goal was small: Build a bike I would want and then maybe someone else would want it too. Ultimately that is a great way to start a business in this global age. Find an underserved niche and fill it.
-todd
todd says
Of course, take a look around, someone might already be filling the niche you’re after.
In my case with the DRZ400 Cafe Racer – with a little modularity thrown in – CCM beat me to the punch:
http://www.ccmmotorcyclesuk.com/bikes-main/models.html
-todd
dave says
Oh, you gotta love some CCM’s… BUT they’re not available stateside.
As far as Vento- They have other projects in the works, and are more interested in selling quads/cruisers at the moment. They are also a parts OEM supplier.
The original idea for the ‘modular’ motorbike from Bienville was, of course, the Bienville Motorbike. I have since adjusted that idea to the 400 Triple design we did as a study for Vento. They were not interested, so with some design revisions, and some changes to major construction, the Cerberus 400 was born.
Oops.. lettin’ the cat out of the bag, here…
At any rate, keep the convo going, I’m not here to make trouble with you guys, there is a reason I check Kneeslider everyday…
-dave
Salil Bangale says
It seems nice idea to start a Motorcycle Manufacturing Company.
I liked some of the views stated above.
You all might be knowing Tata Nano price is just $2000 (Tata Nano is a Car). So how they are managing to sell them at this rate? This is not just because of mass production. Innovation has also contributed to reduce the cost of the car and making the design simple was the key factor considered while designing.
Here average Indian motorcycle cost around $1000. if you outsource some of the components for manufacturing to India your investments will also decrease and your product will be more competitive.
If any one willing to invest about $200000 we can start a Manufacturing company.