| Author | Message | ||
     Ezblast |
Don't think I need that going to the bar, coming home - probably - lol EZ | ||
| Sycho |
.... if you didn't change out the depends first... wouldn't they become sort of a "gel" seat? EWWW!!!  | ||
| Kauai1800 |
Thought I'd post a couple pics of a cafe thumper I designed...I called it Lucky 88 because that's a Chinese good luck number.  I was considering working with Chinese motorcycle company to make a small batch of these. (Please don't hate on me for the Chinese thing - there are no US firms who do this type of stuff that I know of). The bike shown is built on a frame and motor this firm already uses for other bikes. It is EPA compliant (which is a big deal), and one could make it from a 17hp 250cc V twin or a 24-28 HP thumper at either 350 or 400cc. Obviously I like the thumper idea more..but the engines are harder to get. The seat would have to be a new tooling, but everything else on this bike comes from parts they already use. They quoted me a price that seems a bit high - roughly $2100 per bike with an minimum order of 18 bikes. I would expect the pricing to be more like $1400-$1500. At a cost of $2100, these bikes would need to retail for $3300-$3800 and that seems too much for this. I found a retailer who seems to be doing something very similar with this 250cc bobber: http://www.hotrodschoppers.com/2010_Bubba_250cc_bobber.htm He's selling these for $2500, so he's getting them for maybe about $2000 cost and not marking them up as much..my guess is he's using some of the same suppliers I was in contact with. Pretty cool bike but you'll notice that he doesn't mention the HP figure anywhere because it's probably about 17HP. The factory I was in contact with is one of the main players there and makes bikes for MAJOR Western brands, so I think their quality would be good. If I could figure out a way to do a "group buy" using guys on this forum, cafe racer forums, thumper forums, etc...we could probably figure out a way to get these made for cost (and we can get up to three colors in the 18 bike order). Any firm will want a 50% deposit at order and 50% at delivery, so I can't figure out a way to organize something like this. Turnaround time from order to delivery would be about 45-60 days. Plus you've got the issue of having to take delivery in LA and how to transport them from there. Seems like it would be a financial mess trying to put it together, but if you could, everyone would have a pretty cool cafe thumper for a very good price! Anyway, just thought I'd share. | ||
| Ezblast |
Good concept, but no power, it has come to my attention that the single cylinder folks in America want to have 40 to 60hp, be ultra light, have the three basics of motorcycle physics - Erik's Triology of tech., and will have at least intermediate suspension, if not a full on suspension, basic is no longer acceptable on a new design - the only folks to get away with a basic design is Einfield - and any beginner bike - though why those that need it most get the •••••• suspension is beyond me (not counting HD because their suspensions bites the big one in handling - no matter how advanced - tis the nature of the cruising beast). Would 16" wheels be cheaper? - good rubber can be found for 16" in the larger sizes/more regular sizes. Solid wheels better than wire, BMW had that seat, so did Triumph, should not be a hard fabrication, nice idea overall. EZ | ||
| Kauai1800 |
Aloha ez and thanks for the good feedback. The issues you mention are pretty much the same reasons I think this should not go forward. Close but no cigar... And now for something completely different: a cool video of a 500cc thumper raging the salt flats from those guys at deus ex machina.. http://vimeo.com/m/#/2755186 | ||
| Ezblast |
LOL - That link is going to drive me nuts - I even joined, hoping for it to work - any other link to it? Here you go! http://vimeo.com/14915947 Thats the way to role! EZ | ||
| Blastronomer |
 An old fair poster for the Wall of Death. From an article about the Globe Poster company that made movie, concert, fair, etc. posters since the 20s. Here's the link if you're interested. http://www.npr.org/2011/04/10/135268508/globe-poster-american-music-illustrated?sc=fb&cc=fp | ||
| Ezblast |
Blasts where a featured motorcycle for one of the globe of death shows in Vegas - should of seen what they did to the Blasts - lol EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
During a recent showing of "Wild Hogs" on FX, they did a little piece on learning how to ride, featuring of course a Blast! (they also did a whole bit on Sturgis too). | ||
| Ezblast |
Damn! Missed it! Oh yeah - in the picture section is several different shots of the Globe Of Death Blast - EZ (Message edited by ezblast on April 14, 2011) | ||
| Themagster |
Frankly I am difficult to be around when I don't have two wheels on which to plant my bum and head out for some two wheel therapy. I have been completely fortunate to have the Blasts, during this last down time for repair (stator) I put myself into a state of forced cheerfulness so I wouldn't stress out my mechanic (husband) and this put him at ease. Still, he knows I hate not being able to ride. He even offered up the Bandit, although I couldn't manage it. So he did what any great spouse would do...went out and bought me a spare. It was new, but old stock, so he got a great price for removing it from the showroom floor. I like the fact that it is still a 500 and has that "single" sort of look to it, but the parallel twin water cooled engine should give me years joy, either as back-up or primary rider. I still plan to put miles on the Blast and make a personal goal I've set for myself and then some. Although, I may end up taking the EN500 on my summer journey. Looking forward to being a two bike owner for the first time in my life. I almost feel guilty for posting this, as I am a die-hard Blastard but wanted to tell ya'll. Happy East to everyone  | ||
| Swampy |
NOOOOO!!! LOL, Good on you Girlie! I'm sure you will have alot of smiles on it. If you come this way this year let me know. If I hit the lottery, I will come see you in August! | ||
| Ezblast |
Wire wheels? - lol - happy Easter! EZ | ||
| Twack |
new toy to keep the blast company. i really want to rhino line this to, so it will match the blast. but the plastics are so mint it would be morally wrong. the rims need to get painted asap at least though  | ||
| Ezblast |
LOL - now you have plenty of motor, but still have a suspension that needs vast improving to safely enjoy that power. At least you look to have good brakes! Pink is the power color right now in the business district, so your wheels would be in - lol - the plastic does look pretty cherry. EZ | ||
| Swampy |
What is the dent in the frame for? Framepucks? | ||
| Kauai1800 |
Aloha Guys, Got me a new toy. 500cc thumper to boot. It's a 2005 Royal Enfield Deluxe with 2100 miles. It's as if the Blast was simply too well-sorted and I needed something else to work on..lol! Now I've REALLY got a bike that's got problems. Actually the bike is running pretty well but the front DRUM brakes need to be rebuilt. If I can't get them right, there is a front disc brake kit for this bike. It's got both electric and kick starting..so it was pretty fun to kick it to life. Not nearly as LOUD as my Blast...not nearly as FAST as my Blast..but a fun ride nonetheless. I want to keep the Blast for as long as I can, but there's already pressure from my wife to only keep one bike around, so the Blast may have to go. I'm in agreement with TheMagster..you guys are my boys. If I sell my Blast I'll feel guilty for abandoning my peeps! But no matter what I do, you guys have helped me learn to ride; learn to fix my bike; and learn how to be safe on the road, and for that I'm eternally grateful!!  | ||
| Damnut |
I "tweaked' it from it's stock form when the wife got pregnant and I started doing trackdays with the XB. I needed something to ride so why not the Blast. It goes good and I hate to sell it but the XB hasn't been registered in ~2 years. That's long enough, that and I need to pay for this.  | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
"but there's already pressure from my wife to only keep one bike around" ooo...thats gotta hurt. Maybe you can have them sewn back on? Motorcycles are to guys what shoes are to women*: You can own more than one pair of shoes or wheels. And no, you cant ride more than one motorcycle at a time any more than you can wear more than one pair of shoes at a time. But you can loan them out to a friend  *Stereotype not meant to offend. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
PS 2100 miles and the front brakes need to be rebuilt? You might want to hang on to the Blast! | ||
| Ezblast |
Yeah - and a suspension no better than a Blast? Why bother? - lol - just ribbing ya, still if I where to step up to track bikes it would have to have suspension better than the CR or XB, and not close to the Blast's stock set up - that's for sure. EZ | ||
| Ezblast |
KAUAI - you might want to hang on to the Blast, Enfields could keep you busy with the wrenching, and you can ride the Blast! EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Not that I dont like the Enfield, I do. I just know what its like to own a "high maintenance" bike..or two. | ||
| Kauai1800 |
Yeah I plan to keep the Blast for a while no matter what - in case the Enfield turns out to be a hassle. The bike is a wonky mix of nice 1950s engineering and Indian-style production - similar to the Blast there's lots of small things needed to really get it "right". I like stuff like that - what can I say? Regarding my nuts..yes where ARE they? lol. But nah..I believe in a harmonious marriage and I already have a vintage car, a small boat, and a bunch of other money-eating toys..and I'm not a rich guy. We'll see if we can reach an agreement. Of course I can always put it on Craigslist for $2800 and tell her no one has called about it...heheh. | ||
| Sycho |
Kauai, keep the Blast. There is so much more you can do to it to personalize it. The Enfield looks great as far as an old style bike, but have you taken your wife out for a ride yet on either bike? Doesn't look like you'd be able to on the Enfield. Hell if she likes being on a bike she might let you keep both just so she can ride one by herself. I'm still trying to get my wife to get her license so I can convince her to get another Blast, lol. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
From the "who really cares" file: Went out for a little ride tonight with a friend. 86 years of motorcycling history between the two bikes. If parts could talk.... | ||
| Ezblast |
They'd say get a Blast! EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Your mom says get a Blast! | ||
| Sycho |
And so he got 2, or 3, it seems... | ||
| Ezblast |
 - I always listen to my mama! Mama is always right! EZ  |
