EBR Nation Part 3 "Made In America"

[Schneegz]

I have to take issue with Geoff May comparing the Mustang and Camaro to production-based race bikes.  The Mustang & Camaro really only compete with each other and the Challenger.  And only in a straight line.  There are no teams winning road races with those cars in any high level, international series.

Corvettes, on the other hand, have dominated endurance racing for years, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.  Now that was a good comparison.

[Squidbuzz]

I have to take issue with the damn things being so short.  =/

[Brad1445]

Made in america????


Assembled in America!

[Tpoppa]

Made in america????


Assembled in America!

   Good!  You found something new to complain about  

[Squidbuzz]

He does have a point.  Kinda like saying a Harley is American made.  It is funny how much stuff they have made in China.  =)

[Schneegz]

I have no problem with EBR claiming their bikes are made in America.  The frame, swing arm, wheels, brakes and body work are all made in the US.  The engine is built in Austria, of course, but then EBR bores it out and upgrades it with pistons, con rods, valves and other parts that are made in the US.

Besides; what American company makes engines or suspension for super bikes?  

Maybe later on EBR can make a deal with an American company, like Katech, to build engines for them, the way Motus did, but I doubt they will.  They have a good thing going with Rotax, who make great engines.

As for suspension, I suppose they could convince Fox to make some for them, but so far Fox only makes suspension for off-road applications, and considering how much business they do making suspension for mountain bike companies and off road race teams, they're highly unlikely to take 100 orders that would require millions in R&D from a tiny company like EBR.

In short, the EBR 1190RS is more "made in America" than most "American" cars, and the parts that aren't made in America, simply aren't made in America by anyone.

[DogBoy]

Besides; what American company makes engines or suspension for super bikes?  



As for suspension, I suppose they could convince Fox to make some for them, but so far Fox only makes suspension for off-road applications, and considering how much business they do making suspension for mountain bike companies and off road race teams, they're highly unlikely to take 100 orders that would require millions in R&D from a tiny company like EBR.

In short, the EBR 1190RS is more "made in America" than most "American" cars, and the parts that aren't made in America, simply aren't made in America by anyone.

FOX has been out of the street bike shock business for over a decade but they did produce thousands of them. Penske makes an excellent shock (far better than any FOX street bike product and a rival to Ohlins) so there is your American made product with no sacrifice in quality or performance.

Penske made a special fork for the Harley VR1000 superbike and Lockheed supplied the brakes but neither were every intended for production and were only sourced so the team could use American made products. I doubt there would ever be enough ROI for either company to produce those products at competitive prices. The Penske shock is definitely something EBR should consider.

[Schneegz]

FOX has been out of the street bike shock business for over a decade but they did produce thousands of them. Penske makes an excellent shock (far better than any FOX street bike product and a rival to Ohlins) so there is your American made product with no sacrifice in quality or performance.

Penske made a special fork for the Harley VR1000 superbike and Lockheed supplied the brakes but neither were every intended for production and were only sourced so the team could use American made products. I doubt there would ever be enough ROI for either company to produce those products at competitive prices. The Penske shock is definitely something EBR should consider.

Good point.  I hadn't thought about Penske.  

[crewwolfy]

I'm pretty sure every manufacturer gets some parts from China.  I think regulations require that a certain percentage of your product be American made if you're going to call the overall product American made.  I think that's a fair requirement.

Personally, while I do enjoy seeing American components being used and bikes 'Made in America', choosing the best product regardless of the country of origin is the way we advance and compete.  We don't want American manufacturers not trying, since they've already guaranteed the sale based on location.  If two products are relatively equal, I'll go American, but not blindly.

/rant

[Tpoppa]

On BWB there was some talk about an American built motor being used by EBR in the near future.  Considering the source, I'll believe it when I see it.  I am good with the Rotax mill anyway.

[Brad1445]

I'm pretty sure every manufacturer gets some parts from China.  I think regulations require that a certain percentage of your product be American made if you're going to call the overall product American made.  I think that's a fair requirement.

Personally, while I do enjoy seeing American components being used and bikes 'Made in America', choosing the best product regardless of the country of origin is the way we advance and compete.  We don't want American manufacturers not trying, since they've already guaranteed the sale based on location.  If two products are relatively equal, I'll go American, but not blindly.

/rant

there are such laws, and such honor to be honest. But Erik Buell has proven to be a consistant liar first embracing the 1125 stating that THIS was his dream bike he got it right. then after three failed years moved the blame to others.  I lost all respect for him and assue he is on drugs.

[falconati]

   Welcome back, Brad!

[Brad1445]

 


This has turned into a record long grudge I suppose.  I just would like the record straight.  Also Iraq had nothing to do with 9-11.

I just like honesty and facts.

[Tpoppa]

I just like honesty and facts.

That is very hard to tell from your posts.