Put down a deposit on this "motorcycle"

[D-Mac]

With a new commute for work of 135 miles per day, I've been looking for something that's really good on gas and comfortable. Unfortunately, I have to dress up and travel around for my job, so my RT just isn't practical to ride most days (I do try to ride to work once or twice a week). I have a minivan for driving on bad weather days, but it gets 23mpg. It's paid for though and I want to keep it for hauling toys, so I've decided to "invest" in one of these vehicles (currently classified as a motorcycle in most states).

https://www.eliomotors.com/

I have no illusions about when I might ever be able to take delivery. I figure that it's an uphill battle that they'll even get the money to build 'em. Nonetheless, I coughed up $100 for a nonrefundable deposit to get on the reservation list. This gets me in front of everyone who put down up to $1000 for a "refundable" deposit (I'm thinking that's also risky given that we're talking about a startup company with a cash crunch). So at worst, I'm out $100 for a t-shirt and some stickers.   At best, I'll get something that gets 84mpg, costs under 7K, comes with ABS/airbags/cruise, and reportedly has the acceleration of a Honda Civic. 95% made in America too.

Thoughts?

[Sport-Touring]

[Stripes]

   I like it!  

[Andrew]

Looks like a Can-Am with a inclosed cockpit

I don't understand the CanAm, but this I do.

Will be keeping an eye on this one

[Squid4Life]

84 mpg?..... Damm.... Eventhough i dont see myself driving that, with that kind of mpg its definetly worth considering...(very hard to lane split though  )

[Scratch33]

Shades of the Messerschmitt KR200!

[Justin]

I was going to make fun of it.. but then I watched the videos. This thing has potential.

[Blunder]

Shades of the Messerschmitt KR200!

Those are very rare. I was thinking about BMW's Isetta. D-Mac's a BMW guy.  

[Justin]

Or the Corbin Sparrow  



http://www.corbinsparrow.com/

[Bigpoodle]

While you're waiting for this fantasy to be fulfilled....

I used to have a long commute that required me to show up in a Brooks Brothers suit and impersonate an executive every day. Managed to make it work on an R1100R (big dirty fun, great mileage, and use of the HOV lanes which you won't get with that crypto-Can Am) by buying a one-piece waterproof body bag (OK, a regular nylon/kevlar suit one size too large) I could wear over the execu-suit and perfecting a 60-second personal beautification routine in the men's room when I arrived at the office. I got to ride to the office on a REAL motorcycle roughly 3.5 days a week in 3 seasons, the body bag and helmet propped up on a chair in a conference room provided my co-workers with endless amusement, I saved a crapload of time and gas money on the commute, and still got to to look the part I was playing.

Might not work for you, but it's probably worth your time to think about the problem from a few other angles.

[wibornz]

So will it pull a wheelie?

[Justin]

So will it pull a wheelie?

It's front wheel drive, so you'd have to wheelie in reverse  

[Rincewind]

Poor man's Campagna T-Rex.    http://www.campagnamotors.com/

$6800 is an unbelievable price.  Good luck to them.  

[CosmicCowboy]

I've been thinking long and hard about one of those. Since I have a truck as a second vehicle it's very tempting.

[Blunder]

It's front wheel drive, so you'd have to wheelie in reverse  

A backie? I'll be watching Youtube for this.  

[bomber]

you could "ride" year round! very slick

[slvrsprint]

I can't believe it can be done for $6,800 or 84 mpg.  Still, I think it would be a hit at $10,000 and 60 mpg.  

My biggest question from the video:  Crush zone - 50% bigger than what?

[Capirex]

My biggest question from the video:  Crush zone - 50% bigger than what?

Similar vehicles.

What color you getting?  They all look so yummy.

[Blunder]

Similar vehicles.

What color you getting?  They all look so yummy.

 

Creamsicle sounds a litle inappropriate.

[motormike]

Enjoy your T-shirt.  

[Dan K]

Intrigued as a commuter for winter months...