Hi from the UK - INDIAN Board Tracker tribute, my first build

[indian22]

Pete I like the style & based on looks alone, and lacking materials, quality and performance details, I'd say these would market well in the U.S. at a price point under $3,500. I'm basing this on what's out there, in 500 watt range, that is appealing to the classic/retro market e-bike....but it's not an e-bike it's a small electric motorcycle and that's a very crowded market to be in at the moment with 3k watt and up in the same price range so the Munro better have some specs to compete...looks alone won't cut it.

Rick C.

 

[PeteMcP]

Rick, quick update. I just re-visited the impressive Munro website and noticed they offer a retro-fit pedal option amongst their customizable features.
Best price point I found for a single unit on-line was US$1900 (approx UK1500 pounds) with a lowest shipping cost to the UK via TNT Express costing approx US$830. Well below the ballpark $3.5K you mentioned.
Incidentally, the listed quality/performance details of the Munro 2.0 are extensively covered on several Far Eastern vendor sites offering these for sale. Worth checking them out.

 

[indian22]

Pete I found the website and the Munro is a visually impressive bike. With pedals it makes $ sense but a 450 watt 48 volt e motorcycle doesn't, at that price point. The two battery option, both concealed in the faux crankcase is the way to go and access to them is wonderfully convenient. If they market it in the U.S. as primarily an e bicycle it's going to sell....as a motorcycle it flops at that price and low wattage performance.

I'd like to see them succeed as it's a stunning design that's well executed.

I'm not a prospect for buying off the shelf bikes, though most riders are and they routinely shell out $6,000. plus for road legal e bicycles and 20 mph, while a comparably priced gas motorcycle had better be able to cruise at 70 plus with e moto's in the same price range are typically capable of 50 mph plus, top speed.

Rick C.

 

[indian22]

Morning Pete. How's the Solo makeover coming? I fancy the little Honda as quite the eye catcher wherever you ride or show it.

I coffee with a fellow who trades new vehicles constantly, has money to waste it seems, and just yesterday he was extolling the virtues of a $60,000 plus pickup truck/ute/camioneta that he's considering and I mentioned a beautifully restored 1956 Chevy 2 door being offered for $20 k and he was shocked anyone would consider that a good buy. I don't consider his stock market picks of any value either.

I like the really classic stuff and the new stuff when it gets old.

Rick C.

 

[curtisfox]

Ya! Never lose any value on old stuff, love the old cars and bikes........Curt

 

[PeteMcP]

Rick, your coffee 'n' cars pal and I would also have different opinions over whether $20k for a nicely restored Tri Chevy was worth it. Sounds too good to be true to me. Then again, price is irrelevant if old cars are just not your thing.
Jen and I never bought new cars since 1990. After which we decided to always let someone else take the financial big hit driving out the showroom. Always bought used, low mileage, invariably high-specced, pampered cars to get the biggest bang for my buck. My latest Citroen DS5 daily driver being no exception. Four years old, 22K on the clock with full service history and a one year warranty - and a 20K saving on its 30K new price. You know it makes sense.
So far as purchases like the Guzzino and Solo are concerned, I reckon I can enjoy their company till I decide to sell - and still be able to get my money back, or even turn a small profit considering the escalating prices of desirable bikes.
Off to the storage unit tomorrow to see if I can dig out my camera so I can take some photos of the Solo's make over.

 

[indian22]

Evidently someone else thought it a good buy as well Pete. The '56 sold the first day of local area listing. Those who buy new consumer transportation pay a hefty penalty for that new car smell, daily driver. I'd say it's mostly about propping up ones ego while ignoring economic realities. The '56 Chevy will draw attention and start conversation while the new truck goes unnoticed.

Please keep the camera handy Pete. We like photos.

Rick C.

 

[PeteMcP]

Another off-topic post guys, but do yourself a favour and search YouTube for this goosebump inducing cover of Richard Thompson's justly famous motorcycle inspired classic...

Sean Rowe - "1952 Vincent Black Lightning"

About 100 of the views this has garnered on YouTube are from me - and I never tire hearing this belter of a song. For my money it even beats the original. Ever wondered if a guitar could adequately convey the impression of a motorcycle at full chat? Wonder no more. Best use of duct tape I've ever witnessed too. lol.

(PS: If I knew how to post a direct link to this I would - but that's too techie for an Old Schooler like me. Maybe somebody would be kind enough to post the link in this thread for me. Cheers.)

 

[fasteddy]

Hi Pete,

Hope this is the version of the song your talking about. There are a few videos of him singing it out there.

Steve.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...=CrGOs1a1lOk&usg=AOvVaw1EjmePkr_t3kN6zCNU-27j

 

[Tom from Rubicon]

 

[Tom from Rubicon]

That is excellent Pete! I just sent a link to my son Derek.
Tom

 

[PeteMcP]

That's the video Steve and Tom. Thanks a bunch for posting the link. Just watched it another three times. Never tire of viewing this performance.

 

[fasteddy]

I watched it a couple of times myself then book marked it.

Steve.

 

[indian22]

'52 Vincent nice tune...great bike!

Rick C.

 

[FOG]

I'm sure a lot of you guys have seen this Vincent pic. Rollie Free doing the 1st 150mph run on a production bike.

I was riding a land speed bike a few years back when I showed my wife this picture. She looked from the picture to me and said, " You're gonna do THAT!"

No dear.

 

[indian22]

The Vincent V twin was my favorite motorcycle as a child and the early Fifties Shadows & Lightnings are still my favorite post war cycles to date. A classic bike to own and ride with pride... this is it.

Rick C.

 

[PeteMcP]

You're right Rick. I'd be proud to RIDE a Vincent V twin - but the caveat is to OWN one these days most folks would have to sell their house to afford one! The legend lives on, but only those with very deep pockets need apply.

 

[curtisfox]

You're right Rick. I'd be proud to RIDE a Vincent V twin - but the caveat is to OWN one these days most folks would have to sell their house to afford one! The legend lives on, but only those with very deep pockets need apply.

Or a foolish hart,LOL...........Curt

 

[indian22]

Pete I've had a few opportunities to own Vincent's, at what seem now bargain prices, over the years and seems it was not meant to be (Shadows, no Lightnings). I've a cousin who's a frequent buyer at the Meacum's auctions and he's offered to place bids for me on site, though he's not a bike guy he's a keen eye for vintage value and deep knowledge of all things dealing with classic motoring and an absolute perfectionist to boot...nothing worthwhile, value wise, to date. Even now I'd think of one as a worthwhile investment considering low interest returns on money and current high pricing on stocks. No way are these any longer to be considered daily riders.

Rick C.

 

[PeteMcP]

Some of my model train pics posted in separate thread in The Tavern.