I don't think the HK police are in the business of reverse-engineering bikes.
First, I never said the Hong Kong Police were going to reverse-engineer bikes. I said the Chinese would. The Police in Hong Kong are a state run organization. In China, everything is run by the state. Remember they're communists. Should I really need to explain this?
Its an interesting picture you paint SamM but not one that I recognize.
Let me share some facts - the first people to buy the Enertia when it went on sale were Jianshe in China who bought two and shipped them to China, this is over two years ago now. We have visited their factory - it is a very impressive gas bike facility.
The Hong Kong police order will have no measurable impact on the delivery of bikes to customers either in the USA, Europe or Asia.
Designing and building vehicles requires huge up-front investment, so the key to success is volume. This order is good for Brammo and good for Brammo customers everywhere. The Hong Kong police have tested the bike every day for almost 9 months now - what a vote of confidence in the build quality, reliability and safety of the Brammo motorcycles.... I am sure Mr Takanobu Ito has been asking questions!!
Secondly, I never said volume sales weren't good for Brammo or Brammo customers. I know how this works. Brammo needs investment money in order to proceed. I asked a question. Oddly, I wasn't asking Brammo. I was asking potential buyers on an Owner's Forum. You chose to answer here. Brammo has been saying one thing and then another. I get the emails. The line now is beginning in 2011. And simply stating that the Hong Kong Police sale won't have a measurable impact means nothing to me. There has already been a measurable impact. Dates have been pushed back. And I signed up to buy an American motorcycle made by an American company. Then suddenly production moved overseas and still no bike. In this economy, do you think that it a good idea? I no longer drive import cars for various reasons but I do have import motorcycles just because no American manufacturer makes anything worthwhile anymore. I really thought that was about to change and have told most of my close friends about the Brammo. The delays have made electric motorcycles look like a joke. And one more thing... the build quality of the Brammo did not concern me. It's interesting that it now concerns you! Why would you need vindication from the Chinese? That's not where I would look for vindication. That's sad!
It's also interesting to know that the Chinese already have the Brammo and are working on it. Which I assure you they are but then you know that, don't you? When can we expect to see Chinese made parts enter into Brammo manufacturing? Or will the Chinese manufacture the Brammo for the Asian market? Is that the model we will get here in America? These are all simple questions. Can we get some answers? When can we expect to see our bikes? Where will they be made?
Brammo has some good loyal customers right here that would have got the word out and effected sale here. Brammo was sourcing American made batteries and parts. Brammo could have effected things right here in America and put good people to work... HERE! It seems as if Brammo has lost track of something along their path. Those empty ships going back to China could have been carrying Brammo electric motorcycles. Instead you sold them two? I'm not sure I can support the current line of thinking... whatever that is! This seems to be the way of most manufacturing here in America now and sadly... I fear that this outsourcing/global production, whatever you want to call it and government regulation will destroy our economy. To be really honestly, it already has. We import far too much as it is. I bought into the Brammo hype about a GREEN company and a bike designed and made right here in America. It appears that this was too much to hope for!
Until proven wrong, I'll stick to my original comment... this deal stinks more and more everyday!
SamM
