So Brian, what can you tell us about these photos...and changes?
We know about the turn signals...very nice.
And the mirrors.
But what about the new shock?
And the new headlight bracket?
And possible horn placement change?
And maybe some info about changes I haven't hit upon yet?
Thanks
Gavin
And will there be a center stand option? I have told myself I will be more diligent in cleaning and lubing the chain...but is a pain without raising the rear wheel....I know because I gave it a real good cleaning today...would have much faster with the wheel up and spinning...
Sorry for the delay… I was working on taxes this weekend. (Ughhh….)
The photos are of one of our FVP (Final Validation Prototype) of the Enertia Plus. i.e. a bike that represents “full production” in equipment and build specification. The stunning “True Blood” Red paint is straight off the production paint line in Hungary, and I’m really impressed with the quality in person.
The new shock is a custom unit from Works Performance and while less adjustable than the Elka it replaces, offers a better base line set-up and improved damping performance. The spring rate is just a little bit higher, and the damping a bit more progressive. The heavier riders will appreciate the improvement the most.
New headlight bracket is forged aluminum and is also featured on the base Enertias being assembled today with Flextronics. It incorporates a slightly revised dash position as well as threaded mounting bosses for the optional windscreen accessory. Besides looking much nicer, the new brackets speed up the assembly process for the front end and make service to the dash or headlamp a breeze.
Ah, yes – the horn. I did concede that the horn be moved outside the bodywork. Function trumps Form as we need to make sure the horn meets EU dBA requirements. It is also a new horn model from a new supplier. Very loud. I think the boys did a great job keeping it from becoming too much of an eye sore.
Yes, there will be a center stand option as well. The bikes will also ship with O-ring chain, which will reduce the chain stretch seen on the non-O-ring chains.
The “golding” of the rear sprocket is, as suggested, due to UV exposure discoloring on the black anodizing. We have not determined why this particular part discolors so quickly, but it could have been a bad process for the anodizing itself. It does not affect the function of the part, just doesn’t look as pretty. The supplier has been changed, so we do not expect to see that problem with the newer bikes or the Plus.
I’ve had the opportunity to ride the Plus several times now and even take it home overnight. I’m really proud of the improvements made to the bike overall and blown away by the performance we’re now able to achieve.
