[mconlon]

Sorry, but I'm not going to jump on the "serves 'em right" bandwagon and lambaste them for attempting to enter a highly competitive market with a unique entry. They've sold bikes that are expensive when compared to similar products from other companies for years, and had comparable motorcycle models (Husqvarna, Husaberg, KTM, ATK, recently VOR) to base their launch on. Did they make a huge mistake starting with a new from scratch engine? Probably, but they did need something to set them apart from the others. There were rumors of alternate suspensions--maybe they should have done that first and followed up with a proprietary engine at some other point. Heck, even comparative giants like BMW and Aprilia outsourced one engine or another... But from what I read, maybe pure marketing hype, they really seemed to be into it for all the right reasons... like they have been with bikes all along. FWIW, I think they had a better chance and took a better shot than the E-H debacle or any of the harley clone companies, and if SuperMotard takes off, they might even rue the day they sold the motorsports division, their SM bike being compared very favorably to many others in the field.

 

[mconlon]

Yeah, that's what I meant as well---they have lots of experience with aluminum frames and suspension on bicycles; they purportedly had some revolutionary or evolutionary ideas about motorcycle suspension. If they wanted to set themselves apart, they should have gone with their strengths instead of jumping into something like engines with which they had no experience.



I'm glad they did it, and sad they failed. ...and I agree, if they'd brought it to market when they said they would and it had lived up to the ype, they would have had a much better chance at success.



I certainly didnt' mean to single Bob out among the naysayers, but there's lessons even in failure. It was heartening to see them try even if they did fail, and hopefully others can learn what not to do from their example.



OTOH, out local bike shop dropped cannondale years ago because of poor distributor, rep, and factory support as far as support, terms, service, and warranty work.