Why are MC wheels so expensive?
#31
11-18-2010, 08:13 AM
He told you the brand, They are Harley Wheels. Read his post again. I have just been down this wheel road recently because I wanted to get rid of a 21' pizza cutter on a Softail Custom and put a 120 on the front to improve the drive ability. After searching high and low I came to the conclusion that the Harley wheels are the most reasonable priced ones out there. Probably because of volume of sales. I wound up getting lucky and ran across a Clearance Rev-Tec that was just what I wanted for $ 97.00. I could not believe my luck and figured something had to be wrong with it but I ordered it anyway and it arrived new in box just as advertised. Turns out some guy had ordered it and paid 75% down and then the folks never heard from him again and had been sitting on it for two years. So thanks for my wheel sir, whoever you are, I hope all is well with you and rest assured that the wheel is being put to good use.
#32
11-18-2010, 09:53 AM
It's all about initial costs and production numbers.
As an example, with made up numbers;
Initial costs (design, tooling, etc.) - $10,000
Manufacturing cost - $100
(plus you need to build some profit into that, but lets ignore that part for now)
If you sell just one, the selling price would need to be $10,100
If you sell 10,000 units, your initial cost goes down to $1 per unit - you could sell them for $101. If you sell a million units, your initial cost become an insignificant part of the price.
Motorcycle parts are pretty much always limited production. The market just isn't that big. Many parts only fit one bike, and in some cases, only for a year or maybe a couple of years.
The market for car parts is considerably larger than the bike market. Something like wheels might fit a large number of different models over a long period of model years. The production numbers for those wheels could easily be in the tens of thousands.
It's not some motorcycle industry conspiracy to rob you of your cash. These manufacturers are not getting rich off us. It's just how things work.
As an example, with made up numbers;
Initial costs (design, tooling, etc.) - $10,000
Manufacturing cost - $100
(plus you need to build some profit into that, but lets ignore that part for now)
If you sell just one, the selling price would need to be $10,100
If you sell 10,000 units, your initial cost goes down to $1 per unit - you could sell them for $101. If you sell a million units, your initial cost become an insignificant part of the price.
Motorcycle parts are pretty much always limited production. The market just isn't that big. Many parts only fit one bike, and in some cases, only for a year or maybe a couple of years.
The market for car parts is considerably larger than the bike market. Something like wheels might fit a large number of different models over a long period of model years. The production numbers for those wheels could easily be in the tens of thousands.
It's not some motorcycle industry conspiracy to rob you of your cash. These manufacturers are not getting rich off us. It's just how things work.
#35
11-18-2010, 05:07 PM
Take pity...
on the less fortunate. Just because your bike came with wheels doesn't mean everyone's did. I don't think you even realize the pure agony of seeing your bike sitting on blocks day after day as you search for wheels?
Jeez, man have some compassion!! I bet you kick little puppies and knock down old ladies too?? You really need some sensitivity training, dude.
Jeez, man have some compassion!! I bet you kick little puppies and knock down old ladies too?? You really need some sensitivity training, dude.
#36
11-18-2010, 09:04 PM
Ultimate HDF Member
on the less fortunate. Just because your bike came with wheels doesn't mean everyone's did. I don't think you even realize the pure agony of seeing your bike sitting on blocks day after day as you search for wheels?
Jeez, man have some compassion!! I bet you kick little puppies and knock down old ladies too?? You really need some sensitivity training, dude.
Jeez, man have some compassion!! I bet you kick little puppies and knock down old ladies too?? You really need some sensitivity training, dude.
#37
11-18-2010, 09:15 PM
Ultimate HDF Member
Yeah... biker rednecks. 3 bikes in the yard, none have wheels, all up on blocks. On the front porch, there are two old, ripped up motorcycle seats where everyone sits and drinks their beer.
#39
11-19-2010, 03:57 AM
Hey Kowan, check out www.jpcycles.com. They've got some really nice looking tubeless spoke wheels for a few hundred bucks each. Not sure if they have the right fit for your bike but there is a pretty good selection. The reason I'm even considering new wheels is because my rear wheel has a "slow" leak losing about 4lb./wk. It's not the stem or the tire so it must be the rim is pitted as I had the same thing happen on a truck rim. That got me looking at new "aftermarket" wheels. I'm sure I could fix my stock cast mag spoker and probably will.
#40
11-19-2010, 04:00 AM
Budweiser...
