I've been reading a thread about the 1/6 scale model kits and am about to order an Electra Glide kit for myself. Then I got to thinking - What if the Moco offered the real thing in kit form. If they took all the parts required for the build, put them in a crate then sold it at a reduced rate with a limited warantee (parts but no workmanship) and shipped it to your door. Would you buy the kit or go to the dealer and get the finished product?

I think I'd go for the kit. This will never happen because they'd loose dealer sales not to mention liability suits. Of course the service department would make a killing finishing projects.

 

How much of a kit would you want? For example would you want an engine and trans assembled or cylinders, cases, pistons, rings, shafts, gears, bearings etc. Wiring harnesses or a bunch of wires, terminals and connectors?
Don't forget about the cost to package and ship all the parts.
Figure it all up and it's probably cheaper for them to assemble the bike.

 

liabilty issues, regulatory concerns etc.

the economy of scale and "just in time" parts availability at the assembly plant control costs.

to have someone find and package all the parts would be prohibitive


and it would be titled as a home built, hard to insure 1:1 scale model bike


mike

 

Let's just say at what ever stage the components are in when they hit the assembly line. That would probably be complete engine, harness, etc.

This is not real world and we know it will never happen. Just something to think about. I'm at work and I'm bored. That can be a dangerous combination.

 

Big Bear Choppers has "kit" bikes so I think this is possible.