Any news on the Genuine classic cruiser?

jijifer · Post by **jijifer** » Sun Oct 10, 2010 8:47 pm

ericalm wrote: The Scomadi design is actually a carbon fiber version of a Lambretta GP200. Not much of a chance of Genuine copying that. No need to license it—Scomadi basically copied it themselves!

The Genuine touring bike is supposedly more influenced by non-Italian tourers such as the Fuji Rabbit Superflow, Heinkel Tourist and Maicoletta.

what makes a scooter a 'tourister"? is it size? how comfortable it would be in the saddle for a long time? I love the look of ALL those vintage bikes. I'd be so stoked for a new 4 stroke styled most like the Rabbit or Heinkel. I'd like carbon fiber or something that wouldn't rust. I don't care how many cc's so long as I can cruiser at 80mph easily. So if that's 300ccs so be it. I never thought a 125 cc could be as fast as the buddy is so I'm willing to defer to the engineers on that front.

On another note, my crash bars have spared me many times. Only 1 crash and yes I replaced them then. It's that my scooter was knocked over 2 times by wind and both times unprotected plastics broke. I'm not sure the plastics are cheaper. The top cover I've replaced twice due to those wind knock-overs and those are $60 a pop! BOO! Plastics aren't expensive but I seeing mine crack not because of crashes but mother nature don't mind, she don't care. I'd have to had replaced the left side on at least 2 occasions with the guards. Plus I'd have nothing to bungee to without it

Roose Hurro · Post by **Roose Hurro** » Mon Oct 11, 2010 3:46 am

jijifer wrote:what makes a scooter a 'tourister"? is it size? how comfortable it would be in the saddle for a long time? I love the look of ALL those vintage bikes. I'd be so stoked for a new 4 stroke styled most like the Rabbit or Heinkel. I'd like carbon fiber or something that wouldn't rust. I don't care how many cc's so long as I can cruiser at 80mph easily. So if that's 300ccs so be it. I never thought a 125 cc could be as fast as the buddy is so I'm willing to defer to the engineers on that front.

I'd like aluminum... it doesn't rust, either. Chrome-moly tube chassis, aluminum bodywork, 250-300ccs, full instrumentation, with the looks of a Zundapp Bella.

http://motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/cl ... a-r151.jpg

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1041836 ... 9748ujXxBN

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1039715 ... 9748ARlMLr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/exxodus/320232725/ ... Note the saddlebags!

http://classic-motorbikes.net/images/gallery/7865.jpg

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pugbuddy · Post by **pugbuddy** » Fri Dec 10, 2010 6:54 pm

In light of the new 170cc, I thought I'd bump this thread.

PeterC · Post by **PeterC** » Fri Dec 10, 2010 9:02 pm

pugbuddy wrote:In light of the new 170cc, I thought I'd bump this thread.

Bump away. At this point, I think we're closer to the arrival of Godot or maybe the Second Coming than we are to the introduction of the Genuine Classic Cruiser. I agree that the Zündapp Bella would be a great configuration, perhaps with a 300cc horizontal air-cooled twin poking out of the sides. I'd embark on this project myself, but that pokey Prize Patrol from Publishers Clearing House hasn't shown up yet.

mattgordon · Post by **mattgordon** » Fri Dec 10, 2010 9:19 pm

PeterC wrote:
pugbuddy wrote:In light of the new 170cc, I thought I'd bump this thread.
Bump away. At this point, I think we're closer to the arrival of Godot or maybe the Second Coming than we are to the introduction of the Genuine Classic Cruiser. I agree that the Zündapp Bella would be a great configuration, perhaps with a 300cc horizontal air-cooled twin poking out of the sides. I'd embark on this project myself, but that pokey Prize Patrol from Publishers Clearing House hasn't shown up yet.

Thoae folks in the dark blazers with the big check will be stopping HERE first!

jmkjr72 · Post by **jmkjr72** » Fri Dec 10, 2010 10:25 pm

with the way things have been for scooter sales and the issues with the 4 stroke stella
i would imagine this project is on a back burner somewhere

chloefpuff · Post by **chloefpuff** » Fri Dec 10, 2010 11:57 pm

So..............how fast will this 170cc go?

jmkjr72 · Post by **jmkjr72** » Sat Dec 11, 2010 12:22 am

not fast enough

Post by **jrsjr** » Sat Dec 11, 2010 12:40 am

Finding Customers Among the Dreamers – What’s a Motorcycle Company to Do?
Just sayin'.

Post by **ericalm** » Sat Dec 11, 2010 2:47 am

jrsjr wrote:Finding Customers Among the Dreamers – What’s a Motorcycle Company to Do?
Just sayin'.

Yup, that's it. It's what I call a Flying Unicorn.

At least we know that the Cruiser is a real thing, coming someday…

What gets me is when folks (mostly on other forums) post ridiculous nonsense like, "Vespa should make a new version of the PK—they'll sell a million of them!" or "I want a 300cc scooter that shifts! They'll sell a million of them!" Naw, probably not.

Of course, when a company does come out with something like that (see: 2011 Vespa PX), there's a rush to trash it. Sigh.

BuddyLicious · Post by **BuddyLicious** » Sat Dec 11, 2010 1:59 pm

ericalm wrote:
scooterstud wrote:So its been almost a year, any new word on this bike for 2011 or beyond? Is this project even still alive at Genuine?
Project is alive, but after the past year for the scooter industry and Genuine, we're unsure of when the scooter will be released.

To think Genuine would bring this Cruiser to market now is Ludicrous, it just can't happen with this global recession.I'm on the other side of the fence vs many here and hope Genuine holds off until or unless this economy improves a lot.Of course I'm sure Genuine knows this fully well and will wait years if need be,so when the Cruiser is launched it's a hit.For such a small company I'm absolutely impressed with Genuine's business model.

PeterC · Post by **PeterC** » Sat Dec 11, 2010 2:16 pm

ericalm wrote: At least we know that the Cruiser is a real thing, coming someday…

Aye, there's the rub. We have been told that the Cruiser could echo the aesthetics of the classic German and/or Japanese scooters of the '60s, could be somewhere between 270 and 300cc, would most likely be a CVT, etc., etc.
Allegedly, someone has seen a drawing of one, but his recollection is fuzzy and he's been sworn to secrecy. Speaking just for myself, if I actually SEE something I like, I'll put my money down. It's a two-way street: show me the merchandise, or at least a prototype, and I'll show you the money. So far, the reality of the Cruiser has not been established.

Post by **ericalm** » Sat Dec 11, 2010 3:06 pm

PeterC wrote:
ericalm wrote: At least we know that the Cruiser is a real thing, coming someday…
Aye, there's the rub. We have been told that the Cruiser could echo the aesthetics of the classic German and/or Japanese scooters of the '60s, could be somewhere between 270 and 300cc, would most likely be a CVT, etc., etc.
Allegedly, someone has seen a drawing of one, but his recollection is fuzzy and he's been sworn to secrecy. Speaking just for myself, if I actually SEE something I like, I'll put my money down. It's a two-way street: show me the merchandise, or at least a prototype, and I'll show you the money. So far, the reality of the Cruiser has not been established.

No one's asking you for money. Genuine hasn't done anything more than mention that they're working on this and that they'd hoped to have it by the end of this year. That all comes from comments Philip McCaleb made in a podcast interview. The earlier rumors all came from chatty dealers.

Damned if they do, damned if they don't. Genuine doesn't show a prototype, people will complain and constantly muse about where their flying unicorn is and when they can get it. If they do show one, but it's not ready for production and a landing date is uncertain, people will complain and constantly muse about where their flying unicorn is and when they can get it.

Show a prototype too early and they're just giving naysayers and critics a lot of time to tear into it and have their say without actually seeing the scooter, riding it, or knowing the final specs. It also gives competitors time to react, plan and prepare.

I don't really understand why anyone would expect a company to show them a product that's still in development and not yet ready for production.

Genuine used to not officially announce any products that weren't in production and headed for US shores. People complained.

Stella news? If they announce a date and it doesn't happen, people complain. If they don't say anything because they don't have a solid date, people complain.

The landscape of the scooter market is much different than when rumors of the Cruiser first surfaced. It's not just the buyers and the overall economy—there are far fewer dealers to peddle the product now. Add to that the expense of importing and the additional insecurity that the EPA could suddenly and unexpectedly torpedo any plans for any new model coming in to the country.

chloefpuff · Post by **chloefpuff** » Sat Dec 11, 2010 3:52 pm

want...........flying...............unicorn

PeterC · Post by **PeterC** » Sat Dec 11, 2010 4:17 pm

chloefpuff wrote:want...........flying...............unicorn

There's just something so wrong about a flying unicorn with EFI.

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Sat Dec 11, 2010 11:19 pm

PeterC wrote:
chloefpuff wrote:want...........flying...............unicorn
There's just something so wrong about a flying unicorn with EFI.

How about a flying unicorn with sprinkles?

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Sun Dec 12, 2010 12:29 am

ericalm wrote:Stella news? If they announce a date and it doesn't happen, people complain. If they don't say anything because they don't have a solid date, people complain.

Now, I agree with your comments about products in early development. The way Genuine is handling the Stella thing is a different deal however. We are not talking early rumors, speculation, or product concepts. We are talking about a machine that Genuine promoted and told its dealers to solicit cash deposits for delivery last spring. Now it has seemingly fallen into a black hole. Entirely different deal than early hints on the Genuine classic cruiser IMO

Post by **ericalm** » Sun Dec 12, 2010 8:09 pm

Dooglas wrote:
ericalm wrote:Stella news? If they announce a date and it doesn't happen, people complain. If they don't say anything because they don't have a solid date, people complain.
Now, I agree with your comments about products in early development. The way Genuine is handling the Stella thing is a different deal however. We are not talking early rumors, speculation, or product concepts. We are talking about a machine that Genuine promoted and told its dealers to solicit cash deposits for delivery last spring. Now it has seemingly fallen into a black hole. Entirely different deal than early hints on the Genuine classic cruiser IMO

They are very different matters; you're right. My point is that no matter what they say, if it's anything other than a solid delivery date, someone will be unhappy and gripe about it online.

dakotamouse · Post by **dakotamouse** » Mon Dec 13, 2010 2:52 am

the story of my life........................

Post by **illnoise** » Mon Dec 13, 2010 10:19 pm

ericalm wrote:A lot of stuff

What he said.

I'm the one with the fuzzy memory, I saw computer renderings, at that time it was a big priority for the company and they were working hard to get it into production.

In the meantime, a lot has happened, most noticeable the Stella hassle and the complete bottoming-out of the scooter market. That bike was being developed BY Genuine for the US Market. There isn't a US market anymore, it's pretty grim, and I wouldn't be surprised if they totally shelved it or at very least put it on the back burner. As Eric said, they never really hyped it, never promised anything specific, they just threw out a few hints to (wisely imho) gauge interest.

The Stella matter is very diffferent, but I still agree they can't win. They're stuck waiting for LML and the US government and don't want to make any promises they can't keep. As Eric said, damned if they do, damned if they don't. It'll be great when they come but Genuine making announcements and everyone freaking out about it on this list isn't making them come any faster. It's a very shitty situation for all of us, but all we can do is be patient.

As I've said several times, however much you want your bike, multiply it by a thousand and that's how much Genuine wants you to have your bike. They've lost loads of money in this mess, and they're losing more every day it doesn't come out. Don't think for a second that they aren't doing anything and everything possible to speed it up!

Bryan

jasondavis48108 · Post by **jasondavis48108** » Tue Dec 14, 2010 2:37 am

screw the stella and the classic scooter, when is Genuine gonna bring the hover scooter to market. Damn them and thier insolence!

DanteG · Post by **DanteG** » Tue Dec 14, 2010 4:22 am

jasondavis48108 wrote:screw the stella and the classic scooter, when is Genuine gonna bring the hover scooter to market. Damn them and thier insolence!

... and will it be 2t or 4t ?

jasondavis48108 · Post by **jasondavis48108** » Wed Dec 15, 2010 1:59 am

DanteG wrote:
jasondavis48108 wrote:screw the stella and the classic scooter, when is Genuine gonna bring the hover scooter to market. Damn them and thier insolence!
... and will it be 2t or 4t ?

8t

Syd · Post by **Syd** » Wed Dec 15, 2010 7:09 am

jasondavis48108 wrote:
DanteG wrote:
jasondavis48108 wrote:screw the stella and the classic scooter, when is Genuine gonna bring the hover scooter to market. Damn them and thier insolence!
... and will it be 2t or 4t ?
8t

1t

Roose Hurro · Post by **Roose Hurro** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 12:03 am

Syd wrote:
jasondavis48108 wrote:
DanteG wrote: ... and will it be 2t or 4t ?
8t
1t

Zed PM...

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PeterC · Post by **PeterC** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 12:09 am

And the beat goes on...

Howardr · Post by **Howardr** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 2:49 am

Gas prices are staring to creep up again. All the scooter market needs to get it going again is some good $4.00 a gallon gas.

Then we get our cruiser.

Howard

Post by **ericalm** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 4:28 am

Howardr wrote:All the scooter market needs to get it going again is some good $4.00 a gallon gas.

I think the opposite may be true! The prospect of another spike in gas prices scares the hell out of me.

Higher gas prices also means inflation—not just for scooters, but also food and necessities. A 2011 spike in gas prices could throw a serious wrench into the economic recovery and send buyers back into defensive/panic/fear mode.

The difference between now and 2008 is that we've got record unemployment, low consumer spending and savings, credit is more difficult to obtain, and people have less disposable income in general. Those who stand the most to gain from going from a car to a scooter are those who can also least afford them. For those still too attached to four wheels (or who need them for whatever reason), there are many more economical, fuel efficient cars available now than in '08.

Dealers and manufacturers/distributors ordered heavily for '09 only to see the bottom drop out of the market. Those scoots have been costing them money (loss os anticipated revenue, storage costs, flooring costs, etc.) for over a year. The market's also been flooded with scoots repossessed from closed dealers and used ones from buyers who defaulted on their loans. By the time these sell, they'll be lucky to have broken even.

The short-lived boom due to the spike in demand in '08 and the inevitable bust that followed were much worse for the industry than steady, incremental growth. Even in a stable economy, the market couldn't support the number of dealers that opened or added scooters in '08.

GrittyTacoman · Post by **GrittyTacoman** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 5:02 pm

Has anyone else noticed that a decent amount of scooters on the road are suddenly these old fixed up Honda Spree types? Maybe hipsters reliving their 1980's youths. Personally I like the more vintage style!

But are any companies coming out with retro 80's looking scoots?

PeterC · Post by **PeterC** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 6:03 pm

GrittyTacoman wrote:Has anyone else noticed that a decent amount of scooters on the road are suddenly these old fixed up Honda Spree types? Maybe hipsters reliving their 1980's youths. Personally I like the more vintage style!

But are any companies coming out with retro 80's looking scoots?

No need. Those damned old Hondas just don't wear out!

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Sat Dec 18, 2010 6:29 pm

The Spree? How about the Elite, the Aero, the Cub, the Helix, the Reflex, and on and on. After all, Honda is the biggest motorcycle/scooter manufacuterer in the world - and has been for about 50 years. As PeterC says, Hondas just seem to keep running.

jasondavis48108 · Post by **jasondavis48108** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 2:56 am

PeterC wrote:
GrittyTacoman wrote:Has anyone else noticed that a decent amount of scooters on the road are suddenly these old fixed up Honda Spree types? Maybe hipsters reliving their 1980's youths. Personally I like the more vintage style!

But are any companies coming out with retro 80's looking scoots?
No need. Those damned old Hondas just don't wear out!

That is the beauty of them, they arn't pretty like Vespas but they darn sure are some ugly arse tanks. I have to say that although I don't think my sh150 is nearly as unattractive as a spree, I wasn't drawn to it for its smashing good looks, but the thing rides like a dream and I'm hoping it has the indestructability of those earlier models

birdmove · Post by **birdmove** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 7:36 am

Well, the wife and I have done our part. We bought five scooters in the last 3-4 years. One Honda Metro, 2 Ruckuses, a SYM HD200, and my new, leftover Kymco People 150. The Hondas were sold or tyraded, but btheb SYM and Kymco are pretty new.

jon

KABarash · Post by **KABarash** » Sun Dec 19, 2010 3:03 pm

GrittyTacoman wrote:Has anyone else noticed that a decent amount of scooters on the road are suddenly these old fixed up Honda Spree types? Maybe hipsters reliving their 1980's youths. Personally I like the more vintage style!

But are any companies coming out with retro 80's looking scoots?

My 'problem' is, I wanted to go back to the '60s (when I was a kid) that's how I found Genuine, but I needed to ride more before I got a 'shifty'.
Hence the Buddy......