been there and done that, handshake, eye to eye. You'd have thought I asked them to make a big bore for a Briggs and Stratton! Similar response from most big companies we approach about anything for a DS. They just don't understand us red headed step children...

222

 

From a costing point of view, some smaller companies try to figure out payback in 2 years based on projected demand like larger companies do as a standard procedure. Larger companies not only have greater demand, but they also have purchasing power beyond smaller companies. For an item like this which fixed start up costs can easily be $100K+ it makes it uncompetitive in market place demand. And its the smaller company's responsibility to control variable costs to a minimum, especially in buyers market today which should be to their advantage. Best quality at best price overrides all considerations: its survival.

Not only are the 450's Jap high demand quantities, but those bike are racers from stock, so its not difficult to realize their buyers won't mind springing a couple of grand for a big bore/stroker/cam kit. What a deal, and can be installed by user too.

Business is a risk, so you sometimes have to assume a flat 10% fixed costs based on an organizational average into an overall overhead cost of 30%(everything else beside variable cost and 10% profit), and assign the variable and overhead cost until even. Then you make more profit and lower price to gain more market share for business goodwill and increased market share. You have sunk fixed overhead cost anyway, so you can sell more to cover variable and overhead cost with 10% profit, or you can sell fewer at a higher margin while losing market share and additional items potentionally bought.

Ultimately, creative solutions are required to compete with forces like the 450 Jap bikes marketing machine; since owners will find solutions within their guidelines and means regardless, so they are not effected. But the opportunity is big companies will not touch Rotax cylinders due to the marketplace and return on investment, and leaves opportunities for smaller companies that are innovative and can deal with calculated risk.

 

To voice our opinion on the lack of feasability is different from voicing opposition. Don't turn my comments into something they are not. I am simply trying to shed some light on how this stuff works so people don't get their hopes up.

What that leads to eventually is Athena or any other company that is mentioned as maybe a savior from the high prices involved in Bombardier upgrades, whoever that company is will end up just being added to the list in some peoples minds as price gougers. I want people to get a handle on the reality of the situation so more good companies don't get added to the list.

Ron

 

Obviously you guys are just a lot smarter than I when it comes to understanding costs and payback. . .

ROFLMAO. . . $100k

Catch a clue!

This company IS in the business of doing this. They ARE in the business of casting, cutting, coating, etc. Yeh. . . I'm sure it would cost them $100k to do it.

The fact is, these guys HAVE figured out how to do it AND for very competitive prices. I am NOT saying anyone is gouging. Just saying that maybe the way these guys do business (all under one roof?? - honestly I don't know) they are able to cut costs and pass along the savings to the customer.

Me, I doubt they would have to double their prices for a slower mover like the DS is but, even if they did, they'ld still be under the market by about $500.

Cam:

Thanks for posting what you heard back. Maybe a few more e-mails and they'll start listening.

 

Since we are all here for edification in part, on what information do you base your estimates on how Athena would price a DS kit if they were to make one?...............

 

lol

Whatever Nut. . .

It's just not worth it to me to bicker like children. You win. My estimates are TOTAL guesses. I have no idea what a kit from Athena would sell for. I'm sure I'm incorrect and it would probably cost much more. . . probably $100,000.

What kit (mods) do you have anyways Nut? If you don't have anything. . . again, I'm suprised you wouldn't be interested in the possibility of a lower cost option.

 

Oh

 

I must admit. . . I didn't read your whole post. I'm sure you are correct at whatever you are trying to explain.

So anyways guys.

If you are interested in an Athena Kit for a DS. . . send these guys an e-mail. There is a slim chance they will make one but, what the heck. . . it's only an e-mail.

If you want to bicker about it I encourage you to start a thread to discuss it. . . rest assured. . . I doubt I'll be posting there.

 

OMG it must be time for bed!!!!

 

You are kind of touchy Mark. I am sure you have it in you to answer a simple question like the one above without getting defensive and sarcastic. I don't understand why you seem so threatened and edgy. I meant nothing other than what I asked and i asked it because after you estimated the cost, I figured you had gotten something more concrete from Athena. It was of note because the estimate surprised me. Thats all.

I would be happy to tell you what I have done to my DS. Thanks for asking![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

I have an HPR730 kit, 13.5:1 piston, Klug Race Head, 40/34 valves, Lectron 48mm, MSD ignition, Topgun Pipe, HP4 cams, lightened flywheel, c-moly tubing axle with banshee hubs and 520 conversion. I am running 22" 10 paddle extremes on 8" wheels and 17/40 gears. I have c-moly front a-arms in the works with a set of Fox Float front shocks and I have +6 c-moly swingarm. I also have a c-moly subframe and steering stem in the works. I am 445 lbs wet right now and when the shocks, a-arms, steering stem and subframe are installed, i expect to be right at 405. All I will need on race day is a marvin shaw or strutted rear suspension to drop under 400...........that is my plan anyway. In all of this i have maintained stock width for duning purposes and everything is tough enough to jump to.

Ron[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Btw, I hate to see you so unhappy so I sent Athena an e-mail asking them to take a serious look at the DS. I even told them about how much butt we are kicking in the sand drag world[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] and asked why they would want to let the competition get all the glory.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]