Comments on: Mac Motorcycles. The 60′s Revisited With A Buell Engine.

By: Alfatango

Alfatango — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:53:18 +0000

Just ran across these bikes after reading about some people wanting to do a Cafe style bike from a Buell Blast. I think it’s a great choice of a power plant since the weight of the entire bike is so low. The Blast engine has a lot of torque and is fine for this type of bike. I’ve ridden some with Buell XB cams and bigger jets and a Jardine can and it really boogied for a single and I currently ride a ZX12R. I’d love to see how these little guys handle, I need a small beach bar jumper and would love to build one of these.

By: KCR

KCR — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:45:48 +0000

I agree. $10k is much more reasonable. These guys arent building power hungry 600 lb bikes. It looks like there goal is to give the more sport oriented rider a very nice alternative to a TRUE custom bike. Its all about your take on an enjoyable day of riding. Price aside, it looks like a ton of fun.

By: Bike EXIF

Bike EXIF — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:41:01 +0000

Top marks for initiative, design and balls, in this economic climate.

I really hope it works out for them. But I suspect two models would be better than four. They also need bigger and better engines: perhaps from Rotax. One model with a 650 single, one with a 788 twin.

They also need a price cut to $7,500-$10,000. Accessories and customization options can take up the slack, but the draw card needs to be a good base sticker price.

The Buell Blast might be crap, but it’s also just $4,795. Whereas the Moto Guzzi V7 Classic gives you 750cc in a highly-regarded retro package for $8,500.

So I don’t think there will be enough people willing to pay $16,000 for a motorcycle powered by an anaemic 34bhp single.

It’s not too late to change though, if Mac wants the success it deserves.

Chris

By: Sasha

Sasha — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:44:41 +0000

positively mouthwatering fun.

By: Dave Blevins

Dave Blevins — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:10:45 +0000

I wish them much success, but I honestly don’t like the looks of the bikes… they just don’t look like much thought toward style was given.
In fact, I do not find anything about them reminecsent of 60′s stlye.

By: krugger

krugger — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:40:06 +0000

Why not…but they need to add a turbo, Rotrex, Supercharger,…. for the same price;-)

By: hoyt

hoyt — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:09:17 +0000

definitely time (and room in the market) for fun, agile singles.

I might consider the Pea Shooter with the Roar pipe & a Rotrex supercharger for $12k

Time for Ducati to make their single again?

By: Lyle

Lyle — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:47:19 +0000

A good rider on a nimble big thumper will stomp the crap out of anyone on a big V-Twin though the twisties. But I do agree with everyone else that a doner bike can be had for cheap and the rest is just fabrication. they are neat looking bikes though. Sort of a cross between a SuperMotard and a Cafe.

By: Brenda Fox

Brenda Fox — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:35:58 +0000

I wish them much success, however my “spirit of motorcycling” would be more recharged with more horsepower at an obtainable price point.

By: Brent

Brent — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:17:42 +0000

Not very powerful and small. Some women could like it…at a $6500 price

By: Rock Star

Rock Star — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:39:39 +0000

1,200 bucks for a minty donor bike + a case of Newcastle for the welder

By: Josh Hammer

Josh Hammer — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:02:05 +0000

Design is right. Price is very wrong. Could not sell in the US above $8000 maxi. Good tentative, but the company will fail because not understanding the competition. And I don’t see why these bikes are so expensive. Greed?

By: ian

ian — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:58:06 +0000

Well i wish them luck – its a bold idea – i think they only need two bikes and desperately need the bike to retail for a maximum £6,000 ($10,000). The competition is harsh in that band already with the Triumph Thruxton and Ducati Sport 1000 (and even the Sportster) offering proven alternates.

By: gustian

gustian — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:19:01 +0000

Nice indeed…..

The Pea Shooter (top left) is my favorit. That gap between the cylinder and rear wheel are compensated by the carb and filter, and the higher placed pipe.
Also the seat looks better with the little extension.
The other 3 defintily are missing that second cylinder.

But……the price ……………….phewwwww

Peace Gustian

By: Joe

Joe — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:43:33 +0000

I agree with Doc. They need another cylinder.

By: Steve Carr

Steve Carr — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:48:22 +0000

Nice design, wrong choice for the engine. This style is begging for a V-Twin of some sort at least.

Steve Carr
Lightning Rod Motorcycles

By: jatinder pal

jatinder pal — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:47:48 +0000

A very cool looking bikes…now this is what i call motorcycle.

By: Doc Robinson

Doc Robinson — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:15:02 +0000

Cool – ish bike, tho that gap behind the cylinder has it looking like something is missing. Which of course it is, the second cylinder. Sorry guys, but at that price, and in this current GFC, too dear, too underpowered for the dollars.

By: Grayhawk

Grayhawk — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:09:21 +0000

Good idea, simplistically clean looking but your right money will kill sales at that price.

Was trying to remember the flat track frame maker here in the US that had made a flat track frame with monoshock for the Buell blast, frame was about $2k retail, that and a used buell could put a younger rider into a mini XR style thumper for around $4k plus or minus.

Bikes pictured above Looks a bit like the Confederate brand styling.

A lot of us grew up with those British Thumpers of old still have an old 69 trophy thumper buried in the warehouse, pull out an kick around from time to time, unmistakeable sound.

Wish there were more interest from custom builders for entry level and intermediate size custom/thumper style bikes to keep sport alive and growing.

Grayhawk