Author Topic: When will we start to see C5's in the USA? (Read 3319 times)

spliznat · « **on:** April 21, 2009, 09:58:23 PM »

Just wondering what the time frame was for the C5's to arrive in the states? I know they said that the red will around after the turqoise and black but when will they even be avilable?

Kevin Mahoney · « **Reply #1 on:** April 22, 2009, 12:39:40 AM »

We have three containers that were built for us last week. There are 38 bikes in a container. We held them back for a couple of weeks because we had some new vendors coming on line (particularly tank and fender manufacturers) and some frame improvements (nicer looking welding) and we thought it would be best to incorporate these improvements. The bikes were fine without them, but these are good fit and finish improvements.
T hey are a mix of all three colors but slightly weighted toward Black and Red. The mix will even out over time. They are currently undergoing a stricter than usual PDI at the factory. I have no idea how long that will take, but don't want it hurried up, in fact quite the opposite. I am going to the factory in about 10 days and hope that the containers are at least packed up then. Rhett and I are playing with the idea of putting up a semi-real time map of where the bikes are. We are now checking with our shipping company to see how frequent we can get updates. So my best answer is....sometime if late spring or early summer, same answer as in the beginning.

spliznat · « **Reply #2 on:** April 22, 2009, 01:42:30 AM »

Awesome..... I know you must get asked questions like that all the time ..... but i am like a kid in a candy store and its driving me nuts

Thanks kevin

r80rt · « **Reply #3 on:** April 22, 2009, 06:07:37 AM »

Kevin, I'm sure those of us who have already put money down on a C5
Would appreciate a semi real time map. It would make the terrible wait a bit better

spliznat · « **Reply #4 on:** April 22, 2009, 12:15:19 PM »

Just a wee bit better....not much though

r80rt · « **Reply #5 on:** April 22, 2009, 04:20:09 PM »

Yeah, it's tough ain't it? So far I've been good and left the dealer alone instead of pestering him with phone calls

BigDon · « **Reply #6 on:** April 22, 2009, 06:51:00 PM »

Quote from: Kevin Mahoney on April 22, 2009, 12:39:40 AM

We have three containers that were built for us last week. There are 38 bikes in a container. We held them back for a couple of weeks because we had some new vendors coming on line (particularly tank and fender manufacturers) and some frame improvements (nicer looking welding) and we thought it would be best to incorporate these improvements. The bikes were fine without them, but these are good fit and finish improvements.
T hey are a mix of all three colors but slightly weighted toward Black and Red. The mix will even out over time. They are currently undergoing a stricter than usual PDI at the factory. I have no idea how long that will take, but don't want it hurried up, in fact quite the opposite. I am going to the factory in about 10 days and hope that the containers are at least packed up then. Rhett and I are playing with the idea of putting up a semi-real time map of where the bikes are. We are now checking with our shipping company to see how frequent we can get updates. So my best answer is....sometime if late spring or early summer, same answer as in the beginning.

You guys must be thrilled to see this so close to fruition!

My purchase is down the road, having to much fun tinkering with my "08 iron barrel, but I am looking forward to seeing one Live myself.

r80rt · « **Reply #7 on:** April 22, 2009, 06:59:28 PM »

To tell the truth, I am thrilled. I've always dreamed of a classic single with all the modern improvements. I've ridden a lot of antiques and love them, but wearing out expensive hard to find parts was just hard for me to do. If I were to design a bike to fulfill all my riding fantasy's it would be the C5, and I can't wait to hit the wonderful roads of north west Arkansas on one. This bike is literally a dream coming true for me.

BigDon · « **Reply #8 on:** April 22, 2009, 10:29:02 PM »

I will be spending a week riding in Arkansas in September. Maybe you will let me ride your C-5 when I am in the area!!!!

Yes?

r80rt · « **Reply #9 on:** April 23, 2009, 06:02:54 AM »

Where you will you be in Arkansas? I just might let you take it for a spin.

UK-Classics · « **Reply #10 on:** April 23, 2009, 01:52:29 PM »

Quote from: Kevin Mahoney on April 22, 2009, 12:39:40 AM

We held them back for a couple of weeks because we had some new vendors coming on line (particularly tank and fender manufacturers) and some frame improvements (nicer looking welding) and we thought it would be best to incorporate these improvements. The bikes were fine without them, but these are good fit and finish improvements.

Looks like Kevin is looking after you guys over the pond.
Having looked at the the first C5 bikes imported to UK the frame welds & a few other minor details let them down slightly

It sounds like the US bikes should be worth the wait.

I know I've mentioned frame welds before (slightly anal!) - I recently checked out the new EFI Bonnie & they were of a very similar finish to the RE C5 & EFI Electras. The Bonnie frames are made over in Twaiwan

r80rt · « **Reply #11 on:** April 23, 2009, 07:49:22 PM »

Hey Kevin, when you get to India will you pick out the best red C5 and put my name on it?

REpozer · « **Reply #12 on:** April 23, 2009, 09:36:35 PM »

Quote from: UK-Classics on April 23, 2009, 01:52:29 PM

The Bonnie frames are made over in Twaiwan

Sorry to hear it. Wish they were made in the good ole GB.

spliznat · « **Reply #13 on:** April 28, 2009, 09:28:18 PM »

I am getting anxious as ever waiting for my C5.......... are they hear yet? LOL

r80rt · « **Reply #14 on:** April 28, 2009, 09:33:08 PM »

Try not to think about it, that's what I do.
It doesn't work.

UK-Classics · « **Reply #15 on:** April 29, 2009, 02:24:35 AM »

Quote from: REpozer on April 23, 2009, 09:36:35 PM

Quote from: UK-Classics on April 23, 2009, 01:52:29 PM

The Bonnie frames are made over in Twaiwan
Sorry to hear it. Wish they were made in the good ole GB.

Yes - we don't actually make much at all over here anymore - a few foriegn car plants that have been very productive - unfortunatly many workers have been laid off for a few months as car sales have dropped.

I actually meant to say the frames for the new Bonnie are made in Thailand - If these guys (the likes of Triumph, RE & even BMW now) are going to charge premium prices you would have thought the manufacturers would have made sure they were up to a certain qaulity control standard are applied for the bikes supplied to the european & US markets !

Blue Ridge Wheeltor · « **Reply #16 on:** April 29, 2009, 07:34:09 AM »

I cringed when I first heard the Triumph Classic line was being built in Thailand. But I understand it is a state of the art factory and I thought I read somewhere certain Kawasakis were being built in Thailand. At least it's not China. (yet).
I have spoken with a number of Bonnie owners and while they don't advertise where they are made, they admit the quality is just fine.
Generally, the quality and pride of workmanship of the Brit manufacturer has been very low for a number of years now, and the bike is probably better off being made in Thailand, traditions aside.
When asked about the Enfield I proudly announce it is a classic British design, from back when men were men and motorcycles were motorcycles. It is with great reluctance that I admit it is made in India. I shouldn't be that way. The more I learn about India and its' people the more I feel an affinity with them. I never would have felt this had I not involved myself with the Enfield.
Beinf a traditionalist, I lamented the introduction of the new Enfield. Now I look at it and realize it's not bad, and I may actually learn to like it. Just wish it had a kickstart.

UK-Classics · « **Reply #17 on:** April 29, 2009, 02:31:13 PM »

Quote from: Blue Ridge Wheeltor on April 29, 2009, 07:34:09 AM

I cringed when I first heard the Triumph Classic line was being built in Thailand. But I understand it is a state of the art factory and I thought I read somewhere certain Kawasakis were being built in Thailand. At least it's not China. (yet).
I have spoken with a number of Bonnie owners and while they don't advertise where they are made, they admit the quality is just fine.
Generally, the quality and pride of workmanship of the Brit manufacturer has been very low for a number of years now, and the bike is probably better off being made in Thailand, traditions aside.
When asked about the Enfield I proudly announce it is a classic British design, from back when men were men and motorcycles were motorcycles. It is with great reluctance that I admit it is made in India. I shouldn't be that way. The more I learn about India and its' people the more I feel an affinity with them. I never would have felt this had I not involved myself with the Enfield.
Beinf a traditionalist, I lamented the introduction of the new Enfield. Now I look at it and realize it's not bad, and I may actually learn to like it. Just wish it had a kickstart.

I disagree on your comment about Brit workmanship. It has had it’s up’s & down over the years. Much of the problems were to do with the unions imposing antiquated practices, closed shops etc. It’s a shame as we had some brilliant design engineers – just were a bit poor in final production. Quality & quantity of production suffered as a result. All of that went some years ago, what we have left is efficient & generally produces quality products.

India has been renown for it’s top quality engineers for many years – but factories are only just putting modern production tools & practices in place (e.g. new UCE) – when you are producing things by hand (wherever in the world) the quality is variable & inconsistent.

jeffory · « **Reply #18 on:** May 10, 2009, 07:41:47 PM »

Hello all. First time here. Saw the C5 in a magazine and thats all it took. Had to add it to the stable. It's all paid for at Freedom Power Sports. Fl. Richard especially..Those guys are great. Can't wait. Think i,ll put it in the house for a while and admire it. Jeff

r80rt · « **Reply #19 on:** May 10, 2009, 07:52:23 PM »

Welcome Jeffory, What color did you order? I'm waiting on a red one myself, and can't wait till they get here.

Kevin Mahoney · « **Reply #20 on:** May 10, 2009, 10:53:59 PM »

I have seen a bunch of Red ones here at the factory. Hard to say which one is best. What I can tell you with absolute certainty is that the C-5's are going to be in tight supply. Europe has had priority over us because they cannot sell the Lean Burns any longer. With the factory at full capacity we have to fight for every one we get. Our first shipment (half a container of C-5's and half of G-5's is on the water now. 4 weeks about I would guess.

jeffory · « **Reply #21 on:** May 11, 2009, 11:50:32 AM »

I ordered the Blue. or turquoise as they say. I thought it looked old school. I wonder about the passenger foot pegs. Can 2 people actually fit comfortably on the solo saddle. I saw the pic of 5 people on one but thats extreme. Jeff

jeffory · « **Reply #22 on:** May 11, 2009, 12:14:50 PM »

I want to thank Kevin for being right on top of things and keeping us informed. That kind of service from the top down can only be described as rare and wonderful. THANKS KEVIN. jeff

Kevin Mahoney · « **Reply #23 on:** May 11, 2009, 12:38:43 PM »

Jeffory,
Thanks for the kind words. I dare say that no more than one American can sit on the single saddle. There will be a very nice matching pillion available about mid summer.

r80rt · « **Reply #24 on:** May 11, 2009, 04:42:14 PM »

Approximately four weeks? Oh man I can see light at the end of the tunnel now! Thanks Kevin you just made my millennium.

jeffory · « **Reply #25 on:** May 11, 2009, 08:05:02 PM »

Can someone tell me why I see 2 different types of mufflers on the C5. In all the advertisements it shows the exhaust going up in the back but the pics I see of the bikes shows the muffler as straight as an arrow. thanks. Jeff. west palm beach, florida.

Cabo Cruz · « **Reply #26 on:** May 11, 2009, 08:13:19 PM »

Br. Jeffory, the up-swept pipe and muffler are after-market items and the long-straight muffler is the original equipment.

Kevin Mahoney · « **Reply #27 on:** June 19, 2009, 02:24:28 PM »

OK boys I'm gonna throw you a bone.

r80rt · « **Reply #28 on:** June 19, 2009, 04:22:26 PM »

Yeah Buddy, that's what I wanted to see. Thanks for making my day!

jeffory · « **Reply #29 on:** June 22, 2009, 07:06:20 PM »

Kevin do the pics show bikes being put on containers in India on June 19th or being taken off here in the USA on June 19th. Thanks Jeff

csbdr · « **Reply #30 on:** June 23, 2009, 11:36:46 AM »

I'd say since they are already in the USA, that those are bikes being loaded onto a truck to leave the port and head on their way!

Kevin Mahoney · « **Reply #31 on:** June 23, 2009, 11:43:46 AM »

Oh Boy oh Boy - OK here are a couple of clues;
Are any of the guys in the picture Indian?
Is one named Scooter Bob or Mickhail?
Whose fat assed belly is that in the blue denim shirt?

csbdr · « **Reply #32 on:** June 23, 2009, 12:01:03 PM »

item #1 -nope. I was going to guess US Teamsters Local XYZ
item #2,3 - no clue, but sounds like a not-so-subtle hint...

Kevin Mahoney · « **Reply #33 on:** June 23, 2009, 12:09:24 PM »

1. correct
2. No Teamsters here
3. You may be on to something

Cabo Cruz · « **Reply #34 on:** June 23, 2009, 03:21:32 PM »

(From Kevin Mahoney)

Oh Boy oh Boy - OK here are a couple of clues;

Are any of the guys in the picture Indian? Not one!

Is one named Scooter Bob or Mickhail? Absolutely!

Whose fat assed belly is that in the blue denim shirt? Kevin Mahoney's!

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Author Topic: When will we start to see C5's in the USA? (Read 3319 times)