Just back from LV and the bike that might be interesting to some ES members is the Yardbike, a 8Kw full suspension BMX with 90-100w controller and incredible 33s, 1p A123 (I think) cells, 108V, 3.5 a/h. BTW, no PAS since it has no pedals and unashamedly geared to be used by individuals with a big enough back yard to ride around for its expected range of 20 minutes. Top speed of 30 mph and manufactured in the US.
Yardbike
- Thread starter 2old
- Start date
dogman dan
1 PW
Nice motorcycle. But it's no bike.
LockH
1 PW
https://www.yardbike.com/
[youtube]nbhL_EqycZQ[/youtube]
https://www.yardbike.com/collections/all
[youtube]Rt5Q-eQXyH4[/youtube]
dogman dan
1 PW
Well,, tons of motorcycle riders call their ride a bike. I just thought it funny that they seemed to be trying to market it to owners of bike shops. Only the harsh reality of bicycle sales is getting e bikes in the door of many bike shops. I'm sure they got tons of orders from those that think throttles are a devils invention.
What they need to do,, is take that thing to the shops where the quads and chainsaws are sold.
What they need to do,, is take that thing to the shops where the quads and chainsaws are sold.
LockH
1 PW
dogman dan said:
Interesting. Lessee... "yard" (aka not road legal) two wheeled vehicle (bike= bi cycle = two wheeled) versus motorcycle (uses a motor plus some thingees that go `round and `round...). Obviously DOES store energy chemically via a "battery" and uses to spin an electric motor... BUT, at a glance? From any sort of a distance (maybe with eyes that don't see too good)... Using "conventional" terms from the 20th-century... Is it loud? (really annoyingly noisy-ishly/scare the children) Does it "run hot"? (waste/expend energy as heat) Does it exhaust poisonous gases when it burns its energy storage unit ("battery")
Maybe try fitting on the scale. At one end of the scale the Victorian/Edwardian-era classic/antique "vintage" pedal-only poop-mobile... and at the other (vehicles for personal use) a "large-er-ish", heavyier-ish, noisy and stinky and dirty/oily thingee.
Watt say you? (My vote, far, far to one end of the scale, cuddled up besides the antique thingee...)
Having said this, would manufacturer/seller of the Yard Cycle/thingee guarantee that 100% of buyers and users will 100% always operate carefully? EG "OFF roads" (including bike lanes, pathways)? And would promoter care to comment on where electrical motor terms are commonly expressed in "HORSEpower" terms? (Canada PONY-powered... Euro (large) DOG-powered... Australia? "Try a puppy, mate!"
Shame about the lack of pedals though... No "Plan B" for when electrical/mechanical things EVentually go wrong ("stuff" ALWAYS breaks/wears out/etc). To extend ranges per charges... For body warmth... For "exercise"...
... and a "huge" battery - in terms of commercially available product available right now. (The way most of the rest of the world survives on currently.)
spinningmagnets
100 TW
There are pegs that thread into a standard BB shell. They should have started out with a pedal crank-set, and have optional pegs. What do they care if 95 percent of their customers buy the pegs instead of keep the pedals?
MadRhino
100 GW
The suspension design and bike's geometry are interesting. The only problem is they built it with the motor and drive so wide, that it can't be fitted with a crank of any reasonable width. Yet I bet it does handle pretty good. Make it longer, re-design the drive and add a crank, it might be a winner.
skeetab5780
1 MW
Technically there is nothing wrong with the name of the bike...If you ride the bike in your own "YARD" and you own the property, it does not matter what you classify it as. The second you leave your "yard" onto a public way its a different story
I predict the 'yardbike' concept will catch on in a big way.
If your state doesn't require pedals, or is vague about them like Iowa's "operable pedals", its the size of drivetrain required for low-speed, high torque situations, and would absolutely be appropriate on-street if throttled properly. There's a niche for equipment that can put out 1 HP at any speed without overheating, and its going to look like this. Its a bonus that it can also be used as an unrestricted yardbike.
If your state doesn't require pedals, or is vague about them like Iowa's "operable pedals", its the size of drivetrain required for low-speed, high torque situations, and would absolutely be appropriate on-street if throttled properly. There's a niche for equipment that can put out 1 HP at any speed without overheating, and its going to look like this. Its a bonus that it can also be used as an unrestricted yardbike.
My name is Dave Cole and I work at Yardbike. First, thanks for the comments, it's always nice to get feedback! I wanted to comment on the conversation so far and generally on the concept. There are many options out there for pedal-assist bikes, and that's great... With our new company (Yardbike) and our new product (Point3) we're hoping to accomplish something a bit different.
The main problem the Yardbike Point3 solves is access to extreme style riding. Where you get your fix. Many people have to drive a long way to find a place to ride... if they can find a place at all. Unfortunately, we can't all live near mountains! It's not just a problem for mountain bikes (dirt jump, downhill etc.) but for motocross riders as well. With a Yardbike, you just step out the door and you have a place to ride where you're in control. Our test track is only 90x30, so you don't need acres. In fact, that's where the name Point3 came from. The average lot size in North America is about .3 acres... assuming you have an average sized house, that leaves enough room for a great track.
The vision of a back yard bike drove everything. The wheel size, geometry, power, weight, run-time, wheelbase and so on. So, it's all about your own back yard as a new place for extreme riding.
Looking forward to more feedback!
The main problem the Yardbike Point3 solves is access to extreme style riding. Where you get your fix. Many people have to drive a long way to find a place to ride... if they can find a place at all. Unfortunately, we can't all live near mountains! It's not just a problem for mountain bikes (dirt jump, downhill etc.) but for motocross riders as well. With a Yardbike, you just step out the door and you have a place to ride where you're in control. Our test track is only 90x30, so you don't need acres. In fact, that's where the name Point3 came from. The average lot size in North America is about .3 acres... assuming you have an average sized house, that leaves enough room for a great track.
The vision of a back yard bike drove everything. The wheel size, geometry, power, weight, run-time, wheelbase and so on. So, it's all about your own back yard as a new place for extreme riding.
Looking forward to more feedback!
Yardbike said:
What are those spec's you mentioned? I didn't see them on your website.
I've dreamed about having a racetrack in my back yard since I was 5 yrs. old. My current yard is quite small, but I still have a track with berms all planned out that spills into the front yard. My rationalization is that I won't have to mow as much.
Its a serious concept and there's potential for some entity to do it well enough to dominate the niche. Good luck, and hurry up already!
Justtoby
10 kW
Nice to see another new product but needs pedals IMO, if you have pedals you don't need to use them but you can if you want plus can be used (in the UK) within rules with pedals and won't be seen as a motorbike...plus you get exercise and your legs can torque fill and extend range.
Good Luck with it though as looks well presented
Good Luck with it though as looks well presented
The image attached shows some of the preliminary specs... thanks for the encouragement! We're going as fast as we can without compromising quality! As I hope you can tell, we've put a lot into this and we're committed to delivering.
As is noted on the site, please keep in mind that these are preliminary specifications and they may change. What won't change is the fact that it's an absolute rush to ride this thing!
As is noted on the site, please keep in mind that these are preliminary specifications and they may change. What won't change is the fact that it's an absolute rush to ride this thing!
LockH
1 PW
Dave/Yardbike folks? Here's a thought (this is where folks can say "Oh oh"...)
Somebuddy said once "The difference between a man and a boy? The price of his toys".
As I was growing up, my fathers older brother always had the "biggest and best" "toys". Like every year upgrading to the newest Chevrolet Corvette Stingray car... He bought the water skier tow boat used in the 1969 Canada Summer Games in Halifax/Dartmouth, Nova Scotia... (life was a home on the shore of a "too small" lake just outside Dartmouth... think "living in cottage country"). Has a huge satellite antenna when they first came out to watch on his huge Zenith CRT TV set. And he also bought "big" Bombardier-made Ski-Doo® snow machines... The "new" twin-hulled catamaran sailboat.
Etc.
Thing is? One winter he thought his younger brother (my father) might try one of his Ski-Doos. So off they went into trails cut through the woods. ... and my father managed to wrap himself around a tree. Winded... cracked bones... torn suit...
Anyway... As your insurance agent (not really) ya might get customers to sign a disclaimer? "This is not a toy". (hehe) Etc Etc. Might help "cover your legal a** if/when "something goes wrong" and ya end up in court. ("Little Johnny lent it to Fred who lent it to Sammys little sister". Etc.)
WEAR a helmet for safety. Should wear neck braces. Men must wear an "athetic supporter". Etc. Etc. Betcha yer insurance agent could work up some document that's pretty complete...
Cheers
Lock
(Currently staying in Carbeeria, east Toronto.)
Somebuddy said once "The difference between a man and a boy? The price of his toys".
As I was growing up, my fathers older brother always had the "biggest and best" "toys". Like every year upgrading to the newest Chevrolet Corvette Stingray car... He bought the water skier tow boat used in the 1969 Canada Summer Games in Halifax/Dartmouth, Nova Scotia... (life was a home on the shore of a "too small" lake just outside Dartmouth... think "living in cottage country"). Has a huge satellite antenna when they first came out to watch on his huge Zenith CRT TV set. And he also bought "big" Bombardier-made Ski-Doo® snow machines... The "new" twin-hulled catamaran sailboat.
Etc.
Thing is? One winter he thought his younger brother (my father) might try one of his Ski-Doos. So off they went into trails cut through the woods. ... and my father managed to wrap himself around a tree. Winded... cracked bones... torn suit...
Anyway... As your insurance agent (not really) ya might get customers to sign a disclaimer? "This is not a toy". (hehe) Etc Etc. Might help "cover your legal a** if/when "something goes wrong" and ya end up in court. ("Little Johnny lent it to Fred who lent it to Sammys little sister". Etc.)
WEAR a helmet for safety. Should wear neck braces. Men must wear an "athetic supporter". Etc. Etc. Betcha yer insurance agent could work up some document that's pretty complete...
Cheers
Lock
(Currently staying in Carbeeria, east Toronto.)
Ykick
1 GW
Cool lightweight moto and especially thanks to Dave for contributing to the discussion! Good luck with everything and many good rides!
dogman dan
1 PW
I don't doubt for a second it's a fun ride. Ideal for Travis Pastrana's yard for sure. Even a third acre is enough to have a nice ramp and jump.
But I still think the bike shops are the wrong place to market this one, unless the shop really specializes in vert ramp bikes and skateboards. My local shops, they still resist the idea of electric assist at all, let alone a fun high powered flyweight motorcycle.
But I still think the bike shops are the wrong place to market this one, unless the shop really specializes in vert ramp bikes and skateboards. My local shops, they still resist the idea of electric assist at all, let alone a fun high powered flyweight motorcycle.
LockH
1 PW
Yah. Watt he said. ^^^
My two cents (Canadian)? Look for any "upscale" venues/shows? Full sized "automobiles", etc. Where your target price will seem "cheap" by comparison. :wink:
It was the... more "well off" that first bought into the "horseless carriage"? So. Boat shows? (Who BTW are often big on folders.) ATV retailers? Mostly NON-"bike" channels.
My two cents (Canadian)? Look for any "upscale" venues/shows? Full sized "automobiles", etc. Where your target price will seem "cheap" by comparison. :wink:
It was the... more "well off" that first bought into the "horseless carriage"? So. Boat shows? (Who BTW are often big on folders.) ATV retailers? Mostly NON-"bike" channels.
Thanks for the 2 cents Canadian, too bad it wasn't USD! I don't disagree with your points. Our target market for this consists of MX and MTB riders... both past and present. Our main goal in attending a large event was more about seeing if a part of our target market would accept the product. As you know, there are biases out there when it comes to electric bikes, both from a motorcycle perspective and a bicycle perspective... will the hard core types embrace the idea? Feedback from the show says yes, so we're pretty happy. As a side benefit we were able to meet our suppliers and lose at least 20 USD at the slots. I foresee distributing our product in only a few select bike shops and motorcycle shops, as well as direct.
A note on safety, this is definitely not a toy and all appropriate safeguards should be taken. The safety precautions will be well covered in the user documentation.
A note on safety, this is definitely not a toy and all appropriate safeguards should be taken. The safety precautions will be well covered in the user documentation.
LockH
1 PW
^^ `Kay. I might also target Grandpa demographics to buy as presents for the "young uns". Object in any biz to avoid the "tire kickers". Not to waste time if they don't have "fat" wallets or bank accounts. I'd def. target motorcycle demographics before any cyclists... unless you have any "high end" bike retailers in your `hood.
So it's one thing just to splatter info all over the web, but two Toronto area ebike shop owners have both told me their "Number One Selling Tool" goes something like this: "Would you like to try a test ride?" Oh. Speaking of which...One at least offers financing (to those with a thing "Good Credit Rating") such that monthly loan payments = about HALF of a monthly Metropass for pubic transit.
(Sorry. My spellchecker keeps misbehaving.)
So. Got financing available (yet)?
I'd def. target motorcycle demographics before any cyclists... unless you have any "high end" bike retailers in your `hood.So it's one thing just to splatter info all over the web, but two Toronto area ebike shop owners have both told me their "Number One Selling Tool" goes something like this: "Would you like to try a test ride?" Oh. Speaking of which...One at least offers financing (to those with a thing "Good Credit Rating") such that monthly loan payments = about HALF of a monthly Metropass for pubic transit.
(Sorry. My spellchecker keeps misbehaving.)
So. Got financing available (yet)?
LockH
1 PW
OH. Speaking of ""high end" bike retailers"... One local/downtown ebike shop - Amego:
https://www.amegoev.com/
When ya have one demo/prototype to show of... Maybe offer Virginia (biz owner) some X percentage on any sales. She's got one thing ya don't have maybe? TONS of wannabe buyers traipsing in her door. (Yer sorta "spendy" bike would make her (street legal) bikes seem "more affordable".)
:wink:
https://www.amegoev.com/
When ya have one demo/prototype to show of... Maybe offer Virginia (biz owner) some X percentage on any sales. She's got one thing ya don't have maybe? TONS of wannabe buyers traipsing in her door. (Yer sorta "spendy" bike would make her (street legal) bikes seem "more affordable".)
:wink:
