Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: OCK913 on January 24, 2013, 03:29:32 PM
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Anyone have one of these or seen one? Seems to be an alternative to the Go Cruise. It is more expensive, but seems to be a better design on the same concept. The Go Cruise works, but mine begins to slip almost immediately after I engage it. Because this one can be tightened to fit your grip, it seems that it would solve that problem.
http://www.omni-cruise.com/ (http://www.omni-cruise.com/)
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Anyone have one of these or seen one? Seems to be an alternative to the Go Cruise. It is more expensive, but seems to be a better design on the same concept. The Go Cruise works, but mine begins to slip almost immediately after I engage it. Because this one can be tightened to fit your grip, it seems that it would solve that problem.
http://www.omni-cruise.com/ (http://www.omni-cruise.com/)
That looks interesting. I just wish all these companies would stop using the word "cruise" as if it is cruise-control. It is a throttle lock. And then there is sometimes outright lying, like this quote from THEIR site: "provide a fully adjustable completely universal cruise control on any bike" From Wikipedia: "Cruise control is a system that automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle. The system takes over the throttle of the vehicle to maintain a steady speed as set by the driver." It is a throttle lock.
In any case, it looks interesting. The design that helps to turn it "off" when you pull the brake lever is pretty clever. If you do get it, let us know if/how it works. Wonder if it will work over grip-puppies and such...
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regardless of what wiki says (hardly a reliable source of info) the site is indeed misleading. It is fairly generally accepted that a cruise control is a closed loop speed control device, while a throttle lock... well... locks the throttle.
Another sentence in that site, at the bottom, that reminds me to engrish.com: "Your right hand is your gateway to speed control and removing your hand completely decreases your response time in the event of any unforeseen event..." The response time is obviously increased, as in it takes longer.
And while I like the fact that it is made in the USA rathen than China or Taiwan, they advertise it as made in AMERICA, so it could be Cuba or Bolivia ::) duh!!!
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And while I like the fact that it is made in the USA rathen than China or Taiwan, they advertise it as made in AMERICA, so it could be Cuba or Bolivia ::) duh!!!
It is fairly generally accepted that "America" means "United States of America". :P
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...everything else is the 'burbs'.
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I'm on my second Go-Cruise. Installed the rubber band the second time and it holds a little better.
I like the design of the Omni-Cruise and if the current Go-Cruise breaks, I might give one a try.
The only complaint I had on the Go-Cruise was paying approx $20 for a 50 cent piece of plastic. It appears with the Omni-Cruise you get to pay $50 for $5.00 worth of aluminum. I wish I was smart enough to have designed either one. ;)
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It is fairly generally accepted that "America" means "United States of America". :P
I make them Anaheim California more precisely...
Thank you guys for pointing out the errors on my site. They are definitely my fault since "my company" is a one man band (just me). That is from design, prototyping, the entire manufacturing process, accounting, graphics design, web design, order processing, accounts payable, and until last week I had a full time day job on top of it and do machine shop work for several companies on their rush jobs. My company parties suck but there is ALWAYS parking up front and never a line for the bathroom. I have the most understanding wife in the world. Or maybe she just doesn't like having me around... not sure which.
Oddly enough I ride a 97 ZG1000 every day (I call it my work truck) and it was the test platform for every one of the 12 working prototypes and countless variations of the Omni-Cruise. I used to ride, come home and change grips, ride, come home and change grips.... all day to test changes. The heavy vibration my big green beast puts out made it the perfect test bike to figure out how to overcome road vibration and bumps from decreasing grip/speed. That said I think I am going to update the site to let people know it is a single guy making these. I thought I would need investors and business loans and tried to make the site seem all official and professional like I was more than just a single guy laboring over an hour and a half on each Omni-Cruise in his garage. None of that ended up happening. I threw every dime I had into this and started doing runs of 100 parts because that was what I could afford and taking them to the swap meet in Long Beach. I borrowed the $1025 for a booth at Long Beach International Motorcycle Show and sold out. Just about every person who actually sees them in person is impressed and wants one if they have the need for one. Then I thought I was ahead and on January 26th Motorcyclist Magazines' MARCH issue got to people's hands. Their product tester Ari gave the Omni-Cruise 4.5 out of 5 stars and I have been slammed machining 14 or more hours every day since.
ANYWAYS - From one Connie owner to some others I'll throw you guys a discount so you can give it a try and post up some reviews. I have had a lot of orders from ADV rider and there are a lot of reviews over there too, but I would love to hear see some on here too!!!
CODE: ZGFIRST5 will give a 25% discount to the first five orders. If more people are interested I will get another code going for a continued discount of 12%
I already give free shipping (mainly because I couldn't figure out how to set it up when I set up the website - I know how now, but am too busy to go change all the printings, posts, and website)
I look forward to seeing some reviews on here from people who have actually used it. So far I only have about 600 of them out there but every review has been pretty darn good in my opinion!
-Brian Carmicheal
WOT Designs
714-three96-four564
info@omni-cruise.com
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Welcome to the forum, Brian. Thanks for the discount. I assume orders go through your website?
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You are very welcome. Yes ordering through the website is best as it makes it easier for me to print shipping labels and track orders. I should add some links and such to my signature.
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To answer OCK's question, I have one and it works for me very well.
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ANYWAYS - From one Connie owner to some others I'll throw you guys a discount[...]
I look forward to seeing some reviews on here from people who have actually used it. So far I only have about 600 of them out there but every review has been pretty darn good in my opinion!
I will take you up on that offer and just successfully purchased one with the discount. Like I said in another post, it looks like an interesting design. Seeing that you took the time to post on here and also with a discount, it is a no-brainer for me.
Being that it is winter, I don't ride much right now, so it might be a while before I can post a review... but I will do it. I hope that sucker works with the Grip Puppies!! Thanks
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My company parties suck but there is ALWAYS parking up front and never a line for the bathroom. I have the most understanding wife in the world. Or maybe she just doesn't like having me around... not sure which
- do you ship worldwide ? Am from Malaysia.
- oh , and don't mind the inmates here. Some of them get into knots when you talk about exhausts, mufflers and slip-ons.
thanks
.
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- oh , and don't mind the inmates here. Some of them get into knots when you talk about exhausts, mufflers and slip-ons.
:P
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After my initial post, I ordered one using the ADV rider discount. It arrived promptly and well packaged. First impression is that it is a very well made and well designed product. After removing the Go-Cruise I pondered about using the supplied band or trying it without it. Since my complaint about the GC was that would immediately begin to slip when applied, I wanted to insure this would not do the same thing. I decided to try the band and had no trouble stretching it over my Grip Puppies but found that I was going to have to trim the GP back some in order to give the band more room. With this dilemma, I opted to remove the band and see how it performed without it.
First and foremost, I like it better than the GC and will be keeping it on the bike. I have not found the "sweet spot" yet in terms of adjusting the tensioning knob, but I am sure I will find it. Although the concept of how it functions is identical to the Go-Cruise, the thumb bar makes for a far more natural and easy way to engage the unit. Using the tensioning knob, I was able to adjust to a point that would prevent any sort of slippage, but it seemed too tight when trying to engage it or back off the throttle. As I said, I am sure there is a micro of an adjustment to find that "sweet spot" to where it is comfortable to both engage and disengage and I will find it on the next ride. Using the supplied band may very well aid in that by providing a better surface for the OC to clench to on the grip. I will try that next, but like I said, I will have to trim my Grip Puppy back a little on that side. Although I don't have it perfectly adjusted yet, I am confident that I will get it there and I am happy with my purchase. I cannot stess enough that this is a very well manufactured piece. Now that I have learned that it is entirely a one man operation, I am even more impressed. The concept and design are fantastic and quality of the final product is superb. The GC is the same concept at a cheaper price, but this is certainly an improvement. Some have complained of breaking the GC due to its plastic construction and although that never happened to me, the product would begin to slip a soon as it was activated and this defeated the purpose of having it. The Omni Cruise improves on that by providing a better design, better materials, and a method for adjusting the unit in order to get a customized fit on your grip to insure functionality is not lost. Kudos to WOT Designs
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- do you ship worldwide ? Am from Malaysia.
- oh , and don't mind the inmates here. Some of them get into knots when you talk about exhausts, mufflers and slip-ons.
thanks
.
You will be the first from Malaysia, but yes I ship anywhere! I only add $5 to ship anywhere other than US, MEXICO AND CANADA. Unfortunately though it does take the standard 4-6 weeks to get to some countries, but others get it in 2 weeks. I am considering using a different carrier for international, but they get pretty pricy and I've only had one complaint on shipping time out of about 40 international orders. Hell, if I gave 40 strangers a $20 bill at least one would complain I didn't give then a second one. I will look at rates anyways though. I'm shipping my dad a copy of Motorcyclist Magazine to Afghanistan via Fed Ex so I'll see if that's any faster for comparison.
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Thank you sharing OCK! As for using the band it does provide a more uniform surface for the OC to rotate on and cushion for it to bite into to hold its position easier. Very "slick" or worn grips tend to be better off without the band, but grips with a lot of tack/grip are much better off using the band to make it easier to rotate the OC when clamped down tightly.
There is a bit of a sweet spot, but its larger with the band in place.
I'm glad you are happy with your Omni... wouldn't mind seeing a picture of it on the bike :)
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Took the plunge. I was considering go cruise, but had read about reviews about them breaking when trying to install. This looks like a much better design. Thanks for the discount. I think this should be much easier to use than the bar-end types.
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I will have her on the way in the morning gpete. Looking forward to your review!
Still 2 more at the 25% off price fellers, and ladies.
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Thanks for offering the discount. Just placed my order and a review will follow. Currently I have the Go-Cruise and it continues to slip. I have all but given up on it. The OC looks like it will solve the problem and be an economical solution.
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She'll be on her way first thing in the morning Locol. Today alone I got two phone calls from people who were frustrated with those other devices and actually took the time to go back on my site, find my number and call me to tell me how much they like the Omni Cruise. It's interesting how many people tell me they went to their local dealer they got those other devices from before to show them the Omni. I get a big kick out of those calls/emails!
You are going to be very pleased!
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It is fairly generally accepted that "America" means "United States of America". :P
please define "fairly generally"...
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I will have her on the way in the morning gpete. Looking forward to your review!
Still 2 more at the 25% off price fellers, and ladies.
Any more at the 25% discount? Just answered my own question. I too have just purchased one at the discount. I live in the northeast so I may not be able to test it for a while either, but I to will provide a review as soon as I can. Thanks.
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5 of 5 are gone, but I just opened it to ten and set it to expire tomorrow since I'm completely sold out at the moment. I'll have some back from powder and laser Thursday morning and will have all pending orders assembled and shipped on Thursday, so really I'm only one day behind.
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please define "fairly generally"...
Seriously?? I am pretty certain that the terms, America, USA, United States of America, etc.... are generally accepted to mean the same thing.
Oh, and .......
World English Dictionary definition
generally
— adv
1. usually; as a rule
2. commonly or widely
3. without reference to specific details or facts; broadly
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please define "fairly generally"...
Somewhat more than rarely generally, much more than infrequently, considerably less than always, close to usually.
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Seriously??
Seriusly.
I was convinced that God talked Spanish... when I was 5.
What's your excuse?
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He doesn't?
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I just jumped in this am and placed order @ the discounted price. Thanks for offering it and I will give you my honest review as soon as it is installed. Looks good and initial responses are positive...
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I don't do paypal. No other option?
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Thank you devilboy, I am honestly blown away by the initial response myself. I always say I could stand on the street corner handing out free $20 bills and someone would bitch that it wasn't $100. So far it seems people really like the design, and appreciate the time it takes to machine and build something so detailed... but works so simple.
I'll have yours on the way tomorrow!
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I don't do paypal. No other option?
The order screen should give you two options: PayPal and Credit Card. Both are handled by PayPal, but the credit card option does not require a PayPal account. HOWEVER PayPal is a little weird sometimes if you have clicked the "Use PayPal" option then the Card option disappears. Dumb set up, but I cant change it without figuring out how to host the merchant page myself and I'm not that smart with HTML, yet.
If it keeps giving you a hard time just call me and I'll enter it all for you manually. I'm almost always available, but frequently have to call you back when I can step away from the running machines.
714-three96-four564
-Brian
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The order screen should give you two options: PayPal and Credit Card. Both are handled by PayPal, but the credit card option does not require a PayPal account. HOWEVER PayPal is a little weird sometimes if you have clicked the "Use PayPal" option then the Card option disappears. Dumb set up, but I cant change it without figuring out how to host the merchant page myself and I'm not that smart with HTML, yet.
If it keeps giving you a hard time just call me and I'll enter it all for you manually. I'm almost always available, but frequently have to call you back when I can step away from the running machines.
714-three96-four564
-Brian
Got it, thanks.
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Not to take away from the generous offer, just wondering if anyone has tried Throttlemeister? I have one for my CBR but I have yet to install it.
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Not to take away from the generous offer, just wondering if anyone has tried Throttlemeister? I have one for my CBR but I have yet to install it.
I have one on my c10 and actually love it. (shhhh... don't tell anyone)
I found that by having a throttle rocker on also it makes it MUCH easier to engage and disengage by holding the throttle rocker with my thumb and grabbing the end, to rotate it, with my pinky and ring finger.
It is a nice piece of equipment and the only one that I'm ever surprised when people tell me they are buying the Omni to replace. Some people say it slips, but I'm don't understand how (mine is solid as a rock), and others have said it didn't work with their grips or heated grips. I don't knock the competition, I believe they all have their place. Personally I think the throttle meister and my omni cruise are the only two I would personally ever use after having used everything in the market except that (AWESOME LOOKING) break away. I have gone though the "crap mounted to my grip taking up an inch" and will never do it again.
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I've got a TM also. Just ordered the Omni and will keep the TM. Also tried the Cramp Buster. Didn't like it for the same reason.
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Got mine today. I really like the construction. Again, might be a while before I can review it, but at least here is a nice photo proving it really exists :)
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Also received today. Looks very well made. Will install this weekend. Hope to be able to get a quick ride in on Sunday. Live in the Kansas City area and the next few mornings look a little too chilly for me to ride to work - so it will have to wait.
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So what happens when I am riding with the OC locked and something bad happens very fast? I would instinctively grab the front brake, so it looks like that would actually open the throttle?
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Its very hard to type but amazingly easy to demonstrate on a bike. What you described as instinctive actually isn't. You naturally close the throttle first OR pull the clutch otherwise your rear end passes your front end real quick. AHHA! :) Its no instinctive you don't even know you do it but you always close the throttle first. With just about any throttle lock you have to slightly exaggerate that process which is natural after a few uses.
You might notice Motorcyclist Magazine pointed that out and I actually had an MSF instructor call me to ask how you can brake for a corner without reducing throttle first jokingly. Of course both loved the omni, but I also have told people if you have never used a throttle lock buy a cheap one first. it makes mine look better at full price :-)
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Its very hard to type but amazingly easy to demonstrate on a bike. What you described as instinctive actually isn't. You naturally close the throttle first OR pull the clutch otherwise your rear end passes your front end real quick. AHHA! :) Its no instinctive you don't even know you do it but you always close the throttle first. With just about any throttle lock you have to slightly exaggerate that process which is natural after a few uses.
You might notice Motorcyclist Magazine pointed that out and I actually had an MSF instructor call me to ask how you can brake for a corner without reducing throttle first jokingly. Of course both loved the omni, but I also have told people if you have never used a throttle lock buy a cheap one first. it makes mine look better at full price :-)
When my friend looked at the omni-lock design ( :) ) he had the same concern. I explained that I expect the action of pulling the brake against the grip will make the omni want to open the throttle, but your hand has to pull against something to activate the brake, and that is the throttle. So that should tend to prevent it from opening the throttle. I have not tried it yet, but I can't imagine the omni is going to offer much resistance.
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Just got to try this piece. Works as advertised and is well made. Actually easier to use than the Throttle Meister. :thumbs:
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I have one on my c10 and actually love it. (shhhh... don't tell anyone)
I found that by having a throttle rocker on also it makes it MUCH easier to engage and disengage by holding the throttle rocker with my thumb and grabbing the end, to rotate it, with my pinky and ring finger.
It is a nice piece of equipment and the only one that I'm ever surprised when people tell me they are buying the Omni to replace. Some people say it slips, but I'm don't understand how (mine is solid as a rock), and others have said it didn't work with their grips or heated grips. I don't knock the competition, I believe they all have their place. Personally I think the throttle meister and my omni cruise are the only two I would personally ever use after having used everything in the market except that (AWESOME LOOKING) break away. I have gone though the "crap mounted to my grip taking up an inch" and will never do it again.
I use the exact same method with my TM, but would love to try your product as well. Looks like a very well made, simple yet effective devise, plus I don't mind supporting a new business. Are you still offering a discount for us Concours guys?
On a side note...You should totally think about going on the ABC show, shark tank, to get some capital to help your new business grow, so you don't have to do it all and work yourself to death. Just a thought :)
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I use the exact same method with my TM, but would love to try your product as well. Looks like a very well made, simple yet effective devise, plus I don't mind supporting a new business. Are you still offering a discount for us Concours guys?
Wondering the same and any other feedback? Thanks
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Someone might reach out to Brian at omni-cruise and see if he would throw one to the forum for a traveling sample like the windshield thread.
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I did set up a discount for the site, but haven't posted it as I'm going to be back ordered again in a few weeks. The discount is ZGGTR44 and knocks off 12% still with free shipping to US and $5 worldwide.
It would be nice to have a big fat investor but I would rather only sell 2 a day than give up half of my company to anyone. I should be able to buy a second cnc dedicated just to omni cruise soon and then I will be cracking them out.
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I did set up a discount for the site, but haven't posted it as I'm going to be back ordered again in a few weeks. The discount is ZGGTR44 and knocks off 12% still with free shipping to US and $5 worldwide.
It would be nice to have a big fat investor but I would rather only sell 2 a day than give up half of my company to anyone. I should be able to buy a second cnc dedicated just to omni cruise soon and then I will be cracking them out.
Yeah I don't blame ya. It would be hard to give up everything you've worked soo hard to build, for a big pay day...or not ;) ;D Especially when you have such a passion for it. Good luck with getting that 2nd CNC machine.
Thanks for the discount code, i just put my order in for one. Cant wait to test it out!
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Got the Omni-Cruise today. Thanks for the fast shipping. CA to OH in 3 days, sweet!
Looks like a very well thought out, well designed product. Ill test it out as soon as spring decides to arrive. Yeah first day of spring, 35 with flurries >:( , 25 as i type this >:( >:(
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I just ordered one. I had the Go Cruise, and it snapped the 1st time I tried to remove it from the bike. I like the concept. I don't really want an electronic cruise (unless it came from the factory), this type of throttle lock is perfect for giving your hand a couple minutes of rest every hour or so.
Hopefully this comes fast, I'm leaving from DE to ride to Charleston SC on Tuesday and it'd be great to have it for the trip!
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Good news, my Omni Cruise arrive today, what great service from Brian! The install is so simple and it's pretty easy to operate. I experimented with a couple different tension settings and found the sweet spot pretty fast.
Now if it would stop snowing, I might actually get to leave for my trip as scheduled tomorrow. The way it looks now, even if it stops snowing overnight, the roads won't be in good condition tomorrow, so I may end up leaving Wednesday.
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Glad you like it danl!!
Just a note for everyone: I AM OUT OF STOCK! SO... I knocked 10% off the price and the ZGGTR discount code ZGGTR44 takes an additional 12% off of that price.
I SHOULD BE SHIPPING AGAIN BY APRIL 5th
18 hours a day of machining just isn't enough! I should have everything machined and tumbled by Sunday and then off to powdercoat and then laser. Great deal for anyone buried in the snow still though :)
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Haha! Wow, that's awesome! I love seeing small businesses start strong like that. Hope it continues for Ya, Brian!
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Thanks, I think it will. (it better since I quit my job)
The trick will be to get a bigger machine and do batches of a few thousand so its more efficient. I'm still around an hour and fifteen minutes a piece which after material, powder coat, laser, packaging, shipping, electric, tooling, and supplemental machining costs I'm making about what I did just working full time. This is more fun though 8)
After I get back in stock I'm going to add $3 flat s/h too the orders too. I just looked at how much I have paid for "free shipping" since November and got sick.
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You should totally raise the price to account for shipping. We pay nearly 14k for a new bike (or 8k for a used bike), we can afford to pay for shipping. Your price seems fair.
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You should totally raise the price to account for shipping. We pay nearly 14k for a new bike (or 8k for a used bike), we can afford to pay for shipping. Your price seems fair.
It is true we are on a rather expensive bike, but he is marketing this to all bike types :)
That said, it is not an unreasonable price. For a small item like this, the USPS is probably extremely competitive when it is weighed out and shipped regular first class. Still, shipping can really eat into pricing, especially if the item is heavy or large and shipping prices have gotten higher and higher over the years (mostly due to increases in fuel costs).
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You should totally raise the price to account for shipping. We pay nearly 14k for a new bike (or 8k for a used bike), we can afford to pay for shipping. Your price seems fair.
I would have to agree with this too. Add shipping into the overall price of your product, and then advertise free shipping.
Sounds like you need that 2nd CNC machine sooner than later. I think that's totally cool you quit your job to start your own small business, and do something you really enjoy...good for you!
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Here is a question Brian. Do you have any ideas for other stuff? Not asking You to give any secrets away, but just curious.
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Time will tell. The response thus far is MUCH better than I ever thought it would be, but I still have a lot of stream lining to do in the machining process to get the time below what I am charging. I just think $59 sounds like a lot, but that or $69 is what I SHOULD be charging based on cost and time, but I figure as long as I keep the middle men out I can afford $49.99.
I might even just add $2 shipping as that is the actual cost through USPS including the 000 padded envelopes in bulk. Adding it to the product would break that magical $50 number... I think that might be worse.
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Time will tell. The response thus far is MUCH better than I ever thought it would be, but I still have a lot of stream lining to do in the machining process to get the time below what I am charging. I just think $59 sounds like a lot, but that or $69 is what I SHOULD be charging based on cost and time, but I figure as long as I keep the middle men out I can afford $49.99.
I might even just add $2 shipping as that is the actual cost through USPS including the 000 padded envelopes in bulk. Adding it to the product would break that magical $50 number... I think that might be worse.
I do. I actually have three other projects I was working on when this idea hit me early last year. Most of the others are going to be "cool" add on crap you don't need, but I think every bike should be unique. I figure once I get a good laser and better powder coating set up I can do one off custom stuff fairly cheap and let Omni pay most of the bills.
Other things I have done are not all for bikes; people still email, call and ask for but I don't have time. Like Yakima rack adapter for Chevy avalanche. I made a bulletproof set up for a buddy and he gets requests all the time, but I don't have time to nail everything down to where I would feel safe selling them. That's the other hard part: make 10, get sued, BIG OVERALL LOSS. With something like the Omni I should sell enough to justify product liability and have enough cash on hand to sue the pants, shirts and underwear off the first idiot that tries to violate my patent (currently pending). I already had a guy approach a buddy telling him he was going to copy these until he realized how much machining goes in to them and gave up. That was another reason for keeping them at $50: you would be VERY VERY hard pressed to get 1000 of these at a time made for that. China would probably run $30 or more on 5000 at a time; not a lot of room for profit AND a law suit at that price
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WOT- are you agreeing with yourself in that post? :)
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Well... someone has to. LOL. Meant to quote:
Here is a question Brian. Do you have any ideas for other stuff? Not asking You to give any secrets away, but just curious.
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WOT- are you agreeing with yourself in that post? :)
:rotflmao:
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Ordered a copy of the Omni-Cruise. I have not ever had the occasion to use either a throttle lock or an MC cruise control, so I'm in uncharted waters a bit.
Will use it for the more lengthier rides, not the one to work. Looking for a component that allows the right hand to rest a bit. The tingly fingers and right wrist issues after some riding just isn't comfortable.
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I have an Omni. It's an extremely well built piece. Works as advertised.