I would be interested in an american made kit for $200.
Wish we could! The price reflects the cost of machined parts made by American union machinists. The materials themselves- stainless steels, aerospace alloys, advanced composites- aren't TOO expensive, but the paid time of highly-trained machinists is. While the parts are made on CNC robots, the robots require supervision by those very well paid machinists.
We are only producing a few bikes at a time for civilian sales at this time, so setup time for the tooling is also high. We've invested a fortune in design, testing and tooling over the years. The costs of running a business in the States includes factory floor, accounting, purchasing- all done by highly paid professionals. Add on that regulatory compliance, advertising, insurance...
We've actually priced the introductory models just over cost.
Unlike most kits out there, this one is ROAD TESTED on the bike before shipment, then disassembled and sent to the customer. The customer uses two allen keys, a phillips screwdriver and a crescent wrench to re-assemble it in about an hour. Then it's turnkey no maintenence for months.
And, this kit is designed for use by military special forces. It deploys in a waterproof parachute drop case, goes in a submarine, gets towed to the beach underwater, unfolds, and GOES with a single pull of the rope, every time. The reliability of this machine is unbelievably high, due to the advanced materials and design. There are over 60 highly machined parts under the cover of the drive, and unlike every MB we've ever tested, this one commutes day after day after day with no failures or tire blowouts.
It looks like a third-world ratbike, so it fits in overseas, but Chinese MB it is not. It is the best US Military grade paradrop bike ever made.
When we go full production, expect the price to drop to under $2000.00
LB, you have my word that if I could sell this bike for $200.00 and make enough profit to pay my crew decently and to provide you with the best stuff on Earth, I would.
Until then, keep making your own. The experiments you do may create a breakthrough in design that decisively changes the combat destiny of the United States military.
So upfront, this is a WAY expensive bike for folks who want the best stuff on Earth, with a lifetime guarantee.
Best Wishes, CP