There is a long topic about price increases and the HT motor here
http://www.motoredbikes.com/showthread.php?t=26804
But I am a Grubee fan too and noticed the price increase myself.
I e-mailed gasbikes.net about it but no reply yet.
I also e-mailed Don Grube, it is his import business that owns and handles the Grubee motor kits and asked him this:
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From:
KC@vales.com
To:
dongrube@hotmail.com
Subject: EPA 2010 mandates and Chinese motors
Date: Sat, 1 May 2010 11:45:42 -0700
Hey Don,
What's up with the EPA and the Chinese motors like your Skyhawk brand?
I just started a motorized bike business but not going to peruse it if all that's left is overpriced "already in the US" stock.
Assuming all the hype is nothing but hype to inflate prices then I have another question.
(other stuff regarding the mounting kit stuff)
Let me know,
KC Vale
KC@vales.com
12624 N. 48th Dr.
Glendale, AZ 85304
http://KCsBikes.com
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Don relied with this:
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Hi KC;
In 2009 EPA as you know changed the rules for 2010. In co-operation with
www.GasBike.net we were just now able to receive EPA 2010 certification. It took from Oct 2009 to April 5 2010 to get it. The USA importer must now be part of the EPA certification as well as the China factory. Starting in 45 to 60 days days we will have our first 2010 USA shipment on the water. Prices will of course climb due to EPA wanting an entirely different carb. and muffler modification with an air shield. No Hype.
GASBIKE has the USA exclusive with Skyhawk 2 cycle in 2010.
Cheers from China;
www.grubeeinc.com
Don and Angel;
Remember:
Living a compelling life style doesn't have to be complicated, it just has to be organized.
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So there you have it second hand straight from the horses mouth.
A new carb and tail-pipe, plus adding the importer in to meet 2010 EPA requirements.
That means a factory change and 3rd party involvement, so the price will go up, but apparently our motors won't become extinct here.
Who knows, maybe with 2010 EPA certification California and some other states will allow them now.
That would be a boon for us in the long run when the factory gets up speed to meet a bigger demand.
In the mean time it does seem gasbike.net is gouging what stock it has left.
It also means your existing MB just went up a bunch in value ;-}