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Made this reply in the JGR Suzuki=Cycra thread but didn't see any replies. I'm really curious to hear some thoughts on the few questions I have. I've pasted the text below
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Not sure if this has been asked but how come Cycra hasn't made Suzuki plastics in the past? From what ive read, that doesnt really answer the question is, maybe it's because the zooks haven't changed much for the past almost decade but so what? It'd still be nice to have an option from them. Even if you were just buying replacement stock molds. IMO, a plastic company should offer plastics for the main 5, now 6 manufacuters, at least for big bikes.
Are there any other bikes that Cycra doesnt offer plastics for? What about other plastic companies? UFO, Acerbis, etc. Do they have an option for every mx bike?
Also I know you don't see as many older 4 strokes out there but why not a pre 2010 restyle kit for Suzuki's. I know a few people that would kill for those.
While I'm on the subject and maybe its worthy of a new thread but I'm surprised more plastic companies don't make custom shape plastics. Instead of a restyle kit or replica molds, why not make your own shape and style and sell not only the plastics but the template to graphic companies as well. As long as it doesnt look like the Blue Buffalo bike of course. That's like taking a girl with double ds and dropping them down to an a. It just doesnt look as good. ( . Y . )
Looking forward to hearing some replies!
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Not sure if this has been asked but how come Cycra hasn't made Suzuki plastics in the past? From what ive read, that doesnt really answer the question is, maybe it's because the zooks haven't changed much for the past almost decade but so what? It'd still be nice to have an option from them. Even if you were just buying replacement stock molds. IMO, a plastic company should offer plastics for the main 5, now 6 manufacuters, at least for big bikes.
Are there any other bikes that Cycra doesnt offer plastics for? What about other plastic companies? UFO, Acerbis, etc. Do they have an option for every mx bike?
Also I know you don't see as many older 4 strokes out there but why not a pre 2010 restyle kit for Suzuki's. I know a few people that would kill for those.
While I'm on the subject and maybe its worthy of a new thread but I'm surprised more plastic companies don't make custom shape plastics. Instead of a restyle kit or replica molds, why not make your own shape and style and sell not only the plastics but the template to graphic companies as well. As long as it doesnt look like the Blue Buffalo bike of course. That's like taking a girl with double ds and dropping them down to an a. It just doesnt look as good. ( . Y . )
Looking forward to hearing some replies!
Now that one mold could maybe include a couple of pieces of plastic (ie both side plates and a front number plate). Still, the process is expensive and takes a lot of time for R&D.
The Shop
While we are on the topic of plastic, the other question we get asked all the time is can UFO make me a special color. Here is why we can't. When you change colors in the mold 15 to 20 pieces have to be discarded as the color in the lines change, then to switch it back another 15-20. So to make that one special color for you we have to really make 30 -40 pieces.
Hope that helps.
You would think the Suzuki would sell the best because their one molds would fit bikes from the past 8 years or whatever, rather than only 2014 and up models.
Just making the original plastic was enough of an investment.
I have a feeling you could get a good penny for those 30-40 pieces with that tie dyed look.
Would be near impossible to get a complete set that would look good together.
How much would it cost to produce, and how much can I sell it for?
How many '08-'17 RM-Z owners are there?
Of those, how many Rm-Z buyers are dying to put new plastic on their bikes?
How many other companies already make a competing kit, thus further diluting my own demand?
Will the total sales be enough larger than the minimum production quantity from the factory to generate sufficient profits?
If not, then no dice. This is likely why Cycra doesn't offer the plastics.
Pit Row
In years to come this will probably change as the development of 3D printing is growing rapidly.
I'm not familiar with the machine, But I am surprised how much waste in material before the machine is purged. Im also surprised you have to actually inject to purge the machine.
and you've answered another topic, or two.
Economies of scale.
Also, while they may not be "suitable" for retail sale based on the coloring, if they are quality pieces, could they be used for A: practice bikes or development concealment? Like the black wrapping used on concept vehicles in public and/or B: lower priced alternatives for people who want an inexpensive piece (value) that they will most likely cover with graphics anyways?
Post a reply to: Why doesn't plastic companies do this?