What accessories do you guys want to see?

[Peirspeed]

What would you like to see for your MadAss?

Bill

[MilwaukeeMadass]

I'd like to see hard case panniers and top box's that are the right size for the bike as well as various options for side and rear cargo racks. I think ghouston linked to a German site that has a "tank" rack that seems pretty cool.

There are other things like grips, foot pegs and taillights/turn signals which I suppose can be found with the right search and knowing what to look for but it'd be nice to have a listing of MA-friendly parts in one spot. Might save on time and frustration.

[satur9]

folding mirrors that you can see out of. i put on bar end mirrors. but dont really like the look.and i have to look down to far.

[Greg]

Would definitely like to see:
- Gas gauge!
- Chrome levers
- Steering damper mount for old style steering dampers
- Steering damper mount for rotary steering dampers
- Axle spool kits (especially for the front)
- Some sort of flat skid plate for making lifting the center of the bike up easier
- The Euro LED taillight
- A shorter front fender that only sticks out as far as the bottom headlight (in all five MadAss colors). This sportier version wouldn't need the three holes in the back for the little black flap.
- The brake components currently come in red and black. I'd like to see gold as well.
- A low profile fly screen designed with the headlights of the MadAss in mind; something minimalistic yet functional
- Handlebar brace for the stock handlebars, black, chrome, and gold
- Touch up paint for all 5 MadAss colors
- Gold adjustment and locking nuts for the stock rear shock, and maybe red and blue as well to suit other people's tastes

Probably be cool to:
- Rearsets and a conversion kit
- Alternative swing arms
- Different seat styles to choose from, like a single person cafe racer style with the seat cowl coming in all 5 bike colors
- Curved vertical side mount license plate bracket, left and right side versions in black or silver

What I would like to see redesigned or added to future models:
- Use Loctite rather than J-B Weld on the bolts!
- Gas gauge and tachometer
- Either use a higher quality clutch perch switch or remove that feature entirely from the bike. Half the time I have to push on the connectors at the clutch perch to get my bike to start.
- Make the neutral light more accurate. It doesn't always come on when you are in neutral.
- Rethink rear wiring so that you don't have to cut any wires or pull wires through an impossibly narrow metal tube to install new rear turn signals
- Add another inch to most of the wires on the bike
- An easy way to grab accessory power up at the front of the bike without modifying anything
- Make the battery and everything in the battery compartment more accessible and easier to work on
- Make the ignition coil easier to get to and replace
- Redesign the exhaust and rear bracket(for lights and license plate) so the two are not directly connected to each other
- Come stock with a 428 chain
- Brake and clutch levers that are compatible with some other bike or popular brand
- Slightly stiffer front shocks
- Bolt holes for spools on the front shocks and rear swing arm
- Come stock with a Mikuni carb rather than the TK carb that they switched to
- Maybe I and several others on this forum simply don't know how to use it correctly, but the reserve tank does not seem to function. At best one person has reported being able to go half a block on it.
- This last one may be over the top, but would be cool, a plugged bung for installing an 02 sensor in the exhaust pipe

In general, wiring/electrical is probably the weakest link on the bike right now, with the excessively strong "Loctite" on some of the bolts being my second biggest gripe.

[Streetcred]

ghouston,
has said a fair bit, well done
re metric speedo, you guys in the USA, just need to catch up with the rest of the world, said with a smile.

I agree the electrical system needs a little refinement, especially the clutch cut switch.
some more length and a sturdier outer coating would be nice.

the american built ones seem to have much better tyres than the stock ones here in oz,
the ones fitted here would out last the bike, but are a little "plastic" we dont need gum balls a balance would be nice

You guys in the states should be over joyed that your distributor wants your feedback,

Go the strength of the forum for good customer feedback.
If the USA gets into MAitis then you will have the benefit of being able to dicate what the factory builds

Mr Pierspeed, thanks for being out there and approachable

my 2 cents worth

Phil

[jim8o]

Ghouston seems to sum just about everything up!

I especially like the following section

"Probably be cool to:
- Rearsets and a conversion kit
- Alternative swing arms
- Different seat styles to choose from, like a single person cafe racer style with the seat cowl coming in all 5 bike colors
- Curved vertical side mount license plate bracket, left and right side versions in black or silver"

If this kinda stuff takes off in the states or anywhere for that matter i think i'd have no issue getting it shipped to Aus if it was A) Possible and B) Acceptable shipping costs.

[Streetcred]

A "GS" version would be neat with high guards etc
seem the Gs type bikes are so popular in Europe, a GS MA should be a killer
and look damn good.

The MA are so easy to ride makes you want to venture down a dirt road you may come across.

[Peirspeed]

Thanks for all the input. I don't know what some of these means, so please help me understand.

- Steering damper mount for rotary steering dampers
- Axle spool kits (especially for the front)
- Handlebar brace for the stock handlebars, black, chrome, and gold
- Rearsets and a conversion kit

What are these things above?

Bill

[Peirspeed]

Let me address some of these comments:

Would definitely like to see:
- Gas gauge! It won't have a gas gauge. The bike is meant to be an old school bike, and these were not used. So the tank was never mad to have a fuel sender. There's simply not enough room.
- Chrome levers I'll see if we can get these done.
- Steering damper mount for old style steering dampers Good idea[/size]
- Steering damper mount for rotary steering dampers I don't know what this is.
- Axle spool kits (especially for the front) ???? huh?
- Some sort of flat skid plate for making lifting the center of the bike up easier Good idea.
- The Euro LED taillight I can't sell them because of DOT. But you can buy them from www.ooracing.com He ships quickly.
- A shorter front fender that only sticks out as far as the bottom headlight (in all five MadAss colors). This sportier version wouldn't need the three holes in the back for the little black flap. Another good idea.
- The brake components currently come in red and black. I'd like to see gold as well. OK, we should be able to do that.
- A low profile fly screen designed with the headlights of the MadAss in mind; something minimalistic yet functional Coming soon...
- Handlebar brace for the stock handlebars, black, chrome, and gold What is that?
- Touch up paint for all 5 MadAss colors On the way...
- Gold adjustment and locking nuts for the stock rear shock, and maybe red and blue as well to suit other people's tastes We're working on a stainless set, chrome set and gold.

Probably be cool to:
- Rearsets and a conversion kit ????
- Alternative swing arms Moto-Scoot sells a billet aluminim version. www.moto-scoot.net
- Different seat styles to choose from, like a single person cafe racer style with the seat cowl coming in all 5 bike colors Coming soon... different seat styles.
- Curved vertical side mount license plate bracket, left and right side versions in black or silver

I'll pass on your qc issues to the Sachs staff.

- Bill

[Peirspeed]

A "GS" version would be neat with high guards etc
seem the Gs type bikes are so popular in Europe, a GS MA should be a killer
and look damn good.

The MA are so easy to ride makes you want to venture down a dirt road you may come across.

What's a "GS" version mean?

Bill

[jim8o]

A "GS" version would be neat with high guards etc
seem the Gs type bikes are so popular in Europe, a GS MA should be a killer
and look damn good.

The MA are so easy to ride makes you want to venture down a dirt road you may come across.

What's a "GS" version mean?

Bill

Im not 100% sure but i always assumed it was something based on the style of a BMW GS bike? like adventure tourer style?

correct me if im wrong

[Cellar Yeti]

I would like to see a fiberglass cover to go over the engine and stuff to protect the engine from lookie loos, vandals, and thieves.

[Greg]

Peirspeed, wow, your response has me excited.

Here are some photos and a little explanation of the items you asked about.

Steering damper mount for rotary steering dampers
This rotary steering damper is mounted on a bike with a similar fork and handlebar setup as the MadAss. These are great for doing stunts on the bike where you want the handlebars to remain straight.




Axle spool kits (especially for the front)
These allow you to use a paddock stand to raise the front or rear of the bike. There are a couple other similar items that could be put on the front and rear axles as well, which include sliders and pegs. Sliders are to help prevent damage to the bike if you crash or it falls for whatever reason. Pegs are used for stunts.






Handlebar brace for the stock handlebars, black, chrome, and gold






Rearsets and a conversion kit
See that crazy gold contraption on this MadAss. That is a rearset. It essentially moves the footpegs, rear brake, and shifter back so that you can sit in a more forward leaning racing posture. The rearsets on this bike are a bit over the top. Something cleaner looking like in the second photo would probably look better on the MadAss, though without the rubber. All silver and all black would be cool. Also, if it would be possible to retain the functionality of the kickstart, with say a much smaller than stock kickstart lever, that would be an extra bonus for folks with the stock engine, and actually quite necessary for folks who have installed aftermarket engines that don't have an electric start.





Curved vertical side mount license plate brackets
Regarding the side mount license plate brackets, like the Euro LED headlights, these are probably something you wouldn't want to be directly involved in since they are not legal in all states. Depending on their own state laws though, these could be fabricated by someone like Moto-Scoot. The main problem with most of these that are available is they tend to be made for cruisers with 3/4" - 1" axles. Occasionally I'll run across a set made custom for a specific bike that attaches to something else other than the axle. In our case, a bracket attached to the two bolts on the chain guard would be a perfect easy bolt on solution. Personally I think it would look better on the right hand side of the bike so it didn't obscure aftermarket rear sprockets, but other than the axle (and maybe the rear brake mount, somewhat scary) there isn't really anything on the right side to attach a bracket to.

[Greg]

I would like to see a fiberglass cover to go over the engine and stuff to protect the engine from lookie loos, vandals, and thieves.

It's hard to imagine much in the way of fairings on the MadAss since it was designed to be naked from the get go. This fairly minimal belly pan and headlight combination looks pretty cool though. However it would not do much in the way of protecting anything from vandals.



Of note, this MadAss has a really simple and clean rearset setup that retains the stock kickstart. It looks like he managed to shorten his rear brake pedal somehow. I wish I could see the other side.

[Cellar Yeti]

In terms personal preference, there is room for improvement on that bellypan. I'd like to see it come up to completely cover the engine. I am not crazy about the headlight kit. I like the rearset idea, I've never heard of it before now. You say it changes your riding position to a slightly more motorcycle type seating position? Would having the seat lowered/reshaped help this any? I am already thinking that If I am to go Sachs I'll have the seat lowered by 1-2" and reshaped.

On a side note the pannier and rear cargo racks are ridiculously overpriced. I understand they are handmade, but it seems a bit silly. I think something in the way of more economical cargo/pannier/gas tank racks need to be devised as well as a more suited cargo trunk, hard panniers, and possibly something for the fuel tank. It's something that is really holding me back from making a decision.

[Greg]

In terms personal preference, there is room for improvement on that bellypan. I'd like to see it come up to completely cover the engine.

Out of probably a couple hundred pictures of modded MadAsses I've looked at, this is the only one I've seen where someone has attempted to put a fairing on the bike. For the most part, people attracted to the MadAss dig it due to it's absolute minimalism and lack of fairings of any kind. So I'm not thinking it likely anyone would try to market something as expensive to develop as full body fairings for a bike they probably aren't suited to. A small displacement sport bike like one of the following might suit you better:

Cagiva Mito 125
Yamaha YZF-R125
Honda CBR125R

I like the rearset idea, I've never heard of it before now. You say it changes your riding position to a slightly more motorcycle type seating position?

Well, not a "more motorcycle type seating position", a more sport bike seating position. The seating position on the MadAss is your basic old school upright motorcycle seating position. On some crusiers, the seating position is more leaned back, like you're chilling on your lazy boy with a beer. On sport bikes where you are trying to reduce wind drag and corner at higher speeds, a more forward leaning posture is better. This posture is not however as comfortable as sitting straight up.

On a side note the pannier and rear cargo racks are ridiculously overpriced.

On most bikes pannier racks range from around $180 to $300. $69.95 for a set of pannier racks seems like a steal in comparison. In general though, trying to add luggage to the MadAss is an aesthetic nightmare. Anything on the rear is going to throw the design out of whack. The tank rack is probably the least disruptive, but also the least useful.

I attached this next image to sort of illustrate my point, but at the same time I think it's sort of awesome. He could use a cargo trailer.



My favorite luggage rack came stock with my torso and below is my bag. If I need to haul something that doesn't fit in that I take a car.

[Cellar Yeti]

In terms personal preference, there is room for improvement on that bellypan. I'd like to see it come up to completely cover the engine.

Out of probably a couple hundred pictures of modded MadAsses I've looked at, this is the only one I've seen where someone has attempted to put a fairing on the bike. For the most part, people attracted to the MadAss dig it due to it's absolute minimalism and lack of fairings of any kind. So I'm not thinking it likely anyone would try to market something as expensive to develop as full body fairings for a bike they probably aren't suited to. A small displacement sport bike like one of the following might suit you better:

Cagiva Mito 125
Yamaha YZF-R125
Honda CBR125R

I like the rearset idea, I've never heard of it before now. You say it changes your riding position to a slightly more motorcycle type seating position?

Well, not a "more motorcycle type seating position", a more sport bike seating position. The seating position on the MadAss is your basic old school upright motorcycle seating position. On some crusiers, the seating position is more leaned back, like you're chilling on your lazy boy with a beer. On sport bikes where you are trying to reduce wind drag and corner at higher speeds, a more forward leaning posture is better. This posture is not however as comfortable as sitting straight up.

On a side note the pannier and rear cargo racks are ridiculously overpriced.

On most bikes pannier racks range from around $180 to $300. $69.95 for a set of pannier racks seems like a steal in comparison. In general though, trying to add luggage to the MadAss is an aesthetic nightmare. Anything on the rear is going to throw the design out of whack. The tank rack is probably the least disruptive, but also the least useful.

I attached this next image to sort of illustrate my point, but at the same time I think it's sort of awesome. He could use a cargo trailer.



My favorite luggage rack came stock with my torso and below is my bag. If I need to haul something that doesn't fit in that I take a car.

Unfortunately, some people don't have the financial freedom to own a car. My bike will be my primary form of transportation and I can't go grocery shopping with a backpack alone. I appreciate the suggestions on other bikes, but I am particularly picky about I am willing to invest in, specifically, not a motorcycle.

[Streetcred]

yep "GS" is the adventurer type bike like the BMW R1200GS and BMWR800 GS.

We could all become Ewen and Charlie on these on a trip to the shops!!

I hope you guys know how ewen and charlie are ( long way round etc, if you havent watched it, do so, you wont want to stay home)

regards

Phil

[pierre95]

For me i just want to find same parts you can find for monkey and dax tuning means better suspension front and rear, lighter wheels racing disk brake rear pegs set keeping the possibility to use start lever ,well, infact pratically all i was obliged to made by myself for my prototype full alu

[badassmadass]

Wheels?

[MilwaukeeMadass]

I hope you guys know how ewen and charlie are

Of course! I think anyone who rides a motorcycle should check that out. I caught Long Way Around when it was on A&E or what not and quickly went out and bought the DVD after. I watch it every so often. I wonder if there's a DVD for Long Way Down (down through the EU and Africa to Cape Town), that would be cool.

Watching Ewan and Charlie has made me want to try out duel-sport touring eventually. Maybe not through Mongolia though.

[Greg]

I just put both Long Way Around and Long Way Down in my queue on Netflix. I'd never heard of them before.

[MadAss John]

Carbon fiber fenders would look slick! Hm, I may have to look into vacuum molding...

[MilwaukeeMadass]

Greg - Watching those will only fuel your two-wheeled addiction eve more! Watch out!

[MilwaukeeMadass]

Bill at MS found this and sent me a link to a top box that looks like it would fit the size of the MA especially on the rear cargo rack. Of course it's made for a bicycle, but if it works...