My first bike was an '81 Suzuki GN400T, which the s40 is based on, more or less. It was kick-start only, had a tiny 6v battery that only powered the horn, taillight, and turn signals. The headlight and ignition were run off a magneto. I put 63,000 miles on that bike in the 5 years I owned it. Paid about $1100 for it new. After the '82 model they upped the engine to 650cc in 1986 and dubbed it the "Savage".
For the past 3 years now I’ve owned a 2015 Cleveland CycleWerks Fxx dirt bike. The engine has never had a problem, does great on cold starts, super reliable, durable engine parts etc. The only thing is the over all body fabrication. After about 5 months of owning it, the plastic body and parts of the metal frame were worn. I only used the dirt bike around my 1 acre property and on my friends homemade drag strip. It was easy to tell that the body and frame were cheaply made with crap materials. I redid the frame with solid steel and repaired the plastic body. The bike has lasted me this long after those repairs. Overall I would recommend if you are on a budget for a reliable dirt bike, but would not recommend if you are on a budget for a performance dirt bike.
I would love one of those Heist bikes. I’ve been away from riding for 30 yrs because of kids, paying for college, weddings etc.. Now I’m 60 and broke. Even $3000 is out of my league. I’m not embarrassed to say so either. My house is paid for and I’m married to my best friend for 40 yrs. But I just don’t have the money to buy one. I live my love of motorcycles by watching videos and test drives and occasionally I get to drive my buddies bike. I’m saving my pennies ( literally) and some day I would love to buy a Heist. It reminds me of my days of riding on my Triumph Bonneville. It was fast but I never drove it fast. I enjoyed the wind in my face and the joy of putting around on two wheels. This guy has a great idea, a quality product considering the price and his market is out there tenfold. I wish him all the luck in the world. When your young it’s time to take those chances and like I said: I wish him luck and good fortune. Sadly I had saved up around $10 grand for a bike but last year my youngest daughter died tragically and my savings paid for her funeral. So I’m starting all over again hoping that I’ll save enough to buy one before I’m too old. Life happens and you have to go along with it. At this point having a motorcycle again would be therapeutic and healing for me. We are not wired to outlive our children. Well anyway I love the Heist and I think it’s a great idea at just the right time. Good luck guys. EK
I don't see why people are out to talk shit about these bikes. There's a couple of guys that have gone to almost every comment and said why they think these bikes are crap. Does talking shit about a bike make you feel better about yourself? If you don't like these bikes, so what? There's bikes that I don't like. If someone thinks these bikes are crap, then go look at something else. I mean if someone thinks they look bad as hell on them, then good for them. Isn't that why we all started riding in the first place? Are these bikes for me? No, probably not but I'm not going to shit on some guy for buying something that makes him happy. Peace.
Runeguy33 Look, kid: Take it from me. I'm a recently retired Master Mechanic starting in 1973 and you can rest assured I'm not "out to talk shit about these bikes." What I'm doing is "educating the public". Shall I break it down for you? Okay... 1) These bikes are Chinese low quality bikes. Slave labor at that. 2) Parts are not available at any price, anywhere. There's about 300 different M/C manufacturers in China. Which one made this pile? 3) The only place in the world these are advertised is here on TH-cam, not in any motorcycle publications. That alone should be enough to warn even the dumbest of shits. 4) Try to ask any questions about CycleWerks [sic] here on TH-cam and comments are all blocked. Again, even the dumbest of shits would know this is a fly-by-night outfit. 5) I've been posting comments about the risks you'll take by buying one and CycleWerks [sic] has never come back to contradict me. Never! 6) The cost alone should be a dead giveaway you're buying shit. I could go on for hours but I have (had) a LOT of first hand experience with any motorized crap from China. Don't believe any of the above? Try this: Go to "Cleveland, nothing but problems: Customer Critique of Warranty, manufacture quality and service of Cleveland CycleWerks'. I'll be waiting for your apology, kid. "Peace" my ass... You should have known.
I'm just saying that I've ridden an worked on friends'. They're not that bad. The quality control and final assembly that they do in Cleveland, OH goes a long way. They're not great, but they're 1970's tech that needs to be ridden that way. They're hardtail, so you need to lock tight and tighten some nuts after you ride. They've come a long way even since this video. They offer Italian been I brakes, and a lot of more modern Japanese components. They're stepping up QC because they're coming out with a 500cc, and I might get one of those. By the way, I wasn't even talking about you specifically, so please don't get too offended. Enjoy your day, sir.
Sorry about that auto-correct. "Italian Brembo brakes". Also you should check out "CCW Tha Riders" Facebook page. That's sort of the central hub for owners. Those guys post good things, and post all of their trouble-shooting questions on there. As you justifiably voice your opinion on these bikes, you could learn about the advancements they've made. Check out their website www.clevelandcyclewerks.com they're in like 20 countries now.
Runeguy33 I was kind of wondering what "been I" brakes were. It almost sounds like "Brembo"...sort of. "OH goes a long way"? I'm still wondering about that. You almost sound like a spokesman for the rip-offs...I mean "company". I must have thrown away the information I recently researched but it was something like, "There's 250+ motorcycle manufacturers in China today." Personally, I'll stick with the 1 or 2 in the U.S...the country where you can get physical access to parts and shit. I hope you haven't bought one of these bikes...yet. I'd avoid them. You'd just be looking for trouble. The people on Facebook who've bought them already are not motorcycle enthusiasts or even as you refer to yourself as "riders". They're computer nerds who look and see pictures of what appears to be a nice motorcycle. Then they see the cost and think, "I can be a 'biker' too!" no knowing any better. I'm sure they all have good to say but keep in mind, they are most likely "plants". CycleJerks plants. Either that or they're just dumber than a box of rocks. If you want a GOOD quality bike that performs well for decades, hunt down an old Yamaha SR500. Dependable as a rock. Toss the stock exhaust, re-jet the carb and add an instant 12hp while losing 15 pounds. These bikes are so popular in Japan I could probably get 10 grand for mine from a Japanese buyer and mine's a 1979 but has exten$ive engine performance upgrades doubling the HP. Seriously, you'd be literally throwing your money away buying this Chinese crap. I've turned away cu$tomer$ at work who brought in Chinese-made generators, scooters, crotch rockets, dirt bikes, etc. telling them, "Where am I supposed to get parts?" My time was worth $65 an hour and nobody's going to pay me to hunt down parts. I've told them, "If you bring me the parts, I can work on it." I'd tell them to take it back and get your money back if possible. Most of the crap looked unused! You get what you pay for.
Well, I guess when it comes down to it, as long as you're happy it's alright. I'm still thinking about getting one, and I'll continue to do my homework. I like the advancements that they've made from 2009 to 2015. Who knows, maybe they'll thrive, maybe they'll not. I'm certainly no biker. You buy a rigid frame 250 if you want to appear hard or an interstate warrior. I never liked riding on the interstate much anyways. Keep the shiny side up, yamaha.
These are awesome bikes. I met Scott at the Cleveland international motorcycle show and he had his race bike there. It's the misfit with a big bore kit and an exhaust that he races on a flat track against Harley's.
This kid from Cleveland is doing quite alright with his low cost bikes in my view. More power to him doing what he can in the USA. Of course he has to source some stuff to pull it off, that's how it works. I have manufactured in Taiwan since the late 80s and S. Africa since '95 for US and Euro companies, have a house and cars in Taipei and have ridden bikes and scooters all over Asia from the north of Thailand to all over Taiwan, Phil's, Viet Nam and Indonesia. All the fine gentlemen who say Taiwanese motorcycles are junk know nothing, it's just typing on the internet. Taiwan has around 1.5 million motorcycles and scooters on the road all the time and they're so bulletproof and cheap that imports from anywhere can't compete except for novel cool factor. Period. Being a component manufacturer, I know material specs and tolerances are just that, or no customers, no orders. Your car is full of stuff from Asia and E. Europe that you don't know about, or part of your component is if not the complete module. Japanese motorcycles are mostly ALL made with parts from their plants all over in Asia regardless of the Made in Japan sticker on a particular part. These comments that Asian bikes are trash are emotional and understandable, but utterly ill-informed, dead wrong. I'm in Morocco at this moment. Tons of Chinese 250cc three wheelers are doing heavy work here in Morocco along with Renault / Peugeot die hard locally made assorted vehicles, donkeys .. mules. Not much stuff is broken down, it's all working day in day out from here to within the Sahara. BS is easy on a keyboard, face it, Asian bikes are all over and by the way, do you know anything about Harley Davidson's supply chain? BMW makes engines in China according to their specs, few people seem to know that. Just scratching the surface here no room for more and no need either. KTM assembles some bikes in India btw. Look into what you're commenting before making a fool of yourself, just my humble suggestion. True, China does slop out some serious trash, including some horrid motorcycles, but Taiwan makes great stuff, and even China OEM parts are ok. Tons of parts and motorcycles come from all over Asia but not specifically from China. Millions upon millions of motorcycles are in Asia and too many more every single day, they're mostly ultra good stuff these days. My home country of USA is a teensy little microscopic motorcycle market, so this cat from Cleveland is serving a niche within that which means ultra small volume. Asian countries spew out more bikes per minute than he does in a year which makes what he's doing .. unique and cool. Check out some stats for yourself. Art A., Fes, Morocco 20 Jan, "16.
"As we progressed, the whole idea behind the company is to make riding accessible to more people". end of story with what he said and I think the company does a good job. what he was referring to with the value of an $8,000 harley is because it literally looks like one of the vintage Harleys in pristine condition. say what you want especially if you don't even ride but if they help to get riders: new, short, or just commuters into riding and understand their company won't be huge... I say why judge? they're honest and they're doing an even greater good, in my opinion, than any other motorcycle company ever could.
+Bob Frankenstein As a Harley Rider, I agree with you. My Harley was EXPENSIVE, and its a blast to ride, I love customizing it and all of the above. But this concept is a great idea. Get every day commuters on a bike for cheap...very simple. When I look at another bike, these guys are absolutely something Ill look at.
Bob,it all sounds good, but the bikes are in fact underpowered Chinese pieces of crap. In another review their CCW had the front brakes fall apart while riding it. Stay away.
this video has a super weird vibe. the constant airy, sad guitar score-like you may hear at the end of a scene in a sad vice documentary about indian sex slaves-juxtaposed with the owner's almost constant defensive demeanor (even after replying to a compliment) is just absolutely strange.
They're so ashamed of their bikes that they never even gave the company name. And you're right about the sad video vibe. My momma dont love me no more. Pathetic video.
@@scottwooldridge8946 Cleveland cyclewerks, they use Honda cg motors they are great. Chinese companies like tao, hawk, and Apollo use cloned cg motors. Easy to work on, cheap parts and with carb work head work and exhaust you can make decent enough power
I owned one of these for a year. The motor is a Honda design manufactured in China. No leaks, no problem with the motor at all. It's great, just not a lot of power.
David Fruhling That's like saying a pogo stick sucks because you can't climb walls. You get a motorcycle for around 3k, that looks quite cool (even if it's not my type) and sounds quite fun. You can not expect it to race 1000cc bikes. It's just for the joy and feeling. I like the concept. ;)
David Fruhling I'm guessing you're one of those occasional Harley riders who believes nothing but Harley is worth riding? News for you; not everybody goes on multi-lane highways all the time, and not everybody buys only the same kind of bikes. Some people have garage full of different types of bikes for different conditions. What a concept, eh?
carolcheny I agree, you would never catch me on a Harley. I live in the UK, so knocking about on smaller roads is one of my delights. Im currently riding a KTM 390 Duke.
I just bought a beater bike I am fixing and came across this video. It made my bike build feel more inspired. For this company to still go for the American dream that is forgotten is inspirational.
Now that companies like CCW and Kikker had intro'd the low displacement engined bikes, I'd like to see them move up to higher displacement powerplants, say the 400-500 cc range.
Also both companys use Lifan engines ive ran Lifan branded engines for a good bit on my various projects great reliable engines depending on the type and model lifans you get that is the one CCW uses is a little bit on the higherend of things vs Kikker where they used the junky cheapo model now dont get me wrong there both great just happens that the engine series kikker chose parts are a bit on the cheap side of casting and parts can be hard to find and there is zero upgrades you can do to the motors without having custom parts made the engine CCW chose is differnt its a better quality engine very strong and very reliable has upgrades for it that you can find almost anywhere and the size of the frame on the heist is so large (engine wise) you can fit a V-twin in there with ease just gotta line it up and make mounting brakes and wire it up there was a guy that stabbed a Honda or yamaha vtwin in his heist made his own brackets for the motor and the brackets for his motor used the stock brackets for the stock engine so no welding or cutting of the frame was required now since CCW has not offered a v-twin version yet there is no exhaust options other then custom exhaust.
I just felt bunched up sitting on one now when i had my magna that just felt right sitting on it maybe it was the sitting position or how wide it is compared to the rebel idk what it was it just sat right.
Joe Smith Riding a motorcycle is not a sport. He's marketing a cheap, Chinese bike as somehow cool. Once they experience a few breakdowns, they will just lease a Hyundai.
I love this! A brand new, turnkey, bike for $3000 bucks American dollars folks! A rigid cruiser, a double sprung Cafe' model. China builds ones like this too but this is more locally made. Some guys, a dream, and a pile of japanese 250cc air cooled, SOC, Carberetted, single cyl, motors. Sounds cool to me. The Cafe' could be a real toy but the cruiser looks comfy. A g ood beginner and fan of luggy singles that will slowly pull you up to 60-70 or so. I like their dream.
My last CB750 Kz cost $50 and gave 100,000mi before l bought my 'new' CB750CUSTOM, an 1981 for $500. Does it all up to 120mph. Some folks gotta have new and l like an American startup over the Chinese models at the same price is all. The ChiCom bikes are almost identical to these. I jus hope their dream succeeds!
Yeah ML ...For a full grown adult who plans on a few highway miles...I'd say my 1100 Spirit is the smallest MC on the used market that I'd want. If I get a few bucks I'll be moving up to larger displacement. But will remain in the low milege used market...that is where ya get most bang for buck in my opinion.
Great to hear Scott talking about his vision and passion for motocycles and starting a business. I think there is an evolution going on where a new generation proves that everything is possible if you want to. It is sad to hear many people saying that they do not know what to do and that nothing is possible. Here in Europe it's the same. Having my own business I agree with Scott that everything is possible. And not only in the USA I can tell! Wish him all the best with Cleveland CycleWerks!
This is really awesome. I'm a Canadian living and riding in South Korea and have owned used to ride a 125 and 250cc bike when I first got here. Looking at pics of my bikes people back home couldn't believe they weren't 'big bikes'. Anyway North America needs to catch up on this and you guys are going to help make it happen. Way to go boys! Your bikes look awesome!
I'm pretty sure the single piston 250cc engine in this bike is not better than the 1730cc v-twin on the victory judge. "Better engine" the guy says. It's a great looking little bike, but don't lie about it.
+Nate Silva yeah but that's like saying the engine on my childhood BMX (aka my legs) will last longer then the victory. I was a little put off by them saying it's "better" too because I would sure as hell pick a bigger engine if I could.
mike hunt It's my first bike so I feel you but it's not important, just happy to have my first motorcycle, and I'm glad it's not now big monster. Check out the Honda fury when I get good enough that will be my second bike probably
+Nate Silva Sorry brother, I didn't mean to insult your ride. It is a cool bike. I actually really like the concept. But I just took exception to the manufacturers claim that the engine, brakes and suspension were better than a victory judge. I'm sure it gives you the same joy and freedom as my bike does. We all share the same passion, riding and wrenching. If it's a 106" v-twin or a 250 cc cool little thumper, it's all good. Hope I didn't come off as a snob.
As an avid Cafe Racer fan and also having owned an "off shore" made motorcycle as my first bike, I'd say these bikes are a fantastic starting point. I hope CCW does amazing and is still around when my son is ready for his first street bike.
I love the concept and its a cool bike. I have an old Yamaha 850 Tripple, its more of a cafe/fighter its great to cruise. People forget how nice it is just to cruise, and have a very simple bike thats super easy to fix and maintain. My buddy has a 600 Ninja, and it has so many problems, every time we ride... I also get all the looks and compliments ;) plus Kick Start is just the man way...
I'm not American nor do I really like this style of bike, but really admire what you guys are doing and hopefully you can make strides with your company.
Lifan China has made engines for Japanese companies. It is anything but junk. This bike was not designed or implemented by a Chinese company. Its a great bike for the money. I still love used Japanese bikes as well. CCW is a great small American Company and Scott has balls and brains. Haters will hate. T
+thomas grim Not true. Lifan is horrible copy of Japanese bikes and never made a single engine for Japanese companies.....ever ! ONLY one that made something for Japanese companies is Korean Hyosung and it was making parts for Suzuki engines. And Hyosung is only non Japanese brand that I would buy.
+zack9912000 Marco, one thing i won't do is get into a pissing match with someone on the net but i need to respond to this. The most notable non Japanese company to make engines for a Japanese company is Sym of taiwan. Sam also has factories in China. The most successful motorcycle of all time was manufactured on a large scale in Taiwan. Its the very famous Honda cup. Yamaha santioned Linhai , a Chinese company to make scooters. Liana has produced engines for Honda and there unfortunately are many lower quality knock offs currently being made in China. Cleavland Cycle Werks currently holds the land speed record in its 250 class.
+zack9912000 Wrong again, because the particular models are obsolete as the gy6 is. The gy6 is still a very reliable good performing engine. The problem comes from the loose tolerance knock offs that are made in China. The dies are of high quality.
I am a mechanical engineering student who has been riding since he was 14. My dream is to start a motorcycle company one day as well. I'm glad to see that there are folks out there and small companies out there that still think about the kid that doesn't have that much cash on him but still wants something he doesn't have to spend three summers working on just to take a spin around the lake. I say this because I've worked every summer since junior year of high school to get my '78 cb550 runing
I wish these guys luck, but, there are so many great used bikes for under 3 grand, even around 2. Buy a Japanese bike, change the oil, filter and plugs on time, and you probably would never kill it.
My 1978 Yamaha XS400 requires a couple box wrenches, an allen wrench, and a feeler gauge to adjust the valves with no extraneous labor involved. My 1996 GSX-R 750 requires significant assembly/disassembly, expensive shims, more specialized tools, setting the timing, setting/checking the cam tension, etc. I've done this work myself without any experience, but realistically I do not think many people could handle a modern engine or they simply are not comfortable tearing apart a motor.
nice concept but i have read tons of reviews of these CCW bikes rattling apart on test rides or even parts breaking off which pretty much steered me away from them
mad respect to the owner. thats a sic looking bike and a great price. im currently riding a 1600 but would love to have one of these for kicking it around town.
if you pay for a new one up front you can demand the manufacturers certificate of origin and the bike becomes your private household good, like your toothbrush.Then there's no obligation to license it, insure it, no motorcycle license necessary. If you finance one or buy used the title is split because the bank, or dealer sends the MCO to the States DMV, and the state has equitable interest in the res/bike while you get certificate of title, which is only evidence of whole title exists somewhere. A trust is created and don't know about it. Its how they force you to have insurance ,registration, license etc..look it up...
+justaman6972 Yeah, and when the cops pull you over for riding without a license, just tell them you're a "free man on the land". Then start spouting a barrage pseudo-legal nonsense, like "Officer, you can't arrest my corporate person", or, "I do not wish to create enjoinder with you". Then, after they've tasered you, and are throwing your ass into the back of the patrol car, start screaming, "I do not consent! I do not consent!". It works every time.
Test drove one. Lost a nut as i pulled out of the parking lot, rattled bad at higher RPM, speedo was broken and wouldn't go past 60, and when i pulled over after a highway run (got to maybe 55 at full throttle) the front break sprung a leak and left brake fluid all over the front wheel. Really wanted to like it but it was a real lemon. Only perks i found were it looks cool when it's parked and it was obviously really easy to move around at that weight.
i have owned my heist for the last 14 months and have put over 13000 miles on her. I have been documenting and recording my experiences with my bike since day one. these are solid machines. So solid that i rode my bike from outside NYC down to Daytona and back. 3000 miles round trip for bike week. i made some mods and geared her for highway riding. my bike has been ridden through 14 states and has always been well received. the heist is literally a canvas waiting for an artist
I'm a Harley owner and lover who grew up near Cleveland. I know that this has nothing to do with my take on CCW bikes! but what the hell. I'm all for this new company but I hope that you can somehow transition to 100% non-Chinese parts. These bikes might sell well in the U.K. as many riders there opt for smaller engine bikes, Cheers!
I'm building a bobber right now and I can say less than 2 minutes into this video I am quite committed to buying a bike from these guy when I get a good job again. YAY I wish these guys well. If they existed in 2008 and I knew about them I'd be driving one of there bikes today :)
This is a perfect example of simplicity executed perfectly, I know when I first started riding I was on a 250 rebel like most, and for the few years I had it my main goal was finding ways to make it look less...wimpy... and these bikes seem to fit the bill for anyone who needs a simple, reliable commuter with great aesthetics from the get go.
Wow, was this a fluff piece or what? I have ridden one of these bikes, in short, its a moped. It feels like a cheap bike, the welds are not what I would say are confident work. I have built cafe racers using whats out there for less that will run circles around these bikes. I love Pappy and Harriets, good call on lunch, great burgers after a ride in the canyons but please stay out of my way when im out there.
Johnny Tobifour You move from an easily adjustable rocker arm arrangement to bucket and shims etc, the maintenance is more difficult and they are far more complex. DOHC on a cheap single cylinder bike is unnecessary ;-)
Right. Much easier to do adjustments with a pushrod engine. However, overhead cams can get you more power. Now for a single, I don't think DOHC is necessary, but Honda was the first to use DOHC on a single cylinder bike, and now just about every 4-stroke dirtbike is a DOHC. So if you want a lighter and slightly more powerful engine, ditch the pushrods. But really, why even worry about valves and cams in the first place? Just buy a 2-stroke and be done with it.
For someone who doesn't know a whole lot about how engines work, hell yeah they would be! Don't apply everything to yourself because the world doesn't revolve around you. Expand your horizons and actually think about things rather than just say crap.
This guy is speaking my language. I've ridden bikes of all sorts and sizes for 35 years and when it comes down to it all you need is enough HP to get the job done, whether it's a small dirt bike, a 90HP 1000cc touring bike, (like mine) or a 75 HP bike to run wild on alone, (all air-cooled) that's all the HP you need. Nothing against guys who want more power, but there's something beautiful having the right bike with the right amount of power that you can fix yourself for minimum money.
dont forget about the start of all this. the Kicker 5150. bad ass lil bike for 1500 now has a 250cc. looks just like the heist. but been around for quite a few years. i like em.
Picked up a 87 Honda Shadow 700 in perfect working order but cosmetically challenged. It has cloudy aluminum and tiny rust spots as well as a tiny spot that is starting some corrosion in the rear wheel cover. Wish I could fix it up like this!
EXCUSE THE FUCK OUT OF ME!? i workd at a ccw dealership for 2 years. and when parts broke, wed call ccw and theyd ship them, and when 1 or 2 speedometers broke on the misfits, wich they did, they told me theyd find a diffrent model, AND THEY DID! with free shipping, overnight, to the shop, where we swaped broken parts free of cost. and my heist has 8000 miles and hasnt given me trouble, i have gotten more bullshit from yamaha and suzuki, even kawis, PEOPLE! CCW ENGINES ARE HONDA CLONES! and materials mught be cheaper but there built like hondas and KICKS ASS!
***** I feel for you bro, The language is just appalling! Please don't lose all respect for someone for "saying a bad word" as my 4 year old says. Really, you'll be ok
RazeTheWolf There are no "ccw dealerships", you blithering idiot! What you guys consicer "dealerships" are nothing more than your garage where you uncrate the bike you ordered THROUG CCW who get's them shipped from China straight to you (pocketing sucker money for doing nothing but mailing a money order) where you bolt the front wheel and handlebars on. That's not a "dealer", kid. It's a "Fly-By-Night" operation. You might just want to take a 10-7 and shut up. Your child-like grammatical skills lend you not an ounce of credibility, kid! You should have known.
tyrus irvine What? "defenestrate" myself and grow hair on my palms like you? No thanks! You'll go blind you know! You're slipping. You missed: "concicer" (consider) Actually, the lack of the 'H' was a slip of the keyboard, not a misspelling, kid. You should have known.
God I have so much respect for this dude! I am only fifteen but I built motorized bikes and I am always looking at pictures of tha heist, tha ace and tha misfit for ideas and to be honest I get most of my inspiration from his bikes and the guts that this guy had to go out on a limb and start a company that seems almost impossible to get started. overall love his bikes and his story
They think it LOOKS like a classic or retro $8,000-$10,000 Harley and indeed it does my dad owns a few Harleys and one of them is from World War Two! Anyways he has a lot of classic bikes. Point is even though I'm not a biker I can still recognize the similarities in appearance to some classic Harley bobbers my dad has but keep in mind that's appearance! Technecally I think Harley's are best and appearence too :)
+sickmellon I read a really great editorial on Jalopnik last week it was from oct 2014 and it was about why you can't buy the motorcycle you want. It was about how the American consumer has regulated motorcycling to being a past time for old people and squids and no longer for average every day people. Do you know what the American slice is of the global motorcycle market is? America's share is .66 %. Yes thats right the richest country in the world with 5% of the worlds population is just .66% of the motorcycle market. Do you know how many cars were sold world wide last year? ABout 75 million. Do you know how many motorcycles? 19 million. Yeah world wide 1 in 5 personal transport vehicles sold was a motorcycle. This is why you can't buy a CB1300 ABS. The American motorcycle market has devolevd its way toward elmination. I currently ride a motorcycle as my only form of transportation. Its a 2003 Honda Nighthawk 750. its nearly the perfect bike for the average American to commute on and pleasure ride yet American riders have completely discouraged young people from buying a bike for transportation. WHo the fuck 18 year old is going to be able to afford to buy a Harley on a fast food or retail workers wages? Honda's finally selling a couple of sub $4k bikes buts a CBR250 and a CB300. The CBR is a sport bike and the CB300 is made for the Asian market with styling to match. I gotta tell you I looked at Cleveland Cycle Werks web page and that Ace Deluxe looks like EXACTLY the beginner bike and young millenial commuter machine America needs. Motorcycling is DYING in America we need to encourage young riders but you can't get young riders if you don't have products that are accessable to them.
I have a ninja 250R and am working on building a CL175 into a cafe bike. I'd rather have fun tooling around than screaming down the highway at 160 any day. Great job guys.
If anyone cares, these bikes are made in China and the "Cleveland" name is added here to make you think you're buying an American-made bike. Forget it. They're one of over 200 makes of Chinese motorcycles but the only one exported. You'll never find parts if needed. Go to: "Cleveland, nothing but problems: customer critique of warranty, manufacture quality and service of Cleveland Cyclewerks" for full details. I've personally chatted with the "owner" a "Scott Colosimo" who claims the bike is made here in the states. His VP, a "Brett" is quoted as saying, "These are just Chinese pieces of shit" and that Scott is just a "..vacuum cleaner designer". DON'T KILL THE MESSENGER! The Daniel Gallant who posted the "Cleveland, nothing but problems" was threatened with a lawsuit by Scott for only reporting the poor quality and poor treatment by Scott & Company. I wish these bikes WERE nice, quality and reliable bikes. Hell, I'd buy tow or three! Until then, I'll just stick with my old, reliable 1979 Yamaha SR500 with it's potent 650 stroker engine.
Yamaha SR650 Thanks I canceled my order after reading this, going to toss another 500 bucks with the 3300 i paid and I will get a used Honda Shadow 1100
I hate how rude and disrespectful the guy from drive was, if you were trying to be funny, you failed miserably. You came off as a prick with no manners. This is my only gripe about this video, I hate when people aren't courteous and humble. In NYC where I'm from, you talk like that to some one here, they would've either gotten up and walked away or you would've been picking up your teeth off the floor. You never disrespect a person who is trying to become some one and has a dream and is pursuing it. Instead of being positive and congratulating him on making his own company, you're making stupid remarks of how shitty his bike is.
The guy's obviously just some limp wristed hipster fuck who's never done anything on his own and probably got handed a job selling his opinion to other hipster bitches by his dad. Fucking powdered ass rich boy who was never told that his opinion isn't worth a jizzed on velvet painting of Dick Nixon.
Its a basic bike that is ideal for beginner riders, very forgivable and easy to maintain. Cheap too if you get one second hand (I would be surprised to see one on the market for 3k or over). What more could you ask for?
Whether it's made in a another country and assembled here or not is irrelevant! These are chinese bikes as much as the Apple iPhone is chinese too! I'm astonished that people, till this day, still don't understand that it doesn't matter where things are made! What does matter is where design and quality control is based of! If it's based in U.S.A., the product is American, if it's based in U.K. the product is English... It has been always like this in the world since several decades ago.It seems that some people only now are starting to understand how things have always have been!.... Where do you thing all raw materials like rubber, plastic, oil, metal, etc. come from? No country as all resources to make a finished product!... It's a full "international circle" until things arrive your hand! It has always been!
Besides, they've sought partner factories in China after being turned away by US parts suppliers, and government seed money sources!!! So if using chinese parts is a problem, the problem is with U.S.A. politics and not with the companies! That's why all the manufactoring and labor went oversea! There's no more investing in national american things, and companies just get over it!
Also decent tools to be able to remove body panels to get to said motor but that is a no-brainer if you are going to work on your own bike. Even the most exotic bike can be repaired in a home garage, it's all just a matter of how willing (both in time and money for tools and learning) it's rider is to work on what they ride.
If you don't mind America being an economic vassal to Red China, then by all means, buy one of these. I've yet to see anything more complicated than a hammer, originating in China, that actually works for any length of time. My Chinese scooter looked like a great bargain, and promptly died after 6 months. Show me these same bikes running hassle-free, without cracked frames, in a year and I'll be a lot more impressed. Meanwhile ... pay a little more for quality.
They've been out for a little while now. Most of the owners I hear love them. Plus the guys that started up the company actually have a great amount of control over quality of the stuff they buy. It's too bad they couldn't get US companies to back them, they tried. Most people wouldn't take the risk making parts for some start up motorcycle company.
Can't go wrong with Suzuki, The TU250x is similar to the GN250. The older models are pretty solid (prior 2005), I'm not too sure about the newer ones though. Very easy to maintain, cheap and beginner friendly.
Let me start off by saying I know this will have a lot of enthusiastic fans completely invested in the concept and incapable of rationalising other viewpoints, and this comment will upset those people, maybe even cause bloodshed. I'm open to sensible debate, so simpleton haters will simply be deleted and put in the naughty corner. **Lifts fire extinguisher above head** let's get started. I can appreciate the value and simplicity-centric approach, but I don't buy the marketing BS for ONE second. Listening to them wax lyrical about how these bikes supposedly look like $10k harleys and have 'the presence of a big bike' and 'the engine looks nice big and chunky' makes me shake my head. They're going mad salesperson here, trying to sell their product as hot shit to motorcycle purists. What cheap 1-cyl air-cooled econo-bike with skinny tyres and zero suspension is going to fool a motorcycle purist into thinking it's anything more than what it is? These might find a good place in the 'Fisher-Price My First Motorcycle' target market, or as something to throw around on a commute...but come on, with full respect, don't piss on your potential buyers and tell them that it's raining. You can get much more, that doesn't pretend to be something it isn't, and in some cases with better feature value, for the same price.
the reason why I like them is not for the concept or power or suspicion its bare there is nothing to it its raw it may be slow but cafe style is what is wanted and everyone is doing it with cb500 and what not so its the style not the sales men talking all that dream shit and to be able to work on it is a bad ass thing have you ever tried to adjust carbs,clutch, and throttle response your self yes everyone can learn but this is were it is at
Brenneau1023 OUCH! Talk about telling it like it is! I watched the dumb video featuring the supposed factory owners (it's been a while) and I remember them trying to look like serious "bikers" swilling beer in a "biker bar" or some shit. One commenter said the engines are "Honda-designed". I've worked on small engines for decades and see the Chinese Honda knock-offs. I'm talking the small industrial Honda GX160-type. The ones you'd see on a pressure washer and shit. They are mirror image identical but with a big difference. When Honda wears out their casting and forging molds etc; they sell them to China. So far, okay. But, China uses poor, inferior metal, such as dirty, aluminum. That would be the best way to put it. Everything is inferior. You're literally throwing away money on one of these bikes and clone engines. I mean, if I bought one, knowing what I know, it might last for years because I know what I'm doing and know what I would be dealing with. First thing I'd do if I bought one would be dump ALL fluids and use quality oil, not some old oil from a Chinese wok or whatever they'd put in them. Anyway, look at the Jap Big Four motorcycle manufacturers: They all make a Harley-clone that, at a distance, you can't tell them apart. But, where are they all? For every 100 Harleys you might see one Jap-clone. You get what you pay for.
David Fruhling I would have to disagree with the last part of your statement about the "jap-clone" harleys I find them to become more popular here in america by the day as the japanese cars became in the 90s and don't get me wrong I love american and I love harley but I do find many of the japan made cruisers to be much more innovative and I'm pretty sure anyone who has owned both will tell you it was more reliable than that oil cooled harley you can let an old honda bobber idle for an hour but a harley idles for 3 minutes and is over heated and flooded. The overall cost of ownership on the jap cruisers is much cheaper and they seem to continue to push the bar of innovation while harley seems to kinda keep tweaking the look of the same bikes forever. As an example I would site the new yamaha bolt less than an iron 883 or other same sized "custom" models by harley in cost but bigger fuel injected engine, an r spec package with brakes and suspension that would rival many sport bikes, plenty of custom like goodies already on the bike with many more available from the manufacturer meanwhile harley is charging a small fortune for screaming eagle power packs and oil changes...again this is just my opinion on the matter I think that harleys are so popular just because of their history which is awesome and because of americans being loyal to america but as it has been stated her on this same comment section how much of that harley is really "made in america" I think if indian never left there would be just as many if not more of those on the road harley had a long run with no domestic competition.
Sometimes it's not a question of whether you 'want' to idle for more than 3 minutes. I've never ridden one, but something tells me Harleys are terrible filtering bikes, so if you find yourself in a traffic jam, you're gonna have a bad time. The more sophisticated engines from Japan are likely due to their emissions laws, and the fact that people might enjoy the styling of the Harley but require the ease of use of a liquid-cooled engine that's great on fuel and good for long periods of time sitting on cramped city roads (as they are in Japan). As far as these CCW bikes go, I've seen the spec sheet on their website and these
Brenneau1023 Dude what in the fuck are you yammering on about? Most harleys are air/oil cooled. Just like a volkswagen. But some models do use water cooled engines, again, just like vw. You've never ridden a harley or one of these lifan powered pieces of shit. But i think you are forgetting, these china bobbers are air cooled also. Regardless, air or water cooled you still need airflow to cool the engine. Airflow is actually MORE critical to a water cooled engine, because all the heat is condensed into a small area that must be force air cooled in order to take advantage of waters higher thermal capacity. Without ALOT more air moving across it, then you are still stuck with the fact that air holds less heat than water. 5 times less. Air cooled engines do not need to be moving to cool themselves. PLENTY of air cooled static machines exist. Chainsaw or generator being easy examples. The real purpose of a water cooled engine is to bring the cold cylinder UP TO TEMP FASTER, and hold it within a tighter operating range than an air cooled engine. Air cooled motors can easily run too cool, in low load low temp conditions you may actually never get enough cylinder temp for proper piston fit or ring seal. The oil may never get warm enough to offer proper lubrication. Cold starts are were most engine wear occurs. To say a harley can't idle for hours is just fucking ignorant. No maybe stuck on the highway, the bikes already super hot then you hit traffic. Its 110 out ambient in LA plus no cool air around you from all the 220 degree cars venting their hot air. Yeah, in that situation an air cooled is likely to overheat, but then again so do many water cooled cars.
lol your friend should've done a little research. That bike is called CPI XR250 from Taiwan. Cleveland Misfit is just a re-badged CPI XR250. It's like $900 brand new in Asia. Not $3,000. www.cpi-motor.com.tw/eng/xr.htm
I live in the Netherlands, the scooter does need a license and insurance. Yet it's not a moped, it's seen as a motorcycle (cheaper, for I have a drivers license). I took the scooter for simplicity and economical driving. I'll keep it stock, it's also a 4-stroke, so modification will not be easy as swapping an exhaust for extra power. Still I know of the GY6 engines, maybe I'll get a Honda Helix in some time.
I love riding. I don't have the prettiest bike, in '07 I bought a '03 Shadow 750. I've taken it all over the western US. For me it was never about the bike, it was about the ride. Maybe it's not the best bike in the world, I don't know, I've never seen or ridden one, but they will get you on the road.The guy even said that this is more of an entry level, or an affordable alternative to a big payment or shelling out 15 grand.Great Video!Keep the wind in your face my friends!!
$3000 for this Chinese POS is way too much when you can get a new Honda CB300 for $4000 with Japanese quality and reliability, suspension that works, and a water-cooled fuel injected engine with 31 HP compared to this bike's 14 HP. I've owned 2 Chinese scooters, and had fun on them until they broke and fell apart, but I paid $600 and $700 for them, and wouldn't have paid more.. And nobody over the age of 8 thinks this looks like a "bad ass motorcycle".
I now have a 74 CB200 after having several bigger bikes. This little underpowered twin is the most fun you can possible have. No racing, no ego, no attitude, no ridicules speeds, just fun and safety.
i think it's great what these guys are dowing making a costum affordable bike how many businesses out there make this possible fore the normal average poeple. i mean the cheapest yamaha or honda or what ever will start at maybe 15K. so fore just going out there having some fun and a good time i think its a great motorbike and i would buy this. i mean its doesnt coeast anything the motor mechanical isent that hard to maintain and i'll bed you the part's are cheap. i love what these guys are trying to do there should be more businesses like this thinking about the poeple and just having good old fun like kid's i mean that's the point when you get on you motorcycle is making fun with you're friend's and havinf a laugh if you crash it you can still laugh and go like , hey dude did you see my awsome crash hahahahaha fuck it man lets build it up again. so conclusion i would def buy this bike and laugh at all the hater's grt from the dutch guy
Why make up "facts" to support these? You can get a Honda CBR250R or Rebel that is a way better bike than these things are for about 1000.00 more. It will have parts support, a warranty, and readily available service locations.
You could go buy a new Honda that would last decades for what you'd pay for these ChinkChoppers. Try a Honda shop first. You'd not be "laughing" when you rode one of these for 50 miles and not more. Google "Cleveland, nothing but problems: Customer Critique of Warranty..." etc. I'm willing to bet you'd never afford a WalMart Razor judging by your child-like grammatical skills, kid: "dowing" (doing) "costum" (custom) "fore" (for) "poeple" (people) "fore" (before) "coeast" (cost) "isent" (isn't) "bed" (bet) "part's" (parts) "havinf" (having) That's enough. My brain is starting to hurt! Man, you're so dumb I almost want to cry for and about you but maybe this message will encourage you to go back to school. Parts are NOT available for these since there's no dealerships. You send them money, they send you a crate shipped directly from Chinkland. You should have known.
Yamaha SR650 I'm afraid I'm going to have to agree with you. I was at a Honda shop picking up a new pair of gloves last weekend, and they had two Honda Rebels.. one in red, and one in black. Just for fun I sat on one. They are nice little bikes, and don't pretend to be something they are not. I bet they will run forever, too. I say that, because I have a 1985 Honda XR350R that was my Dad's, and now it's mine, and it's still in excellent condition. Never a single problem with it, ever! So why anyone would THROW money away on a Chinese piece of junk, I have absolutely no clue.
Trevor Jameson Honda Rebels are great beginner bikes and perfect for anyone who just wants to putt around on for fun. Just change the oil once in a while. I'd only ride one on a bet. I recall the parts manager at John Deere Industrial (the yellow J.D's) who bought something like a Rebel. It had cogged tooth belt final drive. Well, after work on just about any given day, all us mechanics and some of the parts guys would gather out back and drink beer and bullshit. "Poncho", the parts manager joined us a few times. He had his little bike once and I asked if I could ride it. I, of course was fortified with some beer and had at it. He cringed when I did a few donuts on some dirt-covered asphalt. Then I tried doing a "burnout" on that surface. I unloaded the clutch at high revs and the cogged belt slipped making this incredibly loud sound similar to the tearing of canvas. Ooops! I then returned it to him. One day he showed up with a black eye and swollen face. He had dumped it and hit his face on a curb. His wife made him get rid of it. Nice call on the XR350R. Great bike. Almost up there with Yamaha's XT500! Yeah, toss money on any Chinese bike and you're doomed. Maybe get a couple rides out of it before some irreplaceable part breaks or falls of.
This guy is really smart, I learned from being here in the Philippines were everyone is riding smaller bikes, bigger is not always better. My hobby here is rebuilding bikes, the RS 100 I just finished is beautiful and surprise to me it hauls ass. I am working on a bigger bike now, it is a Lifan 150. Has the big bike look, but the motor being only 150, it has alot of power.
I have nothing against CCW motorcycles. I like the concept. Not for myself (I prefer to rebuild old bikes), but for someone just getting into motorcycles. But they do not "massively undercut every other motorcycle out there," as stated in the video description. They use a 250cc Lifan engine, which is a Chinese-made Honda clone. You can buy a complete Lifan motorcycle with the same engine for half the price of the CCW. You might get better QC with the CCW, but the Lifan is much less expensive.
absolutely love the look! It's bare bones no frills!!! the absence of flashy chrome is what had me riveted! I would definitely add one to my collection!!#
I really like this guy. I have a 74 honda xl175 and couldnt agree more there is nothing i cant do in the city and he remember the benefits of a bike: good fuel efficiency and ease of manuvering and less clutter in urban areas... does a 1200cc harley do any of that?
Theoretically, yes, but then you'd have to replace pretty much everything - gearbox, chain and so on, as they wouldn't be compatible with a more powerful engine. Also, the added weight and stress from a bigger engine would mean that the smallish frame would have trouble as well.
The other plus not mentioned here is the efficiency of a smaller 250 engine. I assume you could be getting anywhere from 60-80 mpg on one of these, which is what people ought to be shooting for in this day and age.
I believe I just found my first bike! I really like the style of The Misfit! I was thinking about saving for an old BMW R-75, but at this price I dig this bike. Yes-you can't compare the two, but I don't have that much funds and I'm not into getting involved with any financing for a New Triumph/Ural St Solo or Guzzi V7 Stone. **Plus- this is an American Company! The aesthetics are nice as well as the price! I plan on supporting them!
This was legitimately and truly awe-inspiring. His whole message... Amazing. Hats off to my fellow Ohioan! If I get the money some day, I WILL buy a Misfit and support your company's mission.
He definitely understood. Scotts point of going to design school to change the world but only being able to change the door handle once he graduated and acquired a job directly reflects Grants experience where the Ford designer was limited to designing only a mere door handle instead of being able to redesign a model. Typically nowadays, if youre in design game, you have teams upwards of 15 designers, the most experienced work on the important things but the nubs are assigned to do handles.
the website includes an attached blog and press releases, there's a good start. a little more digging in the industry site might turn up some more actual numbers, but with regards to vehicle stuff, price is usually the last thing to get put on. I'd say...middle to late this year? pricew is probably the same, or similar.
Great video, with a lot of emotion to it. That looks like a good guy making some good bikes! Great editing also. Just a tip: on the description, tell us about the music you're using and the places you go to (that burger looks great)
You get it plus CCW employees American workers in the US plus American distributor. I have ridden a Heist all Miami and South Beach and simply love plus I build, ride, service all scooters and smaller bikes Scoot has done a great job with CCW and I am proud to be a part
Kudos to Scott for what he is doing! There is a huge marketplace for affordable, quality, no frills motorcycles that look great too! My only question to him would be: Are these bikes reliable? I want a basic motorcycle that has a reliable engine like a Honda. Are these 'Lifan' Chinese engines as reliable and maintenance-free, for a 'weekend rider' like me? Thanks.
I feel sorry for those who don't see the charm in the smaller bikes. I'm about to own an 1800cc but let's me clear I'll never forget my first love, a 250cc Honda. I would trade a Ducati for my exact old bike because to this day I miss it. These bikes are meant to be access to riding that's all and memories when you're older.
I recall my oldest brother had a 1971 Ducati 250, looked like a cafe racer, and would do 120mph in a heartbeat. He still misses that bike because it was so zippy and agile and just plain fun. I think this thing looks like it would be a blast!
I'm not a beginner rider at all (done track days, owned supersports) and I would love that cafe racer for a commuter to work or around town. I think anyone that matters would agree with most if not all of what orange haired guy said. I wish him success and I hope to ride one of his bikes some day.
It's great seeing a guys dream come true. This is what made America great!!!! 3200 dollars is not bad at all. I really like the cafe style and can't wait to see where this company goes in the future. Keep up the great work!!!!
sweet lookers.and they sound cool too.i had a hog but due to a spinal injury I needed a lightyer/much lighter/lower bike,im now riding a 2008 Honda rebel w/less than 2000 miles on it.i bought it new in 2009 as a left over.ill trade for either of those bikes anyday. best of luck,i WANT ONE. ride safe,ride free,ride forever. MUCH RESPECT.
I love the concept of just a simple bike that looks good and is just fun to ride..
+Daniel Hoffman exactly Daniel and they have a kicker. i hope someday Scott finds a way to produce them here.
Right? Nobody makes a nice simple bike anymore
They most certainly do... Where are you people shopping ?
The Suzuki s40, is still being made with 80's technology
My first bike was an '81 Suzuki GN400T, which the s40 is based on, more or less. It was kick-start only, had a tiny 6v battery that only powered the horn, taillight, and turn signals. The headlight and ignition were run off a magneto. I put 63,000 miles on that bike in the 5 years I owned it. Paid about $1100 for it new. After the '82 model they upped the engine to 650cc in 1986 and dubbed it the "Savage".
For the past 3 years now I’ve owned a 2015 Cleveland CycleWerks Fxx dirt bike. The engine has never had a problem, does great on cold starts, super reliable, durable engine parts etc. The only thing is the over all body fabrication. After about 5 months of owning it, the plastic body and parts of the metal frame were worn. I only used the dirt bike around my 1 acre property and on my friends homemade drag strip. It was easy to tell that the body and frame were cheaply made with crap materials. I redid the frame with solid steel and repaired the plastic body. The bike has lasted me this long after those repairs. Overall I would recommend if you are on a budget for a reliable dirt bike, but would not recommend if you are on a budget for a performance dirt bike.
i thought this was going to be a review. i just watched a 9 minute commercial waiting for a review...
I would love one of those Heist bikes. I’ve been away from riding for 30 yrs because of kids, paying for college, weddings etc..
Now I’m 60 and broke.
Even $3000 is out of my league. I’m not embarrassed to say so either. My house is paid for and I’m married to my best friend for 40 yrs. But I just don’t have the money to buy one. I live my love of motorcycles by watching videos and test drives and occasionally I get to drive my buddies bike. I’m saving my pennies ( literally) and some day I would love to buy a Heist. It reminds me of my days of riding on my Triumph Bonneville. It was fast but I never drove it fast. I enjoyed the wind in my face and the joy of putting around on two wheels. This guy has a great idea, a quality product considering the price and his market is out there tenfold. I wish him all the luck in the world. When your young it’s time to take those chances and like I said: I wish him luck and good fortune.
Sadly I had saved up around $10 grand for a bike but last year my youngest daughter died tragically and my savings paid for her funeral. So I’m starting all over again hoping that I’ll save enough to buy one before I’m too old. Life happens and you have to go along with it. At this point having a motorcycle again would be therapeutic and healing for me. We are not wired to outlive our children.
Well anyway I love the Heist and I think it’s a great idea at just the right time. Good luck guys.
EK
I don't see why people are out to talk shit about these bikes. There's a couple of guys that have gone to almost every comment and said why they think these bikes are crap. Does talking shit about a bike make you feel better about yourself? If you don't like these bikes, so what? There's bikes that I don't like. If someone thinks these bikes are crap, then go look at something else. I mean if someone thinks they look bad as hell on them, then good for them. Isn't that why we all started riding in the first place? Are these bikes for me? No, probably not but I'm not going to shit on some guy for buying something that makes him happy. Peace.
Runeguy33 Look, kid: Take it from me. I'm a recently retired Master Mechanic starting in 1973 and you can rest assured I'm not "out to talk shit about these bikes."
What I'm doing is "educating the public". Shall I break it down for you? Okay...
1) These bikes are Chinese low quality bikes. Slave labor at that.
2) Parts are not available at any price, anywhere. There's about 300 different M/C manufacturers in China. Which one made this pile?
3) The only place in the world these are advertised is here on TH-cam, not in any motorcycle publications. That alone should be enough to warn even the dumbest of shits.
4) Try to ask any questions about CycleWerks [sic] here on TH-cam and comments are all blocked. Again, even the dumbest of shits would know this is a fly-by-night outfit.
5) I've been posting comments about the risks you'll take by buying one and CycleWerks [sic] has never come back to contradict me. Never!
6) The cost alone should be a dead giveaway you're buying shit.
I could go on for hours but I have (had) a LOT of first hand experience with any motorized crap from China.
Don't believe any of the above? Try this: Go to
"Cleveland, nothing but problems: Customer Critique of Warranty, manufacture quality and service of Cleveland CycleWerks'.
I'll be waiting for your apology, kid. "Peace" my ass...
You should have known.
I'm just saying that I've ridden an worked on friends'. They're not that bad. The quality control and final assembly that they do in Cleveland, OH goes a long way. They're not great, but they're 1970's tech that needs to be ridden that way. They're hardtail, so you need to lock tight and tighten some nuts after you ride. They've come a long way even since this video. They offer Italian been I brakes, and a lot of more modern Japanese components. They're stepping up QC because they're coming out with a 500cc, and I might get one of those. By the way, I wasn't even talking about you specifically, so please don't get too offended. Enjoy your day, sir.
Sorry about that auto-correct. "Italian Brembo brakes". Also you should check out "CCW Tha Riders" Facebook page. That's sort of the central hub for owners. Those guys post good things, and post all of their trouble-shooting questions on there. As you justifiably voice your opinion on these bikes, you could learn about the advancements they've made. Check out their website www.clevelandcyclewerks.com they're in like 20 countries now.
Runeguy33 I was kind of wondering what "been I" brakes were. It almost sounds like "Brembo"...sort of.
"OH goes a long way"? I'm still wondering about that.
You almost sound like a spokesman for the rip-offs...I mean "company".
I must have thrown away the information I recently researched but it was something like, "There's 250+ motorcycle manufacturers in China today."
Personally, I'll stick with the 1 or 2 in the U.S...the country where you can get physical access to parts and shit.
I hope you haven't bought one of these bikes...yet. I'd avoid them. You'd just be looking for trouble.
The people on Facebook who've bought them already are not motorcycle enthusiasts or even as you refer to yourself as "riders".
They're computer nerds who look and see pictures of what appears to be a nice motorcycle. Then they see the cost and think, "I can be a 'biker' too!" no knowing any better.
I'm sure they all have good to say but keep in mind, they are most likely "plants". CycleJerks plants.
Either that or they're just dumber than a box of rocks.
If you want a GOOD quality bike that performs well for decades, hunt down an old Yamaha SR500. Dependable as a rock. Toss the stock exhaust, re-jet the carb and add an instant 12hp while losing 15 pounds. These bikes are so popular in Japan I could probably get 10 grand for mine from a Japanese buyer and mine's a 1979 but has exten$ive engine performance upgrades doubling the HP.
Seriously, you'd be literally throwing your money away buying this Chinese crap.
I've turned away cu$tomer$ at work who brought in Chinese-made generators, scooters, crotch rockets, dirt bikes, etc. telling them, "Where am I supposed to get parts?" My time was worth $65 an hour and nobody's going to pay me to hunt down parts. I've told them, "If you bring me the parts, I can work on it." I'd tell them to take it back and get your money back if possible. Most of the crap looked unused!
You get what you pay for.
Well, I guess when it comes down to it, as long as you're happy it's alright. I'm still thinking about getting one, and I'll continue to do my homework. I like the advancements that they've made from 2009 to 2015. Who knows, maybe they'll thrive, maybe they'll not. I'm certainly no biker. You buy a rigid frame 250 if you want to appear hard or an interstate warrior. I never liked riding on the interstate much anyways. Keep the shiny side up, yamaha.
These are awesome bikes. I met Scott at the Cleveland international motorcycle show and he had his race bike there. It's the misfit with a big bore kit and an exhaust that he races on a flat track against Harley's.
This kid from Cleveland is doing quite alright with his low cost bikes in my view. More power to him doing what he can in the USA. Of course he has to source some stuff to pull it off, that's how it works. I have manufactured in Taiwan since the late 80s and S. Africa since '95 for US and Euro companies, have a house and cars in Taipei and have ridden bikes and scooters all over Asia from the north of Thailand to all over Taiwan, Phil's, Viet Nam and Indonesia. All the fine gentlemen who say Taiwanese motorcycles are junk know nothing, it's just typing on the internet. Taiwan has around 1.5 million motorcycles and scooters on the road all the time and they're so bulletproof and cheap that imports from anywhere can't compete except for novel cool factor. Period. Being a component manufacturer, I know material specs and tolerances are just that, or no customers, no orders. Your car is full of stuff from Asia and E. Europe that you don't know about, or part of your component is if not the complete module. Japanese motorcycles are mostly ALL made with parts from their plants all over in Asia regardless of the Made in Japan sticker on a particular part. These comments that Asian bikes are trash are emotional and understandable, but utterly ill-informed, dead wrong. I'm in Morocco at this moment. Tons of Chinese 250cc three wheelers are doing heavy work here in Morocco along with Renault / Peugeot die hard locally made assorted vehicles, donkeys .. mules. Not much stuff is broken down, it's all working day in day out from here to within the Sahara. BS is easy on a keyboard, face it, Asian bikes are all over and by the way, do you know anything about Harley Davidson's supply chain? BMW makes engines in China according to their specs, few people seem to know that. Just scratching the surface here no room for more and no need either. KTM assembles some bikes in India btw. Look into what you're commenting before making a fool of yourself, just my humble suggestion. True, China does slop out some serious trash, including some horrid motorcycles, but Taiwan makes great stuff, and even China OEM parts are ok. Tons of parts and motorcycles come from all over Asia but not specifically from China. Millions upon millions of motorcycles are in Asia and too many more every single day, they're mostly ultra good stuff these days. My home country of USA is a teensy little microscopic motorcycle market, so this cat from Cleveland is serving a niche within that which means ultra small volume. Asian countries spew out more bikes per minute than he does in a year which makes what he's doing .. unique and cool. Check out some stats for yourself. Art A., Fes, Morocco 20 Jan, "16.
I think you done a damn great job with this Bike! Hope you make a Million bud!!
"As we progressed, the whole idea behind the company is to make riding accessible to more people". end of story with what he said and I think the company does a good job. what he was referring to with the value of an $8,000 harley is because it literally looks like one of the vintage Harleys in pristine condition.
say what you want especially if you don't even ride but if they help to get riders: new, short, or just commuters into riding and understand their company won't be huge... I say why judge? they're honest and they're doing an even greater good, in my opinion, than any other motorcycle company ever could.
+Bob Frankenstein As a Harley Rider, I agree with you. My Harley was EXPENSIVE, and its a blast to ride, I love customizing it and all of the above. But this concept is a great idea. Get every day commuters on a bike for cheap...very simple. When I look at another bike, these guys are absolutely something Ill look at.
Bob,it all sounds good, but the bikes are in fact underpowered Chinese pieces of crap. In another review their CCW had the front brakes fall apart while riding it.
Stay away.
A bolt came out. I had the front brake seize on a Yamaha once. I'm not gonna trash the whole company for it. Was a bit scary at the time, though.
I'vebeen riding for 25+ years and I've never had a bolt come out of the brakes.
Stay Away
this video has a super weird vibe. the constant airy, sad guitar score-like you may hear at the end of a scene in a sad vice documentary about indian sex slaves-juxtaposed with the owner's almost constant defensive demeanor (even after replying to a compliment) is just absolutely strange.
They're so ashamed of their bikes that they never even gave the company name. And you're right about the sad video vibe. My momma dont love me no more. Pathetic video.
@@scottwooldridge8946 Cleveland cyclewerks, they use Honda cg motors they are great. Chinese companies like tao, hawk, and Apollo use cloned cg motors. Easy to work on, cheap parts and with carb work head work and exhaust you can make decent enough power
@@scottwooldridge8946 also forgot to add they mention the company within the first minute of the video
I like this concept very much, minimal motorcycling is one of the ways forward. Im interested to know what manufacture of engines you use? John
I owned one of these for a year. The motor is a Honda design manufactured in China. No leaks, no problem with the motor at all. It's great, just not a lot of power.
Lance Haynes Must be a rush trying to enter a busy interstate or freeway or be stuck between two 80,000 pound trucks.
David Fruhling That's like saying a pogo stick sucks because you can't climb walls. You get a motorcycle for around 3k, that looks quite cool (even if it's not my type) and sounds quite fun. You can not expect it to race 1000cc bikes. It's just for the joy and feeling. I like the concept. ;)
David Fruhling I'm guessing you're one of those occasional Harley riders who believes nothing but Harley is worth riding? News for you; not everybody goes on multi-lane highways all the time, and not everybody buys only the same kind of bikes. Some people have garage full of different types of bikes for different conditions. What a concept, eh?
carolcheny I agree, you would never catch me on a Harley. I live in the UK, so knocking about on smaller roads is one of my delights. Im currently riding a KTM 390 Duke.
I just bought a beater bike I am fixing and came across this video. It made my bike build feel more inspired. For this company to still go for the American dream that is forgotten is inspirational.
Now that companies like CCW and Kikker had intro'd the low displacement engined bikes, I'd like to see them move up to higher displacement powerplants, say the 400-500 cc range.
Also both companys use Lifan engines ive ran Lifan branded engines for a good bit on my various projects great reliable engines depending on the type and model lifans you get that is the one CCW uses is a little bit on the higherend of things vs Kikker where they used the junky cheapo model now dont get me wrong there both great just happens that the engine series kikker chose parts are a bit on the cheap side of casting and parts can be hard to find and there is zero upgrades you can do to the motors without having custom parts made the engine CCW chose is differnt its a better quality engine very strong and very reliable has upgrades for it that you can find almost anywhere and the size of the frame on the heist is so large (engine wise) you can fit a V-twin in there with ease just gotta line it up and make mounting brakes and wire it up there was a guy that stabbed a Honda or yamaha vtwin in his heist made his own brackets for the motor and the brackets for his motor used the stock brackets for the stock engine so no welding or cutting of the frame was required now since CCW has not offered a v-twin version yet there is no exhaust options other then custom exhaust.
I've heard Lifans are basically Honda clones. I'm riding a 2001 Rebel at the moment and while I like the bike, its a bit too small for me.
DavidSixSixFive
250 or 450...
would you like to sell it?
+BofaDeez2Nuts Its a 250. And by too small, I mean its a bit to short in relation to the footpegs. I'm not looking to sell at the moment
I just felt bunched up sitting on one now when i had my magna that just felt right sitting on it maybe it was the sitting position or how wide it is compared to the rebel idk what it was it just sat right.
Great video. Enjoyed watching an enterprising young man think up an idea that will attract new bike riders into the sport
Joe Smith
Riding a motorcycle is not a sport. He's marketing a cheap, Chinese bike as somehow cool. Once they experience a few breakdowns, they will just lease a Hyundai.
I love this! A brand new, turnkey, bike for $3000 bucks American dollars folks! A rigid cruiser, a double sprung Cafe' model. China builds ones like this too but this is more locally made. Some guys, a dream, and a pile of japanese 250cc air cooled, SOC, Carberetted, single cyl, motors. Sounds cool to me. The Cafe' could be a real toy but the cruiser looks comfy. A g ood beginner and fan of luggy singles that will slowly pull you up to 60-70 or so. I like their dream.
What I did....$3,800...Used 1100 cc Honda cruiser...5,700 miles...105 mph capable. Interstate Hwy capable. Dealer and parts...everywhere.
My last CB750 Kz cost $50 and gave 100,000mi before l bought my 'new' CB750CUSTOM, an 1981 for $500. Does it all up to 120mph. Some folks gotta have new and l like an American startup over the Chinese models at the same price is all. The ChiCom bikes are almost identical to these. I jus hope their dream succeeds!
G Philip C
I did nearly the same, $3200 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500VN, i would never spend 3k on a 250cc, it's just to light for my taste!
Yeah ML ...For a full grown adult who plans on a few highway miles...I'd say my 1100 Spirit is the smallest MC on the used market that I'd want. If I get a few bucks I'll be moving up to larger displacement. But will remain in the low milege used market...that is where ya get most bang for buck in my opinion.
Lizzard Smith Bad news, Lizzy: They're Chinese. If they were 100% American, they'd be 10 grand. UAW, you know, nor child slave labor.
Great to hear Scott talking about his vision and passion for motocycles and starting a business. I think there is an evolution going on where a new generation proves that everything is possible if you want to. It is sad to hear many people saying that they do not know what to do and that nothing is possible. Here in Europe it's the same. Having my own business I agree with Scott that everything is possible. And not only in the USA I can tell! Wish him all the best with Cleveland CycleWerks!
I'm losing a comfortable job to Mexico. I can relate to the "what I'm gonna do next" idea this guy's living.
JoeCnNd It's called capitalism, you either adapt and learn new skills or sink, your choice.
@@abrahamsanchez7331 The trouble is, when enough people sink, capitalism will die too.
This is really awesome. I'm a Canadian living and riding in South Korea and have owned used to ride a 125 and 250cc bike when I first got here. Looking at pics of my bikes people back home couldn't believe they weren't 'big bikes'. Anyway North America needs to catch up on this and you guys are going to help make it happen. Way to go boys! Your bikes look awesome!
I'm pretty sure the single piston 250cc engine in this bike is not better than the 1730cc v-twin on the victory judge. "Better engine" the guy says. It's a great looking little bike, but don't lie about it.
better engine meaning it's longevity in life I have a cmx250 87 model and all I ever hear are the motors last long and don't tank out (die)
+Nate Silva yeah but that's like saying the engine on my childhood BMX (aka my legs) will last longer then the victory. I was a little put off by them saying it's "better" too because I would sure as hell pick a bigger engine if I could.
its durability, not horsepower
mike hunt
It's my first bike so I feel you but it's not important, just happy to have my first motorcycle, and I'm glad it's not now big monster. Check out the Honda fury when I get good enough that will be my second bike probably
+Nate Silva
Sorry brother, I didn't mean to insult your ride. It is a cool bike. I actually really like the concept. But I just took exception to the manufacturers claim that the engine, brakes and suspension were better than a victory judge. I'm sure it gives you the same joy and freedom as my bike does. We all share the same passion, riding and wrenching. If it's a 106" v-twin or a 250 cc cool little thumper, it's all good. Hope I didn't come off as a snob.
As an avid Cafe Racer fan and also having owned an "off shore" made motorcycle as my first bike, I'd say these bikes are a fantastic starting point. I hope CCW does amazing and is still around when my son is ready for his first street bike.
I love the concept and its a cool bike. I have an old Yamaha 850 Tripple, its more of a cafe/fighter its great to cruise. People forget how nice it is just to cruise, and have a very simple bike thats super easy to fix and maintain. My buddy has a 600 Ninja, and it has so many problems, every time we ride... I also get all the looks and compliments ;) plus Kick Start is just the man way...
I'm not American nor do I really like this style of bike, but really admire what you guys are doing and hopefully you can make strides with your company.
Lifan China has made engines for Japanese companies. It is anything but junk. This bike was not designed or implemented by a Chinese company. Its a great bike for the money. I still love used Japanese bikes as well. CCW is a great small American Company and Scott has balls and brains. Haters will hate.
T
thomas grim they use worn out dies that they bought from company's like honda that sold them because they no longer meet their QC standards.
+thomas grim
Not true. Lifan is horrible copy of Japanese bikes and never made a single engine for Japanese companies.....ever !
ONLY one that made something for Japanese companies is Korean Hyosung and it was making parts for Suzuki engines.
And Hyosung is only non Japanese brand that I would buy.
+zack9912000 Marco, one thing i won't do is get into a pissing match with someone on the net but i need to respond to this. The most notable non Japanese company to make engines for a Japanese company is Sym of taiwan. Sam also has factories in China. The most successful motorcycle of all time was manufactured on a large scale in Taiwan. Its the very famous Honda cup. Yamaha santioned Linhai , a Chinese company to make scooters. Liana has produced engines for Honda and there unfortunately are many lower quality knock offs currently being made in China. Cleavland Cycle Werks currently holds the land speed record in its 250 class.
+zack9912000 Wrong again, because the particular models are obsolete as the gy6 is. The gy6 is still a very reliable good performing engine. The problem comes from the loose tolerance knock offs that are made in China. The dies are of high quality.
+Patricia Buissereth Honda CUB
I am a mechanical engineering student who has been riding since he was 14. My dream is to start a motorcycle company one day as well. I'm glad to see that there are folks out there and small companies out there that still think about the kid that doesn't have that much cash on him but still wants something he doesn't have to spend three summers working on just to take a spin around the lake. I say this because I've worked every summer since junior year of high school to get my '78 cb550 runing
I wish these guys luck, but, there are so many great used bikes for under 3 grand, even around 2. Buy a Japanese bike, change the oil, filter and plugs on time, and you probably would never kill it.
I feel the same way. Returning to riding bikes last year made me put things in perspective. Man, I just love motorcycles!
All these bikes are made in china. and you can import for about $1,000
My 1978 Yamaha XS400 requires a couple box wrenches, an allen wrench, and a feeler gauge to adjust the valves with no extraneous labor involved. My 1996 GSX-R 750 requires significant assembly/disassembly, expensive shims, more specialized tools, setting the timing, setting/checking the cam tension, etc.
I've done this work myself without any experience, but realistically I do not think many people could handle a modern engine or they simply are not comfortable tearing apart a motor.
nice concept but i have read tons of reviews of these CCW bikes rattling apart on test rides or even parts breaking off which pretty much steered me away from them
mad respect to the owner. thats a sic looking bike and a great price. im currently riding a 1600 but would love to have one of these for kicking it around town.
Id spend the 3,000 on a better used bike.
True
if you pay for a new one up front you can demand the manufacturers certificate of origin and the bike becomes your private household good, like your toothbrush.Then there's no obligation to license it, insure it, no motorcycle license necessary. If you finance one or buy used the title is split because the bank, or dealer sends the MCO to the States DMV, and the state has equitable interest in the res/bike while you get certificate of title, which is only evidence of whole title exists somewhere. A trust is created and don't know about it. Its how they force you to have insurance ,registration, license etc..look it up...
+justaman6972 Yeah, and when the cops pull you over for riding without a license, just tell them you're a "free man on the land". Then start spouting a barrage pseudo-legal nonsense, like "Officer, you can't arrest my corporate person", or, "I do not wish to create enjoinder with you". Then, after they've tasered you, and are throwing your ass into the back of the patrol car, start screaming, "I do not consent! I do not consent!". It works every time.
Good Lord you're stupid.
Maximus Minimus I'd pay to see that!
Test drove one. Lost a nut as i pulled out of the parking lot, rattled bad at higher RPM, speedo was broken and wouldn't go past 60, and when i pulled over after a highway run (got to maybe 55 at full throttle) the front break sprung a leak and left brake fluid all over the front wheel.
Really wanted to like it but it was a real lemon. Only perks i found were it looks cool when it's parked and it was obviously really easy to move around at that weight.
It's the price of a grom, but in most ways it's so much better
whats a grom?
A Honda Grom is a kids bike.
+SpokenMindRecordzEnt. a piece of shit
Yeah... a piece of shit kids bike...lol!
i have owned my heist for the last 14 months and have put over 13000 miles on her. I have been documenting and recording my experiences with my bike since day one. these are solid machines. So solid that i rode my bike from outside NYC down to Daytona and back. 3000 miles round trip for bike week. i made some mods and geared her for highway riding. my bike has been ridden through 14 states and has always been well received. the heist is literally a canvas waiting for an artist
I'm a Harley owner and lover who grew up near Cleveland. I know that this has nothing to do with my take on CCW bikes! but what the hell. I'm all for this new company but I hope that you can somehow transition to 100% non-Chinese parts. These bikes might sell well in the U.K. as many riders there opt for smaller engine bikes, Cheers!
I wander if Scott is any relation to Preston Tucker lol Best Wishes nice bikes.
jeff brown Im English and I want to get an Indian Chief.
adam clark That's okay, I'm American and I want a Triton!
In the UK we are restricted on age and experience. In my mind my 125 is all I need for what I do
I'm building a bobber right now and I can say less than 2 minutes into this video I am quite committed to buying a bike from these guy when I get a good job again. YAY I wish these guys well. If they existed in 2008 and I knew about them I'd be driving one of there bikes today :)
"they think it's a 8, maybe 10 000$ old harley" lol... okayyyyy
magic biker boy
$3000 Halrey
This is a perfect example of simplicity executed perfectly, I know when I first started riding I was on a 250 rebel like most, and for the few years I had it my main goal was finding ways to make it look less...wimpy... and these bikes seem to fit the bill for anyone who needs a simple, reliable commuter with great aesthetics from the get go.
Wow, was this a fluff piece or what? I have ridden one of these bikes, in short, its a moped. It feels like a cheap bike, the welds are not what I would say are confident work. I have built cafe racers using whats out there for less that will run circles around these bikes. I love Pappy and Harriets, good call on lunch, great burgers after a ride in the canyons but please stay out of my way when im out there.
speed demon people like will always make affordable,well maintained ,strong bikes this look bad . this is for cruising, not hitting 6 gear like crazy
I love it! One of the greatest satisfactions in life is to accomplish something that people say you can't do.
dual over head cams is too complex? lol
I respect what they're doing, but I thought the exact same thing when he said that.
Maybe on a motorcycle... but yea. Cams are easy.
Johnny Tobifour You move from an easily adjustable rocker arm arrangement to bucket and shims etc, the maintenance is more difficult and they are far more complex. DOHC on a cheap single cylinder bike is unnecessary ;-)
Right. Much easier to do adjustments with a pushrod engine. However, overhead cams can get you more power. Now for a single, I don't think DOHC is necessary, but Honda was the first to use DOHC on a single cylinder bike, and now just about every 4-stroke dirtbike is a DOHC. So if you want a lighter and slightly more powerful engine, ditch the pushrods.
But really, why even worry about valves and cams in the first place? Just buy a 2-stroke and be done with it.
For someone who doesn't know a whole lot about how engines work, hell yeah they would be! Don't apply everything to yourself because the world doesn't revolve around you. Expand your horizons and actually think about things rather than just say crap.
This guy is speaking my language. I've ridden bikes of all sorts and sizes for 35 years and when it comes down to it all you need is enough HP to get the job done, whether it's a small dirt bike, a 90HP 1000cc touring bike, (like mine) or a 75 HP bike to run wild on alone, (all air-cooled) that's all the HP you need. Nothing against guys who want more power, but there's something beautiful having the right bike with the right amount of power that you can fix yourself for minimum money.
a motorcycle is a motorcycle. i have had fun on a little xt100 and i am a 205 pound guy.
dont forget about the start of all this. the Kicker 5150. bad ass lil bike for 1500 now has a 250cc. looks just like the heist. but been around for quite a few years. i like em.
The coolest lawnmowers on the road
Picked up a 87 Honda Shadow 700 in perfect working order but cosmetically challenged. It has cloudy aluminum and tiny rust spots as well as a tiny spot that is starting some corrosion in the rear wheel cover. Wish I could fix it up like this!
EXCUSE THE FUCK OUT OF ME!? i workd at a ccw dealership for 2 years. and when parts broke, wed call ccw and theyd ship them, and when 1 or 2 speedometers broke on the misfits, wich they did, they told me theyd find a diffrent model, AND THEY DID! with free shipping, overnight, to the shop, where we swaped broken parts free of cost. and my heist has 8000 miles and hasnt given me trouble, i have gotten more bullshit from yamaha and suzuki, even kawis, PEOPLE! CCW ENGINES ARE HONDA CLONES! and materials mught be cheaper but there built like hondas and KICKS ASS!
***** I feel for you bro, The language is just appalling! Please don't lose all respect for someone for "saying a bad word" as my 4 year old says. Really, you'll be ok
***** "I could literally care less" LOL
RazeTheWolf There are no "ccw dealerships", you blithering idiot! What you guys consicer "dealerships" are nothing more than your garage where you uncrate the bike you ordered THROUG CCW who get's them shipped from China straight to you (pocketing sucker money for doing nothing but mailing a money order) where you bolt the front wheel and handlebars on. That's not a "dealer", kid. It's a "Fly-By-Night" operation. You might just want to take a 10-7 and shut up. Your child-like grammatical skills lend you not an ounce of credibility, kid! You should have known.
Yamaha SR650 This is coming from the one that cannot spell "through"? Mate, why don't you do us all a favor and defenestrate yourself.
tyrus irvine What? "defenestrate" myself and grow hair on my palms like you? No thanks! You'll go blind you know! You're slipping. You missed: "concicer" (consider) Actually, the lack of the 'H' was a slip of the keyboard, not a misspelling, kid. You should have known.
God I have so much respect for this dude! I am only fifteen but I built motorized bikes and I am always looking at pictures of tha heist, tha ace and tha misfit for ideas and to be honest I get most of my inspiration from his bikes and the guts that this guy had to go out on a limb and start a company that seems almost impossible to get started. overall love his bikes and his story
6:03 They think it's a $8,000-$10,000 Harley? LOLOLOLOL.
They think it LOOKS like a classic or retro $8,000-$10,000 Harley and indeed it does my dad owns a few Harleys and one of them is from World War Two! Anyways he has a lot of classic bikes. Point is even though I'm not a biker I can still recognize the similarities in appearance to some classic Harley bobbers my dad has but keep in mind that's appearance! Technecally I think Harley's are best and appearence too :)
+Knights2theEnd yea, people are dumb, but i'd believe it. the general publix tends to assume everything's either a harley or a ninja.
+sickmellon I read a really great editorial on Jalopnik last week it was from oct 2014 and it was about why you can't buy the motorcycle you want. It was about how the American consumer has regulated motorcycling to being a past time for old people and squids and no longer for average every day people. Do you know what the American slice is of the global motorcycle market is? America's share is .66 %. Yes thats right the richest country in the world with 5% of the worlds population is just .66% of the motorcycle market. Do you know how many cars were sold world wide last year? ABout 75 million. Do you know how many motorcycles? 19 million. Yeah world wide 1 in 5 personal transport vehicles sold was a motorcycle. This is why you can't buy a CB1300 ABS. The American motorcycle market has devolevd its way toward elmination. I currently ride a motorcycle as my only form of transportation. Its a 2003 Honda Nighthawk 750. its nearly the perfect bike for the average American to commute on and pleasure ride yet American riders have completely discouraged young people from buying a bike for transportation. WHo the fuck 18 year old is going to be able to afford to buy a Harley on a fast food or retail workers wages? Honda's finally selling a couple of sub $4k bikes buts a CBR250 and a CB300. The CBR is a sport bike and the CB300 is made for the Asian market with styling to match. I gotta tell you I looked at Cleveland Cycle Werks web page and that Ace Deluxe looks like EXACTLY the beginner bike and young millenial commuter machine America needs. Motorcycling is DYING in America we need to encourage young riders but you can't get young riders if you don't have products that are accessable to them.
I have a ninja 250R and am working on building a CL175 into a cafe bike. I'd rather have fun tooling around than screaming down the highway at 160 any day. Great job guys.
If anyone cares, these bikes are made in China and the "Cleveland" name is added here to make you think you're buying an American-made bike.
Forget it. They're one of over 200 makes of Chinese motorcycles but the only one exported.
You'll never find parts if needed.
Go to: "Cleveland, nothing but problems: customer critique of warranty, manufacture quality and service of Cleveland Cyclewerks" for full details.
I've personally chatted with the "owner" a "Scott Colosimo" who claims the bike is made here in the states.
His VP, a "Brett" is quoted as saying, "These are just Chinese pieces of shit" and that Scott is just a "..vacuum cleaner designer".
DON'T KILL THE MESSENGER!
The Daniel Gallant who posted the "Cleveland, nothing but problems" was threatened with a lawsuit by Scott for only reporting the poor quality and poor treatment by Scott & Company.
I wish these bikes WERE nice, quality and reliable bikes. Hell, I'd buy tow or three!
Until then, I'll just stick with my old, reliable 1979 Yamaha SR500 with it's potent 650 stroker engine.
Yamaha SR650 Thanks I canceled my order after reading this, going to toss another 500 bucks with the 3300 i paid and I will get a used Honda Shadow 1100
Saw the bike on the street a few weeks ago and it had a pretty cool look to it. Design wise, it seems to work.
I hate how rude and disrespectful the guy from drive was, if you were trying to be funny, you failed miserably. You came off as a prick with no manners. This is my only gripe about this video, I hate when people aren't courteous and humble. In NYC where I'm from, you talk like that to some one here, they would've either gotten up and walked away or you would've been picking up your teeth off the floor. You never disrespect a person who is trying to become some one and has a dream and is pursuing it. Instead of being positive and congratulating him on making his own company, you're making stupid remarks of how shitty his bike is.
They are shitty. If you try to sell me shit in Brooklyn you'd also get assaulted.
The guy's obviously just some limp wristed hipster fuck who's never done anything on his own and probably got handed a job selling his opinion to other hipster bitches by his dad. Fucking powdered ass rich boy who was never told that his opinion isn't worth a jizzed on velvet painting of Dick Nixon.
Its a basic bike that is ideal for beginner riders, very forgivable and easy to maintain. Cheap too if you get one second hand (I would be surprised to see one on the market for 3k or over). What more could you ask for?
Whether it's made in a another country and assembled here or not is irrelevant!
These are chinese bikes as much as the Apple iPhone is chinese too!
I'm astonished that people, till this day, still don't understand that it doesn't matter where things are made! What does matter is where design and quality control is based of! If it's based in U.S.A., the product is American, if it's based in U.K. the product is English...
It has been always like this in the world since several decades ago.It seems that some people only now are starting to understand how things have always have been!....
Where do you thing all raw materials like rubber, plastic, oil, metal, etc. come from? No country as all resources to make a finished product!...
It's a full "international circle" until things arrive your hand! It has always been!
Besides, they've sought partner factories in China after being turned away by US parts suppliers, and government seed money sources!!!
So if using chinese parts is a problem, the problem is with U.S.A. politics and not with the companies!
That's why all the manufactoring and labor went oversea!
There's no more investing in national american things, and companies just get over it!
The Chinese build whatever the customer wants them to build to spec. We just order a lot of cheap $1 plastic spatulas to see any quality.
Also decent tools to be able to remove body panels to get to said motor but that is a no-brainer if you are going to work on your own bike. Even the most exotic bike can be repaired in a home garage, it's all just a matter of how willing (both in time and money for tools and learning) it's rider is to work on what they ride.
If you don't mind America being an economic vassal to Red China, then by all means, buy one of these. I've yet to see anything more complicated than a hammer, originating in China, that actually works for any length of time. My Chinese scooter looked like a great bargain, and promptly died after 6 months. Show me these same bikes running hassle-free, without cracked frames, in a year and I'll be a lot more impressed. Meanwhile ... pay a little more for quality.
They've been out for a little while now. Most of the owners I hear love them. Plus the guys that started up the company actually have a great amount of control over quality of the stuff they buy. It's too bad they couldn't get US companies to back them, they tried. Most people wouldn't take the risk making parts for some start up motorcycle company.
Can't go wrong with Suzuki, The TU250x is similar to the GN250. The older models are pretty solid (prior 2005), I'm not too sure about the newer ones though. Very easy to maintain, cheap and beginner friendly.
Let me start off by saying I know this will have a lot of enthusiastic fans completely invested in the concept and incapable of rationalising other viewpoints, and this comment will upset those people, maybe even cause bloodshed. I'm open to sensible debate, so simpleton haters will simply be deleted and put in the naughty corner. **Lifts fire extinguisher above head** let's get started.
I can appreciate the value and simplicity-centric approach, but I don't buy the marketing BS for ONE second. Listening to them wax lyrical about how these bikes supposedly look like $10k harleys and have 'the presence of a big bike' and 'the engine looks nice big and chunky' makes me shake my head. They're going mad salesperson here, trying to sell their product as hot shit to motorcycle purists. What cheap 1-cyl air-cooled econo-bike with skinny tyres and zero suspension is going to fool a motorcycle purist into thinking it's anything more than what it is? These might find a good place in the 'Fisher-Price My First Motorcycle' target market, or as something to throw around on a commute...but come on, with full respect, don't piss on your potential buyers and tell them that it's raining. You can get much more, that doesn't pretend to be something it isn't, and in some cases with better feature value, for the same price.
the reason why I like them is not for the concept or power or suspicion its bare there is nothing to it its raw it may be slow but cafe style is what is wanted and everyone is doing it with cb500 and what not so its the style not the sales men talking all that dream shit and to be able to work on it is a bad ass thing have you ever tried to adjust carbs,clutch, and throttle response your self yes everyone can learn but this is were it is at
Brenneau1023 OUCH! Talk about telling it like it is!
I watched the dumb video featuring the supposed factory owners (it's been a while) and I remember them trying to look like serious "bikers" swilling beer in a "biker bar" or some shit.
One commenter said the engines are "Honda-designed". I've worked on small engines for decades and see the Chinese Honda knock-offs. I'm talking the small industrial Honda GX160-type. The ones you'd see on a pressure washer and shit. They are mirror image identical but with a big difference.
When Honda wears out their casting and forging molds etc; they sell them to China. So far, okay. But, China uses poor, inferior metal, such as dirty, aluminum. That would be the best way to put it. Everything is inferior. You're literally throwing away money on one of these bikes and clone engines. I mean, if I bought one, knowing what I know, it might last for years because I know what I'm doing and know what I would be dealing with. First thing I'd do if I bought one would be dump ALL fluids and use quality oil, not some old oil from a Chinese wok or whatever they'd put in them.
Anyway, look at the Jap Big Four motorcycle manufacturers: They all make a Harley-clone that, at a distance, you can't tell them apart.
But, where are they all? For every 100 Harleys you might see one Jap-clone.
You get what you pay for.
David Fruhling I would have to disagree with the last part of your statement about the "jap-clone" harleys I find them to become more popular here in america by the day as the japanese cars became in the 90s and don't get me wrong I love american and I love harley but I do find many of the japan made cruisers to be much more innovative and I'm pretty sure anyone who has owned both will tell you it was more reliable than that oil cooled harley you can let an old honda bobber idle for an hour but a harley idles for 3 minutes and is over heated and flooded. The overall cost of ownership on the jap cruisers is much cheaper and they seem to continue to push the bar of innovation while harley seems to kinda keep tweaking the look of the same bikes forever. As an example I would site the new yamaha bolt less than an iron 883 or other same sized "custom" models by harley in cost but bigger fuel injected engine, an r spec package with brakes and suspension that would rival many sport bikes, plenty of custom like goodies already on the bike with many more available from the manufacturer meanwhile harley is charging a small fortune for screaming eagle power packs and oil changes...again this is just my opinion on the matter I think that harleys are so popular just because of their history which is awesome and because of americans being loyal to america but as it has been stated her on this same comment section how much of that harley is really "made in america" I think if indian never left there would be just as many if not more of those on the road harley had a long run with no domestic competition.
Sometimes it's not a question of whether you 'want' to idle for more than 3 minutes. I've never ridden one, but something tells me Harleys are terrible filtering bikes, so if you find yourself in a traffic jam, you're gonna have a bad time. The more sophisticated engines from Japan are likely due to their emissions laws, and the fact that people might enjoy the styling of the Harley but require the ease of use of a liquid-cooled engine that's great on fuel and good for long periods of time sitting on cramped city roads (as they are in Japan).
As far as these CCW bikes go, I've seen the spec sheet on their website and these
Brenneau1023 Dude what in the fuck are you yammering on about? Most harleys are air/oil cooled. Just like a volkswagen. But some models do use water cooled engines, again, just like vw. You've never ridden a harley or one of these lifan powered pieces of shit. But i think you are forgetting, these china bobbers are air cooled also. Regardless, air or water cooled you still need airflow to cool the engine. Airflow is actually MORE critical to a water cooled engine, because all the heat is condensed into a small area that must be force air cooled in order to take advantage of waters higher thermal capacity. Without ALOT more air moving across it, then you are still stuck with the fact that air holds less heat than water. 5 times less. Air cooled engines do not need to be moving to cool themselves. PLENTY of air cooled static machines exist. Chainsaw or generator being easy examples. The real purpose of a water cooled engine is to bring the cold cylinder UP TO TEMP FASTER, and hold it within a tighter operating range than an air cooled engine. Air cooled motors can easily run too cool, in low load low temp conditions you may actually never get enough cylinder temp for proper piston fit or ring seal. The oil may never get warm enough to offer proper lubrication. Cold starts are were most engine wear occurs. To say a harley can't idle for hours is just fucking ignorant. No maybe stuck on the highway, the bikes already super hot then you hit traffic. Its 110 out ambient in LA plus no cool air around you from all the 220 degree cars venting their hot air. Yeah, in that situation an air cooled is likely to overheat, but then again so do many water cooled cars.
yep - I've seen bikes very similiar to these market in Australia. They have 350cc versions here too.
Friend picked up one of these. Absolute garbage.
have u ever heard about kinroad? :D im pretty sure those bikes are like driving gods dick comparing kinroads :D
lol your friend should've done a little research. That bike is called CPI XR250 from Taiwan. Cleveland Misfit is just a re-badged CPI XR250. It's like $900 brand new in Asia. Not $3,000. www.cpi-motor.com.tw/eng/xr.htm
I live in the Netherlands, the scooter does need a license and insurance. Yet it's not a moped, it's seen as a motorcycle (cheaper, for I have a drivers license). I took the scooter for simplicity and economical driving. I'll keep it stock, it's also a 4-stroke, so modification will not be easy as swapping an exhaust for extra power. Still I know of the GY6 engines, maybe I'll get a Honda Helix in some time.
That's nothing my first bike was $750 brand new in 1980
Which is $2410 in 2017 dollars
I love riding. I don't have the prettiest bike, in '07 I bought a '03 Shadow 750. I've taken it all over the western US. For me it was never about the bike, it was about the ride. Maybe it's not the best bike in the world, I don't know, I've never seen or ridden one, but they will get you on the road.The guy even said that this is more of an entry level, or an affordable alternative to a big payment or shelling out 15 grand.Great Video!Keep the wind in your face my friends!!
$3000 for this Chinese POS is way too much when you can get a new Honda CB300 for $4000 with Japanese quality and reliability, suspension that works, and a water-cooled fuel injected engine with 31 HP compared to this bike's 14 HP. I've owned 2 Chinese scooters, and had fun on them until they broke and fell apart, but I paid $600 and $700 for them, and wouldn't have paid more.. And nobody over the age of 8 thinks this looks like a "bad ass motorcycle".
youve had two chineeese skootas? are you cyclecruza :D
I love riding my BMW F650 and I am pretty sure I would like to ride this one too. Kudos to Scott for having the balls of jumping in the dark.
these Yankees seem to brag alot it's about their big houses cars or motorcycles
I now have a 74 CB200 after having several bigger bikes. This little underpowered twin is the most fun you can possible have. No racing, no ego, no attitude, no ridicules speeds, just fun and safety.
i think it's great what these guys are dowing making a costum affordable bike how many businesses out there make this possible fore the normal average poeple.
i mean the cheapest yamaha or honda or what ever will start at maybe 15K.
so fore just going out there having some fun and a good time i think its a great motorbike and i would buy this.
i mean its doesnt coeast anything the motor mechanical isent that hard to maintain and i'll bed you the part's are cheap.
i love what these guys are trying to do there should be more businesses like this thinking about the poeple and just having good old fun like kid's i mean that's the point when you get on you motorcycle is making fun with you're friend's and havinf a laugh if you crash it you can still laugh and go like , hey dude did you see my awsome crash hahahahaha fuck it man lets build it up again.
so conclusion i would def buy this bike and laugh at all the hater's
grt from the dutch guy
Why make up "facts" to support these? You can get a Honda CBR250R or Rebel that is a way better bike than these things are for about 1000.00 more. It will have parts support, a warranty, and readily available service locations.
You could go buy a new Honda that would last decades for what you'd pay for these ChinkChoppers. Try a Honda shop first.
You'd not be "laughing" when you rode one of these for 50 miles and not more.
Google "Cleveland, nothing but problems: Customer Critique of Warranty..." etc.
I'm willing to bet you'd never afford a WalMart Razor judging by your child-like grammatical skills, kid:
"dowing" (doing) "costum" (custom) "fore" (for) "poeple" (people) "fore" (before) "coeast" (cost) "isent" (isn't) "bed" (bet) "part's" (parts) "havinf" (having) That's enough. My brain is starting to hurt! Man, you're so dumb I almost want to cry for and about you but maybe this message will encourage you to go back to school.
Parts are NOT available for these since there's no dealerships. You send them money, they send you a crate shipped directly from Chinkland.
You should have known.
Yamaha SR650 I'm afraid I'm going to have to agree with you. I was at a Honda shop picking up a new pair of gloves last weekend, and they had two Honda Rebels.. one in red, and one in black. Just for fun I sat on one. They are nice little bikes, and don't pretend to be something they are not. I bet they will run forever, too. I say that, because I have a 1985 Honda XR350R that was my Dad's, and now it's mine, and it's still in excellent condition. Never a single problem with it, ever! So why anyone would THROW money away on a Chinese piece of junk, I have absolutely no clue.
Trevor Jameson Honda Rebels are great beginner bikes and perfect for anyone who just wants to putt around on for fun. Just change the oil once in a while.
I'd only ride one on a bet.
I recall the parts manager at John Deere Industrial (the yellow J.D's) who bought something like a Rebel. It had cogged tooth belt final drive.
Well, after work on just about any given day, all us mechanics and some of the parts guys would gather out back and drink beer and bullshit. "Poncho", the parts manager joined us a few times. He had his little bike once and I asked if I could ride it. I, of course was fortified with some beer and had at it. He cringed when I did a few donuts on some dirt-covered asphalt. Then I tried doing a "burnout" on that surface. I unloaded the clutch at high revs and the cogged belt slipped making this incredibly loud sound similar to the tearing of canvas. Ooops! I then returned it to him.
One day he showed up with a black eye and swollen face. He had dumped it and hit his face on a curb. His wife made him get rid of it.
Nice call on the XR350R. Great bike. Almost up there with Yamaha's XT500!
Yeah, toss money on any Chinese bike and you're doomed. Maybe get a couple rides out of it before some irreplaceable part breaks or falls of.
What a supportive and loving mother...
this is a pretty bad review
You're guys idea and work is wonderful! I like how you guys have this!
Great interview. Comments from 7:40 onwards are fantastic. Power to you.
This guy is really smart, I learned from being here in the Philippines were everyone is riding smaller bikes, bigger is not always better. My hobby here is rebuilding bikes, the RS 100 I just finished is beautiful and surprise to me it hauls ass. I am working on a bigger bike now, it is a Lifan 150. Has the big bike look, but the motor being only 150, it has alot of power.
The heist looks cool. Good luck to these guys! He has the balls to try it!
Just want to say thank you Scott for doing what you do... Because of you one day I can own a cool bike. Thank you
just getting started with my motorcycle training and what not. this looks like a good option for me to start out.
I have nothing against CCW motorcycles. I like the concept. Not for myself (I prefer to rebuild old bikes), but for someone just getting into motorcycles. But they do not "massively undercut every other motorcycle out there," as stated in the video description. They use a 250cc Lifan engine, which is a Chinese-made Honda clone. You can buy a complete Lifan motorcycle with the same engine for half the price of the CCW. You might get better QC with the CCW, but the Lifan is much less expensive.
absolutely love the look! It's bare bones no frills!!! the absence of flashy chrome is what had me riveted! I would definitely add one to my collection!!#
I really like this guy. I have a 74 honda xl175 and couldnt agree more there is nothing i cant do in the city and he remember the benefits of a bike: good fuel efficiency and ease of manuvering and less clutter in urban areas... does a 1200cc harley do any of that?
Theoretically, yes, but then you'd have to replace pretty much everything - gearbox, chain and so on, as they wouldn't be compatible with a more powerful engine. Also, the added weight and stress from a bigger engine would mean that the smallish frame would have trouble as well.
The other plus not mentioned here is the efficiency of a smaller 250 engine. I assume you could be getting anywhere from 60-80 mpg on one of these, which is what people ought to be shooting for in this day and age.
It is nice, to see a new entrepreneur who believes in his concept and visions. Cool video, thanks.
I believe I just found my first bike! I really like the style of The Misfit! I was thinking about saving for an old BMW R-75, but at this price I dig this bike. Yes-you can't compare the two, but I don't have that much funds and I'm not into getting involved with any financing for a New Triumph/Ural St Solo or Guzzi V7 Stone.
**Plus- this is an American Company! The aesthetics are nice as well as the price! I plan on supporting them!
I own a 2009 bonneville and I still want that cafe racer they have, thing is just so cool looking!!
hey i just got one two weeks ago,im lovin it and spending heaps of time on tha road down under
This was legitimately and truly awe-inspiring. His whole message... Amazing. Hats off to my fellow Ohioan! If I get the money some day, I WILL buy a Misfit and support your company's mission.
He definitely understood. Scotts point of going to design school to change the world but only being able to change the door handle once he graduated and acquired a job directly reflects Grants experience where the Ford designer was limited to designing only a mere door handle instead of being able to redesign a model. Typically nowadays, if youre in design game, you have teams upwards of 15 designers, the most experienced work on the important things but the nubs are assigned to do handles.
the website includes an attached blog and press releases, there's a good start. a little more digging in the industry site might turn up some more actual numbers, but with regards to vehicle stuff, price is usually the last thing to get put on. I'd say...middle to late this year? pricew is probably the same, or similar.
Great video, with a lot of emotion to it. That looks like a good guy making some good bikes! Great editing also. Just a tip: on the description, tell us about the music you're using and the places you go to (that burger looks great)
You get it plus CCW employees American workers in the US plus American distributor. I have ridden a Heist all Miami and South Beach and simply love plus I build, ride, service all scooters and smaller bikes Scoot has done a great job with CCW and I am proud to be a part
Kudos to Scott for what he is doing! There is a huge marketplace for affordable, quality, no frills motorcycles that look great too! My only question to him would be: Are these bikes reliable? I want a basic motorcycle that has a reliable engine like a Honda. Are these 'Lifan' Chinese engines as reliable and maintenance-free, for a 'weekend rider' like me? Thanks.
I feel sorry for those who don't see the charm in the smaller bikes. I'm about to own an 1800cc but let's me clear I'll never forget my first love, a 250cc Honda. I would trade a Ducati for my exact old bike because to this day I miss it. These bikes are meant to be access to riding that's all and memories when you're older.
Scott's a pretty cool guy. He was one of my teachers in design school. A really fun guy to talk bikes, cars, anything really.
I recall my oldest brother had a 1971 Ducati 250, looked like a cafe racer, and would do 120mph in a heartbeat. He still misses that bike because it was so zippy and agile and just plain fun. I think this thing looks like it would be a blast!
I'm not a beginner rider at all (done track days, owned supersports) and I would love that cafe racer for a commuter to work or around town. I think anyone that matters would agree with most if not all of what orange haired guy said. I wish him success and I hope to ride one of his bikes some day.
im from cleveland. i saw some o their work when the international motorcycle show was in cleveland.
You do your thing guys .Great shot at originality .
It's great seeing a guys dream come true. This is what made America great!!!! 3200 dollars is not bad at all. I really like the cafe style and can't wait to see where this company goes in the future. Keep up the great work!!!!
sweet lookers.and they sound cool too.i had a hog but due to a spinal injury I needed a lightyer/much lighter/lower bike,im now riding a 2008 Honda rebel w/less than 2000 miles on it.i bought it new in 2009 as a left over.ill trade for either of those bikes anyday.
best of luck,i WANT ONE.
ride safe,ride free,ride forever.
MUCH RESPECT.