www.kickstarter.com

Kickstarter seems like a great low risk solution for getting a product onto the market. The process of searching for a Angel investor or applying for a small business loan are no longer the only options for getting a product to market. One of the main benefits of Kickstarter is if there is an interest in the product it will be evident in the number of funders. Also, the risk is minimized for investors as the "loans" are small and the return is specified. It is closer to shopping that investing which should make it more palatable. Also, those who invest feel involved in growing a possible business. With the traditional method, there is a large disconnect between the designer and their consumer. And considerations such as distribution channels, demand and dilution of ownership need to be addressed. If the product does not reach the consumer and sell the designer will be left with unwanted product and debt. In conclusion, Kickstarter seems to be an attractive option for industrial designers because there are fewer barriers and less risk in getting the product they envisioned in it's purest form to market.

2011 Brammo Empulse 10.0

Brammo did an excellent job designing the new Empluse 10.0. Not only does it look pimpin' it has a decent range. 100 miles Brammo claims. I am curious if to reach the 100 mile range requires the rider to limp wrist the throttle the whole ride.

Even if does whatever transportation or industrial designer they hired should be commended for their effort. The all to bulky batteries seemed, in past iterations, a bane for the designer. In the Empulse's case the designer choose to expose the batteries and use it as a design feature. The final effect is naked bikedish. Bikedish may not be a word but it felt right as I was typing. I would seriously consider purchasing this bike if I had the $13,995. Actually, if I had $13,995 I would diversify my portfolio. Or buy 13,995 lottery tickets and hope for the best. I am excited to see if they release a 12.0 or 20.0 in a couple years time. Once Brammo or any other electric motorcycle manufacturer can match the range of gas that will be a good day.

2010 990 Supermoto R

I was just by Daves Cycles in Pasadena, CA doing Sunday window shopping and I saw this. The 2010 990 Supermoto R. The R stands for "Rrrrrr, I will eat you". It has a 999cc engine that produces 115 hp. The bike only weighs around 420 pounds. My Honda CR-V weighs 3000 more pounds than the KTM but only has 40 more horsepower. If I can get Blue Book for my car I could get the KTM and all I have to do is figure how to attach my skis and/or mountain bike. Maybe get some spiked tires for the snow and ice driving. Maybe not. How would I carry more than one passenger. KTM sidecar!

2010 Brammo Inertia Electric Motorcycle

Another electric motorcycle you may ask? Yes another one. The design of the bike is unique and attractive. It looks modern and fun but yet again the mileage monster attacks. The max distance on a full charge is around 50-60 miles. If you are just commuting to and fro from work this should not be an issue. My limited understanding of motorcycle owners is they purchase one for the actual and mental freedom it provides. Even if you can cope with the limited distance there is still the chance of depleting the battery. With a petrol engine a walk to the gas station is all that is needed to get precious fuel. With the battery, you have to get the bike to a recharge station or someone who will let you plug into an outlet. Even then, there is the four hour waiting while the battery recharges. Despite my apparent pessimism towards the bike I would really like to ride one. I can just imagine riding silently down the street humming the Airwolf theme song. Or, the Knight Rider theme song. Both craft had stealth modes. 

As I criticized it's mileage ability, I realized this is just the first step in the right direction towards not polluting our children and grand-children's planet. The Inertia is a first generation motorcycle and each following generation will be more efficient thus have a longer runtime. I wouldn't mind a hydrogen motorcycle. Anyone? Anyone?

Dues Ex Machina Mono SR542

May I have one of these please? I was told if I asked politely it would increase my chance of getting something. This is a Dues Ex Machina Mono SR542. It is a result of cool hipsters' desire to have a cafe racer, dual sport, dirt track racer, supermoto hybrid. I am currently saving up to pay the $40,000 price tag. But my impatience will get the better of me and I will end up only saving up enough to but a severely used early to mid 70's Honda or BMW motorcycle. I can live with that too. If any one reads this who has one I am willing to use my own helmet on an extended test ride. You are welcome!