4 seat speed UTV

[SJP]

They are going into tooling now for the body and suspension, that was their major push. Now they are circling back to the interior. That was an early design drawing I posted. They are doing weekly live design and progress updates every Wednesday night. Speed is being pretty transparent and are taking customer input right up until the last minute before they have to lock in the design. It is a pretty cool process.

I know it is a new brand, but on a Polaris or a Can Am we don't even get to see anything... it just comes out.

As an example the engine is going to have a cartridge style oil filter and 2 weeks ago someone said they should put a drain plug on the cartridge housing to make the oil changes less messy and they added it to the engine design.

I was not really onboard with getting one until late April when they started the weekly updates. Seeing what they have done, the safety and thought going into it really changed my mind and I figured i'd take the risk. I know it is also marketing, but they did a bare chassis comparison between the Can Am, Polaris and the Speed chassis design.... that was eye opening.

This program looks pretty awesome. It has a kind of Tesla feel to the process but with a UTV. Honestly when you buy a base car and then build it like RD did with his Can AM it makes you wonder. You have a lot of time, back / forth and what not even if you are paying a shop to do it as well. I am considering getting one.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

This program looks pretty awesome. It has a kind of Tesla feel to the process but with a UTV. Honestly when you buy a base car and then build it like RD did with his Can AM it makes you wonder. You have a lot of time, back / forth and what not even if you are paying a shop to do it as well. I am considering getting one.

It really does have a Tesla feel. What @riverroyal pointed out about some of the pictures is valid. That picture alone makes you wonder WTF are they doing. But that is a byproduct of the transparency with respect to the design and manufacturing process. And with that context in mind, it pulls it all together. Robby just puts a preliminary design out there and asks for input, and people give it to him. The authenticity and transparency is what got me excited. Robby did a 30 minute dissertation on the special shouldered bolts they are using at every pivot point a month or so ago. It was ridiculous, but just that attention to detail alone is very compelling.

At the sand show last year I was not really that impressed. It all sounded good, but there was just a stretched/modded Textron there to look at. Now they really have something to get excited about.

And with respect to the builds.. unless you are doing it yourself and "making it work" or taking it to the highest tier of shops, There are always little details missed, or things that could have been done better. I did my RZR myself and it was time consuming making sure a mish mash of aftermarket parts all works well and functions together.

I can't even tell you how many people's intercoms and radio setups that "the pros" installed are wired wrong and radios are unusable when I meet up with people to go on rides.. it is crazy.

 

[riverroyal]

So to have it the way I want is 40k from this company. Then another 6-10K after im done fucking with it.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

So to have it the way I want is 40k from this company. Then another 6-10K after im done fucking with it.

Are you thinking $40K at a dealer? The car now is $30K+ deilvery+ TTL.. so call it $34K to your door. Plus whatever options you get from them.. so maybe another $3K for bags, windsheild, and lights? That goes up towards the end of the year though, so if you are thinking a 2021 purchase, yea it might be closer to 40K.

Then the 6-10 of you fucking with it LOL.

I dont think it will need 6k-10K of fucking with honestly. The wheels it comes with are going to be really light and strong 2 piece beadlock wheels, already has 32" tires, and you dont want it any wider, this thing is 77" wide. Its got 230 HP, and more with E85, so it won't need a tune or exhaust, and probably wont need clutch work.

And there wont be that much aftermarket stuff initially for it anyway.

 

[LowRiver2]

So what is the plan for warranty service on these cars and what dealers are signed up to do it?

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

So what is the plan for warranty service on these cars and what dealers are signed up to do it?

They are setting up the dealer network now. Their primary focus is CA and AZ. They mentioned Coyne specifically. I’m interested to see who they sign in Havasu.

Frankly this is the biggest risk of the whole deal. Based on his claimed demand from dealers, and his focus on the So Cal market, I’m feeling more at ease about it though.

 

[LowRiver2]

They are setting up the dealer network now. Their primary focus is CA and AZ. They mentioned Coyne specifically. I’m interested to see who they sign in Havasu.

Frankly this is the biggest risk of the whole deal. Based on his claimed demand from dealers, and his focus on the So Cal market, I’m feeling more at ease about it though.

That would be my concern. If I didn’t have a 19’ set up the way mine is, I’d give it a serious look.
My Bro in law is low on the list and is involved with one of the big SCORE teams. I have no doubt he will have any issues addressed because of his connections but I’d be joe citizen back of the line.

Hoping it never goes that way as the old wild cats were for service. I know RG is putting his all info it and I applaud him for it.

 

[DWC]

It really does have a Tesla feel. What @riverroyal pointed out about some of the pictures is valid. That picture alone makes you wonder WTF are they doing. But that is a byproduct of the transparency with respect to the design and manufacturing process. And with that context in mind, it pulls it all together. Robby just puts a preliminary design out there and asks for input, and people give it to him. The authenticity and transparency is what got me excited. Robby did a 30 minute dissertation on the special shouldered bolts they are using at every pivot point a month or so ago. It was ridiculous, but just that attention to detail alone is very compelling.

At the sand show last year I was not really that impressed. It all sounded good, but there was just a stretched/modded Textron there to look at. Now they really have something to get excited about.

And with respect to the builds.. unless you are doing it yourself and "making it work" or taking it to the highest tier of shops, There are always little details missed, or things that could have been done better. I did my RZR myself and it was time consuming making sure a mish mash of aftermarket parts all works well and functions together.

I can't even tell you how many people's intercoms and radio setups that "the pros" installed are wired wrong and radios are unusable when I meet up with people to go on rides.. it is crazy.

There you are being an asshole again

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

There you are being an asshole again

Par for the course I’m told.

 

[riverroyal]

3000 for audio before it even hits dirt

 

[zhandfull]

Brilliant to sell a key for $1 to boost HP and void warranty.

 

[SJP]

Brilliant to sell a key for $1 to boost HP and void warranty.

That is a great way to reduce liability for Speed.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Brilliant to sell a key for $1 to boost HP and void warranty.

Yep I said the same thing at first and was not going to get the key.

Buy the key, use it after the warranty period. The car will tell the dealer if the key has been used or not, so no risk at all there. No reason at all not to pay the $1. It is claimed to be a $2500 option when cars hit dealers.

The trans and front diff are going to have shock/torque limiters in them to protect the drivetrain from throttle on landings and large shock loads. So the driveline will have some level of protection. These are another point of concern for me.. if they will wear, etc.

I have very little concern about the chassis, suspension, steering and shocks at this point.

 

[yz450mm]

Looks like Havasu is going to have its own Speed dealership.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

 

[riverroyal]

Ok.... who’s the dealer?

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Ok.... who’s the dealer?

Speed is building their own flagship dealer and service center IN HAVASU.

As of now it will be the only Speed “factory dealer”.

This dealer will be getting around 60 of the first 1000 cars for retail sale at dealer MSRP around Christmas.

I guess we don’t need to worry about where to get parts, service and warranty work anymore.

 

[DWC]

Speed is building their own flagship dealer and service center IN HAVASU.

As of now it will be the only Speed “factory dealer”.

I guess we don’t need to worry about where to get parts, service and warranty work anymore.

Just keep the speed down on the way to Alamo.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Just keep the speed down on the way to Alamo.

That strategy just flew out the window now that I can get parts and service down the street

 

[mash on it]

From the article- "updates on the engine and prototype build"

So these things don't actually exist?

Sounds like a pyramid scheme of some sort, or a pipe dream.

Time will tell.

Dan'l

 

[chvynhra]

Are the frames still going to be made in China?

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

From the article- "updates on the engine and prototype build"

So these things don't actually exist?

Sounds like a pyramid scheme of some sort, or a pipe dream.

Time will tell.

Dan'l

No, they are manufacturing a new SXS, not a space shuttle. You put down a small deposit now and you can get one at a discount. That is it. The discount ends when these things hit the showroom.

The design is done, they are in tooling now prepping for assembly line builds. if the cars delivery is late or not, I have no idea. They are saying Thanksgiving to early December people will start getting cars.

 

[riverroyal]

I think it looks great on paper. New factory, new assembly line, new employees, new dealerships, the entire thing is not proven from step one. Because Robby Gordon has a name in the industry doesn't make it a good idea for me to buy one. Maybe after a few years.
As soon as you guys beat the crap out of these for a few years on havasu wash boards then its proven. To me anyways

 

[QC22]

I'm confused about something. Why all the 999cc engines? I believe the only so-called SxS above 1000cc is the Drakart. That eliminates the helmet requirement in CA (I think?). Is there some sort of liability or emissions reason that keeps manufacturers below 1000? Seems like a major marketing benefit to be legal without a helmet, so their must be some barrier. Whats the skinny?

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I'm confused about something. Why all the 999cc engines? I believe the only so-called SxS above 1000cc is the Drakart. That eliminates the helmet requirement in CA (I think?). Is there some sort of liability or emissions reason that keeps manufacturers below 1000? Seems like a major marketing benefit to be legal without a helmet, so their must be some barrier. Whats the skinny?

The SXS industry wants you to wear a helmet.

Above 1000cc it is not considered a SXS, it is something else, so there are other rules and regulations that can apply. I would imagine with the way things are going that engine size limit for SXS vehicles is going to be lifted at some point, and you'll STILL be required to wear a helmet.

 

[baja-chris]

The delivery queue is now into February.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I think it looks great on paper. New factory, new assembly line, new employees, new dealerships, the entire thing is not proven from step one. Because Robby Gordon has a name in the industry doesn't make it a good idea for me to buy one. Maybe after a few years.
As soon as you guys beat the crap out of these for a few years on havasu wash boards then its proven. To me anyways

Agreed, there are still a lot of unknowns. I think the rub will be that in a few years these cars will be $40K to start. They have not said as much, but I can see the writing on the walls. If the debut goes relatively smooth they are going to start cranking up the prices.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

The delivery queue is now into February.

I'm car #1010 and my confirmation email said March delivery, but they are now saying late December delivery for the first 1000 cars.

 

[baja-chris]

At $40k I think they compare favorably vs the competition which need significant upgrades to get to the level of the stock Speed models.
They are very impressive on paper. Leap of faith involved in ordering now, but I'm pretty stoked to have one on order.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

At $40k I think they compare favorably vs the competition which need significant upgrades to get to the level of the stock Speed models.
They are very impressive on paper. Leap of faith involved in ordering now, but I'm pretty stoked to have one on order.

What number car are you?

 

[QC22]

The SXS industry wants you to wear a helmet.

Above 1000cc it is not considered a SXS, it is something else, so there are other rules and regulations that can apply. I would imagine with the way things are going that engine size limit for SXS vehicles is going to be lifted at some point, and you'll STILL be required to wear a helmet.

Thanks for the reply. Kind of weird to me that an "industry wants" x or y. If that was the reason why sell in AZ? Still seems like there is something missing in this equation.

Edit: That would be like the marine industry wanting 100% life jacket regs. I think a lot of people would stop boating if that was the case.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Thanks for the reply. Kind of weird to me that an "industry wants" x or y. If that was the reason why sell in AZ? Still seems like there is something missing in this equation.

Edit: That would be like the marine industry wanting 100% life jacket regs. I think a lot of people would stop boating if that was the case.

The Marine industry is never going to tell you NOT to wear a life jacket.

The SXS industry is never going to tell you NOT to wear a helmet. You’ll never see a commercial or ad with helmetless people.

You’ll never see a beer commercial with a guy operating a forklift after finishing a beer. These industries just don’t want the liability.

If you happen to live where wearing a helmet is not a law, you can legally do what you want.

If a Polaris or a Can Am comes out with a larger than 1000 cc engine, I’m certain the laws in CA will quickly change to mandate a helmet for that car.

AZ for instance quickly changed the OHV registration weight limits for SXS when they grew to over 1800 lbs.

 

[baja-chris]

What number car are you?

Latest email from Ginger (today) says I'm #203 El Jefe RG, and to expect Nov/Dec delivery.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

Latest email from Ginger (today) says I'm #203 El Jefe RG, and to expect Nov/Dec delivery.

Awesome! You got in early!

 

[RiverDave]

Awesome! You got in early!

I believe I’m order number 106

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I believe I’m order number 106

You threw down on like day 2 of the Sand Show right? It sounds like they will want you locked in on your config by the end of the month.

 

[WildHorses24]

Latest email from Ginger (today) says I'm #203 El Jefe RG, and to expect Nov/Dec delivery.

You must have been standing next to my friends lol they're #199 & #202!!!

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

 

[baja-chris]

My #203 does not seem right, I emailed them to see if it was a typo. Maybe they have different numbers for each model. My Master Unit is 1377 and I only ordered it last week.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

My #203 does not seem right, I emailed them to see if it was a typo. Maybe they have different numbers for each model. My Master Unit is 1377 and I only ordered it last week.

You ordered an El Diablo or Baja Bandit then. Speed is running everything off the “master” number.

I’m number 699 El Hefe, but number 1010 master unit. I ordered 6 weeks ago.

 

[RiverDave]

You threw down on like day 2 of the Sand Show right? It sounds like they will want you locked in on your config by the end of the month.

I’ll call them and get it sorted Tomorrow.

 

[RiverDave]

You threw down on like day 2 of the Sand Show right? It sounds like they will want you locked in on your config by the end of the month.

yes I think it was day 2 of the sand show.

 

[baja-chris]

She got back to me, I'm # 203 for El Jefe RG which is a different sequence than the non-RG config. That explains why I got such a low number after ordering a week ago.
My Master # is 1377.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

Agreed, there are still a lot of unknowns. I think the rub will be that in a few years these cars will be $40K to start. They have not said as much, but I can see the writing on the walls. If the debut goes relatively smooth they are going to start cranking up the prices.

Yeah.... After seeing what everybody drops into these can-ams and rzr's to make them meet somewhat near the specs of these Speed UTV's.... $40k seems like a bargain still.

Sent from my LM-G710VM using Tapatalk

 

[RacerX]

I guess I will be somewhat of a BETA owner with car #16. Robby stated at the show he was going to personally inspect everyone of the first 250 cars to make sure there would be no issues.. So that makes me feel a little more at ease.

 

[riverroyal]

I guess I will be somewhat of a BETA owner with car #16. Robby stated at the show he was going to personally inspect everyone of the first 250 cars to make sure there would be no issues.. So that makes me feel a little more at ease.

250? "im going to personally inspect 250, with a torque wrench and all my engineering degrees, now please leave $1000 with my assistant'
I really hope this works out for you guys. I want one, but not in this first round. Id rather pay more than be getting shit fixed all the time.
If I need to eat some crow I will, this time next year.

 

[MK1MOD0]

I'm confused about something. Why all the 999cc engines? I believe the only so-called SxS above 1000cc is the Drakart. That eliminates the helmet requirement in CA (I think?). Is there some sort of liability or emissions reason that keeps manufacturers below 1000? Seems like a major marketing benefit to be legal without a helmet, so their must be some barrier. Whats the skinny?

It also has to do with federal emissions. The industry made a deal with the feds that if they stayed under 1000cc, they would not have to meet stricter regulations and testing.... such as catalyst and such. HUGE cost saving to them, and to you as the buyer.

 

[HotRod82]

I wonder what the odds are that Robby's cars start selling well and Polaris comes along and buys him out? The new American dream.....build the business up and then sell it.

 

[ArizonaKevin]

I wonder what the odds are that Robby's cars start selling well and Polaris comes along and buys him out? The new American dream.....build the business up and then sell it.

I think Robby may have burned too many bridges in the industry for that to happen

 

[riverroyal]

I think Robby may have burned too many bridges in the industry for that to happen

but people are lining up to give him money?? I dont get it

 

[ArizonaKevin]

but people are lining up to give him money?? I dont get it

Good products will make people buy them, he is certainly an innovator. I own an RG designed car (wildcat XX) and would certainly buy a speed if I had the room in the trailer. But buying a product from someone and entering a business relationship with someone are different conversations.

 

[RiverDave]

I guess I will be somewhat of a BETA owner with car #16. Robby stated at the show he was going to personally inspect everyone of the first 250 cars to make sure there would be no issues.. So that makes me feel a little more at ease.

Robby told me getting a bench in the back of my car wouldn’t be an issue at the sand show.. when I call the sales people they are flat sayin no.. lol. I gotta get ahold of him somehow to see if I can figure that out.

I also called them right now because I thought today was the last day to confirm the car. They said the configuration that is up is a test deal and the official one will be online in the 15th.. plenty of time to still pick your options etc.