If it looks good and doesn't hurt me some where he he I'm interested!

 

The largest problem with the group buy is everyone called and e-mailed begging for the tank.

So why would a manufacturer give a discount on a brand new product that just came out 3 days ago? Supply and demand!
A group buys work on products that have been on the market a little while.

 

Not always so my good friend, it worked with the Utah bash plate.

 

Slightly off topic but look at the time to develop and the time to manufacture a skidplate vs a gas tank. The skid is a flat plate with a couple bends and 2 ears welded on, the gas tank is a bit trickier. Anybody with a hammer and drill can make a functional skid plate, not too many can make a plastic gas tank. However the gas tank will pay for its tooling and design.............eventually so long as the mold doesn't degrade with each run. There is no incentive to offer a discount on the tank on the first run because that is when it will cost the company the most per tank.

 

Despite the economics of the group buy, its still a matter of courtesy to reply to e-mail requests ... I sent 3-4 group buy inquires myself, all went unanswered. If they replied just once, the word would be spread and nobody else would bother them about that. So the only thing they have going for them is they have a product that is in high demand. (Hopefully customer service, including order inquires, do not become an issue).

 

I've rarely had the actual manufacturer answer any of my questions, typically its the distributor that will answer questions promptly based on the whole supply chain. The volume the distributors deal with vs the individual purchasing straight from the man. kinda puts the individual at the bottom of the priority list, which seems totally backwards but thats just what I've run across.

 

I'm not looking for no group buy; just waiting for a report on how well it fits and looks and if there are any mod's needed or problems.

If all looks good then I'll order a natural color one that instant.

 

Im with you ZX1100F1, who needs a fuel gauge when you can see through the tank.

 

Well to give them credit,Chris from Clarke responded within a half day to myemail, which is pretty quick.


Fumi[/align][/align]We have an extensive wordwideedealer and distributor network all chomping at the bit for this tank.[/align]We cannot offer retail group buy.[/align]Nothing personal.[/align][/align]Thanks[/align]Chris Roley[/align]Clarke Mfg Co.[/align][/align][/align]Which is what I basically expected fromthe manufactureras he must have floods of orders from dealers and distributors.[/align][/align]Of course we can try to ask for a group buy from a dealer or a distributor. [/align]

 

I've had pretty good luck with manufacturers answering my email. My latest was with Jardine when I was looking for a slip-on for my CBR600RR and I emailed them a few times and each time they answered my question personally. I did end up buying the Jardine RT-One.

The most impressive was K2. Actually every ski that I have everbought as an adult has been K2s and last year I emailed them with a question and the dude answered back with a couple paragraph advice. I asked another question and it was the same red carpet treatment. Needless to say, I bought another K2 skis.