All, there has been a wee bit of discussion regarding the Tanji fuel cells recently - I had been in contact with Dean even before I brought Wonky home, and we finally had our visit today.
First - and I gotta say this - Everyone I have met through this forum has been an absolute Gentleman. And Dean is certainly no exception.
Dean has a really enviable shop- it's a place I would like to move into to, assuming that my boss lady wouldn't miss me too much. And it's in his garage. I gotta tell ya, Dean just may have someone show up on his doorstep with a Thermarest pad and sleeping bag .....
I showed up, we introduced ourselves, and Dean immediately started checking out Wonky. I think we spent about half of the time I was there just noticing differences.
We pulled Garauld's rack, (Gary, he thought the paint was fine !! ) and the seats, and then he began measuring and drawing in earnest. Steel rules, outside calipers, LOTS of pictures. He and I did a "test fit" with the unit off of his bike (I don't remember the exact mileage - but I seem to recall 64K+ ?)
And so I broached the subject that is near and dear to our hearts - that of the possiblity of making additional cells. And this we discussed at length.
Dean is in a quandry - as mentioned in an earlier post from (I think) SkooterG, the fabricator that Dean used has retired as of 6 months ago. Quotes he has received from other fabricators have been dramatically higher. The materials cost has increased 30% since he bought the aluminum for his original run in 2003. The Tanji tank is a complex design - just look at it - and this drives up the fabrication cost. The historical tanks ran $1,000, and that is just about the point that people will really be on the fence about investing in one. I think it's more psycological than real - let's face it, if you're into LD riding, what's another grand? I would think (assume) that the increase in materials cost along with the fab costs could easily result in a $400 or $500 increase in price - IF the volume was there to hold that down. A run of 5 units could easily result in $2,000.00 each. ouch.
Dean is researching other fabricators, and is trying to find someone that can keep the cost down - In addition, the small lots that he has had manufactured in the past don't lend themselves to volume efficiencies. Keep in mind that Dean is footing the tab out of his own pocket, and making little, if any margin on these. He describes himself as 'a guy that likes to ride bikes' - so his fuel cell has become a wee bit of a monster. I think he built these to help out some of his fellow Iron Butt riders.
Back to the fuel cell for the 06 - he said the only difference will be the mounting 'tangs' on the bottom of the cell - so he's going to figure that out, and see what it will take to modify his exisiting design. I offered to take Wonky back any time he needs another gander - he live's about 8 miles from Wonky's stable.
EDIT: PARAGRAPH DELETED.
I think Dean's garage should be a bonus stop in the 07 IBR. What do you guys think?
Folks, time will tell. If Dean can find a fab guy to do this - (any ideas out there? ) and keep the cost reasonable, we may see some more cells. Perhaps we could convince Dean to move forward with a group buy on these ? Not for a discount - but simply to get them made.
Personally - if my abilities to ride long distances prove themselves, AND if I start riding rallies, I will certainly purchase a Tanji cell. Dean can charge me what he needs.
Note to Dean: Thanks for the Snapple. Thanks for the converstation. And Wonky misses you. (she was murmuring something about 'calipers' and I thought I heard 'Ohhhh Dean, measure me again!!!)
Keep your fingers crossed, gang !! More to come !! ( I hope)
First - and I gotta say this - Everyone I have met through this forum has been an absolute Gentleman. And Dean is certainly no exception.
Dean has a really enviable shop- it's a place I would like to move into to, assuming that my boss lady wouldn't miss me too much. And it's in his garage. I gotta tell ya, Dean just may have someone show up on his doorstep with a Thermarest pad and sleeping bag .....
I showed up, we introduced ourselves, and Dean immediately started checking out Wonky. I think we spent about half of the time I was there just noticing differences.
We pulled Garauld's rack, (Gary, he thought the paint was fine !! ) and the seats, and then he began measuring and drawing in earnest. Steel rules, outside calipers, LOTS of pictures. He and I did a "test fit" with the unit off of his bike (I don't remember the exact mileage - but I seem to recall 64K+ ?)
And so I broached the subject that is near and dear to our hearts - that of the possiblity of making additional cells. And this we discussed at length.
Dean is in a quandry - as mentioned in an earlier post from (I think) SkooterG, the fabricator that Dean used has retired as of 6 months ago. Quotes he has received from other fabricators have been dramatically higher. The materials cost has increased 30% since he bought the aluminum for his original run in 2003. The Tanji tank is a complex design - just look at it - and this drives up the fabrication cost. The historical tanks ran $1,000, and that is just about the point that people will really be on the fence about investing in one. I think it's more psycological than real - let's face it, if you're into LD riding, what's another grand? I would think (assume) that the increase in materials cost along with the fab costs could easily result in a $400 or $500 increase in price - IF the volume was there to hold that down. A run of 5 units could easily result in $2,000.00 each. ouch.
Dean is researching other fabricators, and is trying to find someone that can keep the cost down - In addition, the small lots that he has had manufactured in the past don't lend themselves to volume efficiencies. Keep in mind that Dean is footing the tab out of his own pocket, and making little, if any margin on these. He describes himself as 'a guy that likes to ride bikes' - so his fuel cell has become a wee bit of a monster. I think he built these to help out some of his fellow Iron Butt riders.
Back to the fuel cell for the 06 - he said the only difference will be the mounting 'tangs' on the bottom of the cell - so he's going to figure that out, and see what it will take to modify his exisiting design. I offered to take Wonky back any time he needs another gander - he live's about 8 miles from Wonky's stable.
EDIT: PARAGRAPH DELETED.
I think Dean's garage should be a bonus stop in the 07 IBR. What do you guys think?
Folks, time will tell. If Dean can find a fab guy to do this - (any ideas out there? ) and keep the cost reasonable, we may see some more cells. Perhaps we could convince Dean to move forward with a group buy on these ? Not for a discount - but simply to get them made.
Personally - if my abilities to ride long distances prove themselves, AND if I start riding rallies, I will certainly purchase a Tanji cell. Dean can charge me what he needs.
Note to Dean: Thanks for the Snapple. Thanks for the converstation. And Wonky misses you. (she was murmuring something about 'calipers' and I thought I heard 'Ohhhh Dean, measure me again!!!)
Keep your fingers crossed, gang !! More to come !! ( I hope)
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