Jump to content

Caterham Brutus


Kitcat

Recommended Posts

Caterham is apparently starting a motorcycle division with this new 750 cc (single?)bike. I wil rely on the more technmically competent to provide links.

 

Is Caterham losing its focus, spreading itself too thin?

 

This is a bold move, I truly hope it is successful.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No goofy bikes for me.

Before pissing away money on this idea, why not invest in what you already and who you have as buyers.

Caterham has always managed to sell and survive often in spite of itself, it has a customer base that is as loyal as can be but the company does about the minimum it can to help an enthusiast in my opinion.

Why not improve product, parts and delivery, dealer network ( particularly in the USA), and how about a feedback channel to the factory.

I love the cars but the company can be frustrating to deal with to say the least.

I was amazed that Caterham got into F1, seems like Mr Malaya has even more money than Lotus, but I wonder, what he actually plans to do here, it really is a head spinner.

Edited by rikker
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would concur that more effort should be focused on customer service in the USA. I have tried multiple times to call Caterham USA in Colorado. None of them were answered. I guess they are to busy playing to bother with silly customers. Fortunately. The folks at Caterham Britain. Seem to be more conscientious.

 

As I have been told. Caterham did not start an F1 team. It (Caterham) was bought by an existing F1 team (Lotus racing)

 

I have owned 39 motorcycles in my life. And have worked for a Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Aprilia dealer. The Caterham motorcycle wouldn't pass muster. I imagine the two pedal bikes wouldn't take much in the way of funding away from operations. The second pedal bike needs to lose the fake engine. Has anyone heard of the price range of these new toys?

Edited by bigdog
Link to comment
Share on other sites

BlueMax: It has always been a bit of an adventure to find Caterham parts. I always start at Cat USA, then Cat UK (From the states dial: 01144 1322 625 80). Check their online parts store first to see if they have the part. Also Redline in UK is a huge supplier of all Caterham needs(01144 1883 346 515). I suspect one of them will have what you need. Unfortunately, some parts have simply become unobtainable (like half shafts and CV joints).

 

I have just gotten a used CV joint from Cat UK (for free as they were embarrassed that they had been unable to supply my long-promised 1/2 shaft for so many months),so my car shd soon be back on the road.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Check their online parts store first to see if they have the part.

 

Forget Caterham's online UK store - just call them direct in the UK during their working hours. The website is frequently inaccurate as to what parts are or are not available.

 

The out of stock issue on critical parts has lately been unacceptable. Sadly I think they are suffering from trying to grow too big too quick.

 

I second Redline as a place to phone. They have frequently managed to send me parts within a week across the Atlantic for very reasonable prices. I usually call the UK directly these days when I need something - easier and quicker and often cheaper than trying to get locally.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I doubt that Caterham actually made the two wheeled items. Other high end auto manufactures names have appeared on non-automotive stuff. My guess is someone has licensed the rights to use the Caterham name and such to sell there over priced products.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I doubt that Caterham actually made the two wheeled items. Other high end auto manufactures names have appeared on non-automotive stuff. My guess is someone has licensed the rights to use the Caterham name and such to sell there over priced products.

 

Good point. The last time I was at my local BMW dealer here in Kaiserslautern. There sat a nice looking, But very over priced Taiwanese made pedal bike.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's as simple as searching for "Brutus 750" in your search engine of choice to see that this thing has been around for at least a year in another guise.

 

As for the electric bicycles, it seems just a bit hokey to me to make the casing for the electric motor part resemble an old V-twin, but I do like the execution of it. Reminds me of Schwinn's Apple Krate bikes from the 1970s - which are now worth far more than they cost at that time!

Edited by Sean
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would concur that more effort should be focused on customer service in the USA. I have tried multiple times to call Caterham USA in Colorado. None of them were answered. I guess they are to busy playing to bother with silly customers.

 

I would like to offer a more positive view of Caterham USA's parts support than what is being put forth in this thread on bikes: I had a need for a variety of parts recently, and Caterham USA were able to come through for me in great style: bonnet, nose, right wing, cam cover, radiator, steering rack, lights, indicators, wing stays, fasteners, badge, etc. etc. Most parts (except three) were actually available in Denver, and the others were delivered from the UK through Caterham USA. They seem to have their own parts issues, as several cars were awaiting parts in the shop when I dropped by on short notice, so Caterham USA is neither unaware of nor immune to the issue. They do not have a "staff" to sit and answer the phone nor the emails--both of which I have sent many myself during my "recovery" efforts. I suspect that they aren't "playing" but working other jobs to allow to continue running the shop and pay the normal household l bills. No, it isn't easy to get parts for a limited production foreign sports car, but neither should we "beat up" on the people trying to keep our cars supported over here.

 

Just as a comparison, I am having problems getting exhaust parts for a Ford F-150, one of the most common vehicles in the States. So, I don't think we should be too hard on Caterham USA....

 

Just my opinion...

Taber

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...