Arcimoto

[Rickb]

We use every part of the Buffalo.

Actually, there's not much there other than two seats, the battery box, two small motors, and three wheels.

Simple, Reasonable, Kick-ass. They should have called the FUV...........the SRK.

 

[Rickb]

I'm happy to see progress on any front. One thing I really do not care for on the SRK is how you have to straddle the battery box. I realize its necessary, but I don't like it.

Regardless, the engineering/design of the elevated battery box allows for the higher seat placement, easy ingress/egress, and a comfortable upright sitting position with enhanced visibility. Once I drag my arthritic leg over the box the straddle isn't much of an issue. So for me more driver comfort advantages than disadvantages.

 

[Rob Croson]

I hadn't realized that you straddled the battery in this. Makes me wonder if this will cause issues with the autocycle laws some states have that require "seats" and not "saddles". This is an odd case where you have a "seat", but you straddle part of the vehicle which might make it a "saddle".

In any case, it does look pretty nice. Makes me wish I had a realistic use for it, and enough money to be able to afford it.

Also, if you read/write "straddle" and "saddle" enough times while composing a post, both words start to sound pretty silly, and you have to look up the definition to make sure you're using them correctly...

 

[Rickb]

I hadn't realized that you straddled the battery in this. Makes me wonder if this will cause issues with the autocycle laws some states have that require "seats" and not "saddles". This is an odd case where you have a "seat", but you straddle part of the vehicle which might make it a "saddle".

In any case, it does look pretty nice. Makes me wish I had a realistic use for it, and enough money to be able to afford it.

Also, if you read/write "straddle" and "saddle" enough times while composing a post, both words start to sound pretty silly, and you have to look up the definition to make sure you're using them correctly...

The FUV doesn't fit the definition of autocycle based on it's handlebar steering. Arcimoto claims they will work on this issue State by State, but early adopters in most States will require a motorcycle endorsement. It's a slight inconvenience for me. However, motorcycle endorsement requirements will likely improve my defensive 'riding' skills, important when driving/riding any of the three wheel motorcycles coming to market.

 

[Sniffy]

However, motorcycle endorsement requirements will likely improve my defensive 'riding' skills, important when driving/riding any of the three wheel motorcycles coming to market.

Rick, as a former MSF instructor, I can tell you this is absolutely true. Skills learned in motorcycle rider training WILL make you a better driver of any vehicle. Also, the advanced classes, and racing classes will again elevate your game, car or bike.

But a huge reason to take the class is that it is FUN! I really recommend people take MSF courses with their spouses. Most training centers will offer the class on scooters, which eliminates the fear some have of using a clutch.

 

[Rickb]

Rick, as a former MSF instructor, I can tell you this is absolutely true. Skills learned in motorcycle rider training WILL make you a better driver of any vehicle. Also, the advanced classes, and racing classes will again elevate your game, car or bike.

But a huge reason to take the class is that it is FUN! I really recommend people take MSF courses with their spouses. Most training centers will offer the class on scooters, which eliminates the fear some have of using a clutch.

The class will have to allow using my FUV.

 

[Rob Croson]

The class will have to allow using my FUV.

Probably not... From what I've seen, several states that have autocycle laws specifically disallow their use during endorsement testing. And, really, it would be pointless to take the course with a three-wheeler anyway.

I took the motorcycle safety course in Ohio many, many years ago. They provided the motorcycles for the course (little 250cc bikes, specially outfitted for use in training courses), and it was free. It really was a lot of fun, just as Sniffy says.

 

[Rickb]

Probably not... From what I've seen, several states that have autocycle laws specifically disallow their use during endorsement testing. And, really, it would be pointless to take the course with a three-wheeler anyway.

I took the motorcycle safety course in Ohio many, many years ago. They provided the motorcycles for the course (little 250cc bikes, specially outfitted for use in training courses), and it was free. It really was a lot of fun, just as Sniffy says.

My home State of Idaho requires the applicant to bring their motorcycle to the skills test. State requirements may vary.

 

[Elio Amazed]

My home State of Idaho requires the applicant to bring their motorcycle to the skills test. State requirements may vary.

We're talking two different things here. In some states if you take and pass the training course, you get the endorsement.
In others, regardless of taking the training or not, if you take the written and skills test, you get endorsement.
In others, it's either/or and you get the endorsement.

In many states (as I understand it including some where passing the course IS the test) they provide scooters and bikes for the training course.
In most states with mandatory separate tests, regardless of whether they provide bikes for the course, they require you to bring your own MC to the test.
I've already seen that a number of states prohibit taking your skills test on a trike.
Unless... of course your in a state that has a separate endorsement for a trike (only) that doesn't include a two wheeled MC endorsement.
As I understand it, there are actually a few of those too. Very confusing.

 

[Rickb]

We're talking two different things here. In some states if you take and pass the training course, you get the endorsement.
In others, regardless of taking the training or not, if you take the written and skills test, you get endorsement.
In others, it's either/or and you get the endorsement.

In many states (as I understand it including some where passing the course IS the test) they provide scooters and bikes for the training course.
In most states with mandatory separate tests, regardless of whether they provide bikes for the course, they require you to bring your own MC to the test.
I've already seen that a number of states prohibit taking your skills test on a trike.
Unless... of course your in a state that has a separate endorsement for a trike (only) that doesn't include a two wheeled MC endorsement.
As I understand it, there are actually a few of those too. Very confusing.

Confusing, yes and that was my point to Rob Croson, that States vary considerably in their MC endorsement requirements and procedures.