The P5: What Would You Change?

[TCBronson]

As a motorcycle rider, the biggest danger in my opinion is not being seen by other motorist, especially those coming in the opposite direction and decide to make a left turn in front of you. The narrow profile and one headlight is something that is always a concern. I too like the idea of additional marker lights or even headlights on the front of the fenders. On coming motorist will see a wider profile which will make the Elio more visible. This would also help with visibility while turning and cast light in the direction of the front wheels for increased visibility. I also like the idea of additional brake lights on the back of the front wheel fenders for increased visibility for drivers behind you. If this is not offered on the Elio, I will try to add them myself. I am aware that these lights will vibrate up and down with the suspension and it may be an issue.

 

[JEBar]

With all of the dashboard "pushback", someone at EM HAS to be considering an alternative.

sadly, that doesn't appear to be the case .... Paul has dug in his heels on this one ..... they believe (with reasonable certainty) that for those who don't like it, the Elgin will not be deal breaker and cost them sales ..... in my case, they would be correct

 

[skygazer6033]

Lights on the fenders have the advantage of increased visability as most everyone has pointed out however there are several disadvantages that need to addressed. If you have tail, brake and turn signals on the fenders all of these lights are going to be pointed back at the driver whenever you make a turn and really need to see where you're going. The other danger is from following traffic. A following driver might see you as two tail/brake lights with a high center brake light not knowing the center light is 8 feet closer than the outboard lights. Invitation to be rear ended. Something to think about.

 

[Lilfurbal]

I'd probably be good with even just having one of these on the sides of the fenders:

http://www.autozone.com/exterior-li...-amber-marker-light/314963_0_0/?checkfit=true

Or something even smaller, or more eye pleasing. Something that basically just shows the actually edge of the far sides of the vehicle, less the tire fenders disappear entirely from everyone's view. They don't have to be fully lit up displays, though it could be neat if there were additional headlights in the front of them.

 

[Elio Amazed]

Lights on the fenders have the advantage of increased visability as most everyone has pointed out however there are several disadvantages that need to addressed. If you have tail, brake and turn signals on the fenders all of these lights are going to be pointed back at the driver whenever you make a turn and really need to see where you're going. The other danger is from following traffic. A following driver might see you as two tail/brake lights with a high center brake light not knowing the center light is 8 feet closer than the outboard lights. Invitation to be rear ended. Something to think about.

I've been looking at every picture of the P4 and P5 with these concerns in mind for a long time now.
According to the driver's vantage point in those photos, the planned lights on the rear of the fenders will not cast enough glare at the driver to impare his or her vision. Only the very tops of the fenders appear to be visible to the driver when that driver is in his or her normal position. In addition, you can use semi-directional "spot" lights instead of those with a 90-degree or better "flood" spread.

I don't think the second concern is valid @ all.
A large percentage of vehicles on the road today have turn signals on the side rear-view mirrors.
An even larger percentage of cars on the road today already have a "high center light" on or near the rear deck.
No-one, to my knowledge, is blaming those lights for an increase in rear-end collisions.
Quite the opposite.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MINI-LED-MO...-LIGHTS-RED-/181427953329?hash=item2a3df2deb1
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DUAL-MINI-L...-LIGHTS-RED-/171966049075?hash=item2809f9ab33
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4x-9W-Eagle...-Light-Bulb-/301695833919?hash=item463e79173f
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2X-9W-LED-W...s-Car-Motor-/321931372475?hash=item4af49ae7bb
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Custom-Mini-1-Round-Red-3-LED-Stop-Turn-Tail-Lights-Grommets-SS-Bezels/400323975605?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIC.MBE&ao=1&asc=20131003132420&meid=c6adc80c799e413caa6d222add6c5233&pid=100005&rk=1&rkt=2&sd=400323975656
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1x-Round-Mo...erior-Light-/251969246432?hash=item3aaa8994e0
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yellow-24SM...cycle-Truck-/111412521363?hash=item19f0b42993

All the lights in the above links exist in red, amber, and white.

 

[skygazer6033]

Welcome from Splendora Tx. This type of clearance light mounted to the outboard side should give 360° visability without blinding you in a turn. Should be enough to point out the width to other drivers.

 

[Coss]

Someone mentioned customizing for the Elio; I did custom cars for many years and there is only one limiting factor; your budget.
I had people ask for some pretty outrageous items and modifications and my answer was usually "yes, if you can afford it".
When you truly customize something, you're asking for something that can't be purchased off the shelf; therefore the discount of mass production does not come into play. If you've ever watched a show about first time home buyers, the same rule is true; you can have everything you want, but you're not going to get it for a lowball price.

 

[Karnaj]

A funny little anecdote from my conversation with Jerome at the Auto Show today: We were discussing the Elio and how I thought of it as the VW Bug of this generation. He chuckled and agreed with my point of view. He then mention how Paul was worried about the amount of people that were talking as if they would void the warranty to customize their cars. Jerome said he pointed out that "kids" now a days will buy a $30,000 car and immediately take it home and chip it, voiding the warranty. This is where I said this is actually one of the big advantages of the Elio. With such an affordable entrance cost, modders should love this car. Who cares about a voided warranty on a $6800 car when you can create what you want. Customization for this car has endless possibilities, both for the consumer and the market.

 

[BaldGuy]

Switch gas tank fill to other side.

 

[pistonboy]

Are we having a wave of new posters?