Vanderhall Guy

[pmar6004]

Thanks Paul, I appreciate you also trying to get prices made available as I have been. My latest conversation with Provo was that hopefully our questions will be answered by 1 Feb. This is really cutting it short for me as I have put together a Snowbird Get Together here in central Florida for 7 years and it's 3-8 March this year. We normally have 15 to 20 trikes riding together. Knowing that we will be riding up the coast to St Agustine and back, around the Daytona Beach area and inland as well, I would definitely be showing off a new Carmel if I'm lucky enough to get one by 1 March which would obviously spark interest for the display at the International Speedway during Bike Week! Tomg

Tomg,

In reading comments on the Vanderhall Owners Forum, Daniel Boyer stated that those that have pre-ordered the Carmel, should expect their respective dealers to contact them near the end of the first quarter with respects to what options are available and their prices. As of yet, it's not been determined as to what options will be provided. Currently production has not moved into their new factory building. I'm guessing another month or two. Shortly after they do, I'm expecting a major change as to how they intend to do their marketing with regard to ordering what options you want installed and the installation will be done by the manufacturer and not the dealer. I'm going to hold off with my order until I've had the opportunity of the demo ride, that they're fully functional in their new factory building and have adopted the changes that I mentioned earlier regarding the marketing of their future models. A 2020 model is what I expect I'll be looking at, unless by chance, I come across a 2019 model that has the options I'm looking for.

pmar6004

[tomg]

Thanks for checking their Facebook forum. I guess time will tell. I'm hoping that those I've spoken to are closer to their projections or wishful thinking that are closer than end of the quarter. Time will tell ! Be nice if they sell the Carmel as a 2020 model as it will be a new one. Car manufacturers do it when they come out with a new mid year model. Tomg

[Sandyken]

Tomg. Hope all is well with you. On the FB fourum Daniel said that the Carmel will be shipped to preorders in March, April and May. Some of those preorders are possibly to dealer stock. Have you communicated with imotorsort in Orlando? Contact Andre and he could possibly arrange a Venice group demo ride at the dealership for your posse at your TOI get together. They are one of the bigger Vanderhall franchises and will know about real world expectations. The Venice is now available for order with a grand touring package which is featured on there website. Additional cost is 2K.

Consider the Carmel a concept vehicle until you see one. Accessories will be similar to the Venice in price. They are still in design phase for the roof and a/c and I doubt they will be available at introduction. Vanderhall will be in Daytona for bike week, but I have no idea what will be for sale there. Good Luck, you might find what you're looking for.

[tomg]

Hey Ken, I have test driven the Venice at Daytona during Biketoberfest and also at the Orlando dealership. The test drive at Orlando was MUCH better because of the available route we were taken on! Really made me appreciate how it handles! I just wish they weren't so tight lipped about options, prices and release dates. Just have to wait and see. Tomg

[Sandyken]

Tom, this is the latest from Daniel Boyer in regards to Carmel and Daytona. "Vanderhall will be demoing at the international speedway and units will be for sale on site. Carmel will be there, but not demo'd and for desposit only as production will likely just get started on it."

Hope this helps. Waiting is hard, but they want to get it right. Did you see the Venice with the Deluxe Touring package yet? It's on their website now. I know you are interested in Carmel, but the package really dresses it up for $2K.

[tomg]

Yes I've viewed the Venice options and the interior of the tan looks much better than on the Carmel page! If they can show the true colors for the Venice, why not the Carmel? Tom

[pmar6004]

Thanks for checking their Facebook forum. I guess time will tell. I'm hoping that those I've spoken to are closer to their projections or wishful thinking that are closer than end of the quarter. Time will tell ! Be nice if they sell the Carmel as a 2020 model as it will be a new one. Car manufacturers do it when they come out with a new mid year model. Tomg

Tomg,

Vanderhall Motor Works (VMW) doesn't plan to change their relationship with their dealerships, anytime soon. They intend to stay a boutique manufacturer, making only stock models, with standard equipment installed at their factory, even after they are fully operational in their new facility. If you want any upgrades, either at the time of the initial sale or later on, you must go through their dealerships. So for example, say that you want to upgrade to leather seats, which is an option for the Carmel. You place your order through your dealer, either at the time of your initial purchase of the Carmel or at a later time. The dealer then will notify you when it's received and you can arrange to have them install the seats or you can do the install. The original standard seating is yours to do what you may, keep or sell them on Craigslist or EBAY. Or the dealership may buy them back from you, but that's their choice. The long and short of it is that anytime you upgrade, you are going to have inventory of standard parts to clutter up your garage. Now this only applies to upgrades and not to optional accessories, parts that are not installed on the Carmel, such as air conditioning or cruise control. Paddle shifters may be another item, but I'm not sure if they will be standard equipment, as the final product has yet to come off the assembly line. They expect to start filling the dealership's inventory by the end of the first quarter or in the next couple of months. Dealerships will have the option not to carry the Carmel in their regular inventory, so check if this is the case with yours. My closest dealership is 200 miles away, outside of Minneapolis, MN. I have his promise that he plans to carry the Carmel in his inventory and to have at least one for demo rides. He said that he already has taken orders for 4 of them. I'm looking forward to visiting his dealership in the spring.

pmar6004

[tomg]

Thanks Paul. I've had several phone conversations between dealers and others and their info has been the same. I sold my Stallion a few weeks ago and I'm trying to be patient! LOL It's the first time in many years I haven't had any type of m/c in my garage and it's driving me up the wall! I did get a reservation in early so hopefully I'll get one early. They are still playing with the prototype but, expect to start production soon. Just hope soon means sooner than later. Tomg

[bikerbillone]

tomg, man I have been following this thread for some time now. You are one patient man, you know what you want and jumping through all the hoops to get it. Sure hope it all works out for you, and I wish you the best on this transaction. Many of us would have given up long ago.

[tomg]

Thanks, I've been retired for over 11 years so I've learned to be more patient! My Stallion went pretty quickly which was good and the Carmel production is slightly behind but, I rather they get it correct so the first ones don't have issues right out of the gate! Being upset and obnoxious doesn't get you anywhere. I had just been hoping for it in time for our Snowbird Get Together that I put together down here the week prior to BikeWeek . Tomg

[bikerbillone]

You sir are correct, do it right the first time. Wish I had your patience, it usually serves you well.

[pmar6004]

Thanks Paul. I've had several phone conversations between dealers and others and their info has been the same. I sold my Stallion a few weeks ago and I'm trying to be patient! LOL It's the first time in many years I haven't had any type of m/c in my garage and it's driving me up the wall! I did get a reservation in early so hopefully I'll get one early. They are still playing with the prototype but, expect to start production soon. Just hope soon means sooner than later. Tomg

Tomg,

Keep me informed as you work with your Vanderhall dealership in the weeks that follow. Hopefully it won't be too long before your Carmel is received and in your possession. The Vanderhall dealership that I plan on working with is not interested in my Stallion as a trade in on a Carmel. I didn't think he would be, but it was worth a try. I'm in no big hurry. I'll visit the dealership after he has a few in his inventory and take one for a test drive. Maybe I'll rent one for a weekend so I get sometime with it. I'll be looking for a few pictures of you and your Carmel. What color did you decide on? They say that Metallic Red is the fastest...lol!

pmar6004

[tomg]

Tomg,

Keep me informed as you work with your Vanderhall dealership in the weeks that follow. Hopefully it won't be too long before your Carmel is received and in your possession. The Vanderhall dealership that I plan on working with is not interested in my Stallion as a trade in on a Carmel. I didn't think he would be, but it was worth a try. I'm in no big hurry. I'll visit the dealership after he has a few in his inventory and take one for a test drive. Maybe I'll rent one for a weekend so I get sometime with it. I'll be looking for a few pictures of you and your Carmel. What color did you decide on? They say that Metallic Red is the fastest...lol!

pmar6004

I sold mine thru Craigslist and got what I thought was a good price for both sides. Had several scam calls at first, then nothing for a couple of weeks so I dropped the price by a grand , sold it and had an other person wanting to come check it out ! Seems like it's all or nothing for responses.

Tom

[tomg]

Daytona Beach BikeWeek finally had a Carmel prototype Carmel to look at and touch! Looks good and much easier to get in and out of. Still hasn't nailed down exactly what is standard or optional but working on it. The larger storage area behind the seats is nice but as the seats don't fold forward for access makes the need for smaller types of luggage . I will opt for the trailer hitch to pull a small trailer for trips. Depending on who you talked to, production may or may not have started . I was told by a VP not to expect delivery until April /May time frame. People are seeing more Venice and Speedster on the roads everyday . Tomg

[pmar6004]

Daytona Beach BikeWeek finally had a Carmel prototype Carmel to look at and touch! Looks good and much easier to get in and out of. Still hasn't nailed down exactly what is standard or optional but working on it. The larger storage area behind the seats is nice but as the seats don't fold forward for access makes the need for smaller types of luggage . I will opt for the trailer hitch to pull a small trailer for trips. Depending on who you talked to, production may or may not have started . I was told by a VP not to expect delivery until April /May time frame. People are seeing more Venice and Speedster on the roads everyday . Tomg

Tomg,

I was hoping that you could add information about what will be options on the Carmel, after having seen it, up and close. Now that we know Vanderhall will only manufacture a basic Carmel with only standard equipment installed, thus retaining its relationship with its dealers as a boutique manufacturer. Apparently Vanderhall will remain tight-lipped on the subject until it's fully in production mode. I guess interested and prospective buyers will just have to wait till that occurs. Waiting has never been one of my stronger attributes.

pmar6004

[tomg]

I'm going back in the morning as I forgot to take photos so I can work on getting estimates for paint work. I'll ask questions again and try to press a little more. LOL

Tom

[tomg]

I was going to add photos but for some reason I haven't been able to load them? I did put in my 2 cents and let them know that the storage area needs a hard cover with a lock so there is a safe place for items not wanted to be carried around every time you stop like a purse your lady would like to lock up or general items to keep out of view. You know people are going to be looking it over!

I also asked about the body and fenders being made kinda thin in my opinion and was told it was easier to make the prototype that way and they felt the actual would be more sturdy and the fenders hopefully will be metal. I asked about the seats not folding forward which makes you luggage selection very limited. Notes were made and would be discussed with engineering and management . I have to that they are willing to listen to potential buyers as we ARE the end users. Still waiting for what will be standard or optional and probably a April/May time frame. Tom

[tomg]

Finally got the photos! Tom

[Springman2007]

I have been looking at Vanderhalls for some time; but, I have waited as I live in Ohio and they had no dealer in my state - up til recently. Now IronPony (Pony Motor Sports) is a Vanderhall dealer - they are in Westervillle, near Columbus. So, I am really getting serious about one.

I too DON'T DO FACEBOOK ANYTHING! I think people are crazy that do; and, a lot of corporations frown on its use or social media in general during working hours - so it can be tough to surf from work for some. I like browsing a forum during lunch or the odd moment between calls. I would rather see a Vanderhall forum hear in Trike Talk.

I am not to responsive to the Carmel as I think 40K is a bit rich for me - if I did have that kind of scratch, I think I would try for a Morgan.....

No, I have to confess that I like the Speedster best out of all the Vanderhall models; and, I think I would like to try for a SpeedsterR in 2020.

Springman

[Springman2007]

In talking to a VH owner, I was told that the Carmel and the future R models will have a 200hp, 1.5 liter motor? I guess the existing EcoTec 1.4 will be discontinued (I wonder if that was VH or GM?). I was also told that the EcoTec engines are designed by Opel for GM (or is Opel part of GM now?).

It was also related to me that the current Speedster does not have provision for the turbo boost or bump shift gauges? Is that true? Sound kind of like poor-planning by HV if it is.

Springman