Hi riders,
Today I have good news about the Wildfire. We have completed the final prototype.
In this update, I'll tell you what feedback I've already received from customers and what has been improved, what changes we'll be making to the prototype in the next two weeks, and what the situation is with TÜV approval.
I can recommend my video update again, here I have many shots of the new prototype so you can see exactly what the finle Wildfire will look like:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXMhUH35U3E
Wildfire Improvements
The following points have already been improved in this prototype:
1. Stand: The Wildfire is now more stable, the stand folds up automatically and the stand switch is no longer needed, which makes servicing and repairing the motorcycle easier.
2. The new 3D printed tank: Don't worry, the photos show the prototype of the tank, here you can still clearly see the 3D print. Next week there will be the final tank in black and shiny silver with a nice smooth surface. The tank in the photos already has its final shape and fits perfectly into the profile of the Wildfire.
3. Sharp edges when standing and sitting have been removed: Two edges on the previous prototype were annoying when standing and sitting. These have been removed and it now feels really good. The new tank in particular allows the knees to rest comfortably on the tank and now looks harmonious with the seat.
4. Improved steering head bearing: With the new steering head and steering head bearing, the Wildfire now rides much more smoothly in curves and there is no more clattering.
5. Silent driving: All rattling components have been identified and removed. The only thing you hear now is the hum of the engine.
6. Improved chassis: We have improved the position of the rear shock absorbers, allowing more suspension travel at the rear. The front forks and steering head have been moved a few cm lower, meaning the bike now rides much more smoothly over bumps.
7. More ground clearance: The box was shortened by a further 3 cm at the bottom and by changing the chassis position we were able to get a total of 5 cm more ground clearance, which makes the Wildfire look slimmer and lighter.
8. New front fender and headlight bracket: We now have a stylish new front fender in a real scrambler look and with the new headlight bracket the whole front section is now more grown-up and compact.
9. Small improvements: Of course, many small improvements have been made, including a new passenger mount that also functions as a luggage rack, a new fork guard for the USD fork and improved steering angle.
The latest changes
In the next 2 weeks we will be making 5 additional changes to this prototype. The prototype will then be roughly at the same level as the series models. Of course, the series models will be much better manufactured in many areas because the components will then be painted directly by the supplier (and not by us) and because components in series production are manufactured to the highest quality standards (prototypes must above all be built quickly).
These changes will still be made:
1. More steering angle: To give the Wildfire a smaller turning radius and make maneuvering easier, there will be 10° more steering angle on the right and left.
2. More stable swing arm: To ensure that the Wildfire can travel straight ahead more stably when accelerating from a lean position, the swing arm is designed to be a little more stable.
3. The final tank: The final black and silver tanks will be manufactured in series without 3D printing lines and with a nice shiny look. We will receive the tanks next week and will of course show them on our website ;)
4. Closing the open gaps: We currently still have a gap between the seat, tank and the body, this will be closed so that no rainwater runs down.
5. The battery box will be a little rounder at the bottom in the series, so that the bike looks a little slimmer and lighter.
TÜV approval
After we have passed the electrical and EMC tests, the only thing left to do is dynamic tests. Due to the rain in Munich, it was unfortunately not possible to carry out the brake test. We currently have to wait for better weather, because the test can only be carried out under the right conditions (no rain, not too cold and not too warm).
I will do the range and performance test together with the TÜV in Bologna and if everything goes well, we can complete it by the end of June. Then I will submit the documents in July and the KBA will only have to approve our application.
In July I will also be helping out and building the first bikes. We are getting closer to the start of series production of the Wildfire.
