PULSE AUTOCYCLE NETWORK

therouj · Joined: 03 May 2004 Posts: 20

Does anyone know why Owosso Car Co. decided to manufacture its own swingarms and back frame if the Pulse was powered by the Yamaha 400 instead of just attaching the bike's unit to the rear of the Pulse?
This is what they did with the Goldwing powered Pulses, correct?

Bob Hichborn · Joined: 12 Feb 2004 Posts: 404 Location: Orlando, Fl

I believe they were working a deal with either Honda or Yamaha to just purchase motors for use in the Pulse. I think that fell thru or they had to jump thru too many "hoops" to make it happen. The BIG motocycle builders do not make it a habit to make parts of their products available in a prodution sense. Although you could easily buy a new engine from your local Honda or Yamaha shop, but you'd get any "volume" pricing. The thought of having to find and pay for donor bikes is also not a good business premise to base production on. Trying to sell a NEW Pulse with components you stripped off a bike bought on EBAY, somehow doesn't seem right. I believe this was one of the big items that upset the Pulse production plans, causing issues between marketing, manufacturing, sales offices, and buyers that put down deposits.

Steve has got some great "history" on the web site, that details alot of what happened. I go back and reread a page or two every now and then and learn something new. The Pulse, in itself is a very unique vehicle, but the ability to produce 300 + units , with all the challenges that ensued during the project is an interesting read....
_________________
"Everyday you wake up with a Pulse,
is a good day!"

Robert Cervero · Guest

Well, the original Yamaha swing arm was designed for a 275 pound motorcycle, and never experiences a significant side load. The Pulse swing arm must handle a 1000 lb vehicle + 2 passengers and considerable side loads during operation. So the Pulse swing arm must be much stronger than a stock Yamaha swing arm. Also the Pulse size design requires certain physical dimensions for the swing arm. The chances of a stock Yamaha swingarm matching those requirements are practically zero.