Ah, chaos theory. It holds that some things are impossible to predict or control, such as the weather, the stock market, and the reactions of things to seemingly unrelated events. The concept is that a butterfly flaps its wings in South America, and through a series of related (but impossible to predict) events, the price of fuel drops in Alaska. You get the idea.
So, wind back the clock a few years to some criminal engineer and his cohorts (and I use those words intentionally) at Volkswagen making a decision to incorporate engine management software that changes their diesel engines’ operating parameters when VWs are tested for emissions compliance. It’s illegal as hell, yet they did it. It apparently went on for years.
Last year, VW got caught. This year, the EPA is running flat out checking everyone for emissions violations (including CSC). Our latest shipment of RX3s was pulled (along with vehicles from other manufacturers) for random emissions checks. Thanks, VW, for creating the conditions that resulted in delays for us and for our customers. If we could find a way to do it, we’d send you an invoice for the $1000/day storage fees we’re paying while the EPA does its job, and for the delays in getting the bikes to folks who dearly want them. It’s all due to your criminal activities, VW. Rest assured, the odds of any of us ever buying a VW are zero. Zip. Nada. Squat. I’ll walk before I ever get into a VW.
We don’t fault the EPA for this. They are doing their jobs, and their jobs are important. This emissions stuff is serious business. I personally have a breathing disorder aggravated by air pollution. To be blunt, I am furious about what VW did. If it was up to me, I’d make VW give a full refund to anyone who ever bought one of their criminally-designed cars and then I’d ban VW from ever selling another vehicle of any kind in the US.
That’s enough of my rant. The impact of VW’s criminal activity to us is that our latest RX3 shipment has been placed on hold in Customs while the EPA does its tests. We’re in a line of vehicles being tested. We only learned this in the last few days, and we still don’t know when our bikes will be released. The EPA can take up to 30 days to do this. We may get the bikes today, or we may get them at any time within 30 days of the time they pulled the shipment. It’s frustrating, we’ve called everyone we know who could possibly help us, but there’s no getting around it.
We’re confident the bikes are compliant, so there are no worries there.
When we found out why the bikes were delayed, we notified our customers. Here’s one of the many emails we have received in response. This one is from our good buddy Mike…
Hey all,
I know you are all amazingly busy, prepping for the arrival of the bikes, preparing to head out to Baja, servicing owners and doing all things great. I just wanted to take a moment and say THANK YOU.
I actually just started riding this year, October, first time, ever…at 48. I bought a KLR250 Super Sherpa. I was never a cruiser or speed bike kind of guy. I discovered the world of Adventure bikes and began the hunt for my next bike. I was probably going to get the KLR650 but I was scared to death of the weight. I do a lot of solo adventuring, and was planning on rolling cross country to explore. The tons of videos I saw with people struggling to pick up their bikes, made me think twice. I also saw the Long Way series and saw the struggles a heavy adventure bike caused. I was miffed.
My buddy and I (who subsequently bought a TT) have become outright enthusiasts, and neither of us can remember who discovered CSC first. However, I can say, that my excitement has not diminished. Discovering the 2015 RX3 was mind-blowing for me. I watched every minute of footage, read every review, and everything fell into place for me. In my desperation, I started absorbing all the videos of the sister bikes throughout the world, the AKT, the Honley, the M1insk etc…all to fill the void. THEN you announced the 2016 and the deal was made.
Between the updated blog, the forums, and reading Joe Berk, I have developed a true sense of awe at CSC the company and more importantly, CSC the people. I am a buddhist, and I am always on a quest for “good humans” and you are some of the best.
I don’t want to kill your day with my annoying fan-boy email. I really just wanted to say…”THANK YOU” to each and everyone at CSC Motorcycles for helping an old guy discover a new world. Thanks for being a truly HUMAN company, with good people. Thanks for bringing a great product to America and for responding to your patrons, fans and even detractors in a considerate and human way.
I don’t mind waiting, because I am confident it will be worth whatever wait it is but I appreciate the information.
Have a great day!
Michael
Order #11 (Orange is the fastest color, Joe)
Folks, hang in there. We know those of you waiting for your RX3s are frustrated. We are, too. The bikes will be here soon. We’ll keep you posted.
RX1E Electric Motorcycle
TT250 Enduro
SG250 San Gabriel Cafe Racer