A Message from Steve Patmont
Steve Patmont introduces a new product to the family.

A Message from Steve Patmont

by Steve Patmont

As you might imagine we are very proud to announce the introduction of the GSR40 Go-Ped Speed Racer. This innovative dual disc brake, chain driven 41.5cc scooter with automatic clutch represents not a departure from the very simple (no moving parts) spindle drive, but a continuation of development from our well proven Go-Ped scooters and the addition of a very simple patent pending single reduction chain drive system never before thought possible. The significance of this development stems from a simple PMW breakthrough to properly, efficiently, and reliably harness an efficient high RPM two stroke engine through a chain to drive a Go-Ped. It sounds easy, but it really wasn’t. We stayed with the simpler single reduction that requires great differences between drive/driven sprocket diameters, and very close sprocket centers for maximum compactness. The limited wheel diameters required on an affordable, higher performing, light weight, folding motorized scooter added to the challenge this chain drive . It is all possible though, due to our Go-Lube Chain Tensioner/Guide/Guard Drive Management System, and amazingly, it too has no moving parts.

As we were the ones that established and defined this contemporary portable/personal/folding transportation device industry, it is clear we have dominated the spindle drive segment. It has, however, become clear that there is a demand for more complex, yet easier to operate products if they can deliver the desired performance with rugged reliability. Several manufacturers have gone after this segment with varying success, so PMW, choosing to wait for the right time, has had no market share in this area. As we now enter this arena, it will be a new test for PMW. We have always been either alone as the innovator, or dominant in our very popular spindle driven field. We intend to stay that way, but now we hope to dominate the “non spindle drive” segment starting from zero, and far behind other now established manufacturers. This challenge excites us, and is just what we need to keep our juices flowing. The customers will be the ultimate judges, but we have a great chance with you, our ever strengthening and excellent dealers, our continually improving corporate team and manufacturing capabilities, and the great design represented by the GSR40 Go-Ped Speed Racer.

The opportunities are amazing, so this will be fun showing the world what we together can do. Let’s Go-Getem!

Related Link(s): Go-Ped.com: GSR40 , Go-Ped.com: About Us , PMW's responsibilities to community, society, and planet Earth

The New Guy in R&D

by Jim Robbins

I asked if I could take a little space in this issue to introduce myself as the official FNG in R&D. Two months ago I joined the PMW team as the new engineer in the skunk works. With a background in motorcycle design I’m hoping to help the rest of the team launch new products like the GSR40. I’ll also have a hand in refining the products we’ve been selling for years. Some things I’m working on are entering production now, while others will not leave the building until 2003. It’s exciting to work with a group of people who have a vision for the future, but are also dedicated to continuously improving the current product line.

You’ve already read a lot about the new GSR40 in this issue, and by now I hope that you have also gotten some to your store. I think that after spending a little time with it you’ll understand why we are so excited over here. Personally, I’ve been riding them all over San Francisco for the past couple of months. There is something pretty cool about riding up a steep hill while pedestrians struggle up the STAIRS next to you that pass for a sidewalk in SF. I got some surprised looks from people. Whenever I stopped to conduct impromptu consumer research, they were always very positive about the scooter. People even offered me cash for test rides.

That brings me to another thing I love about the GSR… it’s quiet! Different customers want different things out of their scooter, and some people like ‘em loud. I’m on the other end of the spectrum. I want a fast scoot’ that doesn’t draw too much attention. (Especially attention of the black & white variety.) The GSR is the best way I’ve found to get around that town in a hurry. It keeps up with traffic, and can tackle just about any hill you want to get over. Want to get up Hyde Street from Fisherman’s Warf to the top of Russian Hill? You can take a Cable Car or a GSR. Personally I don’t want to fight with the tourists. Even a driving rain will not stop you. I got pretty soaked that night, but damn it was fun.

I’m excited for the future products which we have coming down the pipeline, and you should be too. The market is only getting bigger, and we’ll be coming out with new products to serve it.

What’s the best part about this job? I get to play with all this stuff first!

Related Link(s): Go-Ped.com: GSR40

Tech Tip: Go-Ped® Speed Racer (GSR40)

by Tim Bushman

With the introduction of the GSR40 many questions will arise concerning maintenance and repair issues. I'll try to touch on a few key differences between the GSR40 and our spindle driven models. The first obvious difference is the chain drive, which in and of itself has many details you need to be aware of, such as proper alignment, tension, cleaning and lubrication.

Lubrication
The first mistake many people make with chain maintenance is under, or over lubrication. Under lubricating is the worst of the two causing friction and metal-to-metal contact prematurely wearing out the chain and sprockets. Over lubrication can also have a negative affect on the chain causing dirt and debris to collect on the chain and contaminate the rollers and side plates. What is the proper amount of lubrication? A good rule of thumb is if the rollers have an even amount of lubrication on them and the side plates are not covered in lube this is plenty to prevent friction and excessive wear. Under lubricating would have a very dry appearance and some rollers would have little, or no lube on them. I make it a practice of applying a drop of lube to every drive roller and wiping off the excess lube from the outer side of the plates with a clean lint free rag, such as a T-shirt.

Cleaning the Chain and Sprockets
If your as meticulous as I am after every ride, but you most likely will try to stretch this out, so inspect your chain before each ride and if you can visually see dirt and grime accumulated on the side plates and rollers, it's time to clean. I prefer a citrus degreaser (make sure it's safe on paint and plastic!) and an old toothbrush. Spray an ample amount of degreaser on the chain and spin the wheel by hand holding the toothbrush on all surfaces of the chain and sprockets. Repeat this until all dirt, grime and old lubricant is removed. If an air compressor is available blow off and spray with a water-dispersing agent such as WD40, which will prevent rust from forming. Be sure to lubricate with Go-Mix II™ before your next ride. Note: WD40 is not a lubricant!

Go-Lube™ Chain Tensioner
Another feature different from all other Go-Peds® is the Go-lube™ chain tensioner, which will allow you to adjust for chain stretch as necessary. The proper chain tension provides just enough tension to prevent slap and disengagement while allowing the wheel to spin freely without excessive drag. If the chain, or tensioner shows signs of excessive wear after several hours of use they should be replaced. I highly recommend replacing the front and rear sprocket at the same time a chain is replaced, as the sprockets will be worn from the stretched chain and will be very sloppy on a new one. Proper engine alignment and set up will garner you maximum life out of the drive train.

Changing Tires and Sprockets
The last detail I want to cover is changing tires and sprockets. It is absolutely necessary to align the rear disc and sprocket to the center of the wheel bearings. If this is not done properly the disc and sprocket will be out of true causing excessive noise and premature wear of drive train components. A Go-Tool® will be available for this purpose. Inform your customers of this before selling them replacement tires, or sprockets for the GSR40.

Hopefully this information will give you a head start on some of issues you will face with this new and exciting product.

Related Link(s): Go-Ped.com: GSR40

European News: Live from the California Go-Ped® European Headquarters

by Anne-Cecile Moratin

In recent months, our Irish Counterpart, Go-Ped® Europa, which is the manufacturing facility serving our European and a few other international Go-Ped® dealers, has been going through some tremendous and exciting improvements, which are benefiting and are being more than welcomed by our International customers.

So much has been achieved in the last few months and in some many different areas, that all of us at Patmont Motor Werks would like to award the Irish Go-Crafters a well deserved "Way to Go" .

Only to name a few, here are some exciting news for our International customers:

• More and More European Go-Peds are now "Made in Ireland"
  
• 6 Great scooters have been added to the production lines and are meeting great success with European customers. In only one short month, the Irish Go-Crafters were able to set up, produce and ship their first ever Go-Quad, Super Go-Quad, Limited Edition Red Bigfoot, X-Ped, Super X-Ped and the more than ever popular Super Bigfoot.
  
• Overall, in only 10 months, Go-Ped® Europa has increased its production line from 5 to 13 different models.
  
• For European customers, more Go-Peds® "made in Ireland" means a lot: low transport costs and no import duties, making the California Go-Ped® scooters always more competitive.
  
• Dedication to the highest Quality Service and Products to ensure the "Ultimate Customer Experience"
  

European Customers are calling us and emailing us with "thank you" and "well done" note for the high quality standards Go-Ped® Europa has reached in recent months, not only in the products themselves, but in the new improved packaging of parts and scooters and in their customer service skills, while getting busier everyday.

• The European Warranty Claim Program was set up this month and is now available to all Go-Ped® Europa authorized dealers. Thanks to this program, dealers can now claim a warranty credit directly from Ireland rather than the USA. For more details contact Bernadette at bernadettem@iol.ie
  
• International and European customers can now pay their order at Go-Ped® Europa by Credit Card. For more details contact Bernadette at bernadettem@iol.ie

This month, California Go-Ped® welcomes:

Digiman, a new dealer in Sweden, located in the College town of Gävle

Motoped, a new dealer in the Netherlands. They were so excited about the New Go-Ped® Speed Racer, that they were probably the first Go-Ped® dealers in the world to have a "breaking news" update on their website www.motoped.nl, the minute the Official Go-Ped® website was updated. Frank and Casper are both doing a very professional job and are very eager to provide their customers with the best advice...so much that they are contacting us after midnight (their time) almost everyday to get the latest tips from the Go-Ped® crew!

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