I ran into a Saxon rep at LifeStyle Cycles in Orange County, David Schwam (he's now the VP of sales and marketing). He was showing the boss, Junior, his new line-up. It smacked of another Big Dog, and then I spied the Black Crown designed by Gard of LA County Chop Rods. My interest was piqued and we offered to run a road test in HOT BIKE. A relationship was sparked. I love to watch these companies and work with them, if I feel they’re on the right track, have the heart, desire, and resources and are prepared to build a quality product. I’ve been watching Saxon for a year now.
I look for signs, sometimes-small elements, like the way they treat their people that show class, integrity and creativity. This company displayed several positive aspects, in a time of extensive competition, new EPA regs, and manufacturing challenges. It’s going to be interesting to watch what happens over the next few years.
The crew behind this operation consists of four partners, all from the construction industry. They grew with the 14-billion-a-year Pulti-home industry, so they began as working stiffs and made their way. The Saxon company is entirely privately funded by the partners. But it’s their desire for quality and perfection that impressed me the most. They look hard at each bike and study it for defects. The partners are actively involved in all elements of the construction of each model. The team consists of Mike Gaber, in charge of finance (CFO Pulte Homes), Jerry Petty, who owned a window business in Phoenix. His main customer was Pulte Homes when he sold the business in ’96. He oversees the construction. Steve Seymoure organized the group. He came from a history at Pulte Homes (President of the Western Region) assisting its rise from $250-million a year company to multi-billions and 300 homes a year. That’s a lot of crash pads. There’s another Mike, I call him Detroit, since he still lives there. He was the Chief Administrative Officer of Pulte.
Another key element was the desire to reach out of the box with the Black Crown, which are selling faster than cold beers at a hot ball game. Personally, I believe that thinking unique is going to make or break several of these companies. They need to deliver excitement as much as anything else.
Speaking of fireworks, I received a call from Schwam recently, “Let’s ride,” he said and sent me an invitation to ride their new model line-up for 2006 from Phoenix to the nearest beach in Rocky Point , Mexico, 3.5 hours due south. Sounded like fun, so I caught a flight to Phoenix, in the heat, while hurricane Rita pounded the coast of Texas. As I stepped off the plane Dain Gingerilli, of Iron Works magazine said opening the door to the Southwest lobby, “They call it dry heat.”
It’s sorta like someone poured gasoline on your Levis and set you on fire as you walked out the door. The difference between Phoenix and Chicago in the summer is the humidity factor. I can’t take it back east. It’s reminiscent to being dipped in boiling water. I’m not sure which choice is more life threatening, but we were in Phoenix so we snorted “Dry Heat,” and smiled.
Three other Saxon team members gave presentations at the Golf Club Resort banquet room, Gary handled Q &A, Jessica, with a delightful smile, works warranty claims and John redesigned their manufacturing facility to be an assembly line configuration. Of course David Schwam rocked the room as the marketing guru.
I’ll run through some of the elements of their presentation, but you’ll find that the bottom line is your ultimate interpretation of the motorcycle and the company behind it. Saxon’s goals for 2006 include building reliable motorcycles with a low price point to compete with Big Dog and American Iron Horse.
Their first year challenges included Brand recognition, developing a reliable supply chain, dialing in their manufacturing process, refining quality issues, supplying financing, new product launches including the Royal Crown and the wide tire (300) Griffin, developing a retail distribution network through dealers and federal and EPA compliance.
Saxon Motorcycle Company introduced four models for the 2005 line, with price points starting at $21,995. Each of the four models included an S&S engine, 6-speed transmission, a fat 250 rear tire, a Softail suspension and a choice of 8 colors.
The kick-off Saxon line included the Warlord, Saxon’s radical flagship chopper, the Firestorm, a long and low pro-street, the Broad Sword, a great looking and easy to ride beach cruiser, and the Sceptre, a classic sport cruiser.
In addition to the four models, Saxon planned to launch two additional highly anticipated models for 2006, the Black Crown, a retro-modern chopper and the Griffin, an aggressive signature series pro-street. Mike O’Brien, co-founder added “Our 2005 line is designed to appeal to a broad group of American motorcycle enthusiasts looking for an affordable bike that is sure to turn heads”.
Saxon’s commitment goes far beyond building and selling motorcycles. “We believe that our dealers and consumers deserve a level of customer service that should go along with any premium product purchase” said O’Brien. Saxon has developed a proprietary Dealer Extranet system and numerous internal processes and procedures to ensure that issues can be resolved quickly and customers can be made to feel like the central focus of a growing company.
In addition to the motorcycle line, Saxon launched the Saxon American Armor line of motorcycle lifestyle apparel. O’Brien commented, “The American Armor line was designed to appeal not only to Saxon Motorcycle owners, but to the huge group of custom motorcycle enthusiasts. We believe that through a well designed apparel program we can broaden Saxon’s appeal and increase our customer base”.
Highlights of the 2005 Saxon line included:
• S&S 96 CI engines and 6-speed transmissions standard on all models
• Powdercoated color-matched Softail frames and 250 rear tires standard on all models
• Eight color choices: Black, Pearl White, Silver, Orange, Chrome Yellow, Candy Red, Black Cherry Candy and Pearl Blue
• Digital speedometers on the Warlord and Firestorm models
• Custom seats embroidered with the Saxon logo
• Three levels of graphics packages, including a fully custom option
• Upgrade options including an S&S 111 engine, billet wheels and a chrome package
The Saxon production goals included 400 bikes in 2005, 770 in 2006, 1190 in 2007, 1670 in 2008, 2100 in 2009. Here’s the rundown on the 2006 line from the factory:
With the overwhelming success of the 2005 models, Saxon Motorcycle Company stepped up for the 2006 model year with one new model and several sweeping changes over their entire model line while keeping their commitment to reliability, affordability and comfort. Saxon Motorcycle Company will maintain the overall production standards that have made them a prevalent force in the motorcycle industry after only a year of production by offering reliability, quality and competitive pricing. “We will make improvements on our model line every year because we feel it’s important for the public to know that we are investing in the future of our company and want to put out the best product possible,” said David Schwam, Saxon’s Vice President of sales and marketing.
Saxon has also set themselves apart from the industry by employing master builder and motorcycle designer Gard Hollinger of LA County Choprods to design signature Saxon Motorcycles each year. The 2006 model year begins with production of Hollinger’s premier design The Saxon Black Crown, which has received critical acclaim from the motorcycling press as an “Old-School Modernistic” styled production motorcycle with several custom design elements that set it apart from all other manufactured motorcycles. Hollinger is currently designing another motorcycle for Saxon’s signature line which will be released mid year and will yet again offer consumers a unique custom designed bike at a great value.
The new 2006 Saxon Motorcycle base models start at just $22,595 and go to $26,995 MSRP. “We have tried to keep the base price of all of our 2006 models reasonable and give the customer the ability to customize their bike with the numerous options packages we have available, which range from a full custom paint job to wheel and chrome packages,” said Schwam.
The launch of the new 300 mm rear tire Griffin model marks the launch of the new model year and allows customers the option to have a right side drive with a monstrous 300 mm tire bike at a reasonable price (Covered below).
Changes to the Saxon Motorcycle Company 2006 Models included:
A right side drive 6 speed transmission standard on the Griffin, Warlord, Firestorm, and Sceptre
Numerous ergonomic changes to improve rider comfort
Increased rear suspension travel
Improved wiring to make the electrical system more serviceable
New Saxon branded proprietary components including pegs, grips, coil cover, shift linkage and key
A fatter 260mm Metzler rear tire standard on the Warlord, Sceptre and Firestorm
Saxon proprietary digital speedometer standard on all models
Optional Accessories
Sissy bar available
2-up seats universal for Griffin, Warlord and Sceptre
Several handlebar options
Exhaust swap option available
New chrome and billet wheel options
New paint colors
New graphic options
Black out package available includes wheels, triple trees, lower legs, and pipes
Like the 2005 models, all 2006 Saxon Motorcycles feature S&S 96 or 111-inch engines, are EPA and CARB certified and carry a two-year unlimited miles limited warranty. Here’s the follow-up on the Griffin.
Saxon Motorcycle Company today introduced its all new Griffin model, one of the first manufactured motorcycles with the 300 mm rear tire. The model features ultra modern design elements and components.
“The Griffin represents a motorcycle design that is truly on the cutting edge as far as technology and styling,” said David Schwam, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “By manufacturing a motorcycle with a 300 mm rear tire we are able to offer a radical semi-custom bike to the general public at an affordable price.”
The Griffin has several features you would expect to see on a full custom motorcycle and with a base price of just $25,995, it can’t be beat. The frame is a single down tube right side drive frame and is coupled with a 6 speed transmission. The 45 degrees of overall rake, 6-inch stretch in the down tube and 2-inch stretch in the backbone make this a bike that will handle superbly. “We want to keep on the cutting edge of the industry and offer new models to keep up with the demand for something different. With the advent of the 300 mm tire, we wanted to find an appropriate platform that could show Saxon as an industry leader in innovation, performance and affordability,” said Schwam.
With the launch of the Griffin, Saxon is rounding out its existing model line with a third chopper, which has a unique design and appeal. “The Griffin is a great complement to the Warlord, Firestorm, Sceptre and Black Crown. It allows us to go after the customer who wants the styling of a semi-custom super wide tire motorcycle while offering them the reliability, performance and value that Saxon is known for.” said Schwam.
The Griffin will be available in Saxon Dealerships nationwide starting in late October, with its MSRP anticipated to start at $25,995.
Highlights of the Griffin include:
300 mm Avon rear tire
11-inch over inverted front-end
Radical right side drive frame with 40 degree rake in the neck as well as 5 degrees in the triple trees
Frame has 6-inch stretch in the down tube and 2-inch in the backbone
Proprietary Saxon digital speedometer
Softail suspension frame
Black S&S 96 CI engine and 6-speed transmission right side drive standard with an available S&S 111 engine upgrade
Nine color choices
Three levels of graphics including an entirely custom option.
David Schwam explained the 2006 Objectives which included: Establishing Saxon as an industry leading brand. They will readily refine the manufacturing processes since the company has no debt and their facility, equipment and inventory is owned. They can also double capacity to 1500 a year without the need for capital investment. “We will continually improve our supply chain,” David said, “through constant investigation.” Plans are in place to achieve retail sales Targets, build their dealer network and introduce new innovative models. Gard’s already working on a new one. Speaking of Gard, here’s the rundown on the Black Crown
Saxon Motorcycle Company today introduced it’s signature model, the Black Crown, designed by Gard Hollinger of LA County Choprods. The model features old school design elements, modern features and fully custom components unlike any other production motorcycle.
“The Black Crown represents a motorcycle design that has traditionally been reserved for true custom bikes” said Mike O’Brien, co-founder. “By partnering with Gard, we have been able to develop a motorcycle that looks like a one-off custom with truly unique design elements and make it rideable and affordable”.
The Black Crown features numerous hand crafted design elements including a crown motif sissy bar and gas cap, custom designed gas tank, rear fender and oil bag and a hand tooled leather seat.
“I’ve always been inspired by the raw, minimalist approach of motorcycle customization in the 1950s and 60s. The Black Crown has strong clean lines complemented by subtle themed components” said Hollinger. The paint on the Black Crown is also distinct – “We wanted to use the popular black primer look from the ‘50s but give it a modern twist, so we added metal flake to create a unique finish” added Hollinger. The end product is a great looking chopper with a refined edge and untamed attitude.
With the launch of the Black Crown, Saxon is rounding out its existing four model line with a second chopper which has unique design appeal. “The Black Crown is a great complement to the Warlord, Firestorm, Sceptre and BroadSword. It allows us to go after the customer who wants the styling of a fully custom motorcycle while offering them the reliability, performance and value that Saxon offers.” said O’Brien.
The Black Crown will be available in Saxon Dealerships nationwide starting in late May, with its MSRP anticipated to start at $26,995.
Highlights of the Black Crown include:
Retro style springer front end
Custom “LACC Frisco King” gas tank and “647F Tank” oil bag
LACC Crown gas cap and sissy bar
Heat wrapped “LACC Mad Fish” Exhaust
Natural leather “LACC 288 Pad” seat with hand tooled Saxon signature icon logo
240 rear tire
Color-matched 60 spoke wheels
Softail suspension frame
Black S&S 96 CI engine and 6-speed transmission standard with an available S&S 111 engine upgrade
Two unique paint options: Satin black with red metal flake and satin black with a silver metal flake both with Black Crown pinstripe graphics.
”When the Saxon factory opened in Casa Grande Arizona the bikes were built with two-man teams,” John Bishop, the manufacturing head, explained. “At that point we built eight bikes a week.” He’s created an assembly line with the same teams handling specific functions and building 12-15 bikes a week. Their goal is to instill a Quality Culture. “Do it right the first time,” John said.
But they follow it up with auto quality: “Detect defects where they occur.” Containment Methodology for quality issues Quality problem solving methodology: QRQC Prevention Quality Systems: Adapt TS16949 cost effectively Respect of Product Guidelines Engineering Validation Plans and Change Control.
They currently use two to four custom painters for sheet metal and one local powder coater for frames and bracket coatings. After the initial presentation the various journalists were afforded a ride on all the models around Phoenix and out to the Sheraton at Wild Horse Pass Resort in Chandler. I rode the Black Crown for the first time, then the Firestorm with a light hydraulic clutch action and zoomy styling which wasn’t for me, but I discovered something critical over the next couple of days. I also rode the hot rod Griffin. Although it was hot as hell, we shifted from bike to bike testing the agility, seating position and getting generally acquainted with the various Saxon models.
At dinner I found that David was a stickler for customer service and he’s backed by all the partners. “We contact all our new riders and ask them to take a service satisfaction survey,” David said. “We offer dealers finance and insurance support and we make sure to show our customers appreciation.” Over the three wild days I witnessed a warranty claim in action. David made sure the partners knew of the problem, that he was informed of the servicing dealer and how fast the problem was remedied. Then he reported all the efforts and outcome to the partners. They were all involved.
The next morning we met up with our gear and were hauled to the Casa Grande assembly plant, on nine acres, for a tour, coffee and donuts. Who the hell eats donuts anymore, other than cops? Never mind. The 40,000 square-foot factory was built in ’62 and completey refurbished by the partners for $360,000, which brought up to current code. It’s next to a railway spur, 1 mile north of interstate 8, 6 miles from the 10 freeway and right off the Florence Prison exit. In another up-coming Bikernet article I’ll pick apart the Saxon manufacturing/Assembly process and give you a tour of the plant.
Then the adventure began as I straddled a Saxon 2006 Sceptre with a 96-inch S&S engine and a 260 rear tire. It wasn’t my style. I like ‘em long and stretched like my women. Not exactly, but it sounds good. I actually like lean, light and mean choppers that fit me and round and voluptuous women with giant tits, who fit me, but we’ll leave that alone for now. The bike was comfortable as we peeled through a low desert Indian reservation strewn with Mesquite bushes and Organ, Soyoro and jumping cactus. There was concern from other riders about the vibration in the Sceptre bars, but it wasn’t severe and only occurred at a particular rpm range, around 60 mph. Later we discovered that the torque rating on the rubbermounted bars was too high, pinching the vibration dampening element out of the bars. Jerry took care of that with a call to the factory.
Although the styling of this bike didn’t appeal to me, because I look too goddamn big on this low slung style we discovered the appearance can be deceiving and how to rectify, looks vs. seating comfort. I was anxious to ride the Warlord with a taller stretch for my lanky self, but the Spector was comfortable. All the models for 2006 run Roadmax (or R-max) right-side drive transmissions, so they tracked as straight as a quality cue stick. At 100 mph it buzzed along without a problem and the rake in the trees allowed me to corner with the best of them. I wasn’t hanging on the bars. My feet didn’t vibrate off the pegs, even at high speeds.
At a Casino gas stop in the middle of nowhere, in 104 degree heat, I switched to the stretched Warlord and felt at home, until we rolled out. Suddenly my feet weren’t comfortable on the pegs and I was hanging onto the bars. Something wasn’t right. At the next stop we conferred. Saxon offers models with a variety of bars, push seats and brackets to change the position of the forward controls. I was astonished by the difference a seat and controls makes. But it demonstrated that the correct seating position can be established quickly with the right component mix.
As soon as we crossed the border in Sonoyta, we recognized the adventure we were on, like a handful of outlaws escaping the city for a 200 mile ride to the coast of the northern tip of the Sea of Cortez. We rumbled through villages, blasted across a 40 mile expanse of desert into Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) for a cruise boat ride, beers and smiling, sultry entertainment.
I rode the agile, stretched Black Crown, felt the zap of both Sceptres, straddled a Firestorm and anxiously jumped the long Warlord. If you thought Phoenix was hot, ride to Mexico. I could have sworn we hit 120 degrees, but reports indicated 105. As we reached the coast the rough texture of Mexico turned highend with a soft beaches lined with luxury condos.
Even submerged in beers someone explained the Saxon six year extended warranty, their extensive primary warrenty, 2000 trained service outlets and online claims handling. I’ll cover more of the service side when I write my road test article on the Warlord. I’ll dig deeper into the specific components, but for now I’ll nurse my hangover and hope that I’ve given you a fair compendium of Saxon’s brief heritage and line-up for 2006.
contact:
Saxon Motorcycle Company
Tel (520) 426-3000
www.saxonmotorcycles.com
