The Day to Day
The Fido project, by definition, has been all about riding and ownership experience. The question in the shop is always "How will this be used and function?". A close second to that is aesthetics. This is how we want the bike to look; how do we make that happen? Me being more of a form follows function builder, it's been a challenge to say the least. Most days I say "Where do we cram all this function?", and Jeb just says "It will fit." And he's right about half the time (don't tell him I said so).
A Challenger Appears
Look at all them key locks.
The key lock has been one of these "where do we cram it" problems. The Fido has to lock. The Fido has to aesthetically look like a Fido. So where do we put the lock? For those of you who don't know about motorcycle locks let me give you a quick overview. The common motorcycle lock has two functions. With a single key it controls electrical connections to the bike and uses a mechanical pin or tumbler to secure the handlebars in a turned position. So what's the problem? In short Fido doesn't have plastic fairings. Do a quick image search for "scooter motorcycle" and you will see they all have large plastic pieces covering the frame head tube area. On Fido this would look like a tumor, aesthetics would go down the tubes, and at that point... what's the point?
What is the point? Is there an answer? What is the meaning of life?
After months of getting samples, drilling frame holes, and patching those same holes, rinse and repeat, (Let me take a second to thank our vendors. Thanks!) the answer is don't use keys. Simple. Just don't do it. So we're not going to! Fido will be passive keyless. There is the key fob to the left to prove it. Approach Fido with this in your pocket and it unlocks, leave and it locks. Seamless, ready to rock (or jazz, or experimental dubstep, whatever you're into). The electrical part of the locking system is taken care of, but what about the mechanical? Fido will feature a locking center stand that locks and unlocks in the same manner.
Thanks for tuning in! I want to hear from you. What would you like to see or read about next? Post it in the comments or send me an email. Until next time, safe riding!