CCM Spitfire
The world of custom motorcycles is diverse and vibrant, catering to a wide range of enthusiasts who seek to express their individuality through their bikes. For many, the journey of building and personalizing their motorcycle is a deeply engaging and rewarding experience. However, not all bike enthusiasts want to embark on this time-consuming journey.
Recognizing this, several manufacturers have begun offering customized bikes right out of the factory, and CCM (Clews Competition Machines), a British motorcycle manufacturer, is taking an innovative approach with its Commissioned program. This program allows customers to significantly customize their bikes, particularly the popular Spitfire model, directly through the manufacturer, combining the allure of a custom build with the convenience of factory production.
Custom Motorcycles
The CCM Commissioned program presents a unique opportunity for motorcycle enthusiasts who desire a custom-built bike without the hassle of coordinating with multiple vendors or handling the build themselves. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects to consider when deciding if this program is right for you:
Advantages of CCM’s Commissioned Program
- Bespoke Design Options: The program offers extensive customization, from wheel and tire choices to subframes and body panels. This allows for a high degree of personalization.
- Quality Assurance: With modifications done in-house by CCM, there’s a guarantee of quality and compatibility with the Spitfire model.
- Convenience: The process is streamlined compared to coordinating with multiple third-party builders. Everything is handled by CCM, making it a one-stop shop for customization.
- Resale Value: Custom bikes built directly by the manufacturer often retain better resale value, as the modifications are officially recognized and documented.
Considerations and Alternatives
- Cost: The substantial additional cost (starting at $10,000 over the base price) is a significant factor. This makes it a premium service not suitable for all budgets.
- Limited to CCM Spitfire: The program is specific to the Spitfire model. If you’re interested in customizing a different bike, this wouldn’t be an option.
- Third-Party Custom Builders: They might offer more flexibility in certain aspects and potentially at a lower cost. However, this requires more involvement in the process and might affect the resale value and warranty.
Making Your Decision
- Budget Considerations: Assess if the premium cost aligns with your budget and if the value added by the customization justifies the expense.
- Desired Level of Customization: If you’re looking for a highly personalized bike that retains a manufacturer’s touch, this program is ideal. If your needs are more generic, a third-party builder or even off-the-shelf models might suffice.
- Long-Term Plans: Consider the potential resale value and the warranty aspects. Manufacturer-backed customizations often fare better in the long run.
Next Steps
- Research: Visit CCM’s website to explore the options available under the Commissioned program.
- Consultation: Fill out the form on the Commissioned program’s landing page to discuss your specific needs and get a clearer idea of costs and possibilities.
- Compare: It might be beneficial to compare with local custom builders to understand all available options.
Bespoke Motorbikes
The CCM Commissioned program, with its focus on customizing the Spitfire model, offers a unique proposition in the motorcycle industry. Here are the pros and cons of opting for this program:
Pros
- High-Level Customization: The program offers extensive options for personalization, allowing customers to tailor almost every aspect of the Spitfire to their preferences.
- Manufacturer Quality and Compatibility: Since the customization is done in-house by CCM, there’s an assurance of quality and compatibility of parts with the Spitfire model.
- Convenience: It simplifies the customization process by providing all services under one roof, eliminating the need to coordinate with multiple third-party vendors.
- Resale Value: Custom bikes made directly by the manufacturer often retain better value, as modifications are officially recognized and documented.
- Warranty and Support: The modifications being done by the manufacturer means that the bike may still be covered under warranty, unlike many third-party modifications.
Cons
- Cost: The major drawback is the cost. The additional price for customization starts at $10,000 over the base model, making it a premium service.
- Limited to One Model: The program is specific to the Spitfire model. If you’re interested in a different model, this wouldn’t apply.
- Potentially Longer Wait Times: Custom builds, especially with detailed specifications, can take longer to complete compared to purchasing a standard model off the showroom floor.
- Less Hands-On Experience: For those who enjoy the process of building or customizing their bike themselves, this program takes away that hands-on experience.
- Limited to CCM’s Design Parameters: While offering extensive options, the customization is still within the boundaries of what CCM is willing or able to do.
The CCM Commissioned program is ideal for those who value a high degree of personalization with the assurance of quality and compatibility and are willing to pay a premium for it. However, it may not be the best fit for those on a tighter budget, those who enjoy the process of customizing the bike themselves, or those looking for a different model or brand.
CCM Commissioned Program
Conclusion
CCM’s Commissioned program is ideal for those who value a high degree of personalization directly from the manufacturer, are willing to invest in quality and convenience and prefer a streamlined process. However, it’s important to weigh the cost against your personal budget and compare it with other available options.
CCM’s Commissioned program is a significant development in the custom motorcycle market, especially for enthusiasts who are drawn to Spitfire’s unique blend of retro charm and modern performance. It offers an unparalleled level of customization directly from the manufacturer, ensuring quality and compatibility while offering a wide range of personalization options.
While the cost of such bespoke craftsmanship is notably higher than a standard model, the value it brings in terms of uniqueness, quality assurance, and convenience makes it an attractive option for those who can afford it. Ultimately, whether to opt for CCM’s in-house customization or to explore third-party builders comes down to individual preferences, budgets, and the desired level of personal involvement in the bike-building process. For those inclined towards a distinctive, manufacturer-backed custom bike with the convenience of a one-stop process, CCM’s Commissioned program is certainly worth considering.
