I subscribe to Heralds Brute 500 single update newsletter and received the latest edition this week. I'm hoping my copying and pasting skills are ok for you to read. In light of all the recent bad news I feel that this is a bit of good 🙄. (I note that the photos haven't coped but it doesn't detract from the article)
NOTHING BUT RESILIENT, BRITISH MANUFACTURED BRUTE 500 UPDATE.
Good afternoon,
From all the team at Herald Motor Co we hope this newsletter finds you well.
As we are all aware, the current COVID-19 outbreak has impacted many aspects of everyday life, unfortunately our supply chain for the Brute 500 has not gone unaffected. Despite the setbacks we have been working relentlessly making progress when and where we can.
We are fortunate that numerous parts are being manufactured in-house at our parent company Encocam, shown below is one of our swing arms being machined at our HQ in Huntingdon. In addition to the swing arm we have been busy machining yokes, handlebar and foot peg mounts, levers, headlight brackets and axles in the past few weeks amongst numerous other components.
As well as this we received our front brake callipers from Hel Performance which were also manufactured in the UK. Hel Performance, established in Exeter in 1985, have been prominent in the motorcycle industry since their inception. We are proud to work with Hel Performance and support British manufacturing and innovation.
“All HEL Performance brake components are made in Britain, including all of our stainless steel braided brake hose and stainless steel brake line fittings.”
We recently completed our ECU calibration with Athena in Northern Italy. Athena has optimised the engine map for responsive performance, keeping a keen eye on balancing efficiency and the power and torque curves, to ensure that whether you are riding through town, or hammering the back roads, the Brute is more than capable.
Another of our production spec models is poised to head to MIRA in Nuneaton for extensive structural durability testing. MIRA have worked in close collaboration with vehicle manufacturers around the world and have over 70 years’ experience in developing some of the world’s most iconic vehicles utilising the latest test facilities and simulation tools. We have a good relationship with Mira through years of working together on crash testing through our Cellbond business unit, and are excited to have them involved with our motorcycle validation.
Many of our British suppliers have been running at a severely reduced capacity for months, but as this picks up again, we can move forward with production batches of a number of key components including seating, castings and plastic moulding.
Work relocating Herald HQ to our new factory has continued throughout lockdown, abiding by regulations set out by the UK government. This factory will not only house production of the Brute but also our administration, marketing, parts department & sales team. We very much look forward to opening our doors to our pre-existing and new customers who will have the opportunity to see their Brute built from the ground up in front of them, right here in Cambridgeshire, UK. The new Herald HQ will also have a showroom and somewhere you can try our small batch roasted Herald Coffee!
While COVID-19 has unfortunately forced many events and exhibitions to postpone until next year, we are glad that our friends at Malle London have managed to persevere with the great Malle Mile in conjunction with guidelines set out by the UK government. Not only will we be participating in the racing but we will also be showcasing our range including a look at the production spec Brute 500. Make sure to come and give us a visit if you’re planning on attending the event! Hosted in the grounds of Kevington Hall, Malle Mile is running from the 21st- 23rd August 2020.
