
Le 103 custom va cartonner aux US
Audio Summary
AI Summary
The speaker begins working on the XR80 Red Bull, located 10,000 km from Montluçon. The first task is to address the squeaky front brake. This involves disassembling the brake shoes and drum, cleaning the components, and then reassembling them, hoping to eliminate the noise. Next, the speaker checks a small oil leak behind the cylinder, specifically at the screw that holds the distribution chain tensioner rod. A new rubber gasket has been installed, and the area is now dry, indicating the repair was successful.
The speaker proceeds to dismantle the front cable bolts and other components, using a 19mm socket on one side and a 14mm on the other. The work is being done in the co-ownership's basement, which offers more space than before, now that the "real man's motocross" CR 250 is no longer there. The speaker uses a Snapon impact wrench, a highly regarded brand in the U.S.
After removing the wheel, the speaker uses a mallet to loosen parts and places them on a stool. He laments not having a test bench, a welding station, or other specialized equipment, contrasting his situation with a hypothetical well-equipped concierge in Paris. He also mentions past comments from viewers who questioned why he didn't invest in a $10,000 test bench for his moped repair business.
The speaker explains that such an investment would not have been profitable for his moped repair business in Los Angeles, given the high rents and the nature of the clientele. Moped owners in L.A. were often budget-conscious, and the market didn't justify expensive equipment or high service fees. Survival in this niche required keeping costs low and diagnosing problems quickly, charging around $200-$300 for repairs.
He criticizes the idea of investing in a large garage or selling mopeds and scooters in Los Angeles, as it's not a strong market, especially compared to the electric vehicle market, which he also deems problematic for repairs. He emphasizes that staying in business means keeping overhead low, avoiding unnecessary expenses like a test bench, and operating as a solo entrepreneur. He also touches on the issue of interns, noting that in the U.S., they often expect payment and lunch, unlike the free labor some viewers suggested.
The speaker highlights the cultural clash between advice given from afar and the realities of doing business in expensive cities like Los Angeles. He mentions that many businesses attempting to repair mopeds, scooters, or motorcycles in L.A. have failed due to high rents. He suggests that while it's better to pursue automotive repair in L.A. for higher profits, a smart individual can still survive in the moped market by carefully managing their budget.
He also addresses comments about creating custom 103 mopeds for $5,000, arguing that Americans don't have the same sentimental attachment to the Peugeot 103 as people in France, preferring Mustangs, Harleys, and V8s. He dismisses the idea that custom 103s would sell well in the U.S., as most Americans don't even know what a 103 is, let alone would spend $5,000 on one. He concludes by reiterating the importance of understanding the local market.
The speaker finishes the brake cleaning, noting the dust. He promises a second vlog to check if the squeaky sound is gone after the repairs.