BMW: StreetCarver

What brand new BMW has a blue book value of $500? It’s the StreeCarver, if you can believe the balls on anyone expecting you to actually shell out that much cash for a skateboard.

The StreetCarver actually works quite well. Damn it all if it doesn’t actually handle like a, well, BMW, but it should more aptly be titled the HillCarver. It’s big, heavy and over-engineered. The ridiculous price would only appeal to techie slalom racers but the performance doesn’t justify it. The truly unique trucks give you the best carve feel out of all the alternate trucks I’ve tried. They take some getting used to because they don’t return to level by themselves. Also, the resistance is built into the bushings, which are not adjustable. They are slightly rigid, so while the turning radius is good, you won’t be able to swivel fast enough for tight slaloming. The proprietary wheels are more rubber than urethane, and could be softer. It would be nice to be able to use standard wheels, which might be possible. One of the units I rode had a little rattle that was kind of irritating for a $500 product. Overall it’s very enjoyable and functional for hills. Even though I didn’t get a chance to test at higher speeds, the truck design seems like it would eliminate speed wobbles. (Another review has since stated otherwise – ed) BMW has some Extreme dudes traveling the country with their SUV’s packed full of StreetCarvers and insurance waivers, so give them a try.

Recently, a couple of other companies have come up with what sure looks like a blatantly ripped off version of this technology. Some of them seem like they have a much better chance at widespread adoption, mostly due to a simplified but similar suspension which leads to lighter weights and lower costs. I guess BMW needs the extra cash to pay for wristguards for the corporate test dummies. (See picture below.)

Interesting technology? You bet.  Fun to ride? Yes. Practical? Not so much.  It has all the trappings of a vanity project that likely won’t be around a long time.