July 29, 2007
Scootering USA now available in nine languages!
Thanks to the Babel Fish translation software from AltaVista, Scootering USA is now available in translation for nine languages. If you include English.
The alternate languages include: Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Italian and Portugese.
All you have to do is click on the appropriate flag in the box that is at the upper right hand corner of this and every page on the site.
Click here to read the site in Spanish.
Click here to read the site in French.
Click here to read the site in Japanese.
Click here to read the site in Chinese.
Click here to read the site in German.
Click here to read the site in Korean.
Click here to read the site in Italian.
Click here to read the site in Portugese.
Posted by Frank at 5:54 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
South Carolina scooter bagged for gun, pot
A 17-year-old scooterist was arrested in South Carolina after failing to signal a turn.
The cops discovered 17 grams of marijuana, a .22 caliber pistol without a serial number, and about 100 bullets.
Otherwise, the report doesn't indicate whether the man was wearing a helmet. Safety first!
Posted by Frank at 10:19 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Scooters get free parking in Decatur
From his perch behind the latte dispenser, Starbucks employee Frank Kecseti can look outside across Ponce de Leon Avenue and ogle with envy the cream-colored Vespa parked in front of Mick's restaurant.
It's not the flashy scooter that's caught the fancy of the 20-year-old Decatur resident. It's the land it occupies.
The two-wheeler holds sway over that most prime piece of real estate in charm city's downtown: the free parking spot.
The curbside warning sign that guards the six diagonally striped slots says it all. Scooter parking only, it informs, and just for those with 250 cc engines. Heaving hulks, back off. That means you, Mr. SUV, and you, too, Mrs. Minivan.
Kecseti as well, who's a might green over the restrictions. Though he walks to work, he's eyeing a 500 cc motorcycle. So, there's no room at the in spot for him, either.
Still, of the scooter slots he says, "I'm glad they did it. It's going to be an asset to our community."
Lyn Menne's sure of it. She's the assistant city manager and an advocate of the spaces which were added a little over a month ago. Lines recently were repainted after they were obliterated during a water repair project.
Posted by Frank at 10:18 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Understand Wisconsin scooter laws
With the price of gas steadily increasing, so is the popularity of fuel-saving mopeds and scooter-type motor vehicles. In their zeal to pass the pumps, not all two-wheeled motorists are accurately researching what it is they are buying and what the registration and licensing requirements are.
In an effort to assist our fuel-stretching residents and visitors, the Chippewa Falls Police Department is passing along the following guidelines to promote safety and compliance with Wisconsin motor vehicle laws:
A moped is a type 1 motorcycle (two or three wheels with an open operator seat) with an automatic transmission and engine certified to be not more than 50cc (cubic centimeters) capable of speeds not more than 30 mph with a 150-pound rider on a level, hard surface. A bicycle-type vehicle with human-powered pedals for initial propulsion and an engine certified at not more than 130cc will also qualify.
If the vehicle qualifies as a moped, only a valid, basic driver’s license is required to operate it. The moped must be titled and registered for operation on a roadway. The moped is subject to all traffic laws in the state, except that it may be parked on a sidewalk.
Posted by Frank at 10:16 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Kymco Xciting 500 review
I was on Interstate 210 when I saw him. A big guy, his feet kicked out on the floorboards as he sped along in the carpool lane, smoking a cigar and riding ... a scooter.
Brisk sales and a bunch of new model introductions over the past few years already said that scooters are in vogue, but they seem to be shedding their sissy rep as well, especially the souped-up, 250 cc-plus models known as maxi scooters.
Enter 2007's Xciting 500, the largest displacement offering from KYMCO. Kwang Yang Motor Co., based in Taiwan, has been making scooters since 1963.
It's been selling them in the United States since 2000, building its presence and credibility with a range of relatively inexpensive, if poorly named, 50-250 cc scoots, the most popular of which are called People.
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Aussie scooters seek a free ride
THE expert who is drawing up a scooter and motorcycle strategy for Sydney wants two-wheelers to be given a toll-free reign across the city.
Peter Thoeming said dropping tolls on the Harbour Bridge and road tunnels would encourage the growth of motorcycle and scooter riders, easing traffic congestion and environmental problems. Motorcyclists now pay the same toll as other motorists.
Mr Thoeming said riders also regularly had problems with the e-tag tolling system not picking up the signal from their tags.
"In Melbourne, motorcyclists don't pay the toll and Sydney should be the same," Mr Thoeming said.
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UK scooter leasing service
Trev’s Motorcycles said that car leasing had been available for years, but it believed the offer was new for bikes.
Owner Trevor Hockey said Leasa-Scoota will work on an annual basis, with the chance to hand back the scooter, change it for the latest model or buy it for an agreed price at the completion of the deal.
A local recovery service is also included just in case of any breakdowns or punctures.
With prices ranging from £2.49 to £3.26 a day on a range of TGB scooters, Mr Hockey said it was a very real alternative to the costs of paid parking, which is scheduled to come into effect soon.
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July 26, 2007
Vespa resurgent
Thanks mainly to the impact of movies, European countries can be identified with just a few visual cues. For France it’s the Eiffel Tower and a long baguette. All you need to say England is Big Ben and the Union Jack. And Italy is easy: the Coliseum and a street full of Vespas buzzing past the Trevi Fountain.
For a variety of reasons, that Vespa buzz has been gaining momentum in the United States. On the practical side, the shiny little motor scooters don’t need much gas, you don’t get your clothes dirty on them, their compact size makes them easy to park and automatic transmissions make them easy to drive. The new models are environmentally friendly and relatively inexpensive with a price range of $2000 to $6,000.
But what we drive is not always just about the practical. If a person is judged by their ride, the constantly evolving American culture jury has recently reached a verdict: It’s cool again to own a Vespa. Like a laptop, cell phone or iPod, the less-is-more philosophy definitely applies to the iconic Italian motor scooter and other scooters as well.
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Piaggio plans hybrid scooter in '08
PONTEDERA, Italy - Piaggio SpA plans to launch a hybrid scooter for congested cities in the second half of next year, powered by a traditional petrol engine and alternative electric power, said chairman Roberto Colaninno.
The hybrid will be based on the three-wheel Piaggio-branded MP3 scooter, launched last year, and will have a price tag of less than 10,000 eur, against the 7,000 eur the solely petrol-powered scooter currently csells for, company officials said.
'The hybrid can represent a very important reply to the problems of traffic, safety and pollution. The hybrid generates synergies from the two motors, using electronic systems,' Colannino said at a news conference.
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Old school Vespa accessories
Genuine Vespa chrome accessories for retro LXV scooters Vespa offers a range of stylish chrome accessories that enable owners to customise its new LXV scooter.
The LXV is styled to pay tribute to the classic Vespas of the 1960s and this collection of genuine Vespa chrome racks and crash bars means that riders can recreate similar fashions to scooters of the period.
The chrome front carry rack is designed to complement the rear carrier, which is fitted as standard to both 50cc and 125cc models. It fits to existing mounting points with minimum fuss and can be folded upright when not in use. The front carry rack sells in the shops for £95.
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Mobility scooting oldster eludes police chase
A PENSIONER led police in a chase along a busy dual carriageway before giving them the slip - on his mobility scooter.
The low-speed pursuit started when police asked the stubborn senior citizen to pull over but he defiantly cranked his scooter to its top speed of 8mph.
The chase caused traffic chaos as the OAP crawled down the fast lane of the A1032 in Middlesbrough before the officers lost him.
Engineer, Ian Hardy, from Darlington said he could not believe his eyes as he watched the chase unfold on the A1032 Newport Bridge Approach Road on Monday afternoon.
"It was just incredible," said Ian, who captured the action on camera.
Posted by Frank at 12:45 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 25, 2007
Vectrix Electric Scooter Rolls Into the United States
NEWPORT, R.I. -- Vectrix -- the world's first two- wheel zero emission vehicle (ZEV) designed to offer high performance -- has launched in the United States, beginning its first customer deliveries and establishing a distribution network across the country.
Vectrix is the first ZEV to offer performance and style along with a clean, efficient, electric motor. It was designed to provide reliable and affordable transportation for commuting and recreational needs, help relieve traffic congestion and pollution, and mitigate parking hassles and inflexible public transportation.
"Once people see and ride Vectrix, they understand there's nothing else like it in the world," said Vectrix founder Andrew MacGowan. "Vectrix will revolutionize personal transportation."
Vectrix:
* Offers low running costs, minimal maintenance, simple operation and low noise.
* Reaches top speed of 62 mph and offers acceleration from 0-50 mph in 6.8 seconds.
* Has average range of 40-60 miles with a maximum range of 68 miles on a single charge.
* Weighs 462 pounds, has a 60-inch wheelbase and 30-inch seat height, and seats two comfortably.
Compared to traditional gasoline scooters that can produce up to 10 times the pollution of an average automobile, Vectrix is totally emissions free. It is virtually silent and highly efficient -- a patented regenerative braking system redirects energy back into the Vectrix battery pack, which helps to extend its range by up to 12 percent.
The smart, sleek Vectrix has sophisticated design efficiencies that include a high-efficiency gearbox and drive train, aluminum construction for weight reduction and aerodynamic styling to reduce drag. Its low center of gravity, stiff frame and even weight distribution provide superior handling.
For consumers with urban commutes, Vectrix is both convenient and cost effective. The driver can stop and go with one hand by simply twisting the throttle back for acceleration and twisting it forward to slow down smoothly and safely. Fast acceleration and handling make it easy and safe to zip in and out of traffic. Plus, an onboard charger plugs in to any standard 110/220V electrical outlet to charge the battery pack in just two hours.
It's more cost effective than gas or hybrid vehicles, since electricity is now one-tenth the cost of gasoline, and the Vectrix Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery pack has an estimated life of up to 10 years based on 5,000 miles per year. Additional savings may be available from government rebates, local subsidies and exemptions from road tax, property tax, registration fees and inner-city congestion charges.
The U.S. customer delivery of a Vectrix took place on July 18 in Lebanon, Pa., with additional deliveries taking place in across the country. The first Vectrix retail store is scheduled to open this summer in Newport.
Vectrix can be ordered online at http://www.vectrix.com/ or through distributors in a growing number of U.S. cities and surrounding areas. Currently, distribution networks are in the mid-Atlantic region, including New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Delaware, Maryland and Washington, D.C., as well as Los Angeles, Austin, Seattle, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Miami and West Palm Beach.
Upcoming Vectrix events and appearances include:
* July 28-29: Concours d'Elegance at the Newport Mansions in Newport, R.I.
* August 9: Vectrix Test Ride Event at the Presidio with British Motor Car Distributors LTD (BMC) in San Francisco.
* August 11-12: Vectrix Test Ride Event with The Green Car Company in Seattle.
* August 18: Vectrix Store Grand Opening in Newport, R.I.
* August 25: 35th Annual Electric Car Rally & Show in Palo Alto, Calif.
* September 28-29: AltWheels Alternative Transportation & Energy Festival in Boston.
About Vectrix Corporation
Vectrix Corporation was formed in 1996 to develop and commercialize zero emission vehicle platform technologies focused on two-wheel applications. The single focus of Vectrix has been to provide clean, efficient, reliable and affordable inner-city transportation. Vectrix USA is located in Newport, R.I., with an engineering and test facility in New Bedford, Mass. Vectrix Europe is based in Rome, Italy.
Source: Vectrix Corporation
Posted by Frank at 4:29 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Harley To Woo Women At South Dakota Rally
HARLEY-DAVIDSON PLANS TO MARKET TO women at one of the most important motorcycle events in the country next month. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, at which tens of thousands converge on a small town in South Dakota for a week in early August, is a critical marketing venture for the Milwaukee company, which uses the event to, among other things, let consumers test ride its new models.
This year, for the first time, the company will launch a series of events specifically for women. Harley-Davidson will have a booth serving as kiosk for women-centric activities being held at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, August 4-11, as well as a "women's day," which will feature women-only demos, seminars and special guests.
The company says women represent one in 10 U.S. motorcycle riders and account for nearly 12% of new Harley-Davidson motorcycle purchases.
via Car Buyer's Notebook.
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July 23, 2007
Video: The Magicwheel Scooter
It may look like a spare tyre, but the makers of this one-wheeled scooter claimed yesterday that it will take Britain by storm.
The "Magicwheel" has no handlebars or brakes, can turn on a sixpence and reach speeds of up to 20mph.
"This is an ideal alternative for people who are used to riding skateboards, scooters, and roller blades," said Kevin Johnston, of Magicwheels.
"It is much faster than a skateboard due to the sports wheel and it also goes further on each push of the foot. It will certainly get the user noticed."
Posted by Frank at 4:24 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Yamaha’s maxi-scooter
UNLIKE our European brethren, us Brits have never really taken to maxi-scooters.
By maxi-scooter I mean anything starting at 400cc with a scooter’s automatic gearbox and a motorcycle’s price tag.
And this has been the main bone of contention with the whole maxi-scooter business in the UK.
Why buy a glorified moped when you can get a proper motorcycle for the same price?
Yet the streets of Spain, France and Italy are dominated by the things.
Posted by Frank at 4:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 20, 2007
Dreaded scooter riders take over Selsdon
THEY are loud, annoying and congregate around kebab shops - the dreaded scooter riders who are taking over Selsdon.
Locals are tearing their hair out because of the motorcyclists that zoom around their neighbourhoods, making their lives a misery.
Resentful residents have dubbed the riders the "Scooter Boys" and fear the crazy stunts they perform along Addington Road will lead to a tragedy.
Paul Shaw, chairman of Selsdon Residents' Association, said: "We have mentioned the problem to the police and councillors.
"They also use scramble bikes - bikes that are designed for cross-country, rough terrain.
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July 19, 2007
Scooter rider plugs into fuel savings
Don Auker of North Cornwall Twp. is the first consumer in North America riding back and forth to work on a Vectrix electric maxi-scooter.
Auker's scooter arrived at his doorstep yesterday, satisfying his desire to save money on fuel and free the U.S. from oil dependence.
This was Vectrix's first consumer delivery of its electric two-wheel scooter in North America, said Jeff Morrill, associate director of marketing. They have been sold in Italy, the United Kingdom and Australia.
"That's amazing," Auker said after a spin around the block on the Vectrix, which is quiet and produces no emissions. "It's real. It does what it says."
"It's so intuitive. ... I really enjoyed the total effect of the regenerative braking," which redirects energy back into the battery to help extend the range, Auker said. "I now have a vehicle that requires just about no service or maintenance."
The Vectrix scooter has an average range of 40 to 60 miles on a three-hour charge (66 miles tops). It accelerates from zero to 30 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 62 mph.
It will cost 11/2 cents per mile to operate, based on an electricity rate of 15 cents per kilowatt-hour, Morrill said.
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July 18, 2007
Aussie scooter sales up, motorists annoyed
THEY'RE hip and dirt cheap to run, but a quarter of Melbourne motorists reckon scooters are the new menace on the city's streets.
Motor scooter sales are soaring, with Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce figures showing a 40 per cent rise in sales in the year to June compared with the same time last year. Their popularity has risen in line with rising fuel prices.
But AAMI public affairs manager Geoff Hughes said a survey of Melbourne motorists found many were annoyed with the increased presence of scooters.
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Andrew McKellar said scooter sales are on track for an all-time high by the end of the year.
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July 17, 2007
Indian actress endroses Kinetic scooter
MUMBAI -- Actress Bipasha Basu has been signed on by two wheeler manufacturer Kinetic Motor as the brand ambassador for the new Kinetic-SYM scooter, which is slated for launch in August.
The Kinetic-SYM scooter, from Kinetic's association with Taiwan's $1.1 billion automotive giant SYM, would be targeted at women riders. Basu was identified as a brand fit based on a research among 1200 intending buyers of gearless scooters. The research also showed that college girls aspire to be confident and ambitious. Basu is viewed as a woman who has made it on her own merit and signifies the independent modern woman.
She will feature in the ad campaign for the Kinetic-SYM scooter, including television, print and internet. An outdoor campaign of hoardings and contests is also part of the plan, and a special audio-visual that demonstrates the new scooter to be played in all Kinetic dealerships will also feature Basu.
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July 16, 2007
Vento U.S.A. Expands Line of Performance-Oriented Scooters
SAN DIEGO – Vento Motorcycles U.S.A., a manufacturer of affordable, distinctive motorcycles, scooters, ATV’s, and off-road bikes for motorcyclists and power sports enthusiasts around the world, today announced the launch of the LI-Series, the latest addition to Vento Motorcycles’ line up of performance oriented scooters. The new LI-Series is a stylish, affordable line of scooters, delivering the best of technology in a product that is designed for agility and performance
Powered by four-stroke, air-cooled Bi2-type engines, the LI-Scooters include the 49cc ultra-compact ZIP (MSRP $1,399.00) and the stylish Triton (MSRP $1,499.00), and the 150cc sporty Phantom (MSRP $1,699.00). All three scooters feature digital instrument panels, 5-spoke super lightweight wheels, front and rear disc brakes, and the all-new oval aerodynamic, bullet-shaped exhaust pipe that reduces air drag. With a maximum power of 4.9 HP for the ZIP and Triton, and 9.4 HP for the Phantom, the LI-Scooters are a smart choice for big-city goers, students and recreational riders.
“The LI-Series is a perfect solution for a crowded city, business districts, or cruising around beach cities,” explained Mario Cisneros, Marketing Director at Vento. “The LI-Series is an attractive transportation solution for a large range of consumers, from teenagers and students to adults in need of an affordable alternative to a car. The modern, sophisticated style and high-quality of Vento’s scooters differentiates the LI-Series from the competitors and will help increase our market share in the scooter category.”
About the LI-Series Scooters
Vento’s high-quality LI-Series scooters, which are offered in blue, red, yellow, and silver color schemes, include the compact ZIP LI, stylish Triton LI and sporty Phantom LI models. The 4.9 horsepower ZIP LI features an electric starting system, CDI ignition, automatic transmission, and a 1.3-gallon fuel tank. With a total length of 65.7 inches and a dry weight of 143 pounds , the ZIP is agile and light – perfect for big city use. This scooter also equipped with front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, along with a telescopic hydraulic fork/ left single shock suspension, and the new silver tone, bullet exhaust pipe.
The 4.9 HP Triton LI sports a 1.4-gallon fuel tank, an extended body length of 74.4 inches, and a dry weight of 207 lbs. The ultra sporty 9.4 HP Phantom LI incorporates a sport-tuned hydraulic suspension and boasts a dry weight of 229 lbs.
Vento’s LI-Series scooters are covered by a one-year, 5,000-mile warranty. For addition information or to locate a Vento dealer, visit www.vento.com.
Posted by Frank at 9:37 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 15, 2007
Brit scooter punks targeted by LE
Scooter riders who sound their horns, rev their engines and drive without care are on their final warning.
Residents in Louth are fed up of riders acting anti-socially - including doing wheelies with little or no regard for the safety of others - in Mercer Row, Eastgate and Queen Street.
Now the police have issued a strong warning to the offenders.
Pc Pete MacLeod, who heads up Louth's Neighbourhood Policing Team, said scooters could be seized, and that patrols will be stepped up in the areas where dangerous and anti-social activity has been reported.
He said: "The ultimate action that we can take is seizing offending vehicles under Section 59 legislation.
"I want to make it absolutely clear that we will be making use of this legislation."
"Officers will be stopping all local scooter riders and checking for valid insurance and other documentation."
Safety checks will also be carried out on vehicles to ensure they are roadworthy.
Posted by Frank at 9:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Scooter scooting means stealing your spot, possibly fouling your ride
Seattle -- How bad's parking gotten in some parts of the city? Ask a scooter owner.
Three times since moving to "polite" Seattle eight months ago, Michael O'Neill has stepped out of his Capitol Hill condo to discover that someone's moved his Vespa so he or she could steal his parking spot.
The first time it happened, O'Neill had parked the scooter legally, next to an alley. "They dragged it right into the red zone," he said.
Another desperate motorist coveted his spot so much he dragged the 250-pound Vespa even farther -- leaving it blocking the alley. "I'm sure if it was Dumpster day, I would have gotten a ticket," the Microsoft engineer said.
Stories like that are unfolding regularly in parking-starved neighborhoods, scooter owners say -- and the outlook isn't good.
It's happened several times to Victor Voris, owner of the Seattle Vespa dealership. "I've had mine turned, pushed out of the way, put on the sidewalk," he said.
One time, his scooter was knocked down so hard, it caused $1,000 in damage.
"They think they own the world," Voris said of spot-stealing motorists.
Posted by Frank at 9:10 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Scooter rally invades Seattle streets
Put a few hundred Vespa owners in a parking lot together with free Red Bulls and an intoxicating afternoon sun, and sparks are inevitable.
At Saturday's Amerivespa rally, part of a three-day event for scooter enthusiasts of all types, riders eyed each other's seats, asking about comfort vs. style. They traded stories of spills, sideswipes and sympathetic spouses (or the opposite).
They got personal sometimes, too.
"You've got a really short inseam, like I do," one man said to a new friend.
"Probably," the other replied, and agreed it can be hard sometimes to straddle a gas tank.
The riders came to Seattle from as far as Germany for the annual rally, held in a different city each year. It ends today.
Posted by Frank at 9:06 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
July 14, 2007
Indian scooter market surges
NEW DELHI -- After a lull of several years, scooters and scooterettes (100cc and below) are again set to take on the roads and in a big way with all two-wheeler majors now focusing on this segment to tap its unleashed potential.
Latest entrant to this league will be Kinetic Motors’ first 4-stroke scooterette to be launched in collaboration with Taiwan’s leading two-wheeler manufacturer Sang Yang Motor (SYM).
Hero Honda and Bajaj Auto are also mulling plans to come up with new models after a robust performance of their recently launched Pleasure and Kristal respectively.
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Piaggio Pays for NYC Scooter Parking
In the gladiatorial traffic of New York City, a motor scooter, with or without racing stripes, is something between a motorcycle and a Radio Flyer wagon.
Now, however, thanks to a new marketing campaign, it is also something else: a ticket to the closest thing to New York nirvana, free parking.
On Wednesday, an American importer of Vespa, the Italian maker of probably the best-known brand of motor scooter, said it had paid for almost two months’ worth of parking at 48 spaces in lots and garages in Chinatown, TriBeCa, Midtown and the theater district.
Anyone with a Vespa can leave it in one of those spaces for hours. (But not overnight; the lots don’t allow overnight parking.)
The promotion, done in conjunction with Edison ParkFast garages, ends Sept. 30.
The promotion made Peter Scanlan ecstatic. Mr. Scanlan, 26, a college admissions official, parked his $7,000 Vespa GTS 250 for the first time in a garage yesterday on the Avenue of the Americas, near 44th Street. “It’s on street level,” he said, almost in a whisper. “It’s incredible. We win, we win!”
Piaggio Group America, the Manhattan importer of Vespas, would not disclose how much it paid for the parking spaces. “Why must you know?” said Paolo Timoni, Piaggio’s president, with a laugh.
Posted by Frank at 12:59 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
German Company Offering Chinese Made Scooter
Germany's oldest motorcycle manufacturer is poised to launch a sporty new 2-stroke scooter that offers the styling and performance associated with European models at a price that is closer to budget Chinese products.
Named the Speedforce, Sachs manufacture this stylish scooter in China to keep production costs low, with assistance from their German engineering staff, to keep quality high. Spares and warranty support is provided by a UK distributor with over 30 years experience, so both dealers and their customers can buy with confidence.
Posted by Frank at 12:55 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Vectrix slows production to address quality issues
LONDON - Vectrix Corp, a zero-emission two-wheel electric vehicles maker, said it has decided to restrict production of its MAXI scooter to not more than 25 bikes a day in the near term, to address product quality issues.
The company said it expects to rework the number of bikes manufactured based on the number built to date and added that it expects total production for the year to September 2007 to be in the range of 1,800 to 2,000 bikes.
Posted by Frank at 12:52 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Philippine co. launches scooter to meet demand
AS THE demand for motorcycles in the Philippine market continues to increase, an automobile and motorcycle firm is introducing a new scooter that will suit the lifestyle of Filipinos.
“For the past years, the motorcycle industry has shown a significant growth.
From the dominant business category (which) it used to be (under), it has grown to be one of the most convenient and practical means of transportation for the Filipino people,” Kiyoshi Kawa-hari, Suzuki president said on his welcome speech during the Suzuki product launch and dealers’ convention in Dusit Hotel Nikko at Pasay Road, Makati City.
The introduction of the new Hayate 125 to the Filipino market resulted from the company’s sales for about 6,500 motorcycle units sold in the previous year.
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July 13, 2007
Amerivespa converges in Seattle
You may have to dart out of the way, Rome-style, the next few days because about 1,000 Vespa owners from across the country will take to the streets of Seattle and beyond through Sunday.
Amerivespa, the 15th annual celebration of the classic Italian scooter, visits Seattle this year with group rides, meetings, an art show and numerous contests (including one on how slow a rider can go). The event begins Thursday at 6 p.m. with a "meet and greet" in Pioneer Square and ends Sunday on Vashon Island after a ferry ride.
Most events Friday and Saturday (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) take place in South Lake Union Park. Scooters on display will run the gamut from vintage machines to new models that can be test ridden. Attendees are required to register; for events not open to the public, the cost is $70 for non-members of the Vespa Club. For information, visit amerivespa.org.
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July 12, 2007
Victory Motorcycles to Auction Off Kyle Petty's All-New Victory Vision
MINNEAPOLIS -- Victory Motorcycles, a division of Polaris Industries Inc., announced today it will put up for auction the brand new Victory Vision that Kyle Petty will ride this year during his annual Chick-fil-A Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America to raise money for the Victory Junction Gang Camp.
Petty will ride the new Victory Vision Tour, launched this past January and not available to consumers until the fall, more than 2,800 miles down the East Coast from Maine to Florida. At the conclusion of the Ride, the bike will be signed by the NASCAR hero and awarded to the auction's highest bidder. All net proceeds from the auction will be donated by Victory Motorcycles to the camp where it will go to help children with chronic and serious illnesses.
Bidding on the autographed Victory Vision will begin on Wednesday, July 11 and extend through July 21. Consumers can go to http://www.victorymotorcycles.com/ to place a bid or get more information on the auction item. The auction will be housed on eBay(R) and the minimum bid for the ultra-modern touring bike will be set at $20,000.
"The Victory Vision auction is another way that we can show our support for Kyle and the kids at Victory Junction Gang Camp," said Tom Tiller, CEO, Polaris Industries. "We are proud of both our long-standing partnership with the Charity Ride, and the opportunity to help raise money and drive forward the inspirational mission of the Petty's and their camp."
The Victory Vision boasts the Minnesota-based Company's own Freedom V-Twin engine, unmatched comfort and breakthrough American styling. The revolutionary luxury touring motorcycle features four inches of cushion in the driver's seat, a relaxed, feet-forward riding position, dramatic aerodynamics, wind protection and airflow management for all-weather riding, as well as ample storage space.
"I am extremely grateful to the people of Victory Motorcycles for their generosity and support of this year's Charity Ride" said Kyle Petty. "Just getting to ride the awesome Victory Vision is going to be a huge thrill, but to have them donate the bike for auction and help raise money for the kids and the camp is unbelievable."
The Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America is an annual motorcycle ride that raises money in support of its primary beneficiary, the Victory Junction Gang Camp -- a summer camp for children battling chronic and serious illnesses that Petty and his wife, Pattie, created in memory of their son Adam. Each year, more than 250 motorcyclists from around the U.S. join Petty on the cross-country trip and have raised more than $9 million to date for the camp, as well as other selected children's charities. Along the way, Petty and the riders stop to visit with motorcycle and NASCAR fans, and spread the word about the ride and the mission to raise money for the Victory Junction Gang Camp.
For the past nine years, Victory Motorcycles has proudly supported the Kyle Petty Charity Ride. During that time period, the Company has contributed more than $400,000 to the Charity Ride.
To bid on the bike or for more information on the auction visit: http://www.victorymotorcycles.com/
Source: Victory Motorcycles, Car Buyer's Notebook
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Vespa cam -- Trip Around Dunbar Scotland
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Piaggio Hooks Up NYC Scooterists with Free Parking
NEW YORK -- Piaggio Group Americas, the U.S. importer of the world-famous Vespa(R) scooter, today announced that the company is sponsoring a limited free parking program for scooters at Edison ParkFast garages in New York City during the summer to raise awareness of the need for scooter parking across the country. Piaggio Group is funding scooter parking for locals, commuters and NY Scooter Club meetings throughout the summer.
Relative to cars, trucks and SUV's, motor scooters are an environmentally- friendly means of transportation that help alleviate city congestion and should be included on the list of vehicles exempt from the proposed congestion tariff.
To demonstrate the need for legal scooter parking on city streets to local government officials and to prompt private garage operators to expand and/or add scooter parking to their list of accepted vehicles, Piaggio Group has instituted free parking for two-wheel vehicles in Edison ParkFast garages. Specially-marked parking spots in the participating garages will accommodate 12 two-wheel scooters and will be branded with the Vespa logo. During the months of July and August, riders can park their scooters free of charge (when space is available and in accordance to program rules) at any of the following locations:
-- Chinatown -- 174 Centre Street, between Hester and Canal Streets
-- Midtown -- 412-422 W. 33rd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues
-- Theater District -- 1120 Avenue of the Americas, near 44th Street
(enter on 43rd Street)
-- Tribeca -- 15-21 Worth Street, between Worth Street and West Broadway
"The popularity of the two-wheel vehicle is on the rise. Piaggio Group recognizes the need to do our part in helping scooter owners find adequate, safe and legal parking in New York and in cities around the country," said Paolo Timoni, President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas. "Funding free parking during the summer brings our city one step closer to allotting appropriate parking, but we plan to continue reaching out to local government officials to demonstrate both the need for and benefit of scooter parking."
To promote the program, titled "Free Parking in NYC?" Piaggio Group Americas will send teams of Vespa branded ambassadors to high traffic locations in New York City to distribute pocket brochures highlighting the free Edison ParkFast locations and other facts on how scootering can help to curb global warming now. They will also conduct their own internal website and email campaign, plus seeding of blogs and scooter group message boards.
This free scooter parking initiative, a continuation of Piaggio Group's "Vespanomics" campaign, continues to position two-wheel vehicles as a solution that could greatly reduce energy consumption, while helping to preserve the environment and alleviate traffic congestion. Studies have shown that if Americans were to utilize one of the latest eco-friendly motor scooters for just 10 percent of their everyday travel, they could potentially reduce national fuel consumption by 14 million gallons of gasoline per day and decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 324 million pounds per day. (Source: ICR on behalf of Piaggio Group, May 2006)
The Vespanomics campaign is designed to further educate consumers on how the use of motorized scooters, like Vespa, can quickly reduce their oil consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and traffic congestion. In 2006, Piaggio Group launched the online petition, "Vespatition" on the Vespa USA Web site, to create a venue for consumers to express their support for two-wheel parking. Piaggio Group is also working with local government officials, community board districts and urban planners to increase support for legal two-wheel parking wherever parking for motor vehicles is provided.
Source: Piaggio Group, Car Buyer's Notebook
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July 9, 2007
Manchester: Eat in Numero at Manchester235 and win a Vespa
Eat in Numero at Manchester235 for your chance to WIN!
Have you ever dreamt of riding along with a glow in your cheeks and the wind in your hair?
Well, with this latest competition from Numero at Manchester235, the lively and vibrant Italian eatery you could be cruising round town in style on an Italian Vespa.
So grab your leathers and get down to Numero, where you can enter their competition every time you eat there between July and August.
To get your hands on the handlebars simply fill in your details below and print off the form provided. Remember, to enter the competition you must bring along your completed form when you next eat at Numero. Good luck.
The Great Northern Warehouse, Watson St, M3 4LP 0161 828 0344 www.manchester235.com
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New Vespa S from Piaggio
If any two-wheeler inspires as much affection as Fiat's Cinquecento it's the Vespa, and with serendipitous timing Piaggio is about to launch a second retro version of the 61-year-old scooter.
Called the Vespa S, it's based on the existing 50cc and 125cc LX models with styling revamped for a 1970s look. The leaner handlebar area is distinguished by a square instead of round headlamp while the mudguards are cut back to reveal more of the suspension.
But the most effective change visually is the removal of the bulky plastic on the inside of the legshield, revealing the shape of the steel chassis spine typical of older Vespas.
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July 4, 2007
Peugeot V-Clic Scooter
Peugeot’s new budget-priced V-Clic scooter is sure to tempt commuters out of their cars and onto two wheels as increasing numbers of drivers look for ways to reduce time wasted stuck in traffic.
Recent research by the MCI reveals that one in six Britons spends the equivalent of an entire working day travelling to and from work in the course of a week. At just £799 on the road the V-Clic creates an affordable opportunity for many of them to experiment with the freedom offered by powered two-wheelers.
Peugeot has over 100 years experience of manufacturing motorcycles and has used this expertise to produce the V-Clic in partnership with one of China’s largest motorcycle factories.
Posted by Frank at 7:27 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Scooter mania arrives in Alaska
They're cheaper and quieter than the Harleys and superbikes roaring up and down Mat-Su Valley highways this summer, but are scooters cooler?
Hordes of Italian pizza delivery men may think so, as may a growing number of urbanites fed up with traffic and the expense of driving a car. This summer a Wasilla business owner is hoping Valley residents will feel the same way.
“They're fun, they're practical and they're affordable,” said Joe Schroeder, Alaska Scooters owner. “For a quick, easy ride they can't be beat.”
This is Schroeder's second year selling motorized scooters from his Fairview Loop property. Schroeder converted his garage to a showroom and lines the road front on sunny days with shiny new models. That's a big departure from the vast lots customers roam when looking for a new car. Sealing the deal is different too.
“It's a painless process,” Schroeder said. “It takes about 20 minutes to purchase a scooter.”
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July 1, 2007
Monsoon scooter rally attracts 25 riders
Mumbai -- The Gulf Monsoon Scooter Rally, to be held on July 1 in the backwoods and dirt tracks of neighbouring Navi Mumbai, has attracted 25 entries.
The 125-km rally, beginning in Mumbai, will have transport and competitive sectors, event organiser Shrikant Karani told a media conference here.
The competitive sector on gravel-laden dirt tracks will be around 29 kms. It will be flagged off from Dadar before proceeding to the backwoods of Vashi, Kombadbhuje, Targhar, Vahal-Waghilwada and Ohvale (in Navi Mumbai) and finish at CBD Belapur, he said.
Last year's champion Kunal Rao has entered the event along with his father and is expected to face stiff fight from the likes of former winners Manjit Singh Bassan and Ganesh Lokhande.
Posted by Frank at 7:29 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
