BMW Maxi Scooter 2012

After announcing electric car and BMW hybrid car identity that would be produced, BMW I3 and I8, it seems BMW still has another obsession for two wheeled automotive market.

Yes, BMW Motorrad, will launch two brand-new scooter variants in Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo e Motociclo e Accessori or Milan International Motorcycle Show (EICMA) 2011, November, Maxi scooter.

BMW Maxi scooter is different from other general scooter that has fat body. This scooter is loaded with more streamlined and sporty impression.

BMW Maxi scooter will be using two cylinder engines, while the display is using the split concept and completed with front windscreen and Light Emitting Diode (LED) for the main light.

BMW Maxi scooter will be marketed in 2012.

The BMW C1-e Scooter Concept Is BMW Motorrad’s First Electric Vehicle!

BMW C1-E Electric Scooter Concept

A perfect urban commuter solution that combined the ease of parking and zip of a scooter with the all weather protection and safety offered by a car, the BMW C1 was a scooter too ahead for it’s day and age that eventually led to it’s demise. 

Keeping with the growing trend of electric vehicles, BMW has taken a C1, fitted an electric motor to it and in the process has created BMW’s first electric two wheeler. Called the BMW C1-E, the electric version of the C1 is an experimental vehicle currently.

But, given the huge practicality, zero emission numbers and very low running costs, something very similar to the BMW C1-E,  could become a production reality in the near future as the C1-E also offers a high amount of safety in addition to all weather protection.

The BMW C1-E features a seatbelt and a roll over bar along with the crumple zone up front to take frontal impacts. Even as there is talk of motorcycle airbags being developed, the BMW C1-E could very well be the ideal urban commuting machine for crowded cities.

The Scooter is powered by an electric motor that BMW has borrowed from electric vehicle and component specialist Vectrix and runs on rechargeable lithium ion batteries. The C1-E can carry a single rider and has luggage space in lace of a conventional pillion seat.

Source: indiancarsbikes.in

E-Vivacity Scooter from Peugeot

Peugeot is more famous for their cars than scooter – in fact, you might just scratch your head and start to wonder just when did the French motor company ever release any kind of motorcycles or scooters? The answer is recently, in the form of the battery-powered e-Vivacity. Of course, this isn’t Peugeot’s first attempt where the electric scooter market is concerned, as they did make an attempt all the way back in 1996 with the Scoot’elec. That model used nickel-cadmium batteries though, while the e-Vivacity will carry an advanced lithium-ion pack from manufacturer Saft, taking a mere four hours to juice up using a standard European 230-volt plug. Of course, for those who are in a hurry, a rapid 2 hour charge will yield an 80% full battery. The e-Vivacity is capable of getting around at 28mph within a 60 mile range before it runs out of juice, which is just about equal to a conventional 50cc gasoline-fueled scooter. No idea on pricing as at press time, but it does seem to be the perfect little people mover for intra-city use.

Scooter drivers given dressing down on failure to wear safety clothing

Scooter sales have soared from about 1000 in 2001 to more than 10,000 last year. But though most riders are new to two-wheel transport, the law requires only that they wear a helmet.

Rob Smith, the manager of the riders' division at Motorcycling Australia, said scooter riders should be wearing the same safety gear as a motorcycle rider.

"There's an unfortunate mindset that comes with the term scooter," Mr Smith said. "It conjures up thoughts of a toy, something benign. I think of them as automatic motorcycles. Whether you fall off a motorcycle or a scooter at 60km/h, the result is the same. Any time you expose bare skin to the road, the outcome is obvious.

However, Wensley Carroll, a scooter rider and salesman, rejected the suggestion that riders need better protection.

"You ride your bicycle down the road at 60km/h with no brakes, no engine and [a very narrow] tyre on the road only wearing lycra," Mr Carroll said.

"Scooters are not motorcycles. They have less power and they are sitting higher, so riders' reaction times are quicker because they can see further ahead."

Rob Colligan of the Motorcycle Council of NSW said the government could not mandate what scooter riders should wear.

"The issue is, what is the proper protective clothing? What is right in Sydney in winter is not going to be suitable for summer.''

A spokesman for the Australian Medical Association, Dr Brian Owler, said the consequences of falling off while not wearing proper safety clothing were serious.

"At some point there has to be owner onus. You have to assess the risk you are taking."

Source: www.blacktownsun.com.au

 

Crutchlow satisfied with test progress

 

 

The Superbike convert was near the foot of the times and crashed on Wednesday, but was pleased with his pace at this stage in his learning curve.

 

"I am happy with the test because I am still learning so much but I was able to run a consistent pace and drop my lap times on each day," said Crutchlow.

"I'm on a big learning curve and I wasn't looking for pure speed. I'd never ridden at this track before and it is certainly a tough place to learn quickly. All the other guys have done millions of laps around here and I just need to build up my experience."

Crutchlow added that the Tech 3 Yamaha squad was pleased with how he was getting up to speed - especially as he was still recovering from surgery on a lingering shoulder problem.

 

"My times are in the ballpark of those set in last year's race and that's pleasing considering everything is still so new for me and I wasn't in peak physical condition because of my shoulder," he said.

"I need to improve in the braking area and also step up my pace on the hard Bridgestone tyre, but I feel I'm getting more comfortable with the bike.

"I've been looking at loads of data and when we return later this month I'll continue trying to adapt my style. I'm still riding the bike too much like a superbike, but I'm pleased that I'm progressing and getting faster."

 

Tech 3's other rider Colin Edwards was in the top 10 throughout the test, and thinks he will be back on form with the 2011 Yamaha after a tough 2010 season.

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Honda to launch India-specific models post Hero Honda exit

With its exit plan from Hero Honda being finalised, Japan's Honda Motor Co is gearing up to launch India specific two-wheeler models as it prepares for the solo ride here. 

The company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI), will also expand its dealer base and strengthen vendor network to rapidly expand presence in the country. It will start selling 250cc sports bike CBR250R in India from April, priced at Rs 1.5 lakh onwards. 

"Our current and future endeavors will be directed to meet all kinds of customer requirements, including introduction of new and unique India-specific models," an HMSI spokesperson told PTI. 

The company, however, did not elaborate on the India specific models and the time-frame for their launch. 

Currently, HMSI sells both scooters, such as Activa and Dio, and motorcycles, including Stunner, Shine, Twister and Unicorn in India. 

When asked about plans for network expansion in the wake of Honda's exit from Hero Honda, the HMSI official said: "We are concentrating to meet the current demand and also focusing to expand dealer base, strengthen vendor network and increase quality manpower to service greater customer base." 

At present HMSI has a sales network of 790 outlets (398 dealers and 392 branches) and 389 authorised service centres. 

On January 24, Honda Motor Co and the Hero Group had executed a final binding licensing agreement paving way for the Japanese auto major's exit from the 26-year-old joint venture -- Hero Honda. Under the deal, Honda will sell its 26 per cent stake in Hero Honda to the Hero Group, although it will continue to supply technology for sometime. 

In order to expand presence in the high-end bikes segment, HMSI will start selling 250cc road-sports bike CBR250R from April priced Rs 1.5 lakh onwards. 

"Bookings for CBR250R, our global 250cc road-sports motorcycle have opened from January 1, 2011. Customer interest for this motorcycle is overwhelming and within a month we have received 1,800 confirmed bookings," the official said. 

On the overall sales front, the company is looking for 26 per cent growth in 2010-11. 

"HMSI plans to sell 1.6 million units in FY 2010-11 and grow 26 per cent over the 1.27 million units sold during FY 2009-10," the official said.

Source: economictimes.com

Scooter Maker Piaggio Runs Facebook Photo Contest

Scooter and motorcycle maker Piaggio SpA, known best in the U.S for its Vespa scooters, has been pushing helmets for riders here.  Today the company said it is launching a new consumer helmet promotional campaign that includes a photo contest on Facebook.

People who buy a new Piaggio or Vespa brand scooter will get a Vespa Soft Touch or Piaggio Copter helmet free of charge. The program is called “Vespa Helmets are for Everything,” and runs from January 27 through April 30 at dealerships and on Vespa Facebook page.

For the photo contest the company asks riders to upload images showing their ideas for how to use their helmets creatively when they aren’t riding. Piaggio Group says it isn’t encouraging people to harm their helmets or render them unfit for use on the road. Instead it is “merely offering a humorous spin to gain awareness of a very serious topic,” the company says.

Ideas so far include using a helmet as a decorative fruit bowl and as protection during snowball fights.

Source: wsj.com

 

Get on a bike to beat the budget blues and stay ahead of the traffic

Rising fuel costs and increasing congestion on South West Wales roads are just two of the reasons that more people are turning to motorcycles to commute.

As the annual New Year resolutions starting to fade why not make a new resolution to do something that you will find easy to stick to and get on to two wheels - a pleasure that can last you a lifetime.

Swansea is blessed with a wealth of motorcycle training companies, dealers and experts in the field so there are plenty of opportunities to take your first steps.

Already 21,000 people have booked their ride and the organisation are seeing a growing number of interest from women accounting for 34% of participants.

Training - For others who are ready to get stuck in or have lapsed or maybe only ever completed the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), now’s the time to reap the economic and social benefits of a powered two-wheeler and take their next step to completing their test and broadening your motorcycle experience.

Experience – More and more people are enjoying off-road adventures and over land travel experiences on bikes. There is a growing number of companies that provide tours to anywhere any everywhere from Canada to Africa, so for the more experienced rider who wants to see more of the world , now is the time to stop dreaming and start planning.

MCI’s Spokesperson CEO Steve Kenward said: “Motorcycles and scooters are the best way to beat the ongoing credit crunch and turn the daily commute into a joy.

"Two wheels will let you move through traffic, with ease. Not only that, in London they are exempt from congestion charge and can also use bus lanes, so you will save time and money every day, which is certainly something to smile about”

“If you want to make commuting more fun and economical, start this new year with a new approach, get on a scooter or motorcycle and join the 1.5million other converts.“

 

 

Rea completes ‘unbelievable’ MotoGP test

Rea was given the chance to test the RC212V as a reward for his efforts with the manufacturer in the World Superbike Championship, the Ulsterman joining Honda test rider Kousuke Akiyoshi in Malaysia.

Though the test was originally scheduled for three days, heavy rain on the third of those days would see Rea get another three hours on the bike the next morning.

Though no lap times were released by HRC, Rea – who is still recovering from a wrist injury - was thrilled to have gotten the opportunity to sample a MotoGPmachine.

"Riding the RC212V has been an unbelievable experience for me! A four days test is a dream that became true and I am really happy that HRC invited me here in Sepang. Yesterday the rain didn't allow us to be on track that much and we stayed one more day. I started feeling as though the bike is "my bike" and I had some good feeling riding it. 

“I hope I have been able to give to the engineers some useful comments, even if my physical conditions were not the best because my wrist is still not 100 per cent.

“Now I will have some rest for the end of the year, and then I will be focused on my job of 2011, the World Superbike Championship. Thanks again to everybody in Honda for the great experience!”