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December 12, 2006
Bikes sales still rising but quads hard-hit
2691 new motorcycles and 1925 quads were sold in South Africa in November
2006 – 17.4 percent up on November 2005. The Association of Motorcycle
Importers and Distributors said motorcycle sales for the first 11 months of 2006
were 24 777, 39.1 percent up. Quad sales continued to drop with 1925 reported in
November against 2147 in 2005. Worst hit was the Kiddies segment, down
from 332 to 190.
December 12, 2006
Canadian Scooter Corp. Launches the 2007 Collection of Vespa, Piaggio and
Aprilia Scooters to the Canadian Market
Canadian Scooter Corp., the exclusive importer of new Vespa, Piaggio and
Aprilia scooters in Canada, unveils a collection of 2007 models, including the
LXV, GT60, Fly 50, and the three-wheeled MP3, along with the Scarabeo 50 by
Aprilia.
"This collection of scooters will undoubtedly satisfy the needs of a diverse
range of riding enthusiasts," says Morey Chaplick, President of Canadian Scooter
Corp. "Piaggio has mastered the art of blending technical innovation together
with elements from the brand's renowned history. The result is a collection of
scooters that combines the best of the old with the new."
Founded in 1946, the Vespa brand has been recognized around the world as an
icon of Italian design and style. With the 2007 launch of the LXV and GT60,
Vespa continues to combine the elegance of classic design and vintage style
with modern technical underpinnings.
Full Story
December 12, 2006
Bike makers line up 60 new models for launch
As many as 60 new bike models are lined up for launch in the next calendar
year by new and existing players alike as they seek to consolidate their
position in the fast growing domestic motorcycle market.
According to industry watchers, players such as Hero Honda, Bajaj Auto and
Suzuki Motorcycles have firmed up plans to roll out between 8-12 new bikes each,
while Kinetic, TVS, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, and Yamaha plan to launch
between 3-5 each in 2007.
"Despite being extremely competitive, the bike market will continue to see
double-digit growth momentum as there are no absolutely no signs of an impeding
slowdown. This could be a reason why such launches have been lined for 2007,"
Pradeep Saxena, Senior Vice-President, TNS Automotive, said.
Full
Story
December 11, 2006
Piaggio X8 400ie - light, but not slight
Specifications
Engine: 399cc single-cylinder, water-cooled four-stroke.
Maximum power: 25.3kW at 7500rpm.
Maximum torque: 37.6Nm at 5500 rpm.
Transmission: Continuously variable with centrifugal clutch.
Brakes: Twin front 240mm discs, rear single 240mm disc.
Dry weight: 198 kg.
Seat height: 790mm.
Tank capacity: 12 litres.
Price: £3849 (about R53 000).
Full Story
November 30, 2006
Blurring the Lines: Scooters and Now Three-Wheelers
When scooters were introduced to the United States that were capable of
triple digit speeds, we took notice. Subsequently, we tested large-displacement
scooters offered by both Honda and Suzuki. We intend to test other
large-displacement scooters in the future, as well. Why? Because they represent
a legitimate two-wheeled alternative to motorcycles here in the States.
Full Story
November 28, 200 6
Piaggio adds sporty spice
The Piaggio Liberty, a slimmer cousin to its bestselling Vespa counterpart,
always struck me as something of a girl's bike. Its sleek frame and high wheels
somehow seemed more feminine. Which to my mind could explain why the Italian
scooter giant felt the need to launch the Liberty S, a sports version of the
existing model.
Now this is very much a boy's bike: the Liberty S comes in black, and only
black. From the menacing-looking giant headlight to the abstract graphics on the
side, the bike seems to have been designed with a male rider in mind. There is a
pointless grey plastic shield above the headlight - handy if you're advancing
into battle, but of no discernible use otherwise. The bike even looks more
bulked out than the old model, as if it has downed a few glasses of that
muscle-building shake that appeals to puny students.
Full Story
November 27, 2006
Piaggio Group Standardizes on PTC Production Development
PTC, the Product Development Company (TM), today
announced that Piaggio & C. S.p.A. (Italy), one of the worlds leading
manufacturers of motor-cycles and scooters, has selected the PTC Product
Development System (PDS) as its standard solution for product development for
all Piaggio brands including Piaggio, Vespa, Moto Guzzi, Aprilia and Derbi. Pro/ENGINEER(R)
will become the single CAD/CAM/CAE solution for the entire product design at
Piaggio group, replacing the current multi-CAD environment. In addition, all the
company's divisions will move from Pro/INTRALINK(R) to Windchill PDMLink(R) to
provide a single, Web-based product development platform for the extended
enterprise, consisting of all Piaggio brands and the supply chain to better
manage its product development information. The implementation is being
supported by PTC's global services organization to ensure that Piaggio's unique
product development methodology is rolled out consistently to all divisions.
Full Story
November 26, 2006
Scooter devotees aren't discouraged by the chill
If, during some bitterly cold day this winter, you see one or more scooters
motoring down some Mankato road, do not pity them. Well, maybe a little
pity wouldn’t hurt. But they won’t put their Vespas and Lambrettas in storage
simply on account of subzero temps
At least two Mankato riders are looking to win a blog’s contest to see who
can ride for 10 miles in the coldest temperature. Last year’s winner hailed from
Ithaca, N.Y., and rode in minus 6.5 degrees.
Full Story
November 26, 2006
'Hysyrider' may replace the scooter
The automobile industry is all set to welcome a new generation of scooter in
the days to come. An Italian company is busy these days in doing the R&D
for 'Hysyrider'- a scooter which operates on the Hydrogen run fuel-cells.
The model was put on display during the seminar on 'Italian Lifestyle and
Living Trends' which was held here recently as part of the ongoing, month-long
Italian Festival/Festa Italiana 2006. The seminar was hosted by Indo-Italian
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).
Full
Story
November 22, 2006
Motorbike sales slow as buyers wait for price cuts
Motorbikes are unable to find customers these
days as customers, hoping to see prices decrease now that Vietnam is a member of
the WTO, have delayed their purchasing plans.
Motorbike shops on Hue,
Ba Trieu and Kham Thien streets all said that sales were now just a half of that
of several months before, when they could sell 10-20 units a day.
Shop owners said that
they have placed big orders, thinking that the sales would be good. The last
months of the year and January of the following year are the high sales season.
However, the situation proves to be different this year: purchasing power is
very low even now, in November, just two months before the Lunar New Year.
Full Story
November 21, 2006
Tuning’s L-series photos
PM Tuning (Lambretta Innovation) has a
series of photos of the L-series “new Lambretta,” showing
various stages of assembly, and
more photos from the EICMA show The engine is, in fact, the
Piaggio QUASAR 250ie motor found in the Vespa GTS, Piaggio MP3,
and several other Piaggio Group scooters. The bike is being
evaluated by Piaggio for engine approval and another Italian
company is preparing drawings and production plans. Several
years in the making, the new Lambretta is getting tantalizingly
closer, but there are still a few hurdles ahead.
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