Italian manufacturer Piaggio, renowned for revolutionary ideas in personal transportation, announces the U.S. debut of the 2009 Vespa GTS 300 Super, the newest evolution of its best-selling mid-size scooter, the GTS 250. Sporting a new high-displacement engine and a collection of racing-inspired components and exterior treatments that complement its high-performance character, the GTS 300 Super has been designed to set pulse points pounding whether in motion or at rest.

As the fastest Vespa in the company’s U.S. product portfolio, the new GTS 300 Super is always ready to stir up excitement. New styling elements that signal its sporty intentions include an eye-catching side grille on the rear engine panel, two-tone alloy wheel rims, a racing red suspension cover on the front spring and a black-rimmed headlight. A new front shield features a stylish chrome air intake, reinforcing its sporty personality and stylish stance.

“The GTS 300 Super doesn’t just stand out in the crowd – it gets you out of the crowd,” says Paolo Timoni, President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas. “Whether you need to accelerate away from traffic or take advantage of parking spaces that others only dream about fitting in, the GTS 300 Super does it with Vespa’s unique mix of Italian attitude and style.”

Vespas have always been the preferred scooters for those who want to send a message about the importance of personal choice, freedom and authenticity. The company has produced over 17 million scooters since its debut in 1946 and the brand has been immortalized by artists and individualists through the decades.

Nerves of Steel, Born to Perform

Like all Vespa scooters, the GTS 300 Super features the company’s exclusive steel frame design. This unique feature has set Vespa apart from other two wheelers ever since the first model debuted in 1946. By using a steel unibody versus a welded plastic-covered tube frame, every Vespa delivers superior torsional rigidity – up to 250% more than other scooters. The result is a machine that’s not only a thrill to look at, but one that provides exceptional precision in handling and response.

Underneath the tough steel exterior of the GTS 300 Super is a 278cc four-stroke single cylinder, liquid-cooled, electronic injection engine. Boasting a high level of torque and few revolutions per minute, the GTS 300 Super provides peak flexibility and maximum acceleration – making it an exceptional choice for city commuters. The twist-and-go continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) allows smooth and easy operation for hassle-free navigation through even the toughest stop-and-go traffic.

Twelve-inch wheels insure a stable ride over pot-hole scarred streets and double-disc brakes allow riders to stop quickly, with confidence. Like all Vespas, the GTS 300 Super sips fuel. Its carbon footprint is pint-size and it exceeds strict U.S. CARB emission standards. And, while owners save fuel and the environment, the scooter’s slim stance also helps reduce congestion – it will happily share one full-size SUV parking space with six of its scooter siblings.

Despite its streamlined stance, the GTS 300 Super is big on cargo capacity. Plentiful under-seat storage space is sufficient for storing helmets, groceries – you name it! And, a broad range of accessories, such as a rear top case and soft luggage, add to the scooter’s functionality.

The 2009 Vespa GTS 300 Super is available at U.S. Vespa retailers starting in March. Color choices include Shiny Black or Optic White. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is US$6,199.

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It’s a well-known fact that Malaysia’s national pastime is EATING! One of the latest players in the food industry here in Kuala Lumpur, the capital, is Yellow Cab Pizza Co. Several delivery scooters were spotted in front, painted in Yellow Cab’s distinctive yellow paint scheme. It’s not known if these are genuine Vespas or LML scooters. Whatever they may be, Yellow Cab seems to be doing the right thing as far as the ‘Attention’ bit in the Marketing principle AIDCA (Attention-Interest-Desire-Conviction-Action) is concerned!

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Suzuki Burgman 650 scooters will be hitting the streets of Birmingham and Manchester this month, as the AA take on a fleet of Burgmans as part of their rapid response two-wheel fleet.

With motorcycles making a return to the AA fleet for the first time since the mid-nineties, the Burgmans inclusion will be a welcome addition, helping to cut response times in city areas. With six Burgman 650s expected to go into Birmingham, four into Manchester and six in London, the AA Burgman fleet will be standard with the exception of a top-box, Garmin Zumo Sat Nav and the AA safety beacons and graphics.

Alan Garret of supplying dealer Motts motorcycles in Basingstoke commented, “We are very happy to assist the AA in their return to bike use. As we all know, motorcycles offer a great solution to beating congestion, and so it’s great to see a well-known organisation maximise the potential of two-wheels again.”

Look out for the Burgman AA machines on the roads of Birmingham and Manchester from 29th and 31st of July 2008.

For more information on this or any other Suzuki model, visit your local authorised Suzuki dealer, log on to www.suzuki.co.uk, or call the Suzuki Contact Centre on 0845 850 8800.

バイカーブードゥー

BikerVoodoo reader Al sent this in. Kicked in the butt by economic reality, he chose to buy a used Modenas Elit 150 (rebadged PGO T-Rex 150) scooter for daily commuting. Read and enjoy!

PRACTICALITY
I picked up my scooter 1 day before the Malaysian fuel/electricity price hike, so it’s pretty good timing. Evaluating my needs for transportation, I realised, after many months of riding around on my buddy’s 115cc Yamaha Ego, that I didn’t really need a car to get to work. I live 3km away from my office, in a straight line, so obviously fuel consumption isn’t the biggest of my concerns, and neither is toll. Most of the major savings come from not paying for parking, at RM5 per day, and having to wake up early to get a parking spot, otherwise I’d be paying RM7, per day. (There’s only one parking area that charges RM5. The rest charge RM7-10 a day).

Based on my calculations, return on investment for my used bike, valued at RM2500 for a 2004 model, I would have fully amortized it within 10-11 months just on fuel and parking savings alone. This doesn’t even include the weekend excursions.

What if it rains? You get wet. That’s the only real downside… that and it hurts if you fall.

USAGE
It’s pretty quick on its feet. Acceleration is sufficient to stay ahead of traffic in town, and cruise at highway speed of 110km/h without straining mechanicals or rider too much. The fat tyres are sticky enough for their purpose, and being 120/70R12 fronts and 130/70R12 rear, you have a pick of the best scooter tyres available, namely Pirelli, Michelin or Bridgestone. Of course for the budget conscious, I’ve been told that brands like Duro and FKR make reasonably good tyres for these sizes at between RM70-80 a piece.

The top end could be slightly better and less stressed, but that’s compared to being on a 2-stroke repliracer or underbone. It’s reasonable for a town hack. Don’t do long distances and you’re fine.

Vibrations are still quite annoying, although it might just be my particular specimen. Despite having a rock-steady idle, vibes are transferred from the engine to the handlebars pretty well. I’ll figure something out soon.

T-Rex/Elit dash is informative – tachometer, speedometer, odometer and fuel gauge. There’s even a digital clock but it wasn’t working as for some reason it is powered by a separate button type battery!

BUYING ONE
Why a Modenas Elit 150? Low resale values makes them good buys used, and they’re not the hottest thing in the market right now so it won’t get stolen. Parts are cheap, plentiful and well made. Why a 150? Cos the 125 just not fast enough! Finally, the Elit 150 / T-Rex 150 is small enough to lane split (as opposed to a larger scooter).

Make sure they have had regular oil, pulley component and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) belt changes or you’re in for a painful introduction to the pavement. If in doubt, just change them when you get the bike. Oil changes are inexpensive, so change often, at every 1000 km or so. and don’t forget a tube of gear lube while you’re at it. Belts and pulleys should last 18000 to 20000km depending on usage. Get the original part. I must stress on original. Any substitute belts have been known to fray and snap in a matter of 2000 – 12000km. It’s just not worth the lost skin.

REFERENCES:
a) MODENAS
b) PGO

バイカーブードゥー

With fuel prices going through the roof, congestion charges on council agendas everywhere and vehicle tax on the rise, what a great time for Yamaha to bring to the market the all new Yamaha Vity. Armed with a 125cc single cylinder four-stroke engine, the Vity is as frugal as they come, ensuring few fill-ups when doing that daily commute. An electric start and a smooth auto transmission means easy operation too. With a disc brake up front and a drum at the back, 10 inch wheels and great weather protection, the Vity has all the right equipment, the same that you would expect from a more pricey scooter. Of course it comes with the expected Yamaha quality and service too plus that 2 year factory warranty that all Yamaha bikes (over 50cc) come with.

The suggested retail price, excluding first registration fee and excise duty, is a very competitive £1,699 and with insurance and road tax being at the bottom of the scale, this is THE alternative mode of transport. The Yamaha Vity is available in Silver Tech, Midnight Black and Fancy Plum and is available at an authorised Yamaha UK dealer now. The local Yamaha dealer can be found using Yamaha’s brand new dealer locator to be found at www.Yamaha-motor.co.uk.

バイカーブードゥー

Italian manufacturer Piaggio, renowned for revolutionary ideas in personal transportation, announces the U.S. debut of the 2009 Vespa GTS 300 Super, the newest evolution of its best-selling mid-size scooter, the GTS 250. Sporting a new high-displacement engine and a collection of racing-inspired components and exterior treatments that complement its high-performance character, the GTS 300 Super has been designed to set pulse points pounding whether in motion or at rest.

As the fastest Vespa in the company’s U.S. product portfolio, the new GTS 300 Super is always ready to stir up excitement. New styling elements that signal its sporty intentions include an eye-catching side grille on the rear engine panel, two-tone alloy wheel rims, a racing red suspension cover on the front spring and a black-rimmed headlight. A new front shield features a stylish chrome air intake, reinforcing its sporty personality and stylish stance.

“The GTS 300 Super doesn’t just stand out in the crowd – it gets you out of the crowd,” says Paolo Timoni, President and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas. “Whether you need to accelerate away from traffic or take advantage of parking spaces that others only dream about fitting in, the GTS 300 Super does it with Vespa’s unique mix of Italian attitude and style.”

Vespas have always been the preferred scooters for those who want to send a message about the importance of personal choice, freedom and authenticity. The company has produced over 17 million scooters since its debut in 1946 and the brand has been immortalized by artists and individualists through the decades.

Nerves of Steel, Born to Perform

Like all Vespa scooters, the GTS 300 Super features the company’s exclusive steel frame design. This unique feature has set Vespa apart from other two wheelers ever since the first model debuted in 1946. By using a steel unibody versus a welded plastic-covered tube frame, every Vespa delivers superior torsional rigidity – up to 250% more than other scooters. The result is a machine that’s not only a thrill to look at, but one that provides exceptional precision in handling and response.

Underneath the tough steel exterior of the GTS 300 Super is a 278cc four-stroke single cylinder, liquid-cooled, electronic injection engine. Boasting a high level of torque and few revolutions per minute, the GTS 300 Super provides peak flexibility and maximum acceleration – making it an exceptional choice for city commuters. The twist-and-go continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) allows smooth and easy operation for hassle-free navigation through even the toughest stop-and-go traffic.

Twelve-inch wheels insure a stable ride over pot-hole scarred streets and double-disc brakes allow riders to stop quickly, with confidence. Like all Vespas, the GTS 300 Super sips fuel. Its carbon footprint is pint-size and it exceeds strict U.S. CARB emission standards. And, while owners save fuel and the environment, the scooter’s slim stance also helps reduce congestion – it will happily share one full-size SUV parking space with six of its scooter siblings.

Despite its streamlined stance, the GTS 300 Super is big on cargo capacity. Plentiful under-seat storage space is sufficient for storing helmets, groceries – you name it! And, a broad range of accessories, such as a rear top case and soft luggage, add to the scooter’s functionality.

The 2009 Vespa GTS 300 Super is available at U.S. Vespa retailers starting in March. Color choices include Shiny Black or Optic White. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is US$6,199.

バイカーブードゥー

It’s a well-known fact that Malaysia’s national pastime is EATING! One of the latest players in the food industry here in Kuala Lumpur, the capital, is Yellow Cab Pizza Co. Several delivery scooters were spotted in front, painted in Yellow Cab’s distinctive yellow paint scheme. It’s not known if these are genuine Vespas or LML scooters. Whatever they may be, Yellow Cab seems to be doing the right thing as far as the ‘Attention’ bit in the Marketing principle AIDCA (Attention-Interest-Desire-Conviction-Action) is concerned!

バイカーブードゥー

Suzuki Burgman 650 scooters will be hitting the streets of Birmingham and Manchester this month, as the AA take on a fleet of Burgmans as part of their rapid response two-wheel fleet.

With motorcycles making a return to the AA fleet for the first time since the mid-nineties, the Burgmans inclusion will be a welcome addition, helping to cut response times in city areas. With six Burgman 650s expected to go into Birmingham, four into Manchester and six in London, the AA Burgman fleet will be standard with the exception of a top-box, Garmin Zumo Sat Nav and the AA safety beacons and graphics.

Alan Garret of supplying dealer Motts motorcycles in Basingstoke commented, “We are very happy to assist the AA in their return to bike use. As we all know, motorcycles offer a great solution to beating congestion, and so it’s great to see a well-known organisation maximise the potential of two-wheels again.”

Look out for the Burgman AA machines on the roads of Birmingham and Manchester from 29th and 31st of July 2008.

For more information on this or any other Suzuki model, visit your local authorised Suzuki dealer, log on to www.suzuki.co.uk, or call the Suzuki Contact Centre on 0845 850 8800.

バイカーブードゥー

BikerVoodoo reader Al sent this in. Kicked in the butt by economic reality, he chose to buy a used Modenas Elit 150 (rebadged PGO T-Rex 150) scooter for daily commuting. Read and enjoy!

PRACTICALITY
I picked up my scooter 1 day before the Malaysian fuel/electricity price hike, so it’s pretty good timing. Evaluating my needs for transportation, I realised, after many months of riding around on my buddy’s 115cc Yamaha Ego, that I didn’t really need a car to get to work. I live 3km away from my office, in a straight line, so obviously fuel consumption isn’t the biggest of my concerns, and neither is toll. Most of the major savings come from not paying for parking, at RM5 per day, and having to wake up early to get a parking spot, otherwise I’d be paying RM7, per day. (There’s only one parking area that charges RM5. The rest charge RM7-10 a day).

Based on my calculations, return on investment for my used bike, valued at RM2500 for a 2004 model, I would have fully amortized it within 10-11 months just on fuel and parking savings alone. This doesn’t even include the weekend excursions.

What if it rains? You get wet. That’s the only real downside… that and it hurts if you fall.

USAGE
It’s pretty quick on its feet. Acceleration is sufficient to stay ahead of traffic in town, and cruise at highway speed of 110km/h without straining mechanicals or rider too much. The fat tyres are sticky enough for their purpose, and being 120/70R12 fronts and 130/70R12 rear, you have a pick of the best scooter tyres available, namely Pirelli, Michelin or Bridgestone. Of course for the budget conscious, I’ve been told that brands like Duro and FKR make reasonably good tyres for these sizes at between RM70-80 a piece.

The top end could be slightly better and less stressed, but that’s compared to being on a 2-stroke repliracer or underbone. It’s reasonable for a town hack. Don’t do long distances and you’re fine.

Vibrations are still quite annoying, although it might just be my particular specimen. Despite having a rock-steady idle, vibes are transferred from the engine to the handlebars pretty well. I’ll figure something out soon.

T-Rex/Elit dash is informative – tachometer, speedometer, odometer and fuel gauge. There’s even a digital clock but it wasn’t working as for some reason it is powered by a separate button type battery!

BUYING ONE
Why a Modenas Elit 150? Low resale values makes them good buys used, and they’re not the hottest thing in the market right now so it won’t get stolen. Parts are cheap, plentiful and well made. Why a 150? Cos the 125 just not fast enough! Finally, the Elit 150 / T-Rex 150 is small enough to lane split (as opposed to a larger scooter).

Make sure they have had regular oil, pulley component and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) belt changes or you’re in for a painful introduction to the pavement. If in doubt, just change them when you get the bike. Oil changes are inexpensive, so change often, at every 1000 km or so. and don’t forget a tube of gear lube while you’re at it. Belts and pulleys should last 18000 to 20000km depending on usage. Get the original part. I must stress on original. Any substitute belts have been known to fray and snap in a matter of 2000 – 12000km. It’s just not worth the lost skin.

REFERENCES:
a) MODENAS
b) PGO

バイカーブードゥー

With fuel prices going through the roof, congestion charges on council agendas everywhere and vehicle tax on the rise, what a great time for Yamaha to bring to the market the all new Yamaha Vity. Armed with a 125cc single cylinder four-stroke engine, the Vity is as frugal as they come, ensuring few fill-ups when doing that daily commute. An electric start and a smooth auto transmission means easy operation too. With a disc brake up front and a drum at the back, 10 inch wheels and great weather protection, the Vity has all the right equipment, the same that you would expect from a more pricey scooter. Of course it comes with the expected Yamaha quality and service too plus that 2 year factory warranty that all Yamaha bikes (over 50cc) come with.

The suggested retail price, excluding first registration fee and excise duty, is a very competitive £1,699 and with insurance and road tax being at the bottom of the scale, this is THE alternative mode of transport. The Yamaha Vity is available in Silver Tech, Midnight Black and Fancy Plum and is available at an authorised Yamaha UK dealer now. The local Yamaha dealer can be found using Yamaha’s brand new dealer locator to be found at www.Yamaha-motor.co.uk.

バイカーブードゥー