April 20, 2009, BURBANK, CA — On April 30th, singer/songwriter Jason Reeves will gather his friends and fellow musicians Brendan James and Amber Rubarth and embark on The Vespa Experiment, a two-week tour of the California coastline during which they hope to raise awareness about global warming. The three artists will leave behind the concrete jungle of Los Angeles and ride Vespas up the Coast with just the basics: camping gear, musical instruments, and a vision: to inspire young people to consider their impact on their environment.

“It seems like back in the late 60s and early 70s, people turned to folk singers and songwriters for inspiration and answers to difficult questions,” Reeves says. “We were very motivated by that idea and hope to influence a new generation to become more environmentally aware as they grow up and take command of their future.”

To that end, the artists have linked up with Greenpeace, who have come on board as a partner to help deliver their message. Greenpeace volunteers will be present at events to engage attendees and urge people to take action to protect the natural beauty of the West from the devastating impacts of global warming. It is critical that Californians act now to protect the state’s beautiful forests, coastal areas and farmlands.

Attendees will take action at the concert by signing a giant postcard banner, writing letters, and making phone calls to local Representatives, urging them to be bold in their support for global warming solutions in Congress this year.

The artists chose Vespas to focus attention on the positive and immediate environmental impact of scooters as personal transportation. “If the 69% of Americans who own two or more cars would just switch one set of four wheels for two, the reduction in fuel consumption, emissions, congestion and cost would be significant – not years from now, but right now,” said Paolo Timoni, President and CEO, Piaggio Group Americas. “Even if Americans were to switch just 10% of their total mileage to scooters, they would consume 14 – 18 million gallons less fuel per day and carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 324 million pounds per day.”

As Reeves, James and Rubarth travel north, they will be accompanied by a photographer and film crew, who will document their journey as they perform at clubs, park amphitheaters, mountaintops, and campgrounds along their route; engaging with fans and leading discussions about the environment, and even leading songwriting sessions with community activists and kids from local schools. The footage and photographs will be edited into webisodes to be posted on each of the artists’ websites and at www.myspace.com/TheVespaExperiment enabling fans to follow the artists’ adventures as they unfold and communicate with their peers about what they are seeing.

The Vespa Experiment tour dates are as follows:

4/30 Carlsbad, CA, The Museum of Making Music**
5/1 Costa Mesa, CA, Sutra Lounge
5/2 Hermosa Beach, CA, Saint Rocke
5/3 Los Angeles, CA, Roxy
5/5 Ventura, CA, The Lodge at Zoey’s
5/7 San Luis Obispo, CA, Downtown Brew
5/10 Monterey, CA, Monterey Live
5/12 San Francisco, CA, Café Du Nord

** Jason Reeves & Brendan James only

More Performances & Special Events TBA.

For latest updates, please visit www.myspace.com/TheVespaExperiment.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

Jason Reeves is a 23-year-old Iowa City native who was signed to Warner Bros. Records last summer by Senior Vice President of A&R and current American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi. He has been touring in support of his debut album, The Magnificent Adventures of Heartache (and Other Frightening Tales), which was re-released in late 2008 after selling briskly as an independent. iTunes named Reeves one of the Top Indie Singer-Songwriters of 2007. Music fans may also know Reeves through his songwriting collaborations with breakthrough singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat. Reeves co-wrote 10 tracks on Caillat’s platinum debut album Coco, including the smash hit singles “Bubbly” and “Realize.” www.myspace.com/jasonreeves

Decca/Velour recording artist, Brendan James continues to build his fan base with the same old school aesthetic that successful musical forbearers have done before him – one room at a time. He toured aggressively throughout 2008 in support of his debut album-The Day is Brave- crisscrossing the country passing through 40 states, to connect with fans. In television appearances along the way in New York, Chicago, Dallas and Philadelphia among others, Newsweek tipped him as a ‘Must Hear’ (“stunning”), Entertainment Weekly chose him as a songwriter on the rise and Page Six Magazine dubbed him their “It” guy. Perez Hilton exclaims: “We love Brendan James!” Most recently Brendan performed aboard the Mayercraft Carrier as direct support for John Mayer and spent some time across the pond in London recording his sophomore effort to be released in late 2009. http://www.myspace.com/brendanjames

Take the timelessness of Patsy Cline. Mix in the insatiable curiosity of Socrates. Give it an edge, a roughness, refined in the spirit but raw in the performance, like someone singing in the shower. You’ll start to have an idea of what makes up Amber Rubarth. TOM WAITS helped choose “Washing Day” (co-written with Adam Levy of Norah Jones’ Band) as first place in lyric writing in the International Songwriting Competition. Hollywood’s music magazine MUSIC CONNECTION made her one of their Hot 100 Artists. Owl Magazine named Amber’s debut CD one of the TOP 10 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR (alongside Kanye West & Alicia Keys). NPR loves her “honesty and humor.” And her songs have generated over 1.3 million songs on my space. Brooklyn based Amber Rubarth is now touring throughout the U.S. and Europe in support of her new CD “New Green Lines.” She plans to release another full-length album this fall. www.myspace.com/amberrubarth

バイカーブードゥー

YONKERS, NY ― Fueled by painfully high gasoline prices, 2008 saw many consumers looking for new alternatives to big-bucks fill-ups at the pump. With rising interest in lower-priced two-wheelers that sip rather than guzzle gas and thousands of new riders on the road, Consumer Reports has tested small motor scooters and motorcycles for the first time since 1981.

Consumer Reports tested a total of eight fuel sipping, small-displacement models: three 50cc scooters, three scooters in the 125cc to 150cc range, and two 250cc entry-level motorcycles, all priced between about US$1,000 to US$4,400 and delivering as much as 60 to 100 mpg fuel economy, at a steady cruise. Among the scooters, models from Italy’s Vespa and Taiwan’s Kymco achieved the highest overall ratings, with the Vespa LX 50 leading the 50cc category, and the Vespa LX 150 and Kymco People 150 sharing best overall ratings in the bigger engine class. Among the motorcycles, the Kawasaki Ninja 250, an entry-level sports bike, achieved a higher score than the Honda Rebel.

“When fuel prices crossed the US$4.00 per gallon mark, some consumers shifted gears and two wheels became a cost-saving alternative,” said Rik Paul, automotive editor, Consumer Reports. “And, despite current low gas costs, interest in scooters and motorcycles may continue to increase, especially in urban areas where parking space is at a premium”.

The full report on motorcycles and scooters is available in the March 2009 issue of Consumer Reports, on sale February 3 and online at www.ConsumerReports.org

With their 35 to 40 mph top speed, 50cc scooters may suffice for short trips in suburban and city riding. Of the three models tested, the Vespa LX 50’s smooth four-stroke engine, good ergonomics, controlled ride quality, and solid fit and finish made it the favorite choice, but it is very slow. Testers found that “you get what you pay for,” with the inexpensive US$995 Motorino Allegra getting the worst marks for vibration, harsh ride, and subpar fit.

In the 125cc to 150 cc category, the tested models’ top speed range of 55 mph to 57 mph made them much better suited for keeping up with traffic but still not recommended for freeway or interstate use. The 150cc Kymco People and Vespa LX both proved well-rounded, easy-to-ride machines, with responsive handling and easy maneuverability. With its big 16-inch wheels, the Kymco offered superior stability and off-the-line acceleration while the Vespa excelled in ride quality, roominess, under-seat storage, and build quality. The third model tested, the Yamaha Vino 125 could not match the other two models’ ride experience. While offering the lowest price point at US$2,899, the Yamaha’s harsh ride and sluggish engine detracted from its cost benefit.

Of the two 250cc motorcycles tested, the Kawasaki Ninja 250 was the clear winner, outperforming the Honda Rebel 250 in most categories. With its agile handling, and slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, this entry-level motorcycle is an excellent choice for individuals who want to combine low cost of ownership with a more performance-focused ride experience. Agile, stable, and refined yet brisk, the Ninja also had the best braking performance of any model tested. Compared with scooters, which have easy-shifting automatic transmissions, step-through designs, and handy under-seat storage capacity, motorcycles, however, are less practical and their manual transmissions and higher performance require more skill to handle well.

Like Consumer Reports in-depth auto testing process, scooters and motorcycles were subjected to an extensive sequence of standardized tests to determine their performance in categories such as acceleration, braking, fuel economy, noise/vibration, top speed and comfort. To evaluate ride, handling and everyday liveability features, the staff designed a new 5.2 mile testing route, including stops and starts on hills and a variety of tight turns, utilizing the Auto Test Center’s multi-surface, multi-grade facility. New testing procedures were also added to accurately evaluate the machines’ response to common urban riding situations, such as the ability to quickly and safely accelerate through an intersection.

“Scooters and motorcycles can be a fun, fuel-sipping alternative for everyday commuting and they are certainly an enjoyable recreational choice, but consumers also need to consider their limitations,” said Paul. “Proper protective gear is essential, especially in inclement weather. Even a moderate 40-degrees F temperature can feel like sub-freezing wind chill to a rider.” And, says Paul, professional instruction to finetune defensive riding skills, such as a course offered through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, is a must for new riders as risk of serious injury is significantly higher than in a car or truck.

With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site; the magazine’s auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To become a subscriber, consumers can call 1-800-234-1645. Information and articles from the magazine can be accessed online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

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

Recently, just after Christmas I walked through the toys section and found a 1:18 scale model of a Vespa TAP (1959) by Maisto that I just HAD to buy!

The Vespa TAP was also known as the AMCA Troupes Aeról Portées Mle. 56. ACMA was a license production assembler of Vespa scooters in France and produced this unusual, perhaps one-of-its-kind example of an armed scooter for use by the French Airborne forces in Algeria and Indochina.

Armed with an M20 75mm recoilless rifle, the Vespa TAP was dropped in two-man teams via parachute into hotspots.

Apparently about 800 Vespa TAPs were deployed and cost about US$500 at the time, while the M20 was war surplus. The M20 could fire a 75mm HEAT (High Explosive, Anti-Tank) shaped charge round which was capable of penetrating up to 100mm of armour at up to 360 metres away. The rear vented breech eliminated recoil, allowing it to be mounted on jeeps and in this case, a Vespa scooter!

relied on a perforated artillery shell casing, combined with a rear vented breech using propellent gases from the firing of a shell, to greatly reduce the recoil of the weapon. It is this use of vented propellent gases that eliminated the need for a recoil system, thereby reducing the weight of the artillery piece and enhancing its use as a light infantry weapon.

It would be interesting to see what low-budget military bikes come up in todays world of big budget military spending.

SOURCE: Wikipedia, Dark Roasted

バイカーブードゥー

April 20, 2009, BURBANK, CA — On April 30th, singer/songwriter Jason Reeves will gather his friends and fellow musicians Brendan James and Amber Rubarth and embark on The Vespa Experiment, a two-week tour of the California coastline during which they hope to raise awareness about global warming. The three artists will leave behind the concrete jungle of Los Angeles and ride Vespas up the Coast with just the basics: camping gear, musical instruments, and a vision: to inspire young people to consider their impact on their environment.

“It seems like back in the late 60s and early 70s, people turned to folk singers and songwriters for inspiration and answers to difficult questions,” Reeves says. “We were very motivated by that idea and hope to influence a new generation to become more environmentally aware as they grow up and take command of their future.”

To that end, the artists have linked up with Greenpeace, who have come on board as a partner to help deliver their message. Greenpeace volunteers will be present at events to engage attendees and urge people to take action to protect the natural beauty of the West from the devastating impacts of global warming. It is critical that Californians act now to protect the state’s beautiful forests, coastal areas and farmlands.

Attendees will take action at the concert by signing a giant postcard banner, writing letters, and making phone calls to local Representatives, urging them to be bold in their support for global warming solutions in Congress this year.

The artists chose Vespas to focus attention on the positive and immediate environmental impact of scooters as personal transportation. “If the 69% of Americans who own two or more cars would just switch one set of four wheels for two, the reduction in fuel consumption, emissions, congestion and cost would be significant – not years from now, but right now,” said Paolo Timoni, President and CEO, Piaggio Group Americas. “Even if Americans were to switch just 10% of their total mileage to scooters, they would consume 14 – 18 million gallons less fuel per day and carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 324 million pounds per day.”

As Reeves, James and Rubarth travel north, they will be accompanied by a photographer and film crew, who will document their journey as they perform at clubs, park amphitheaters, mountaintops, and campgrounds along their route; engaging with fans and leading discussions about the environment, and even leading songwriting sessions with community activists and kids from local schools. The footage and photographs will be edited into webisodes to be posted on each of the artists’ websites and at www.myspace.com/TheVespaExperiment enabling fans to follow the artists’ adventures as they unfold and communicate with their peers about what they are seeing.

The Vespa Experiment tour dates are as follows:

4/30 Carlsbad, CA, The Museum of Making Music**
5/1 Costa Mesa, CA, Sutra Lounge
5/2 Hermosa Beach, CA, Saint Rocke
5/3 Los Angeles, CA, Roxy
5/5 Ventura, CA, The Lodge at Zoey’s
5/7 San Luis Obispo, CA, Downtown Brew
5/10 Monterey, CA, Monterey Live
5/12 San Francisco, CA, Café Du Nord

** Jason Reeves & Brendan James only

More Performances & Special Events TBA.

For latest updates, please visit www.myspace.com/TheVespaExperiment.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

Jason Reeves is a 23-year-old Iowa City native who was signed to Warner Bros. Records last summer by Senior Vice President of A&R and current American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi. He has been touring in support of his debut album, The Magnificent Adventures of Heartache (and Other Frightening Tales), which was re-released in late 2008 after selling briskly as an independent. iTunes named Reeves one of the Top Indie Singer-Songwriters of 2007. Music fans may also know Reeves through his songwriting collaborations with breakthrough singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat. Reeves co-wrote 10 tracks on Caillat’s platinum debut album Coco, including the smash hit singles “Bubbly” and “Realize.” www.myspace.com/jasonreeves

Decca/Velour recording artist, Brendan James continues to build his fan base with the same old school aesthetic that successful musical forbearers have done before him – one room at a time. He toured aggressively throughout 2008 in support of his debut album-The Day is Brave- crisscrossing the country passing through 40 states, to connect with fans. In television appearances along the way in New York, Chicago, Dallas and Philadelphia among others, Newsweek tipped him as a ‘Must Hear’ (“stunning”), Entertainment Weekly chose him as a songwriter on the rise and Page Six Magazine dubbed him their “It” guy. Perez Hilton exclaims: “We love Brendan James!” Most recently Brendan performed aboard the Mayercraft Carrier as direct support for John Mayer and spent some time across the pond in London recording his sophomore effort to be released in late 2009. http://www.myspace.com/brendanjames

Take the timelessness of Patsy Cline. Mix in the insatiable curiosity of Socrates. Give it an edge, a roughness, refined in the spirit but raw in the performance, like someone singing in the shower. You’ll start to have an idea of what makes up Amber Rubarth. TOM WAITS helped choose “Washing Day” (co-written with Adam Levy of Norah Jones’ Band) as first place in lyric writing in the International Songwriting Competition. Hollywood’s music magazine MUSIC CONNECTION made her one of their Hot 100 Artists. Owl Magazine named Amber’s debut CD one of the TOP 10 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR (alongside Kanye West & Alicia Keys). NPR loves her “honesty and humor.” And her songs have generated over 1.3 million songs on my space. Brooklyn based Amber Rubarth is now touring throughout the U.S. and Europe in support of her new CD “New Green Lines.” She plans to release another full-length album this fall. www.myspace.com/amberrubarth

バイカーブードゥー

YONKERS, NY ― Fueled by painfully high gasoline prices, 2008 saw many consumers looking for new alternatives to big-bucks fill-ups at the pump. With rising interest in lower-priced two-wheelers that sip rather than guzzle gas and thousands of new riders on the road, Consumer Reports has tested small motor scooters and motorcycles for the first time since 1981.

Consumer Reports tested a total of eight fuel sipping, small-displacement models: three 50cc scooters, three scooters in the 125cc to 150cc range, and two 250cc entry-level motorcycles, all priced between about US$1,000 to US$4,400 and delivering as much as 60 to 100 mpg fuel economy, at a steady cruise. Among the scooters, models from Italy’s Vespa and Taiwan’s Kymco achieved the highest overall ratings, with the Vespa LX 50 leading the 50cc category, and the Vespa LX 150 and Kymco People 150 sharing best overall ratings in the bigger engine class. Among the motorcycles, the Kawasaki Ninja 250, an entry-level sports bike, achieved a higher score than the Honda Rebel.

“When fuel prices crossed the US$4.00 per gallon mark, some consumers shifted gears and two wheels became a cost-saving alternative,” said Rik Paul, automotive editor, Consumer Reports. “And, despite current low gas costs, interest in scooters and motorcycles may continue to increase, especially in urban areas where parking space is at a premium”.

The full report on motorcycles and scooters is available in the March 2009 issue of Consumer Reports, on sale February 3 and online at www.ConsumerReports.org

With their 35 to 40 mph top speed, 50cc scooters may suffice for short trips in suburban and city riding. Of the three models tested, the Vespa LX 50’s smooth four-stroke engine, good ergonomics, controlled ride quality, and solid fit and finish made it the favorite choice, but it is very slow. Testers found that “you get what you pay for,” with the inexpensive US$995 Motorino Allegra getting the worst marks for vibration, harsh ride, and subpar fit.

In the 125cc to 150 cc category, the tested models’ top speed range of 55 mph to 57 mph made them much better suited for keeping up with traffic but still not recommended for freeway or interstate use. The 150cc Kymco People and Vespa LX both proved well-rounded, easy-to-ride machines, with responsive handling and easy maneuverability. With its big 16-inch wheels, the Kymco offered superior stability and off-the-line acceleration while the Vespa excelled in ride quality, roominess, under-seat storage, and build quality. The third model tested, the Yamaha Vino 125 could not match the other two models’ ride experience. While offering the lowest price point at US$2,899, the Yamaha’s harsh ride and sluggish engine detracted from its cost benefit.

Of the two 250cc motorcycles tested, the Kawasaki Ninja 250 was the clear winner, outperforming the Honda Rebel 250 in most categories. With its agile handling, and slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, this entry-level motorcycle is an excellent choice for individuals who want to combine low cost of ownership with a more performance-focused ride experience. Agile, stable, and refined yet brisk, the Ninja also had the best braking performance of any model tested. Compared with scooters, which have easy-shifting automatic transmissions, step-through designs, and handy under-seat storage capacity, motorcycles, however, are less practical and their manual transmissions and higher performance require more skill to handle well.

Like Consumer Reports in-depth auto testing process, scooters and motorcycles were subjected to an extensive sequence of standardized tests to determine their performance in categories such as acceleration, braking, fuel economy, noise/vibration, top speed and comfort. To evaluate ride, handling and everyday liveability features, the staff designed a new 5.2 mile testing route, including stops and starts on hills and a variety of tight turns, utilizing the Auto Test Center’s multi-surface, multi-grade facility. New testing procedures were also added to accurately evaluate the machines’ response to common urban riding situations, such as the ability to quickly and safely accelerate through an intersection.

“Scooters and motorcycles can be a fun, fuel-sipping alternative for everyday commuting and they are certainly an enjoyable recreational choice, but consumers also need to consider their limitations,” said Paul. “Proper protective gear is essential, especially in inclement weather. Even a moderate 40-degrees F temperature can feel like sub-freezing wind chill to a rider.” And, says Paul, professional instruction to finetune defensive riding skills, such as a course offered through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, is a must for new riders as risk of serious injury is significantly higher than in a car or truck.

With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site; the magazine’s auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To become a subscriber, consumers can call 1-800-234-1645. Information and articles from the magazine can be accessed online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

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

Recently, just after Christmas I walked through the toys section and found a 1:18 scale model of a Vespa TAP (1959) by Maisto that I just HAD to buy!

The Vespa TAP was also known as the AMCA Troupes Aeról Portées Mle. 56. ACMA was a license production assembler of Vespa scooters in France and produced this unusual, perhaps one-of-its-kind example of an armed scooter for use by the French Airborne forces in Algeria and Indochina.

Armed with an M20 75mm recoilless rifle, the Vespa TAP was dropped in two-man teams via parachute into hotspots.

Apparently about 800 Vespa TAPs were deployed and cost about US$500 at the time, while the M20 was war surplus. The M20 could fire a 75mm HEAT (High Explosive, Anti-Tank) shaped charge round which was capable of penetrating up to 100mm of armour at up to 360 metres away. The rear vented breech eliminated recoil, allowing it to be mounted on jeeps and in this case, a Vespa scooter!

relied on a perforated artillery shell casing, combined with a rear vented breech using propellent gases from the firing of a shell, to greatly reduce the recoil of the weapon. It is this use of vented propellent gases that eliminated the need for a recoil system, thereby reducing the weight of the artillery piece and enhancing its use as a light infantry weapon.

It would be interesting to see what low-budget military bikes come up in todays world of big budget military spending.

SOURCE: Wikipedia, Dark Roasted

バイカーブードゥー