CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" dir="ltr"> <head profile="http://gmpg.org/xfn/11"><script type="text/javascript" src="https://web-static.archive.org/_static/js/bundle-playback.js?v=7YQSqjSh" charset="utf-8"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web-static.archive.org/_static/js/wombat.js?v=txqj7nKC" charset="utf-8"></script> <script>window.RufflePlayer=window.RufflePlayer||{};window.RufflePlayer.config={"autoplay":"on","unmuteOverlay":"hidden"};</script> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web-static.archive.org/_static/js/ruffle/ruffle.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> __wm.init("https://web.archive.org/web"); __wm.wombat("http://www.thebikergene.com:80/category/scooters/","20091102123703","https://web.archive.org/","web","https://web-static.archive.org/_static/", "1257165423"); </script> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="https://web-static.archive.org/_static/css/banner-styles.css?v=p7PEIJWi" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="https://web-static.archive.org/_static/css/iconochive.css?v=3PDvdIFv" />  <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"/> <title>Scooters » The Biker Gene</title> <meta name="generator" content="WordPress 2.3"/>  <style type="text/css" media="screen"> @import url( https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703cs_/http://www.thebikergene.com/wp-content/themes/transport/style.css ); </style> <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" title="RSS 2.0" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/feed/"/> <link rel="alternate" type="text/xml" title="RSS .92" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/feed/rss/"/> <link rel="alternate" type="application/atom+xml" title="Atom 0.3" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/feed/atom/"/> <link rel="pingback" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/xmlrpc.php"/> <link rel="archives" title="September 2009" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/2009/09/"/> <link rel="archives" title="June 2009" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/2009/06/"/> <link rel="archives" title="May 2009" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/2009/05/"/> <link rel="archives" title="April 2009" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/2009/04/"/> <link rel="archives" title="March 2009" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/2009/03/"/> <link rel="archives" title="February 2009" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/2009/02/"/> <link rel="archives" title="January 2009" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/2009/01/"/> <link rel="archives" title="December 2008" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/2008/12/"/> <link rel="archives" title="November 2008" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/2008/11/"/> <link rel="archives" title="October 2008" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/2008/10/"/> <link rel="archives" title="September 2008" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/2008/09/"/> <link rel="archives" title="August 2008" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/2008/08/"/> <link rel="archives" title="July 2008" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/2008/07/"/> <link rel="archives" title="June 2008" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/2008/06/"/> <link rel="archives" title="May 2008" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/2008/05/"/> <link rel="archives" title="April 2008" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/2008/04/"/> <link rel="archives" title="March 2008" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/2008/03/"/> <link rel="archives" title="February 2008" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/2008/02/"/> <link rel="archives" title="January 2008" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/2008/01/"/> <link rel="archives" title="December 2007" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/2007/12/"/> <link rel="archives" title="November 2007" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/2007/11/"/> <link rel="archives" title="October 2007" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/2007/10/"/> <link rel="EditURI" type="application/rsd+xml" title="RSD" href="http://www.thebikergene.com/xmlrpc.php?rsd"/> <style type="text/css">.ZenPress_left {margin-right:1em;} .ZenPress_right {margin-left:1em;}</style></head> <body> <div id="background" class="two_cols"> <div id="header"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/"></a></div> <div id="header_shade"></div> <div id="body_noCols"></div> <div id="content"> <h1>Scooters</h1> <div class="next_prev"> <div class="prev"></div> <div class="next"></div> <div class="clear"></div> </div> <div class="post" id="post-140"> <h2><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/automotos-85mpg-roofed-tilting-3-wheeler-goes-on-sale-soon-and-its-cheap/" rel="bookmark">AutoMoto’s 85mpg, roofed tilting 3-wheeler goes on sale soon - and it’s cheap!</a></h2> <p class="date">January 6th, 2009</p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/AutoMoto"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703im_/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/zen/i.php?a=AutoMoto&i=17.jpg&w=500&h=" class="ZenPress_thumb" alt="17" title="17"/></a></p> <p>While <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/sidams-xnovo-three-wheeler-anybody-fancy-half-a-minivan/#comments" target="_blank">Sidam’s Xnovo tilting scoot</a> with twin rear wheels doesn’t seem to have hit the market yet, this similar jigger is apparently already in production, with several units built and a warehouse you can visit in California if you want to see them in the flesh. The AutoMoto adds a roof and windshield to a regular scooter body, adds a 4-speaker MP3 sound system and a nice big trunk, and then sticks an extra wheel on the back for stability. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/automotos-85mpg-roofed-tilting-3-wheeler-goes-on-sale-soon-and-its-cheap/#more-140" class="more-link">(more…)</a></p> <center>Posted in <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/scooters/" title="View all posts in Scooters" rel="category tag">Scooters</a>, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/three-wheelers/" title="View all posts in Three-wheelers" rel="category tag">Three-wheelers</a> | <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/automotos-85mpg-roofed-tilting-3-wheeler-goes-on-sale-soon-and-its-cheap/#comments" title="Comment on AutoMoto鈥檚 85mpg, roofed tilting 3-wheeler goes on sale soon - and it鈥檚 cheap!">17 Comments »</a></center> </div> <div class="post" id="post-90"> <h2><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/hondas-radical-dn-01-to-launch-in-the-uk-from-august-1/" rel="bookmark">Honda’s radical DN-01 to launch in the UK from August 1</a></h2> <p class="date">July 9th, 2008</p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/Honda%20DN-01"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703im_/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/zen/i.php?a=Honda%20DN-01&i=MDN012008AXD.jpg&w=500&h=" class="ZenPress_thumb" alt="MDN012008AXD" title="MDN012008AXD"/></a></p> <p>It’s fair to say Honda is probably the most conservative of the major manufacturers - technology is introduced very slowly, designs are far from radical and quality and reliability rule the roost. So what the hell is the DN-01 doing in its product lineup? The category-busting cruisy sports maxi-scooter is set to launch August 1 in the UK, at which point we’ll learn if the market’s ready for a bike so outlandish.</p> <p>The DN-01 is the first bike to feature <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.gizmag.com/go/8147/" target="_blank">Honda’s new infinitely variable “Human-Friendly Transmission” (HFT)</a> which is capable of operating in full automatic ‘drive’ mode or a manual shift 6-speed ’sports’ mode that locks the variable transmission to a set of common ratios that mimic the feel of a tiptronic car system. The HFT is expected to show up on a range of future models from Honda. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/hondas-radical-dn-01-to-launch-in-the-uk-from-august-1/#more-90" class="more-link">(more…)</a></p> <center>Posted in <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/scooters/" title="View all posts in Scooters" rel="category tag">Scooters</a>, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/cruisers/" title="View all posts in cruisers" rel="category tag">cruisers</a> | <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/hondas-radical-dn-01-to-launch-in-the-uk-from-august-1/#comments" title="Comment on Honda鈥檚 radical DN-01 to launch in the UK from August 1">1 Comment »</a></center> </div> <div class="post" id="post-68"> <h2><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/vectrix-electric-scooter-achieves-lift-off/" rel="bookmark">Vectrix electric scooter achieves lift-off</a></h2> <p class="date">March 19th, 2008</p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/Vectrix%20Shenanigans"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703im_/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/zen/i.php?a=Vectrix%20Shenanigans&i=ET1.jpg&w=500&h=" class="ZenPress_thumb" alt="ET1" title="ET1"/></a></p> <p>When we reviewed the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.gizmag.com/go/8036/" target="_blank">Vextrix Electric Maxi-Scooter</a> a few months back over at Gizmag, we loved the handling and sweet electric drive it offered… But we never for a second thought we’d ever see one getting up to these sorts of antics, soaring through the air and hoisting bulk wheelies down the road. Now, I can wheelie most bikes, but I’m happy to bow down to the bloke that can wheelie one of these!</p> <p>Our mystery anonymous contact won’t confirm whether the machine is stock standard or somehow tweaked, but we got a huge buzz out of these photos so we thought we’d share them anyway. The rider is absolutely ecstatic with the Vectrix ownership experience, he takes the little machine everywhere and reckons its range and power are improving as the kilometres clock up.</p> <p>He’s done around 7,500km on it, and estimates his power bill has increased by about $70 from normal. When you think about how far $70 would get you in a car, you get a glimpse of what these zero-emission electric vehicles are going to be able to do for us as they improve in range and power.</p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/Vectrix%20Shenanigans"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703im_/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/zen/i.php?a=Vectrix%20Shenanigans&i=-1.jpg&w=500&h=" class="ZenPress_thumb" alt="-1" title="-1"/></a></p> <p>Our photos courtesy of Eye in the Sky.</p> <center>Posted in <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/scooters/" title="View all posts in Scooters" rel="category tag">Scooters</a> | <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/vectrix-electric-scooter-achieves-lift-off/#comments" title="Comment on Vectrix electric scooter achieves lift-off">4 Comments »</a></center> </div> <div class="post" id="post-62"> <h2><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/sidams-xnovo-three-wheeler-anybody-fancy-half-a-minivan/" rel="bookmark">Sidam’s Xnovo three-wheeler: anybody fancy half a minivan?</a></h2> <p class="date">February 25th, 2008</p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/Sidam%20Motor%20XNovo"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703im_/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/zen/i.php?a=Sidam%20Motor%20XNovo&i=Copia%20di%20ibrido03.jpg&w=500&h=" class="ZenPress_thumb" alt="Copia di ibrido03" title="Copia di ibrido03"/></a></p> <p>French importers Sidam have signalled their intentions to build yet another type of three-wheel scooter to surf the popularity wave started by the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/piaggio-mp3-the-hooligan-scooter/" target="_blank">Piaggio MP3</a>, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.gizmag.com/3-wheel-500cc-gilera-fuoco/8454/" target="_blank">Gilera Fuoco</a> and <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.gizmag.com/go/8036/" target="_blank">Vectrix</a> three-wheelers. This time, though, instead of putting the two wheels at the front where they’re actually <em>useful</em> in a traction and stability context, they’ll be at the rear of the vehicle.</p> <p>The (presumably Chinese-built) Sidam Xnovo will feature two rear wheels, each on a separate independantly suspended swingarm. The design sketches seem to suggest that both rear wheels will be belt driven in the 500cc Piaggio-engined petrol version - although hybrid and fully electric versions are also on the cards, the latter featuring twin electric motors, one in each wheel hub. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/sidams-xnovo-three-wheeler-anybody-fancy-half-a-minivan/#more-62" class="more-link">(more…)</a></p> <center>Posted in <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/scooters/" title="View all posts in Scooters" rel="category tag">Scooters</a>, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/three-wheelers/" title="View all posts in Three-wheelers" rel="category tag">Three-wheelers</a> | <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/sidams-xnovo-three-wheeler-anybody-fancy-half-a-minivan/#comments" title="Comment on Sidam鈥檚 Xnovo three-wheeler: anybody fancy half a minivan?">13 Comments »</a></center> </div> <div class="post" id="post-54"> <h2><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/adivas-convertible-scooter-now-available-in-250cc-version/" rel="bookmark">Adiva’s convertible scooter now available in 250cc version</a></h2> <p class="date">February 13th, 2008</p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/Adiva%20250"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703im_/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/zen/i.php?a=Adiva%20250&i=AD250_QL.jpg&w=500&h=" class="ZenPress_thumb" alt="AD250_QL" title="AD250_QL"/></a></p> <p>Like ‘em or hate ‘em, there’s no doubt that the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/scooters/" target="_blank">scooter</a> market is far more open to innovation than the big boy’s bike market. Electric engines, strange front-ends like the one on the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/piaggio-mp3-the-hooligan-scooter/" target="_blank">Piaggio MP3</a>, continuously variable transmissions, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/cargobike-proper-carrying-capacity-on-two-wheels/" target="_blank">huge storage capacities</a>, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.biker247.com/news/2454.asp" target="_blank">supercharged engines</a> - for a market segment that’s looked down on by many bikers, it’s certainly proving itself to be a lot more progressive.</p> <p>This doohicky is the Adiva 250, and it’s a convertible, featuring a fully retractable roof and a windshield complete with a wiper. This will no doubt remind many people of the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/bmw/bmw-c-1-cityscooter-13940.html" target="_blank">disastrous BMW C1</a>, a roofed scooter that failed dismally because the sort of people that wanted to be able to stay dry on their scooters also didn’t want to deal with helmet hair, and the C1 never qualified for a helmet exemption.</p> <p>But I believe there’s still a market out there for a scooter with a roof - I mean, how many times do interested non-riders ask you “what happens when it rains?” With the Adiva the answer doesn’t have to be “you get wet,” although you’d better hope the car beside you doesn’t go through a big puddle. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/adivas-convertible-scooter-now-available-in-250cc-version/#more-54" class="more-link">(more…)</a></p> <center>Posted in <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/scooters/" title="View all posts in Scooters" rel="category tag">Scooters</a> | <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/adivas-convertible-scooter-now-available-in-250cc-version/#comments" title="Comment on Adiva鈥檚 convertible scooter now available in 250cc version">13 Comments »</a></center> </div> <div class="post" id="post-24"> <h2><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/cargobike-proper-carrying-capacity-on-two-wheels/" rel="bookmark">Cargobike: proper carrying capacity on two wheels</a></h2> <p class="date">December 9th, 2007</p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/Cargobike"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703im_/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/zen/i.php?a=Cargobike&i=cb3.jpg&w=500&h=" class="ZenPress_thumb" alt="cb3" title="cb3"/></a></p> <p>For the most part, storage on motorcycles is absolute rubbish. You’re lucky if you can fit a wallet and a phone under the seat of anything that’s got an R in its model designation. Sports tourers are little better - and even scooters, lauded for their practicality, can’t fit much more than a helmet and a bag or two of shopping in them.</p> <p>Yes, there’s top-boxes, but they hang out past the rear of the bike on struts that can’t support more than 10-20kg - and even the largest only store about 50 litres worth of gear. They also load the rear end of the bike - just like panniers and throw-overs do, which makes for easy wheelies but upsets your handling at the end of the day.</p> <p>Which is why we were fascinated to discover <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.cargobike.com/" target="_blank">Cargobike</a>. It’s designed with one goal in mind: proper carrying capacity on two wheels. And that it delivers - 150 whole litres of waterproof, lockable storage capacity, and a maximum load of a whopping 80 kilos in the cargo compartment which is nicely balanced where the tank and engine would be on a normal motorcycle. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/cargobike-proper-carrying-capacity-on-two-wheels/#more-24" class="more-link">(more…)</a></p> <center>Posted in <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/scooters/" title="View all posts in Scooters" rel="category tag">Scooters</a> | <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/cargobike-proper-carrying-capacity-on-two-wheels/#comments" title="Comment on Cargobike: proper carrying capacity on two wheels">5 Comments »</a></center> </div> <div class="post" id="post-21"> <h2><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/gilera-fuoco-the-piaggio-mp3-on-steroids/" rel="bookmark">Gilera Fuoco: the Piaggio MP3 gets a dose of steroids</a></h2> <p class="date">December 4th, 2007</p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/Gilera%20Fuoco"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703im_/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/zen/i.php?a=Gilera%20Fuoco&i=35GileraFUOCO500ie.jpg&w=500&h=" class="ZenPress_thumb" alt="35GileraFUOCO500ie" title="35GileraFUOCO500ie"/></a></p> <p>Having spent a considerable amount of time <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/piaggio-mp3-the-hooligan-scooter/" target="_blank">laughing myself silly</a> on the <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.gizmag.com/go/8251/" target="_blank">Piaggio MP3</a> and snapping the necks of astonished onlookers who’ve never seen anything like it, I’m very excited to hear that this sensational three-wheeler’s evil 500cc big brother has now gone on sale. The Fuoco is built on the same platform as the MP3, but is being released under the sportier Gilera brand.</p> <p>If you haven’t yet ridden the MP3 or the Fuoco, it’s probably hard to understand why this sort of bike would be of any interest. It looks big, bulky and every bit as dorky as a Burgmann - and your biker mates will tell you to “get a REAL bike.” But those same mates will disappear from your mirrors in tight urban corners, over bumpy and damaged tarmac, and in the rain as the two chunky front wheels simply dole out twice the traction and stability you get on an ordinary bike. You quickly learn exactly how quickly you can go into a right-angle corner to scrape the centrestand all the way around and come out on full throttle. Then, you do so on every single corner you see. Rinse and repeat.</p> <p>It’s a demon on the brakes too, there’s almost no dive thanks to the twin-parallelogram front end, and the two contact patches let it stop like nothing on two wheels ever could. It’s an absolute gas!</p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/Gilera%20Fuoco"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703im_/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/zen/i.php?a=Gilera%20Fuoco&i=80GileraFUOCO500ie.jpg&w=500&h=" class="ZenPress_thumb" alt="80GileraFUOCO500ie" title="80GileraFUOCO500ie"/></a></p> <p>The MP3 is hilarious fun, but it’s just begging for more power and a suspension package that can elevate it out of the learner-bike leagues and raise its limits to the sort of level the steering package makes you want to ride it at. And here’s that power and suspension package right now, in the Gilera Fuoco. A 500cc single making a grunty 40hp will fire the beastie out of those lovely tight corners with much of the urge the MP3 was missing - and hopefuly the stiffer suspension will give you just that few degrees more of a lean angle and iron out the MP3’s tendency to lounge around a bit in the faster corners.</p> <p>For all its lavish helpings of hoonish fun, the Fuoco will be every bit as practical as the MP3, with huge storage capacity, hydraulic tilt-lock for feet-up stops and parking on any angle, and the sort of fuel economy that has you giggling at the petrol station counter.</p> <p>When I last spoke to a dealer that was selling the MP3, he told me that it was proving a bit intimidating as a learner package, just because of its size and weight. But every seasoned biker that came in and took it for a belt around the block came back whooping and hollering and demanding to be notified when the Fuoco hit the sales floor. Well, they’re here, lads. Your hooligan commuting tool of the decade has arrived!</p> <p>The Fuoco is hitting showrooms floors across the world right now with a price in the vicinity of UKP5500 or AU$13000, which means that it will probably be around US$11,000 when it hits American shores under the Piaggio brandname (Piaggio doesn’t use the Gilera brand name in the USA). Full press release after the jump. I can’t wait to get my hands on one!</p> <p> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/gilera-fuoco-the-piaggio-mp3-on-steroids/#more-21" class="more-link">(more…)</a></p> <center>Posted in <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/scooters/" title="View all posts in Scooters" rel="category tag">Scooters</a>, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/three-wheelers/" title="View all posts in Three-wheelers" rel="category tag">Three-wheelers</a> | <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/gilera-fuoco-the-piaggio-mp3-on-steroids/#comments" title="Comment on Gilera Fuoco: the Piaggio MP3 gets a dose of steroids">2 Comments »</a></center> </div> <div class="post" id="post-14"> <h2><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/new-hyuosung-motorcycles-for-2008/" rel="bookmark">New Hyosung motorcycles for 2008</a></h2> <p class="date">November 22nd, 2007</p> <p>South Korean manufacturer Hyosung has launched new models for 2008 that continue with it鈥檚 proven formula of combining great value with new technology and raffish good looks. These include a new 650cc fuel injected v-twin sports model, a svelte 450cc single motard and a very grown-up 125cc scooter.<br/> <break><br/> <break></break></break><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/Hyosung%202008%20Models"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703im_/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/zen/i.php?a=Hyosung%202008%20Models&i=GT650X.jpg&w=500&h=" class="ZenPress_thumb" alt="GT650X" title="GT650X"/></a><br/> <break><break> <strong>New GT650X</strong><br/> It looks like a purpose built street machine and it walks the talk. It boasts electronic fuel injection, power output is now 82bhp with improved fuel efficiency, more low speed torque (67Nm at 7,250rpm) and stronger performance. Vibration is minimised by counterbalancing and a new oil cooler aids performance and durability. The exhaust system is kept low and central for mass centralization.</break></break></p> <p>The new frame is very rigid for improved handling and low vibration, using tubular chromium molybdenum (CrMo) steel and aluminium. The swing arm is rigid, but low weight aluminium and unsprung weight is reduced with lightweight 5-spoke wheels. Tyres are 120/70-17 ZR and 180/60-17 ZR. Front brake discs are 300mm with radial mounted 4-piston callipers.</p> <p>Combined analogue and digital instruments, carefully located electrical components and an LED tail lamp all help to reduce weight and improve durability. Special attention has been paid to ease of riding and comfort.<br/> <break><br/> <break></break></break><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/Hyosung%202008%20Models"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703im_/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/zen/i.php?a=Hyosung%202008%20Models&i=RX450SM.jpg&w=500&h=" class="ZenPress_thumb" alt="RX450SM" title="RX450SM"/></a><br/> <break><break> <strong>New RX450SM</strong><br/> The supermotard style has captured the hearts and minds of commuters and motorcycle couriers alike due to it鈥檚 unsurpassed agility in the confines of the urban jungle. Hyosung have seen the writing on the wall and are bringing their own single cylinder, 450cc supermotard style bike to the range.</break></break></p> <p>The RX450SM鈥檚 engine is a liquid-cooled DOHC four valve single cylinder, with an aluminium silicon (Si) sleeve for more power and durability. The aluminium alloy comprises over 30 per cent Si and is the only alloy of its type currently in production. A PF die-cast piston is more durable and exhibits less thermal expansion than normal cast and applied steel (FE) pistons. Vibration is reduced by counter-balancing. Power output is 50bhp at 8,500rpm.</p> <p>The frame uses CrMo steel for lightness with rigidity. The down tube of the main frame acts as the oil reservoir and the aluminium sub-frame is a separate section for easier maintenance. The aluminium swing arm is light, but rigid enough for the most demanding conditions. The wheelbase is 1,486mm with a ground clearance of 278mm.</p> <p>The 45mm upside down front fork is fully adjustable and has 250mm of wheel travel. The rear suspension features a 50mm fully adjustable damper and has 280mm of travel. Brakes are by Brembo with the wavy front disc 260mm diameter, and the rear 250mm.</p> <p>The digital speedometer includes a stopwatch function. The dry weight of the Hyosung RX450SM is 120kg.<br/> <break><br/> <break></break></break><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/Hyosung%202008%20Models"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703im_/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/zen/i.php?a=Hyosung%202008%20Models&i=SX125.jpg&w=500&h=" class="ZenPress_thumb" alt="SX125" title="SX125"/></a><br/> <break><break> <strong>New SX125 scooter</strong><br/> Looking more like a fully grown-up motorcycle with its 16 inch wheels and a quality finish, the SX125 scooter is still light, nimble and easy to ride. It鈥檚 designed for short trips in the city but with the added ability to handle conditions that would unsettle a traditional scooter.</break></break></p> <p>It is powered by the same 125cc engine found in the Hyosung MS3 introduced earlier this year. The single cylinder 124cc engine uses double overhead camshafts and four valves with water cooling. An electric starter and automatic CVT transmission make for easy riding, and the SX125 has been designed for comfort with little or no fatigue.</p> <p>The high-tensile steel frame is strong and rigid, providing stability and low vibration. There are disc brakes front and rear, with twin coil spring and damper units at the back. There鈥檚 also ample storage space.<br/> <break><br/> <strong>More goodies for 2008 from Hyosung</strong><br/> All Hyosung 650 V-twin engines gain electronic fuel injection for more power and torque.</break></p> <p>The very popular GV650 cruiser gets nearly 15 percent more power and now gives a class-leading 80bhp with 67Nm of torque at 7,250rpm.</p> <p>The GT650R and GT650 now have 82bhp (an almost four per cent increase) and torque of 67Nm.</p> <p>At the same time, fuel injection dispenses with the choke of earlier models to give easier and smoother starting and warm-up. These new fuel injected Hyosungs are already in dealerships. The GT650X, RX450SM and SX125 will arrive in 2008 with prices yet to be set.</p> <p>There are currently 16 models in the fast-growing Hyosung range from 125cc to 650cc, including cruisers, sports and commuter bikes, supermotard and off-road, scooters and a road-legal quad. These are all very attractive bikes, and that doesn鈥檛 exclude their prices! Check out your local dealer and you might be pleasantly surprised.</p> <center>Posted in <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/dirtbikes/" title="View all posts in Dirtbikes" rel="category tag">Dirtbikes</a>, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/naked-bikes/" title="View all posts in Naked Bikes" rel="category tag">Naked Bikes</a>, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/scooters/" title="View all posts in Scooters" rel="category tag">Scooters</a> | <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/new-hyuosung-motorcycles-for-2008/#comments" title="Comment on New Hyosung motorcycles for 2008">13 Comments »</a></center> </div> <div class="post" id="post-9"> <h2><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/piaggio-mp3-the-hooligan-scooter/" rel="bookmark">Piaggio MP3: the hooligan scooter?</a></h2> <p class="date">November 3rd, 2007</p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/PiaggioMP3"><img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703im_/http://www.thebikergene.com/gallery/zen/i.php?a=PiaggioMP3&i=-9.jpg&w=450&h=" class="ZenPress_thumb" alt="Piaggio MP3" title="Piaggio MP3"/></a></p> <p>A couple of things we didn’t get around to mentioning in our <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://gizmag.com/go/8251/" target="_blank">Gizmag review of the Piaggio MP3 three-wheel 250cc scooter</a> - that may be of some interest to the more… ahem, <em>spirited </em>owner. Firstly, while we praised the plucky little carver’s huge braking power, we didn’t tell you that the twin front contact patches offer more than enough grip to lift the heavy weight-biased rear of the bike off the ground in a rather jovial manner when provoked.</p> <p> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/piaggio-mp3-the-hooligan-scooter/#more-9" class="more-link">(more…)</a></p> <center>Posted in <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/scooters/" title="View all posts in Scooters" rel="category tag">Scooters</a>, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/three-wheelers/" title="View all posts in Three-wheelers" rel="category tag">Three-wheelers</a> | <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/scooters/piaggio-mp3-the-hooligan-scooter/#comments" title="Comment on Piaggio MP3: the hooligan scooter?">8 Comments »</a></center> </div> <div class="post" id="post-6"> <h2><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/electric-hybrids/miserly-hybrid-scooter-uses-only-17-litres-per-100km/" rel="bookmark">Miserly hybrid scooter uses only 1.7 litres per 100km</a></h2> <p class="date">October 25th, 2007</p> <p> Scooters are already one of the most fuel-efficient forms of transport around - but like the rest of the automotive industry, they’ll have to pull their socks up if and when the energy crisis comes about.</p> <p>That’s when devices like these will come into their own - the engineering department at the University of Tasmania has come up with an AU$1500 add-on modification that turns a normal motor scooter into a hybrid plug-in ethanol-electric mile muncher that’s greener than Hitchcock on Oscars night. 1.7 litres per 100km, for our American friends, translates to almost 140 miles per gallon.</p> <p>The system also includes regenerative braking, which is one of the coolest features on any electric bike, and almost worth the price of admission.</p> <p>Sadly, we don’t have any photos, so we can’t see if you have to sacrifice your underseat storage to fit the device. Full details after the jump.</p> <p> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/electric-hybrids/miserly-hybrid-scooter-uses-only-17-litres-per-100km/#more-6" class="more-link">(more…)</a></p> <center>Posted in <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/electric-hybrids/" title="View all posts in Electric & Hybrids" rel="category tag">Electric & Hybrids</a>, <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/scooters/" title="View all posts in Scooters" rel="category tag">Scooters</a> | <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/electric-hybrids/miserly-hybrid-scooter-uses-only-17-litres-per-100km/#comments" title="Comment on Miserly hybrid scooter uses only 1.7 litres per 100km">1 Comment »</a></center> </div> <div class="next_prev"> <div class="prev"></div> <div class="next"></div> <div class="clear"></div> </div> </div>  <div id="menu"> <ul> <li id="search"> <form id="searchform" method="get" action="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/"> <div> <input type="text" name="s" id="s" size="15"/><br/> <input type="submit" value="Search"/> </div> </form> </li> <li id="categories-1" class="widget widget_catgories">Categories <ul> <li class="cat-item cat-item-47"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/concept-bikes/" title="View all posts filed under Concept Bikes">Concept Bikes</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-29"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/cruisers/" title="View all posts filed under cruisers">cruisers</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-9"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/custom-bikes/" title="View all posts filed under Custom Bikes">Custom Bikes</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-22"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/dirtbikes/" title="View all posts filed under Dirtbikes">Dirtbikes</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-13"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/electric-hybrids/" title="View all posts filed under Electric & Hybrids">Electric & Hybrids</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-31"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/how-to/" title="View all posts filed under how-to">how-to</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-75"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/industry-news/" title="View all posts filed under Industry News">Industry News</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-77"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/modifications/" title="View all posts filed under Modifications">Modifications</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-25"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/naked-bikes/" title="View all posts filed under Naked Bikes">Naked Bikes</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-35"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/politics/" title="View all posts filed under Politics">Politics</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-27"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/racing/" title="View all posts filed under Racing">Racing</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-42"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/random/" title="View all posts filed under Random">Random</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-38"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/riding-gear/" title="View all posts filed under Riding gear">Riding gear</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-14 current-cat"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/scooters/" title="View all posts filed under Scooters">Scooters</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-43"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/sportsbikes/" title="View all posts filed under Sportsbikes">Sportsbikes</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-21"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/three-wheelers/" title="View all posts filed under Three-wheelers">Three-wheelers</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-37"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/touring/" title="View all posts filed under Touring">Touring</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-1"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/uncategorized/" title="View all posts filed under Uncategorized">Uncategorized</a> </li> <li class="cat-item cat-item-56"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/category/videos/" title="View all posts filed under Videos">Videos</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li id="recent-posts" class="widget widget_recent_entries"> Recent Posts <ul> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/racing/ben-spies-unusual-methods-how-to-learn-a-racetrack/">Ben Spies’ unusual methods: how to learn a racetrack </a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/naked-bikes/2400-bolt-on-turbo-kit-turns-your-hornet-900-honda-919-into-a-sleeper-from-hell/">$2400 bolt-on turbo kit turns your Hornet 900/ Honda 919 into a sleeper from hell </a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/custom-bikes/traction-somewhat-limited-yamaha-r1-dirtbike/">Traction somewhat limited: Yamaha R1 dirtbike </a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/sportsbikes/bmw-clearly-not-messing-around-with-193-horsepower-2010-s1000rr/">BMW clearly not messing around with 193-horsepower 2010 S1000RR </a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www.thebikergene.com/racing/video-incredible-radio-control-bikers-ride-better-than-i-do/">Video: incredible radio control bikers ride better than I do </a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> </div>  <div id="body_noCols"></div> </div>   <div id="footer"></div> <div id="footer_btm"> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/https://ssl." : "https://web.archive.org/web/20091102123703/http://www."); document.write("\<script src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'>\<\/script>" ); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-2235360-3"); pageTracker._initData(); pageTracker._trackPageview(); </script> </body> </html>