Fake Lambretta Scooter!

The News!

Scooter Infos (Pictures) and Scooter Station report the new Lambretta LN 125 and LS125 were unveiled in Paris this morning, and will be on sale in France in August. They confirm it’s built by SYM (with a SYM Fiddle engine and some Italian parts) which is good news, quality-wise, but probably bad news, U.S.-distribution-wise. The European distributor is Mooof in Belgium.

The design is as good as could be hoped for, it’s pretty swoonworthy, to be honest. Let’s hope the quality and service are there to back up the looks, especially for a 125cc bike priced at US$5345. (Note: that’s the EU price converted to dollars, there always seems to be a substantial markup for the U.S. market.)

The Real News!

A consortium claiming the rights to the Lambretta scooter brand is cracking down on what it considers to be unauthorized use of the Lambretta name.

The Italy-based Lambretta Consortium is specifically targeting the LN125 and LS125 (pictured above) scooters currently being sold under the Lambretta name. The Consortium is taking legal action, both with its own legal team and with international customs and police authorities, to prevent the sale of these scooters.

The LN125 and LS125 are produced by Taiwanese manufacturer Her Chee Industrial (also operating under the brand “Adly”). The Lambretta Consortium is seeking action against Her Chee Industrial and two former Lambretta licensees, Ireland-based Clag International and Italy-based Motom Electronics Group. Cease and desist notices are being issued to importers distributors around the world notifying them of the Consortium’s claim of trademark infringement.

History Of Scooters

Lambretta

The origins of the scooter date back to the late nineteenth century, where the first production scooters was a two-wheeler, Hildebrand & Wolfmueller, made in Munich, Germany in 1894. This scooter was made with a step-through frame, with its fuel tank mounted on the down-tube.

Vespa

The engine was a parallel twin, mounted low on the frame, with its cylinders going fore-and-aft. In addition to this, a water-cooler and a radiator was added and built on the top of the rear fender. This scooter became the first powered two wheel vehicle to be offered to the public on a production basis, but commercially it was not very successful. Yet, it still provided a practical and reliable form of transport for those owned one.

Gilera

It was not until after World War Two in 1945, that the scooter came into its own as a popular of transport for all people. Italy provided must of the early scooters because after the war, there was dire need for transport.

Yamaha

The brainchild of scooters in Italy was Ferdinado Innocenti, who designed and constructed a scooter called the ‘Lambretta'. It was designed to be economical with fuel usage, with a moderate top speed of 45mph and a direct air-cooled engine of 123cc. It went on sale in 1947 with over 9,000 transport companies selling it throughout Europe.

SYM

So the modern day scooter was born. The reason the scooter was successful is that provided affordable and relatively cheap solution, to the problems of fuel rationing as well as lack of available transport at the time. This model of scooter sold over 9,000 in the first year. By the mid 60’s, the scooter had become the latest fashion statement with many young people owning and riding them.

Modenas

Today, scooters are still a popular form of transport, particular in Europe where many young people still use as an alternative form of transport to that of the car or bus. Scooters are currently manufactured all over the world in places such as Italy, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, Spain, England, USA and Germany.

Suzuki

Popular models of scooters include the Vespa, Lambretta, Piaggio, Gilera, Benelli, Malaguti, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Sym and Modenas. This showing the demand for scooters and popularity of scooters today is just the same as when they were first constructed back in the late 19th century.

PAUHauto: SYM Maxsym 400 and 600

SYM brand represents a new scooter called Maxsym in two versions – with 400 cubes and 600-cc engine.

Both the engine – two cylinders. Earlier SYM supplied his technique only by four-cylinder power units.

The base color of the new scooter will be silver for both versions. There will also be offered several options for paint finishes.

Maxsym, an exciting maximum scooter with excellent horsepower and body design is the embodiment of high technology from SYM. There will be two engine variants with 400 cc and 600 cc, which is probably from a 4-stroke single-cylinder engine powered with 4 valves. For the tasteful consumers looking for a dynamic, powerful, safe, and comfortable ride in and out of the city. SYM proudly presents a stylish and distinctive model which will excite and thrill the riders. The irresistible design and curves combined with its remarkable horsepower and disc brake system will give maximum value for riding safety.

For savvy consumers looking for a dynamic, powerful, safe, and comfortable ride in and out of the city, SYM proudly presents a stylish and distinctive model which will excite and thrill its riders. Sym seems that there is no global crisis, it is the only brand specializing in scooters to be submitted to the Hall EICMA in Milan with a luxury megascooter Maxsym, an exciting maximum scooter with excellent horsepower and body design is the embodiment of high technology from SYM.

Although aesthetics too conservative and very Burgman-style looks like a cross between 400 and 650 of Suzuki, Maxsym generally appears as a rival to take into account competition in this market sector.

The general is a GT, the driver’s seat separated by a low but broad support for the passenger, who also enjoys lumbar support, with the ability to stretch his legs and behind a tall front windscreen with transparent . It lacks details such as a parking brake or an assortment of compartments in the contrescudo.

For this new engine, which will equip Maxsym versions 400 and 600 cc, the brand announced a good level of performance and power, which should get a good response from the chassis, suspension and brakes to match the circumstances, viewed megascooter new size. The engine is quite a mystery, because we have no official data on it until its presentation at the EICMA in Milan, but almost certain to be the evolution of LC 4T single cylinder engine and 4-valve SOHC, electronic injection.

With over 50 years of technical experience and expertise, sym brand promise is grounded in a long commitment to quality and products built to last. Sym 5 brand attributes are realised in the context of real life with an understanding toward the needs in different cultures. Thus, the Taiwanese manufacturer would offer so far in Japan, and Italy currently rules the market of a reasonable alternative.

MINI Scooter concept

Meet the two-wheeled future of MINI! Following the success of the plug-in electric scooter concept that premiered at the Paris Motor Show, MINI is ready to green-light a range of two-wheelers.

Just like the MINI E Scooter Concept, the bikes will feature scaled down versions of all the classic MINI design cues, including the large iconic speedometer, oval wing mirrors and squared off rear lights. The use of chrome and other material is also designed to make the scooters instantly recognisable as a part of the MINI family.

The grey and luminous green colour scheme of the concept was borrowed from the MINI E electric car, and so is the drivetrain: a single electric motor is integrated into the rear wheel, and power comes from a compact lithium-ion battery stored under the seat. The battery can be charged from any standard A/C power outlet, via a retractable cable at the back of the scooter.

MINI used the Paris Motor Show concept to gauge public reaction to the scooter, and is keen to make the production model electric. We should see a version towards the end of 2011, with the finished model likely to be used during the London 2012 Olympics, which BMW is an official car supplier for.

C-1, Rolling Smart Phone

Introducing the C-1, the world's first gyroscopically stabilized rolling smart phone. This vehicle combines the efficiency and freedom of a motorcycle with the safety and convenience of a car. Offering the alternated to alternatives on an exciting and safe platform, the C-1 transforms your daily commute into something to look forward to.

Your C-1 Transportation Device

Creators are keeping very quiet about many of the details of our upcoming transportation device, but they will be releasing new images, videos and specifications shortly, so stay tuned.

As they are hard at work developing this concept for production, please be patient for the future. Expect to see the C-1 in our custom show-rooms by the end of 2014.

Rekindle the Excitement

Utilizing Scandinavian Design concepts, the exterior of the C-1 is both approachable and simple, enveloping the human in subtle curves, softened volumes and lots of glass.

The overall design foundation is based on its waist-line which wraps around the vehicle's circumference, and is grounded by the swooping rocker panel: hi-lighting its unique gyroscopic components.

Discs of light glow from the wheel hubs, illustrating the electric hub motors. With design key words: "subtle", "simple", and "human", the C-1 is as happy to be seen as it is to be touched.

Human Centered Design

The C-1 was designed with you in mind. Lit Motors' human-centered approach to design made sure that the experience of sitting in such a unique transportation device is both comfortable and spacious. Through numerous mock-ups and user studies, we were able to determine how much space people want and need.

There is even enough room in this device for a friend to ride in the back for short city excursions.

Due to its numerous layers of connectivity, you can think of the C-1 as a rolling smart phone. The device will employ H2V, H2C, V2I, and V2V connectivity. For example traffic, construction, and adverse weather conditions will be transmitted to the vehicle, thus informing both you and the C-1 about the situation and advising different routes.

How the C-1 Works

Utilizing electronically controlled gyroscopes located under the floor (putting out over 1,300 lb/ft of torque), the vehicle balances at a stop and stays upright in the event of a collision. In-wheel electric motors (40 kw) provide the power and regeneration, while hub steering keeps you pointed in the right direction. With a top speed of over 120 MPH and battery packs providing 200 miles per charge, the C-1 is perfect for commuters and city dwellers alike.

Can-Am Spyder Roadster

(Malay translation) SEJAK diperkenalkan ke pasaran Amerika Syarikat (AS) pada Februari 2007, jentera itu terus menjadi topik hangat dalam dunia motosikal di peringkat global.

Popularitinya semakin meningkat apabila terpilih menjadi pelakon tambahan dalam banyak muzik video, rancangan televisyen, selain filem-filem blockbuster seperti G.I. Joe dan Transformers II.

Sebenarnya, jentera tiga roda keluaran firma yang berpangkalan di Valcourt, Québec, Kanada itu sudah berada di pasaran tempatan sejak tahun 2009. Namun kelibatnya jarang dilihat di atas jalan raya.

Kini, Can-Am Spyder Roadster mahu lebih dikenali di Malaysia. Tugas tersebut digalas oleh USF-HICOM, anak syarikat milik penuh DRB-HICOM yang telah mengambil inisiatif untuk mendapatkan hak pemasangan dan pengedaran Can-Am Spyder Roadster di sini.

Sebagai permulaan, USF-HICOM menawarkan dua varian Can-Am Spyder iaitu Roadster Sports dan Roadster Touring. Roadster Sports sesuai untuk mereka yang mahukan gaya tunggangan sporty. Sementara bagi penunggang yang gemar mengembara dalam jarak jauh, Roadster Touring memang kena dengan jiwa anda.

Sekali pandang, rekabentuk Can-Am Spyder tidak jauh beza dengan jentera salji (snowmobile) moden. Apa tidaknya, pengeluar kenderaan terbabit iaitu Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) sememangnya syarikat peneraju dalam penghasilan jentera salji, ATV (All Terrain Vehicle), bot dan pelbagai jentera bagi tujuan rekreasi.

Memiliki kepakaran selama 70 tahun, BRP mempunyai kemudahan kilang di Kanada, AS, Mexico, Finland dan Austria dengan tenaga kerja mencecah 6,000 orang. Produknya pula dipasarkan ke lebih 100 buah negara menerusi 3,500 pengedar di seluruh dunia.

Harus tahu bahawa Can-Am Spyder Roadster bukan motosikal tiga roda konvensional. Sebaliknya ia mengaplikasikan kerangka berbentuk Y. Maksudnya, dua roda di hadapan dan satu roda bersaiz lebar di belakang. Menggabungkan teknologi motosikal dan ATV, Can-Am Spyder mengaplikasikan rekabentuk A-arm berkembar dengan penyerap hentak tunggal pada roda belakang.

Kenderaan itu menggunakan kerangka Surrounding Spar Technology binaan BRP. Kerangka tersebut menyokong rekabentuk Y dan memastikan titik graviti Can-Am Spyder Roadster kekal rendah dengan memasang enjin di bahagian belakang roda hadapan.

Tidak seperti motosikal tiga roda lain misalnya Piaggio MP3, Can-Am Spyder Roadster tidak membenarkan anda membuat corner baring. Jadi, kalau laju macam mana sekali pun di selekoh, lutut tidak akan mencecah jalan raya.

Kestabilannya juga banyak bergantung kepada Sistem Kestabilan Kenderaan (Vehicle Stability System, VSS) yang sofistikated. Dibangunkan bersama Bosch, VSS turut merangkumi teknologi-teknologi seperti brek antikunci (ABS) serta sistem kawalan cengkaman dan kestabilan. Sementara stereng kuasa pula memastikan Can-Am Spyder Roadster dapat dikendalikan dengan mudah di atas jalan raya.

Semua ciri yang dinyatakan tadi adalah demi memastikan jentera itu terus melekat di atas jalan raya, walaupun ketika mengambil selekoh pada kelajuan tinggi. Dengan segala sistem keselamatan itu, maka tidak hairanlah jika ia disifatkan sebagai antara motosikal paling selamat di dunia.

Tidak mengujakan? Enjin V-Twin bersesaran 998cc itu mungkin boleh mengubah persepsi anda. Enjin dengan sistem penyejukan cecair itu dibina oleh Rotax yang beribu pejabat di Austria, juga anak syarikat BRP.

ENJIN Rotax bersesaran 998cc membuatkan aktiviti meluncur di atas jalan raya cukup menyeronokkan.

Macam pernah dengar? Memang betul, enjin Rotax banyak digunakan pada go-kart, motosikal dan pesawat ringan. Rotax juga menghasilkan enjin untuk kegunaan jenama motosikal lain termasuklah BMW, BMW, Aprilia dan Buell.

Enjin yang dipadankan dengan kotak gear lima kelajuan itu berupaya menghasilkan kuasa sehingga 106hp @ 8,600rpm dan tork maksimum 104Nm @ 6,250rpm. Jadi, tugas menggerakkan tubuhnya yang lebar itu di atas jalan raya bukanlah satu masalah besar. Anda juga boleh memilih sama ada kotak gear manual atau semi automatik. Kedua-duanya hadir sama dengan gear mengundur.

Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ) mengklasifikasikan Can-Am Spyder Roadster sebagai superbike. Cukai jalannya berdasarkan motosikal bersesaran 1,000cc dengan insurans bermula pada takat RM2,900 sehingga RM4,500 mengikut varian.

Berkaitan pembayaran tol di lebuh raya, pihak USF-HICOM menyatakan setakat ini mereka yang menunggang Can-Am Spyder Roadster tidak dikenakan tol, walaupun perlu melalui laluan kereta atau lori yang paling kiri. Namun, isu pembayaran tol mungkin berbeza di antara pengendali lebuh raya memandangkan mereka mempunyai polisi berbeza.

Harganya di Malaysia, Can-Am Spyder Roadster ditawarkan pada harga di antara RM103,860 sehingga RM159,350 seunit, bergantung kepada varian.

BMW Concept E Electric Scooter

The electric maxi-scooter concept rode onto BMW’s main presentation stage along with the Husqvarna E-go youth-oriented electric motorcycle concept. The two-wheeled concept models are not close to becoming production models; they were there mainly to help set the stage for BMW’s i3 and i8 electric car concept models which also debuted in Frankfurt.

BMW did re-affirm it will introduce two premium maxi-scooters by the end of the year but both will be powered by two-cylinder combustion engines.

Back to the Concept e, BMW says its designers sought to create a vehicle that looked clean and efficient yet agile. The front uses the same “split-face” design found on other BMW models such as the R1200GS and S1000RR. The front panel/leg shield is shaped like a boomerang, suggesting an aerodynamic look.

BMW was light on the technical details however. BMW’s i cars use over 60 volts of electricity, enough for BMW to claim the Concept e offers similar acceleration to a gas-powered maxi-scooter.

BMW also claims a range of 100 km (62 miles) on a fully-charged battery, with the help of regenerative braking. Of course, it would probably help if the scooter used conventional mirrors instead of the Concept e’s LCD screens and rear-facing cameras. Still, BMW claims a charge time of under 3 hours.

2011 Yamaha EC-03 Electric Scooter

The company unveiled a new version of Yamaha EC-03 scooter, which is the first electric version of the Japanese motorcycle maker.

In addition, Yamaha has identified their plans – by 2020 to become the market leader in electric bikes. In Tokyo, the Yamaha EC-03 will go on sale from 01 September this year.

Yamaha EC-03 electric scooter is designed as an urban version, powered by a lithium-ion battery to 50 V from the company Sanyo and is equipped with technology Yamaha Integrated Power Unit (YIPU).

YIPU includes a control unit, a planetary gearbox, brakes and develops 1.9 hp at 9.6 Nm of torque. The range of distance from Yamaha EC-03 is about 43 km, with a maximum speed of 30 km/h on windless stretch of road and 70 kg rider.

Fully charge the battery scooter will take approximately six hours, the scooter itself weighs 62 kg and more suitable for the Chinese market, which share a variety of scooters is around 20 million units.