The 2010 SH150i gets the once-over

Adam Waheed got his hands on the new Honda SH150i and presents his findings on Motorcycle-USA.
It's stirred up an impressive amount of feedback on their site.  Why dontcha give it a read and let us know what YOU think... Though I bet I already know some of the comments.  My guesses?
What took so long?  Where's the 300?  And Why so much?

Here's some responses:
"Who the heck knows"... "Who the heck knows"... and "Sure a but pricy, but only a hundred bucks more than the Vespa LX150".  Anyone see one in person in the USA yet?

***UPDATE 7/6/2009***
Our old friends at Motorcycle.com also gave her the "who's yer daddy" just nine days ago.  You can see Alfonse Palaima's take by going to Motorcycle.com (ALSO with lots of frenzied feedback).

Happy 4th of July from The Scooter Scoop!

Here's wishing you a safe, happy and scootin' Independence Day!

What's so good about a small, lightweight bike?

Raffaele De Rosa's Amazing Knee-Riding Save - Watch more Funny Videos
You can't do THIS on a big bike... Raffaele De Rosa is on a 250cc 2-stroker that weighs in at about 220lbs. Way to handle it De Rosa!

Scooter guys are like super heros

Notte Sento is a short film made with 4500+ still photographs. Shot with a Canon EOS 30D camera. Chosen as one of the top 5 projects of the Seagate Creative Fund (because of all the beautiful Italians). Enjoy!

Honda introduces the 110cc Cub! (not here... yet)

PRESS RELEASE

Business model, "110 Super Cub" released just 10 days ago.
This is the... um, rough translation:

Honda has a powerful output characteristics of air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke 110cc and with a total frame up a new engine model provides a good body size取RI回SHI "110 Super Cub", Friday, June 19 release do.

Super Cub 110 is required for business applications, developing a domestic-only model that combines economy and practicality.

Engine, high-efficiency air-cooling technology to a low-friction 4-stroke single-cylinder 110cc engine. Electronic fuel injection (PGM-FI ※) and adoption of fuel efficiency is more than 90 Super Cub 63.5km / L (60km / h fixed area driving test values) have been achieved.

Clutch system, clutch mechanism with a variable speed and launch an independent two-stage clutch system that will reduce the shock of speed change. The mission adopted by the four-speed, improving the comfort of cruising.

Body, frame and adopt a new pipe design of the backbone type, with improved rigidity, while achieving the取RI回SHI buoyant.

Design, but follow the traditional styling of the original Super Cub has been configured in a neat styling and a smooth surface suitable for the new generation of Super Cub.

Super Cub series, the first model in 1958 to eight "Super Cub C100" Since its launch, quiet and fuel-efficient, durable and reliable four-stroke engine, easy-to-type low-floor backbone乗RI降RI and frame, and the adoption of the automatic centrifugal clutch to clutch operation省ITA, long seller models are used for a wide range of users.

Super Cub 110 is based on trust with the technology and durability over the years, developed a new generation of the Super Cub to achieve a high level of dynamic performance and environmental performance. Basic specifications of the engine, while the unified model and global sourcing parts from overseas factories. And production vehicles at Kumamoto in Japan, in order to raise the production efficiency, while achieving the affordable price.

See lots more photos HERE>

My calculations may not be correct, but looks like it's kicking up about 8.04 HP at 7,500 RPM. I want to sit on one SOOOO bad. Crazy accessories can be found HERE>

Honda finally reveals Helix replacement (for everyone else)

You might recall back in 2007, Dudel dug up this little patent office sketch submission from Honda. We looked at it and figured it might be Honda's replacement for the old school Helix (there will never be a replacement for the Honda Helix).

Well today a mystery scooper pointed us to Scooter-Station's report on the new 250cc Honda Faze, scheduled for a European release in 2010 (below).

I see some similarities to the sketch from 2007 with the biggest difference being the updated and easier to swallow (B-King inspired?) front end. I love the big front/rear discs by the way. Oh! Watch a video here.

Scooter-Station says the 250cc version is scheduled for Japan with the possibility of a 125cc coming to Europe for the added fuel economy and wider (teen) market. Right now we know the SH150i and New Elite (108cc) are headed our way for 2010, but still no mention of the Faze 250 or Silverwing GT 600. What do you think? Late 2010? 2011? Never?

I'd personally like to see the Piaggio X7 Evo 300cc come to the USA and give 'em a run for their money.

The MotoTank

In keeping with the two scoots but one ass direction that Steve started exploring I give you the MotoTank:



This is what happens when you weld together two 150cc liquid cooled scooters and set it up for tank style steering.

Follow this link for more photos and information on the build.

Just noticed that the BEPs featured Lambretta

I don't really watch music TV... most of them don't show music videos any more anyway, but IF they did I would have caught this back in 2005 when "Don't Lie" was a single from the Black Eyed Peas' album "Monkey Business".  One of the first scenes features Will.I.Am "riding" a Lambretta down the street.  By "riding" I mean posing on one in front of a green screen.  Good to catch another scooter in a video, especially from a group with as much pop appeal as BEP.

Petition to see more electric incentives in the USA

(the only motorbike greener than an electric is helium powered and carries zero passengers)

ROME, Italy – The Italian government is working to cut emission rates in their urban areas, and to that end they are attempting to encourage the use of alternate forms of transporation.

The Italian Government is currently examining a proposal by the industry organization ANCMA for a major tax incentive on e-Bikes. Like in all EU countries, the Italians are looking for new means to cut emission rates in their urban areas. In order to stimulate the use of sustainable forms of mobility as alternatives of motor vehicles the Italian Government wants to grant 30% restitution on all e-Bikes.

What can we do to rally some support for these types of incentives to happen here in the USA?  I guess a petition wouldn't hurt.  Right now there is a Twitter based petition that can be found HERE>

Hrm... do you think they'll send us the new Motobecane Motivo?

Michael Jackson Rest in Peace (1958-2009)

A bit of the behinds-the-scenes from his Suzuki scooter shoot in Japan.