Mopeds

BMW Maxi Scooter 2012

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Sun, 15 May 2011 13:23:00 +0000

After announcing electric car and BMW hybrid car identity that would be produced, BMW I3 and I8, it seems BMW still has another obsession for two wheeled automotive market.

Yes, BMW Motorrad, will launch two brand-new scooter variants in Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo e Motociclo e Accessori or Milan International Motorcycle Show (EICMA) 2011, November, Maxi scooter.

BMW Maxi scooter is different from other general scooter that has fat body. This scooter is loaded with more streamlined and sporty impression.

BMW Maxi scooter will be using two cylinder engines, while the display is using the split concept and completed with front windscreen and Light Emitting Diode (LED) for the main light.

BMW Maxi scooter will be marketed in 2012.

The BMW C1-e Scooter Concept Is BMW Motorrad’s First Electric Vehicle!

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Tue, 03 May 2011 08:38:00 +0000

BMW C1-E Electric Scooter Concept

A perfect urban commuter solution that combined the ease of parking and zip of a scooter with the all weather protection and safety offered by a car, the BMW C1 was a scooter too ahead for it’s day and age that eventually led to it’s demise.

Keeping with the growing trend of electric vehicles, BMW has taken a C1, fitted an electric motor to it and in the process has created BMW’s first electric two wheeler. Called the BMW C1-E, the electric version of the C1 is an experimental vehicle currently.

But, given the huge practicality, zero emission numbers and very low running costs, something very similar to the BMW C1-E, could become a production reality in the near future as the C1-E also offers a high amount of safety in addition to all weather protection.

The BMW C1-E features a seatbelt and a roll over bar along with the crumple zone up front to take frontal impacts. Even as there is talk of motorcycle airbags being developed, the BMW C1-E could very well be the ideal urban commuting machine for crowded cities.

The Scooter is powered by an electric motor that BMW has borrowed from electric vehicle and component specialist Vectrix and runs on rechargeable lithium ion batteries. The C1-E can carry a single rider and has luggage space in lace of a conventional pillion seat.

Source: indiancarsbikes.in

E-Vivacity Scooter from Peugeot

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 20:39:00 +0000

Peugeot is more famous for their cars than scooter – in fact, you might just scratch your head and start to wonder just when did the French motor company ever release any kind of motorcycles or scooters? The answer is recently, in the form of the battery-powered e-Vivacity. Of course, this isn’t Peugeot’s first attempt where the electric scooter market is concerned, as they did make an attempt all the way back in 1996 with the Scoot’elec. That model used nickel-cadmium batteries though, while the e-Vivacity will carry an advanced lithium-ion pack from manufacturer Saft, taking a mere four hours to juice up using a standard European 230-volt plug. Of course, for those who are in a hurry, a rapid 2 hour charge will yield an 80% full battery. The e-Vivacity is capable of getting around at 28mph within a 60 mile range before it runs out of juice, which is just about equal to a conventional 50cc gasoline-fueled scooter. No idea on pricing as at press time, but it does seem to be the perfect little people mover for intra-city use.

Scooter drivers given dressing down on failure to wear safety clothing

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:23:00 +0000

Scooter sales have soared from about 1000 in 2001 to more than 10,000 last year. But though most riders are new to two-wheel transport, the law requires only that they wear a helmet.

Rob Smith, the manager of the riders' division at Motorcycling Australia, said scooter riders should be wearing the same safety gear as a motorcycle rider.

"There's an unfortunate mindset that comes with the term scooter," Mr Smith said. "It conjures up thoughts of a toy, something benign. I think of them as automatic motorcycles. Whether you fall off a motorcycle or a scooter at 60km/h, the result is the same. Any time you expose bare skin to the road, the outcome is obvious.

However, Wensley Carroll, a scooter rider and salesman, rejected the suggestion that riders need better protection.

"You ride your bicycle down the road at 60km/h with no brakes, no engine and [a very narrow] tyre on the road only wearing lycra," Mr Carroll said.

"Scooters are not motorcycles. They have less power and they are sitting higher, so riders' reaction times are quicker because they can see further ahead."

Rob Colligan of the Motorcycle Council of NSW said the government could not mandate what scooter riders should wear.

"The issue is, what is the proper protective clothing? What is right in Sydney in winter is not going to be suitable for summer.''

A spokesman for the Australian Medical Association, Dr Brian Owler, said the consequences of falling off while not wearing proper safety clothing were serious.

"At some point there has to be owner onus. You have to assess the risk you are taking."

Source: www.blacktownsun.com.au

Crutchlow satisfied with test progress

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:22:00 +0000

The Superbike convert was near the foot of the times and crashed on Wednesday, but was pleased with his pace at this stage in his learning curve.

"I am happy with the test because I am still learning so much but I was able to run a consistent pace and drop my lap times on each day," said Crutchlow.

"I'm on a big learning curve and I wasn't looking for pure speed. I'd never ridden at this track before and it is certainly a tough place to learn quickly. All the other guys have done millions of laps around here and I just need to build up my experience."

Crutchlow added that the Tech 3 Yamaha squad was pleased with how he was getting up to speed - especially as he was still recovering from surgery on a lingering shoulder problem.

"My times are in the ballpark of those set in last year's race and that's pleasing considering everything is still so new for me and I wasn't in peak physical condition because of my shoulder," he said.

"I need to improve in the braking area and also step up my pace on the hard Bridgestone tyre, but I feel I'm getting more comfortable with the bike.

"I've been looking at loads of data and when we return later this month I'll continue trying to adapt my style. I'm still riding the bike too much like a superbike, but I'm pleased that I'm progressing and getting faster."

Tech 3's other rider Colin Edwards was in the top 10 throughout the test, and thinks he will be back on form with the 2011 Yamaha after a tough 2010 season.

Honda to launch India-specific models post Hero Honda exit

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:47:00 +0000

With its exit plan from Hero Honda being finalised, Japan's Honda Motor Co is gearing up to launch India specific two-wheeler models as it prepares for the solo ride here.

The company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI), will also expand its dealer base and strengthen vendor network to rapidly expand presence in the country. It will start selling 250cc sports bike CBR250R in India from April, priced at Rs 1.5 lakh onwards.

"Our current and future endeavors will be directed to meet all kinds of customer requirements, including introduction of new and unique India-specific models," an HMSI spokesperson told PTI.

The company, however, did not elaborate on the India specific models and the time-frame for their launch.

Currently, HMSI sells both scooters, such as Activa and Dio, and motorcycles, including Stunner, Shine, Twister and Unicorn in India.

When asked about plans for network expansion in the wake of Honda's exit from Hero Honda, the HMSI official said: "We are concentrating to meet the current demand and also focusing to expand dealer base, strengthen vendor network and increase quality manpower to service greater customer base."

At present HMSI has a sales network of 790 outlets (398 dealers and 392 branches) and 389 authorised service centres.

On January 24, Honda Motor Co and the Hero Group had executed a final binding licensing agreement paving way for the Japanese auto major's exit from the 26-year-old joint venture -- Hero Honda. Under the deal, Honda will sell its 26 per cent stake in Hero Honda to the Hero Group, although it will continue to supply technology for sometime.

In order to expand presence in the high-end bikes segment, HMSI will start selling 250cc road-sports bike CBR250R from April priced Rs 1.5 lakh onwards.

"Bookings for CBR250R, our global 250cc road-sports motorcycle have opened from January 1, 2011. Customer interest for this motorcycle is overwhelming and within a month we have received 1,800 confirmed bookings," the official said.

On the overall sales front, the company is looking for 26 per cent growth in 2010-11.

"HMSI plans to sell 1.6 million units in FY 2010-11 and grow 26 per cent over the 1.27 million units sold during FY 2009-10," the official said.

Source: economictimes.com

Scooter Maker Piaggio Runs Facebook Photo Contest

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:59:00 +0000

Scooter and motorcycle maker Piaggio SpA, known best in the U.S for its Vespa scooters, has been pushing helmets for riders here. Today the company said it is launching a new consumer helmet promotional campaign that includes a photo contest on Facebook.

People who buy a new Piaggio or Vespa brand scooter will get a Vespa Soft Touch or Piaggio Copter helmet free of charge. The program is called “Vespa Helmets are for Everything,” and runs from January 27 through April 30 at dealerships and on Vespa Facebook page.

For the photo contest the company asks riders to upload images showing their ideas for how to use their helmets creatively when they aren’t riding. Piaggio Group says it isn’t encouraging people to harm their helmets or render them unfit for use on the road. Instead it is “merely offering a humorous spin to gain awareness of a very serious topic,” the company says.

Ideas so far include using a helmet as a decorative fruit bowl and as protection during snowball fights.

Source: wsj.com

Get on a bike to beat the budget blues and stay ahead of the traffic

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:11:00 +0000

Rising fuel costs and increasing congestion on South West Wales roads are just two of the reasons that more people are turning to motorcycles to commute.

As the annual New Year resolutions starting to fade why not make a new resolution to do something that you will find easy to stick to and get on to two wheels - a pleasure that can last you a lifetime.

Swansea is blessed with a wealth of motorcycle training companies, dealers and experts in the field so there are plenty of opportunities to take your first steps.

Already 21,000 people have booked their ride and the organisation are seeing a growing number of interest from women accounting for 34% of participants.

Training - For others who are ready to get stuck in or have lapsed or maybe only ever completed the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), now’s the time to reap the economic and social benefits of a powered two-wheeler and take their next step to completing their test and broadening your motorcycle experience.

Experience – More and more people are enjoying off-road adventures and over land travel experiences on bikes. There is a growing number of companies that provide tours to anywhere any everywhere from Canada to Africa, so for the more experienced rider who wants to see more of the world , now is the time to stop dreaming and start planning.

MCI’s Spokesperson CEO Steve Kenward said: “Motorcycles and scooters are the best way to beat the ongoing credit crunch and turn the daily commute into a joy.

"Two wheels will let you move through traffic, with ease. Not only that, in London they are exempt from congestion charge and can also use bus lanes, so you will save time and money every day, which is certainly something to smile about”

“If you want to make commuting more fun and economical, start this new year with a new approach, get on a scooter or motorcycle and join the 1.5million other converts.“

Rea completes ‘unbelievable’ MotoGP test

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 12:34:00 +0000

Rea was given the chance to test the RC212V as a reward for his efforts with the manufacturer in the World Superbike Championship, the Ulsterman joining Honda test rider Kousuke Akiyoshi in Malaysia.

Though the test was originally scheduled for three days, heavy rain on the third of those days would see Rea get another three hours on the bike the next morning.

Though no lap times were released by HRC, Rea – who is still recovering from a wrist injury - was thrilled to have gotten the opportunity to sample a MotoGPmachine.

"Riding the RC212V has been an unbelievable experience for me! A four days test is a dream that became true and I am really happy that HRC invited me here in Sepang. Yesterday the rain didn't allow us to be on track that much and we stayed one more day. I started feeling as though the bike is "my bike" and I had some good feeling riding it.

“I hope I have been able to give to the engineers some useful comments, even if my physical conditions were not the best because my wrist is still not 100 per cent.

“Now I will have some rest for the end of the year, and then I will be focused on my job of 2011, the World Superbike Championship. Thanks again to everybody in Honda for the great experience!”

Rossi says shoulder progressing well

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 07:07:00 +0000

The Italian rider, who struggled with his shoulder since injuring it in a training accident in April, has been recovering since he underwent surgery following the end of the season.

On Tuesday, ten stitches were removed from his right shoulder and Rossi will now begin "passive" rehabilitation work before he starts the active phase in two weeks' time.

"I'm doing the rehabilitation at the shoulder, the situation is improving," said Rossi on his website. "Two weeks have passed since the operation and this morning Dr. Porcellini took away the stitches.

"From today I will be back to work in the gym - at least for the rest of the body - and to make the rehabilitation of the shoulder, even if 'passive'; above all not to lose mobility.

"In about two weeks I will begin to work actively in the pool and gym to be ready for the three days of testing in February. We must make haste, but we hope to be fit for the first test with Ducati in 2011 in Sepang."

Cal Crutchlow to undergo shoulder surgery

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:07:00 +0000

The British rider has been troubled by a left shoulder problem for over a year since he damaged ligaments and tendons during his factory Yamaha R1 WSB debut in Portimao in 2009.

Damaged suffered to Crutchlow’s shoulder includes the supraspinatus tendon that is part of the rotator cuff group of muscles and the glenoid ligament that surrounds the shoulder socket.

It is the exact same injury that dogged Rossi throughout his final season at Yamaha and the nine-times world champion underwent corrective surgery earlier this month after a low key Ducati debut in Valencia.

Crutchlow will need his left arm strapped to his chest for three weeks and with a normal recovery period of three months, he has only 62 days before he is due to make his second MotoGP appearances at the Sepang circuit in Malaysia on February 1.

Crutchlow, who made a confident start to his MotoGP career with an encouraging Monster Yamaha Tech 3 debut in Valencia, told MCN: “I’m confident I’ll be fit for Sepang. It is a three-month recovery normally but I’ve got unlimited access to a hyperbaric chamber on the Isle of Man and I’ll be using that as much as possible to speed up the recovery process.”

Spies: MotoGP podiums up there with WSBK title

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 07:07:00 +0000

The American underlined his potential as a future MotoGP star by putting in a series of strong performances on the satellite Tech 3 Yamaha, Spies claiming a maiden podium at Silverstone before scoring a popular pole position and second place finish at Indianapolis.

Urging him on to sixth position in the overall standings, while some had predicted Spies would challenge for wins at times in 2010, the man himself plays down the weight of expectation, insisting he was merely hoping to break into the top five.

“We were the top satellite bike, but I honestly didn't think we'd see the podium this year,” he told the MotoPod podcast website. “If we were going to get a few top fives, then I would have been happy. At the end of the season I look at who is around me and behind me. The guys in front of me, you know their credentials, but me and Nicky battled it out at the final race, and he has a world title.

“We finished on the podium twice and at Indy I beat both of the factory bikes, but if anyone honestly expected me to win in my first year, they are a little crazy. To learn half the tracks, be on a satellite bike and to win in the first year, I don't think anyone can really do that. It wasn't on my agenda.

“The finishing on the podium part was up there with winning a World Superbike title for me.”

Spies, who has been rewarded with a full factory Yamaha ride in 2011 as the replacement for Valentino Rossi, was also pleased to be pairing up with Jorge Lorenzo, claiming he is the ideal candidate to learn from.

“We get along as well as any team-mates can in MotoGP.

MotoGP eyes new global venues

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 19:07:00 +0000

The Dorna chief said that while European circuits - which currently host 12 of the 18 rounds - would remain the backbone of the calendar, he was eager to expand MotoGP's global reach, and to cut the number of races in Iberia. After the collapse of the Hungarian GP project, Spain has ended up with four races in 2010 and 2011, with the Aragon track becoming a stand-in.

"We'll go to new countries, even though I think we must keep our European roots," said Ezpeleta in an interview with Motosprint. "For sure we don't want go on for long with five GPs in the Iberian Peninsula: five races between Spain and Portugal are too many."

AUTOSPORT revealed last month that Abu Dhabi F1 venue Yas Marina was in talks with MotoGP, and Ezpeleta identified this track as one of four potential non-European options.

"All the countries we are talking to are outside Europe," he said.

"Singapore is designing a new track, India is already building one, Abu Dhabi is interested. "Also, we are in contact with an American promoter who is planning construction of a circuit in Texas, where F1 will race too."

Moped riders - new rules to improve safety

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 12:57:00 +0000

Moped riders across the state could be required as soon as next year to wear brightly colored vests, have strobe lights on their cycles and carry liability insurance.

Several state lawmakers said they are planning to introduce moped-related legislation in the wake of six Upstate deaths this year, including two in a month on U.S. 123 between Greenville and Easley.

Mopeds are among the smallest, slowest and most unregulated vehicles on the road, with some operators legally taking the handlebars as young as 14. Laws in other states vary with some, such as North Carolina, making youths wait until they are 16 to start driving mopeds.

Tracking how many mopeds are on the road can be tough. They don’t have to be registered, and state law leaves murky what constitutes a moped.

In some ways, golf carts are more regulated than mopeds. Golf cart drivers need a valid license and liability insurance to travel on state roads, while moped operators don’t.

Drivers with suspended licenses can operate mopeds for up to six months before having to get a moped license, and they don’t ever have to ever get liability insurance.

Scooters aren't cars

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 12:57:00 +0000

If you have a mobility scooter, do you need insurance? In my vehicle, I have to carry liability, have a mirror, lights and registration. How about those driving scooters?

— Brett H., via e-mail

Brett, by mobility scooter, we assume you're referring to what Medford police Lt. Bob Hansen calls an "electric, personal-assistive device." They're also referred to as electric scooters and essentially serve the same purpose as an electric wheelchair — but they're much cooler for cruising about.

Since they are classified as motorized vehicles, Hansen says, they do have to meet certain guidelines — even though they are not specifically addressed in the Department of Motor Vehicles handbook.

The mobility scooter falls somewhere between a moped and a Segway. They must yield to pedestrians, not exceed 15 mph on bike lanes or paths, travel in the same direction as traffic and have a front light and rear reflector.

No title, registration or liability insurance is required for this kind of device.

David House, spokesman for DMV, says the only vehicles that require title and registration are those that meet U.S. Department of Transportation standards and have a vehicle identification number.

Bicycles, ATVs, mini bikes, scooters — and mobility scooters — don't fit into that classification.

Liability insurance is mandatory only for titled and registered vehicles, operating on public roadways.

"It would be really hard to do that much damage with something that small that doesn't move that fast," says House.

Nonetheless, Hansen says, anyone driving a mobility scooter while impaired could suffer legal consequences.

"If they are impaired, and they are on a motorized vehicle or even a bicycle, they can be arrested for driving under the influence," said Hansen.

Hansen said police are more concerned about other drivers than about the scooter operators. He urges drivers to be careful and suggests that scooters be equipped with a very visible flag.

Source: www.mailtribune.com

Kymco 300i - new scooter for 2011

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:13:00 +0000

Kymco Canada has introduced a couple of new scooters for the 2011 model line-up.

The Super 8 150 is a four-stroke powered 150 cc scooter with fully automatic transmission and enough power to serve as a commuter in comfort, yet it offers exceptional fuel mileage, according to the company.

It retails for a suggested $3,695.

For those who prefer more power in their scooters, Kymco introduces the Downtown 300i. No, it’s not a luxury German car, but a luxury Korean scooter.

The 300i has enough power to handle city streets and rural highways with aplomb. It’s powered by a new four-valve engine with EFI and retails for a suggested $5,995

BMW moves into the scooter market

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 11:47:00 +0000

While the European motorcycle industry is in crisis due to dramatically falling sales, BMW is moving in the opposite direction thanks to its loftier perspective of the mobility (as opposed to motorcycle) industry. After years concentrating on larger capacity two wheelers, it is moving into the scooter field. Having already shown an electric version of its ultra-safe C1 scooter, plus several MINI scooter concepts in recent weeks, BMW Motorrad yesterday unveiled a maxi scooter concept. Two premium scooters will be derived from the concept vehicle in the near future and there’s also an electric version being investigated.

For many years, scooter segment riders were looked down upon by regular motorcyclists, and it was only when Suzuki kicked off the maxiscooter craze with a lively 400cc engine just over a decade ago that the scooter form factor got some respect.

Mahindra Records Success In Two Wheeler Sales

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 07:35:00 +0000

The early account of the sale for September 2010 for Mahindra two wheelers has brought some cheers. The company is said to have reaped a whooping 451% growth against its performance in the past one year period. The net sale in that month was 16,569 scooters and the sale of the company was stagnated at 1.5 lakh units.

Mahindra&Mahindra’s status is $76.1 billion. The company is concentrating on its power scooter concept targeting the youth and women. The products are one of the most stylish in 125cc sector. Mahindra two wheelers is taking its next giant step in the motorcycles segment by launching new products as confirmed by the President of the two wheeler segment.

Two models of Mahindra two wheelers, Mojo and Stallio has Aamir Khan doing the brand ambassador role. Mojo is equipped with sophisticated technology. M&M believes that this bike will bring in a grand brand reputation for it in the highly competitive in Indian and global market. Mahindra & Mahindra's MD and Vice Chairman said that Mojo reflects the company’s capability in two wheeler manufacturing. He claimed that it is to run as the fastest Indian bike as on date as it has been designed so.

Stallio 110cc satisfies the customers with its fuel efficiency, economy pricing and latest features. Having tested its presence in this two wheeler market, Mahindra & Mahindra is actively engaged in promoting its products through vigorous campaigns. As a part of it, it has come forward to make a ride show of its bikes by employing 20 bikers who will all along ride from Ladakh to Nagpur. They will be gifted with the bike once the drive journey is over. M&M’s journey began last year with its gearless scooter acquired from Kinetic, by getting 80% stake at Rs110 crore.

Source: oneindia.in

Scooters in UK

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 10:27:00 +0000

Scooters - we've all got an opinion on them whether we think they're essential accessories for cool, urban living or just wannabe motorbikes that sound like an annoying wasp.

Here in the UK, scooters conjured up a particular image for many a year - that of a mod heading off for yet another weekend of handbags with the rockers at some faded seaside town.

Nowadays, of course, you can hardly move in the city without seeing some trendy metrosexual dodging the lines of black cabs and, most recently in London, the legions of Boris Bikers on the crowded streets.

So, it's a welcome relief to find that in some parts of the world, there are plenty of people with enough time on their hands to perfect their scooter skills.

Man builds world's fastest mobility scooter.

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 13:15:00 +0000

A plumber has built the fastest mobility scooter in the world, capable of hitting 69mph.

Colin Furze, 31, spent nearly three months converting the machine which has a powerful 125cc motorbike engine installed under the seat, five gears and twin exhausts.

The petrol-powered super scooter, which is British racing green, can almost reach the national speed limit and keep up with cars on the motorway.

It does 10 miles to the gallon and is nearly nine times faster than an average mobility scooter which glides along at just 8mph.

"It is quite scary when I'm driving it fast as the frame is pretty flimsy and designed for going along at slow speeds," said Mr Furze, from Stamford, Lincs.

"You can't take your eyes off the road when driving it as any rash steering decisions could make it flip over and the slightest dip or bump in the road makes it drift off course."

Mr Furze decided to transform the scooter after he was given the machine by a friend.

He was determined to build the fastest mobility scooter in the world and applied to Guinness to set the record as there wasn't one already in place.

He was told his scooter would have to travel at least 61.4mph and still look like a commercial mobility scooter.

"You hear lots of people complain about scooters going really slowly around supermarkets and blocking the aisles so I thought it would be a laugh to make a really fast one," he said.

"I was told I could modify the engine but I wasn't allowed to change the appearance in any way so I couldn't give it bigger wheels or make it more stable.

"I initially tried experimenting with battery power but I only got to about 30mph and the batteries died really quickly so I knew then it would have to be petrol powered."

He removed a 125cc engine from his motorcross bike and spent a week rebuilding the frame of the scooter.

"I was a bit nervous when I first started it up as I wasn't sure if it would work, but it sounded good and got to 64mph, then 69mph very quickly," he added.

"I was worried it would be a real death trap to drive but it's not too bad when you get used to it.

"It takes people by surprise as it looks like the real thing but it's really noisy when it gets going."

Mr Furze is now going to do a time trial at the Santa Pod Raceway, Northants and hoping to gain a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

"I will be wearing full leathers and a crash helmet for the record attempt," he said. "My aim is to hit 70mph - that would make me really happy."

Source: www.telegraph.co.uk

Electric Scooters

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 06:35:00 +0000

Smart's Electric Scooter

Mini e Scooter

Peugeot VivaCity

Hayden gets two more years at Ducati

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 10:50:00 +0000

Hayden joined Ducati from Honda at the start of the 2009 season. He initially struggled to acclimatise to the Desmosedici and was only 13th in last year's standings - but he has been much more competitive in the 2010 campaign. Although he has yet to repeat his '09 Indianapolis podium this year, he is sixth in the championship and has been much more evenly-matched with current team-mate Casey Stoner.

Ducati sporting boss Filippo Preziosi said the determination Hayden showed as he worked to improve his form really endeared him to the team.

"We are really pleased that Nicky will be staying with us for the next two years," said Preziosi.

"It is no secret that he is a rider who never gives up, his whole racing history shows it. As a person his tenacity is an example for us all because he shows us that nothing is impossible if you truly believe.

"His progress since arriving at Ducati has been impressive and I am sure this trend will continue in the future.

"Nicky is also a special rider because of his attention to every detail and for him having Valentino as his team-mate means a huge contribution towards the development of an even more competitive motorcycle.

"I think it is these characteristics that have won the hearts of all the Ducatisti and that is the reason why a Ducati is the bike for him right now."

Hayden felt he had made huge progress since first joining Ducati. This weekend at Indianapolis he took his first front row start with the team.

"Last year I felt like I rode for Ducati but now I really feel as if I am a Ducati rider," said the 2006 champion.

"The team, sponsors and Ducati fans have really taken me in and supported me a lot and I really hope to pay them back with the results they deserve."

The arrival of Rossi at Ducati next year will renew a partnership last seen when the Italian and Hayden were team-mates at Honda in 2003.

"Next year I'll be teamed with some guy named Rossi who knows a little something about bikes!"

Hayden joked.

"We're going to have a strong squad - I won't predict results but I have no doubt this team will have some real passion, real worth ethic and a lot of fun.

It is the start of a new era at Ducati and it is an honour for me to be a part of it."

Stoner not looking at Honda form

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 22:50:00 +0000

Ducati has yet to win a race this year, while Stoner's future Honda team-mate Dani Pedrosa scored his third victory of the season at Indianapolis last weekend and dominated ahead of his team-mate Andrea Dovizioso in Friday practice at Misano today.

But Stoner, who was only eighth fastest in today's session, said his 2011 team's performance was of no consolation whatsoever amid Ducati's issues.

"I have to worry about us at the moment," said Stoner. "I don't give a crap about what anybody else is doing at the moment.

"At the moment, we're struggling with our bike and we need to concentrate. I honestly don't care if the Yamahas are going well, if the Kawasakis were here and they were doing well. At the moment, we're not.

"At the moment, we are the slowest bike out there. There are four manufacturers and many times we are the most difficult one.

"So we have to pick up our game, and I know we can do a much better job than what we're doing."

The former world champion said he still did not feel the team had found how to extract the potential from the Ducati GP10.

"It's just difficult to find the solution that makes this bike work," said Stoner. "We've been able to get a great setting for a lot of races, but not a fantastic one, so we just need to keep working."

Ducati has been persisting with a new fork specification at Misano this weekend, and Stoner reckons the best policy is to continue making bold changes to the bike."At the moment I've got not a lot to gain and not a lot to lose," said the Australian, who is fourth in the championship, 132 points behind leader Jorge Lorenzo, at present."We're just going to keep trying different things and see if we can come up with a solution, because I'm sick of finishing third, being on the podium but on the last step and too far away from the lead, so we have to try something big.

"Unfortunately when you try something big, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll arrive at the best setting first time. We have to keep trying a lot of crap settings before we come across a good one."

Pedrosa unstoppable in first practice

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 10:50:00 +0000

The Honda rider, fresh from his third win of the year at Indianapolis last weekend, was at the front for the majority of the session.

Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) nosed ahead by 0.076s for a spell, but Pedrosa soon reasserted his authority. Although Lorenzo improved his pace several times after that, it was only ever by a few fractions of a second - and in any case Pedrosa moved well out of reach with two minutes to go when he set a 1m34.772s lap.

Then as the chequered flag fell, his team-mate Andrea Dovizioso came through to take second from Lorenzo by 0.06s and complete a Honda one-two.

Yamaha filled the next four places - Lorenzo leading his factory team-mate Valentino Rossi and Tech 3 pair Colin Edwards and Ben Spies.

It was a tough session for Ducati. Nicky Hayden was outside the top 10 for most of the hour, jumped up to fourth briefly, and ended up seventh, while his team-mate Casey Stoner struggled with the bike and was only eighth.

Gresini Honda's Marco Melandri and Suzuki's Loris Capirossi filled the final top 10 positions, with Hector Barbera in the top five for Aspar Ducati early on but pushed back to 11th in the end.

Rossi 'quite happy' with Misano practice

noreply@blogger.com (LondonMopeds) — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 22:50:00 +0000

The Italian, who has taken one podium from the four races since his return from a broken leg, was 0.767sec behind fastest man Dani Pedrosa - but only 0.155sec from second placed Andrea Dovizioso and less than a tenth from Fiat Yamaha team-mate Jorge Lorenzo, in third.

"I'm quite happy because we did a good job during today's practice, especially towards the end when we made a big improvement to the setting of the bike and I was able to make some faster lap times," said Rossi, who will join Ducati next season.

"We have some more things to try, some electronics and some tyre settings, but I already feel confident so this has been a good way to start. We're quite far from Pedrosa, who was very impressive today, but we're close to Dovizioso and Lorenzo.

"Tomorrow we will try to find some tenths and improve our time a bit.

"My physical condition is okay, I don't have too much pain but this track has two or three hard braking sections to the right and I suffer a bit with my shoulder at those points," he added.