Scooter industry news items. This section is updated frequently.
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VESPA

Vespa stocking fillers

Get revved up this festive season with stocking fillers from Vespa. A number of items are available including a male Servizio Tee (sizes S-XXL, price £22.99); Servizio Sweatshirt (sizes S-XXL, price £54.99); Ladies Tee (sizes XS- XL, price £24.99); Ladies zip-up hoody (sizes XS-XL, price £54.99); Vespa key ring in two designs (price £12.99); Vespa retro style key ring (price £5.99); Vespa 2GB USB stick (various colours, price £18.99); Vespa ring-bound notebook and rubber grip pen (price £6.99); Vespa ceramic mug (price £6.99). All in all, something for everyone. Visit www.uk.vespa.com or call 00800 818 29800 for info.

AJS Eco updated

The AJS learner legal Eco 125 has been and is now being distributed to their UK network of dealers. The single cylinder four-stroke engine remains the same as the previous version, but there are minor updates to the front forks and brakes along with an improved cast alloy rear carrier and a small headlamp fairing.

The Eco two retails for £1399 OTR. Visit www.ajsmotorcycles.co.uk or call 01264 711160 for info.

Piaggio

Piaggio not-so-assist

If you have bought something from the Piaggio Group range, you might feel secure in the knowledge that if it breaks down, the free ‘Piaggio Assist’ cover will get you to the garage – think again! For whatever reason (albeit cost cutting or something else), you are only allowed one recovery within your free ‘Assist’ cover. Break down more than once and you are stuffed – unless you pay an extra premium. Apparently, this applies to machines over 50cc, so be aware. Also note that your ‘Assist’ cover is not valid if you are within two miles of your home.

Your own insurance policy may already offer you free recovery and home start anyway, but we guess that it won’t be long before insurers twig that the recovery buck is being passed onto them for machines that should essentially still be covered by warranty.

Derbi

THE NEW DERBI GPR 125

A key design feature of the latest Derbi GPR 125cc is the new dual beam die-cast aluminium chassis, constructed from two pieces joined by the steering column. The power plant is a four-stroke single cylinder engine with a liquid cooling system, four valves and a six-speed gearbox.

The engine has a maximum power output of 15hp at 9,250rpm. The GPR is available in white/black and black at £2,999 (excluding OTR) with two years warranty and one-year roadside assistance. The bike is available on 0% finance until 30 September 2009. For further information call 00800 818 29800 or visit the Derbi website (www.derbi.com/uk).

YAMAHA

Aerox 50

Limited edition Yamaha’s Aerox 50 scooter is now available in the Team Yamaha livery. The Aerox Team Yamaha Race Replica combines sports styling and performance in a reliable, practical, everyday scooter. It’s available now at authorised Yamaha road dealers, priced at £2299 (not including road fund and first registration fee).

PEUGEOT

Cool options

As reported last issue, the third generation Speedfight will be launched with a choice of air-cooled or liquid-cooled engines when it appears in UK showrooms. Prices start at £1899 for the air-cooled version.
The liquid-cooled option with a rear hydraulic disc brake and gas reservoir shock will sell at £2049. Colours are blue sapphire/flash silver, red dragon/flash silver and grey stone/flash silver.

XERO

Going electric

Xero is launching a range of budget electric scooters. Priced at £1499, Xero claim the eScooter is up to a quarter of the price of some of its competitors. It’s being launched in two versions, the Classic (retro style, 1000W motor) and the Urban (contemporary style, 1500W motor).
Like all electric vehicles they will be exempt from road tax, congestion charges and parking charges (throughout most cities) Call 0845 459 0056 or visit www.xeroelectricvehicles.com for information.

VESPA

New Speedjet sport scooter

Pretty in pink The latest version of the LX is the new Vespa Rosa. It’s the first pink scooter to come from the Vespa brand and only 65 units will be available in the UK. The Rosa LX 50cc is now available for £2249 and the 125cc for £2899 (both excluding OTR charges) and with a selection of accessories, including a matching pink helmet.
Visit www.uk.vespa.com or call 00800 818 29800 for information.

 

SACHS

New Speedjet sport scooter

The Speedjet R is the latest addition to Sachs’ growing range of machines. Styling hasn’t been scrimped on; twin halogen headlights, angular aggressive bodywork, rear hugger and four racy colour schemes offer a striking presence on the move or at rest, while six-spoke alloy wheels, wavy front brake disk and colour-matched rear spoiler underline the Speedjet R’s sporting inspiration. Complementing the package is a tubular steel frame, telescopic front forks and monoshock rear. Sport profile tyres and powerful front disc brake provide the stopping power. Although a sports machine, practicality has not been overlooked and the Speedjet R comes with centre and sidestand, large underseat storage area and roomy pillion seat.

Produced in choice of red/white, blue/white and black/white colour schemes, the Speedjet comes with a full two-year manufacturer’s warranty and is priced at £1499. For more information call 01202 823344 or visit www.sachsmotorcycles.co.uk

VESPA

New LX arrives

The new Vespa LX has arrived. Subtle updates have been made and the front mudguard now features the chrome crest usually seen on the GTS models, while the rear of the scooter has a new chrome tail-lamp cover. The seat has been ergonomically designed and the handgrips are restyled with a distinctive design – a chrome ring with an historic embossed Vespa logo. For the first time the LX is also available with a 50cc 4T-4V engine and electronic management of ignition and carburettor.

The Vespa LX 50cc 2T and LX 125cc models are available in the new Nero Vulcano (black), Blue Midnight, Rosso Dragon (red) and Capri (50cc only). The Vespa LX 4T-4V 50cc is available in Nero Vulcano only

Prices are as follows: Vespa LX 50cc 2T – £2149, the 50cc 4T-4V – £2299 and the 125cc – £2799 (excluding government road tax and first registration fee). All versions come with a two-year warranty and one-year roadside assistance (over 50cc models only).

Visit your local Vespa dealer for more details or visit www.piaggio-scooters.co.uk for information.

- Previous news -

Rieju

New from Rieju
Rieju have just released the new MRT 50 series moped. Available in Enduro or Supermoto form they feature latest chassis design and up to date styling to the geared 50cc market.
Retail prices start at just £2099 (inc vat) with two years parts and labour warranty. Colour options Red, White or Black. Visit www.riejumoto.com for information.

KYMCO

Range additions
KYMCO will be launching several new 50cc and 125cc scooters in the spring and summer. The 2009 line-up will include additions to the 50cc/125cc Agility range, a new two-stroke 50cc scooter for the youth market and also a retro-styled 50cc/125cc scooter. Further details will be released shortly. The company is also launching its’ own-branded insurance scheme

PEUGEOT

Final Speedfight 2 line-up
Peugeot has announced the final line-up for its Speedfight 2 scooter. Over half a million Speedfights have been manufactured and sold since 1996. Three final models are available, all featuring single arm front fork and asymmetrical twin lens headlights. Produced in orange/black and black/silver, the Speedfight LR has a liquid cooled 50cc two-stroke engine, tri-spoke alloy wheels, 180mm wavy disc brake and ‘snake bite’ sports exhaust. In blue/silver, the Ultimate has all the above plus alloy foot plates and two-tone sports seat, while the top-of-the-range R-Cup shares this specification but with special paintwork and sponsor logos. Prices for the outgoing models are £1729 (Speedfight LR), £1829 (Ultimate) and £1879 (R-Cup). All are covered by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Speedfight 3 arriving
The third generation of the Peugeot Speedfight scooter will arrive in the UK during summer 2009. Central to the Speedfight 3 design is the revised chassis with the fuel tank relocated under the floor pan, lowering the centre of gravity. 32mm hydraulic forks replace the previous single arm and larger 13-inch wheels are fitted. For the first time a dual piston radial caliper is fitted, which works with the 215mm Shuricane front disc brake. The relocated fuel tank now holds 8.5 litres (2 gallons), giving a potential range of 150 miles. Under the seat is a substantial storage bay and even a dual function 12v mobile phone socket. Price details to be confirmed.

Three-year warranty scheme

EP Barrus Ltd has announced that all PGO petrol scooters now come with a free three-year warranty, which is transferable if the scooter is sold within that three-year period.
To qualify customers should ensure that the scooter is registered by their local dealer and adhere to the conditions and regular service intervals as specified in the warranty handbook.

• For more ifnormation, visit: www.barrus.co.uk

Honda to go electric by 2010

Honda is aiming to have an electric bike in production by 2010. The company is currently developing a battery-powered electric bike which emits no CO2 during operation. They are aiming to introduce the fully electric motorcycle to the market in approximately two years and envisage it could be viable for commercial as well as individual applications.

YAMAHA: YBR125 CUSTOM ARRIVES

Yamaha have announced the arrival of their YBR125 Custom bike which uses the same single cylinder, air-cooled powerplant as the YBR125 and has a low seat (760mm) with high custom ’bars for a relaxed and comfortable cruiser-type ride. It’s available in black, red and light grey metallic at a suggested price of £1999 plus first registration fee and road tax. Visit www.yamaha-motor.co.uk for more details of free and subsidised insurance offers.

SUPERMOTO YOUR TANGO!

An evolution of the Tango series, the new ‘SM’ Supermoto version, is now available. Just an extra £50 over the price of a standard Tango 50, the new SM version comes with a host of goodies. Made in Spain with a new generation Yamaha Minarelli six-speed 2T engine, each Tango 50 SM is created with European components. Retail price is £1899 (inc VAT) plus OTR and colour options are blue/white or red/black. Email rieju.uk@riejumoto.com or visit www.riejumoto.com for information.

SACHS

Sachs SX1 50 updates
Updates for the Sachs SX1 include a 190mm wavy disc brake on the front alloy tri-spoke wheel. The addition of alloy footplates and the colour contrast painted spring on the rear shock absorber add to the sporting appearance. These extras have been added at no extra cost to the price of £1299, including a full two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

VESPA

Nautical, but nice
This limited edition Vespa Navy is available until the end of the year, and comes in a navy blue finish with a beige seat. It’s available in Vespa LXV (50cc and 125cc) and GTV (125cc and 250cc) models from £2249, and comes with a selection of accessories, including windscreen, chrome kit and top box. The LXV 50cc is available for £2249 and 125cc for £2799, while the GTV costs £3199 for the 125cc and £3749 for the 250cc version.

YAMAHA

All new Vity
Armed with a 125cc single cylinder four-stroke engine, the Vity has a disc brake up front and a drum at the back and 10in wheels and a two-year factory warranty. The suggested retail price, excluding first registration fee and excise duty, is £1699. It is available in silver tech, midnight black and fancy plum.

SACHS

Buzz through the traffic
Sachs has introduced a 50cc version of their retro-styled Bee scooter. Powered by a 50cc automatic four-stroke engine, the Bee weighs 87kg, making it one of the lighter scooters in its class. With a modest 770mm seat height it should be easy to manoeuvre.

Sachs offer the Bee 50 in a choice of orange/white, red/white or black colours, priced at only £1199 (inc VAT). A two-year factory warranty is included.

KYMCO

City sophistication
New from KYMCO are the Agility City 50cc and 125cc scooters. These 16in wheeled machines are finished in two-tone black (50cc) and silver/black (125cc). Both are powered by four-stroke air-cooled engines achieving in excess of 100 miles per gallon.

Priced at £1299 OTR and £1699 OTR respectively, features include electric and kick-start, automatic choke, lockable underseat storage box, steering lock, rear carrier, centre and side stands. They also come with a two-year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty.

PEUGEOT

New Speedfight Ultimate and R-Cup
Peugeot has launched two new Speedfight versions in 2008 colours. The Ultimate is metallic blue and silver, with tri-spoke alloy wheels and white shock absorbers. Meanwhile, the R-Cup changes from red to white/black bodywork, with white tri-spoke wheels and sponsor logos.

Both models feature ‘snake bite’ exhaust, two-tone sport saddle, aluminium footplates and rear spoiler. The liquid cooled 50cc two-stroke engine is claimed to be responsive and economical, while 180mm disc brakes front and rear deliver the stopping power.

Both machines are available through Peugeot's national dealer network at £1929 OTR and are covered by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

HONDA

16 April 2008

Special editions
Honda is launching special editions of the PS125i scooter. The Sporty Edition features two-tone black and silver bodywork with red and silver stripes. It also has black wheels, black front fork bottom-cases, rear carrier and red stitching on its black seat. The price remains unchanged at £2249.

There are also three new, fresh and funky special designs. They are the Eco, Tribal and HM Plant. The Eco is available only on pearl silver green; the Tribal is available on candy xenon blue and winter lake blue; while the HM Plant scheme is available in interstellar black metallic only. All three designs are available now and retail for the same price as the standard model at £2249.

SACHS

16 April 2008

MadAss looks
For 2008 the Sachs MadAss 125 gets a new look with matt black alloy wheels and polished rims plus stainless steel exhaust system with brushed alloy silencer. The MadAss comes in yellow, anthracite grey or black and can be ridden by most car drivers on L-plates or by provisional licence-holders aged 17 or over, selling for just £1499 on the road.

RIEJU

16 April 2008

New UK models
The latest Rieju 50cc and 125cc scooters have arrived in the UK. The Toreo 50 and Pacific 50 have a recommended retail price of £949. The Pacific 125 is £1249 RRP. All prices include VAT.

Cable guy joins Yamaha

11 April 2008

Karl Radley has joined Yamaha Motor (UK) Ltd as the company’s marketing co-ordinator. He will be aiding Marketing Manager Simon Belton in the implementation of Yamaha’s marketing plans. His functions will include the management of the motorcycle press fleet, instigation of the company’s attendance at outside events and general promotional activities!
Industry insiders may have already come across Karl before as he was previously business development manager for after-market brake line and control cable manufacturer Venhill Engineering, where he gathered a host of experience including sales, marketing and show management plus dealer and customer relations.
Karl can be contacted on 01932 358085 or by email at karl.radley@yamaha-motor.co.uk.

Racing ahead

11 April 2008

KYMCO has agreed a sponsorship deal with KTM UK to supply two Super 8 50cc scooters for use at the 2008 KTM Super Duke R race series, held at the prestigious British Super Bike Championship rounds. KTM staff will use the sports scooters as paddock transport to support the one make race series, at all 12 rounds of the BSB championship during practice days, testing and on race day.
Richard Ellis, KTM UK’s Events Manager says; “Anyone who has been to a BSB race will be aware of the sheer scale of the circuits.  So it is vital for the smooth running of the race to have some form of transport. Scooters are ideal, as they will enable our race team to swiftly get around the paddocks and the circuits.  
“We specifically chose KYMCO because of their reputation for providing reliable machines, and we liked the Super 8 50 in particular, because it has the sports styling which will look great within the BSB paddock.”

Ian Kidson, Managing Director of MASCO, the UK concessionaire for KYMCO says; “This is a great opportunity for KYMCO to work alongside KTM, a well-respected manufacturer, and the association will further elevate our own brand profile at the prestigious BSB events.”
Telephone 01743 761107 or visit www.kymco.co.uk for further info.

New Saigon Scooters hotline

Saigon Scooters have a new UK hotline number with calls charged at local landline rates. Customers can now call them on 0845 508211.

SACHS

Buzz off on a Bee
Sachs have given their retro-styled 125cc Bee scooter a colourful makeover. It is now available with a choice of metallic orange-and-white or metallic red-and-white body panels. These new colour schemes cost no more than the standard silver colour, which is priced at £1299, including a two-year factory warranty.

TGB

Transport alternative
For those with an eye on the budget who still need personal transport, TGB Scooters are offering a practical solution in the form of their Delivery Scooter. On the road prices are set at £1595 (50cc) and £1995 (125cc).

PEUGEOT

New lightweight
The Sum Up is a new 125cc scooter from Peugeot. It has twin halogen headlights, alloy wheels and sport profile tyres. Equipped with 13-inch wheels and weighing 115kg, it’s one of the lighter scooters in its class. It is available in a choice of night blue/metallic silver and pearl black/metallic silver for £1399 on the road, including a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.

PIAGGIO

MP3 gets bigger
Piaggio’s MP3 has increased its engine capacity with the inclusion of a new Master 400cc engine to the range. A further advantage of the 400cc version is a 65mm increase in wheelbase, compared to the 250cc version.

The 400cc MP3 is priced at £4999 (inclusive of two years warranty and one year’s roadside cover). It is available in a choice of two colour variations.

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Scooter manufacturers sometimes offer good insurance deals at their dealerships. Check here often for the latest offers.

Advantage scooter

Hastings Direct has introduced a new scooter insurance product allowing drivers access to competitive rates. ‘Advantage Scooter’ is available through their quote and buy website and offers discounts for drivers holding full licences who’ve owned their scooter for over a year. It allows owners of older machines to reduce the cost of their annual cover, especially ladies adding additional drivers.
For further details visit www.hastingsdirect.com or call 0800 11 1066

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