Thursday, April 01, 2010

Vespa Announces New Eco-Smart Engine Family

THIS JUST IN FROM VESPA USA:

Just in time for Earth Day, Vespa unveils its new 150cc electronic fuel-injected engine family.

Recognized for ground-breaking technology and legendary style, the 2011 Vespa S 150, LX 150 and LXV 150 models sip 15 percent less fuel and don’t compromise your speed!



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VESPA ANNOUNCES NEW 150cc i.e. ECO-SMART ENGINE FAMILY

2011 Vespa S, LX and LXV 150 models sip 15 percent less fuel than prior generation

NEW YORK, April 1, 2010 – Italian manufacturer Piaggio, recognized for ground-breaking technology and legendary style, has equipped its 2011 Vespa S 150, LX 150 and LXV 150 models with new 150cc electronic fuel-injected engines that are even more miserly at the gas pump than the previous generation. Consuming 15 percent less fuel than its predecessor, the new powerplant wrings up to 85 miles out of each gallon of gas, all the while delivering an endless supply of fun and riding thrills. In addition, the new engine design also provides stronger, smoother acceleration in stop-and-go traffic, an especially important performance trait for metro commuters.

Green Isn’t a Trend – It’s a Commitment
While fuel price peaks and valleys have introduced thousands of consumers to the benefits of scooter ownership, choosing to swap some driving miles for riding miles isn’t just a trend when gas costs spike. For environmentally conscious consumers, it’s a lifelong commitment. The addition of the new 150cc injected engine family within the popular mid-range category adds even more reasons for consumers devoted to reducing fuel consumption, carbon emissions and congestion to make the switch to two wheels.

The electronic fuel injection system on the new 150cc injected engine ensures the air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber is optimized at all times and allows the single cylinder unit to pick up more smoothly and progressively from lower engine speeds. As a result, riders enjoy strong and smooth power delivery, especially in the relentless stop-start conditions of urban riding. The benefits of the new engines can also be appreciated on longer journeys where extended stretches of roadway come into play. And, owners who want a fast getaway will notice improved cold-starts, thanks to fuel injection.

Strong, clean and well-mannered at any speed, the 150cc i.e. equipped Vespa models are capable of zooming up to 60 mph. The unique, steel unibody Vespa frame provides greater rigidity and a more stable ride, while the superior trailing link suspension is designed to better handle potholes and other hazardous conditions. The front-disc braking system allows riders to safely make sudden stops on a dime, which is great for cities where traffic rules the road.

“Vespas are one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to contribute toward a cleaner, greener transportation landscape, and our new fuel-injected 150cc engine range makes it even simpler,” said Paolo Timoni, CEO of Piaggio USA. “Mid-scooters like the Vespa S 150 i.e., LX 150 i.e. and LXV 150 i.e. are tailor-made for confident urban commuting, and a 15 percent increase in fuel-efficiency is yet another great reason to add a scooter to your garage this Spring.”

Vespa has been and continues to be synonymous with fuel-efficiency and performance in North America and Europe. The new 150cc i.e. family upgrades the most popular models into a powerful league of their own, without compromising the long list of premium features. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for Vespa 150 i.e. models starts at $4,399 for the 2011 Vespa S 150 i.e. For more information, visit www.vespausa.com.

About The Piaggio Group
Established in 1884 by Rinaldo Piaggio, and based out of Pontedera in Pisa, Italy; the Piaggio Group is one of the world’s top manufacturers of two-wheel motor vehicles. With more than 7,000 employees, an annual production of more than 610,000 vehicles in 2009, five R&D centers, seven production facilities in Europe and Asia and operations in more than 50 countries - the Piaggio Group has a consolidated leadership in the European two-wheeler market. The company produces scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to 1,200cc displacement range, marketed under the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Derbi, Aprilia, Scarabeo and Moto Guzzi brands. The Group also manufactures three- and four-wheel light transportation vehicles for the Ape, Porter and Quargo ranges.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Ride for Kids 2010

I've been contacted by Cicely Salatino at Honda HQ in Torrance about their upcoming Ride for Kids that will happening on May 2nd. This benefits the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Great cause and good ride. Here are the details, given to me by Mrs. Salatino:

"The ride starts at the Honda campus (1919 Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90501) at 10am, and registration opens at 8am. I know some of your riders trailer their scooters in, and you can definitely do that for this ride. The tough part is that they line the bikes up in the parking lot as you arrive, so if you want to ride with your group you need to arrive together. Those that trailer their scooters can come straight to Honda and get set up in the car parking area. Most groups plan a meeting spot and then arrive together, usually closer to 9am. But as I mentioned the later you arrive the farther back you'll be in the line so I recommend getting there as early as possible.

As soon as you arrive on campus you'll be asked to sign an AMA waiver and receive a wristband. Then you'll have to walk over to the registration tent to register and turn in any donations. The minimum donation is $35 per motorcycle/scooter and you'll receive a ride pin in addition to being able to participate in the ride. They have pretty cool premiums if you raise more money. It takes $50 to get a ride shirt and then they have hats & vests & jackets, etc.. For every $300 in donations you bring you receive a raffle ticket for a drawing to win a new Honda motorcycle.

After registration your group will also want to register their donations with your club. They keep track of all the different clubs that participate, and the top three clubs receive recognition at the post-ride celebration. Last year the top fund-raiser, Scotty's Riders Club, raised $57,000 and the second place club raised $13,000.

There's food (bagels, bread, pastries) and coffee available in the morning and the Victor McLaglen group does a cool stunt show. Then at 9:45am everyone suits up and gets ready to start. I think this year we head down Torrance Blvd. to Catalina, then the Esplanade, then up to PV Blvd, around the peninsula, and straight down Western back to Honda.

The ride ends around 11:30am, and after parking everyone heads back to the tent for a free lunch (from Subway this year) and the celebration. They introduce some of the kids (brain tumor survivors), announce the top fund-raisers, and draw the winning raffle ticket. It ends by around 1pm.

This is one of 40 rides they coordinate across the country every year. The funds raised go to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, which raises money for research grants, family support, and college scholarships for children affected by brain tumors. It's a wonderful cause and the spirit at the event is just amazing.

If anyone under 18 wants to participate as a rider or passenger a legal guardian MUST be there to sign the consent form. They don't have to ride with the guardian, we just need the release signed.

Let me know if you need any more info as well. Check out the facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/rideforkids
Website: http://www.pbtfus.org/rideforkids/calendar/2010/losangeles.html

Thanks!

Cicely Salatino
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
1919 Torrance Blvd.
Torrance, CA 90501

Vespa Shop Night at the Addidas Store!

The Addidas ORIGINALS Store in South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, is releasing a Vespa/Addidas collaboration line on April 1st. THEY HAVE MADE A COUPON AVAILABLE TO ALL READERS OF THE SOCAL SCOOTER NEWSLETTER for a 15% merchandise discount for a "Vespa Shop Night", the evening of April 1st [click here for the coupon]. There will be a DJ spinning, and refreshments provided, as well. Although the party is in the evening, you may go into the store any time that day to use the discount coupon. Below is a sneak peek of some of the Vespa/Addidas items:







I, for one am eying those shoes and jacket. It'd be cool to see what else they will have...