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Author unknown...

 

''A motorcycle is a joy machine.

It's a machine of wonders, a metal bird, a motorized ..... CONTINUED

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• Hyosung-Kymco-Qlink/CFMoto-Johnny Pag-Rhino /Blog/Forum: GUESTS
  Guest posting permissions enabled on select forums, try it out !!
  

''Google rolls out new music search''
Google latest innovation has taken the power of its search engine and our insatiable lust for music and combined the two. Those lucky enough to live Stateside can now enter an artist, song title or lyric into Google's normal search window and the first results offered will link to audio previews, information and details of how to buy.	Click for video

• 
  
• The verdict
  
  When rumors first started circulating about what Google was going to do with a new music service I had high expectations. Now it's arrived I have to say that I am a little disappointed. I had hoped for so much more, at the very least something a little less, well, ordinary.
  
  Accepting it for what it is though, maybe it would be more useful to me personally if Google had partnered with the likes of Amazon, Play, We7, Deezer, Last.fm or Spotify along with the others.
  
  I would have also liked to see links to artist websites amongst the results offered at the top of the page. And would it have been too much of a burden for someone to offer a range of audio download formats to choose from? Maybe such things will come when the service is opened up to non-US domains. I hope so.
  

Bart Madson Managing Editor

motorcycleusa.com

     When Motorcycle USA arrived at Asheville, North Carolina to sample the 2010 Scooter lineup from Kymco, we had no idea how robust the Tawian manufacturer’s scooter line actually was. Ranging from 500cc maxiscooters to 50cc 4-strokes, with plenty of mid-displacement offerings on hand, Kymco has added four new models this year: the Downtown 300i, Like 200i, Like 50 and Super 8 50 2T.

There were too many rides and not enough time…

Spoiler: click to toggle

But we did our best, scooting along the Blue Ridge Parkway and the uber-sheik grounds of Asheville’s private Biltmore Estate to get a taste of the 2010 Kymco scooter line.

Kymco Xciting 500Ri - $6299, ABS $6799

As if testing a score of scooters in a 1.5-day window wasn’t daunting enough, we complicated things by arriving late thanks to multiple flight delays and a fitful night of shuteye in the Atlanta airport (Thank You DELTA!!). Literally a day late, we dropped our bags in Asheville, plopped on a helmet and ran over to a waiting Kymco 500Ri. Our testing group was “somewhere south on the Blue Ridge Parkway,” so we twisted the grip and went lookin’.

The solo saddle time made for a grin-inducing jaunt, flogging the most performance-oriented Kymco scoot down the famed southern byway to catch up. The 498.5cc DOHC Single fairly rips in a scooter context and 70-plus mph cruising speed is a simple lickety-split right hand twist. Granted, the large Xciting can feel every bit its 473 lbs (claimed dry weight), yet the chassis and its telescopic fork, plus dual preload-adjustable rear shocks are game enough for spirited riding – though you’re not going to confuse its handling with a street bike anytime soon.

The dual disc front binders teamed with the sturdy rear disc, do a competent job bringing the near 500-lb scoot to a halt. And, yes, the optional ABS is a worthy investment despite the extra 15 lbs and $500.

Riding position is cush, with the feet-forward footrests quite relaxing and making long-distance treks a pleasant affair. Our only real gripe with the Xciting is its lengthy 61.8-inch wheelbase, large size and hefty weight, making low-speed maneuvering more technical than on its smaller, more nimble, siblings. As for fit-and-finish, the inclusion of a tach on the control panel doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but we’ll forgive ‘em for it – our high-speed scoot down the Blue Ridge will definitely get scratched into our cranial hard drive for a long time to come. (Long-term opinions on the Kymco 500Ri are available in our 2009 Kymco Xciting 500Ri Review.)

Kymco Xxciting 250Ri - $5199

As for the 250Ri, we jumped aboard the 500’s kid brother further down the Blue Ridge, once we caught up with the rest of the testing crew. The rolling chassis on the two Xcitings are identical, from physical dimensions, to brakes, to suspension; that is until the eye rolls down the spec sheet to the 67-lb lighter dry weight! And in a 407-lb scooter that makes for a BIG difference.

A liquid-cooled Single like its sibling, the 72.7mm x 60mm bore and stroke add up to a 249cc displacement (92mm x 75mm for the 500). The smaller SOHC engine pares down the pounds, but definitely gives up some of the oomph compared to the 500. However, the 250 still gets up to speed and should be okay on the Superslab – the power loss is felt mostly under acceleration, particularly at higher speed. Cushioning some of the performance drop is an efficiency claimed at 61 mpg, far greater than the observed mid-30mpg from our previous test run with the larger scooter. Oh, it’s also a full $1100 less than the 500.

Aside from the engines, the two units as a whole felt quite similar – the 250 perhaps more deft at lower speeds and easier to manhandle thanks to the lighter weight.

Kymco Downtown 300i

We spent the most time during our North Carolina testing run aboard the all-new Downtown 300i, which resides between the Xciting 500Ri and 250Ri in the maxiscooter lineup. At first glance the Downtown appears to be just a rebadged Xciting, but while similar in appearance, its differences become apparent behind the controls.

First, there’s the 299cc Single. The nearly square configuration of the 72.7mm bore and 72mm stroke seems a stroked out version of the 250 powerplant, yet Kymco assures us the 4-valve SOHC mill is a totally new design. The assertion is backed up on the road, where the 300’s power and acceleration feel far closer to the 500 than the 250. Top end performance isn’t quite at the 500’s level, but the freeway is fair game, as well as hustling along backroads at a respectable clip.

Perhaps one reason why the engine feels so spunky is it’s pushing only 367 lbs – a full 106 lbs less than the 500Ri (40 lbs less than the 250). We assumed this was a spec sheet blunder, but Kymco promises the new engine and chassis have made the weight reduction possible. And speaking of chassis, the Downtown is more compact – two inches shorter in length with a corresponding one inch-shorter wheelbase at 60.8 inch. Seat height is a quarter-inch higher than the Xciting, and the cockpit feels tighter. While the seat itself is comfy, the close quarters first become apparent when pitching the feet forward, the footrests too close to use on the Downtown – at least for taller riders, myself standing 6’2”.


The Kymco Downtown 300i is a 2011 model that will appear in the second quarter of 2010. The telescopic fork and preload-adjustable dual shocks can get jarred by road imperfections transmitted by the 14-inch front and 13-inch rear tires (an inch smaller on each wheel than the Xcitings). Still, the handling is on par with Xcitings, transitions being a little quicker on the lighter Downtown.

Although using the same braking components as the Xcitings - wave rotor and two-pot calipers - the Downtown sports only a single-disc configuration up front. While delivering less initial bite there’s plenty of stopping power at the ready when jamming down on both the front and rear single-disc units. (Kymco purchases suspension and brake parts from major suppliers in enough volume to brand them themselves – though Kymco reps do confirm ABS is from Bosch.)

Dealers are quick to point out that Kymco is from Taiwan, not China, and doesn’t carry the dubious stigma attached to “cheap Chinese scooters,” the quality of Kymco scoots apparent while riding and backed by a two-year warranty. (Though the Made in China/Taiwan saga and what’s made where, by all manufacturers, is worthy of an article – or even series of articles…) The overall fit and finish on the Downtown may be the best of the Kymco line. Our only minor quibble is the KMPH speedo, with small MPH numbers that are hard to read, and also there’s that analog tach – looks alright, but why exactly am I looking at it?

Overall the Downtown 300i was our pick of the Kymco litter. While price is still pending, the Downtown is actually a 2011 model, which should be due in dealerships by the second quarter of 2010.


Kymco Yager GT 200i - $3499


Out of the 150-250 Kymco class, the Yager 200GTi was the best standout, ample performance and comfy ergos. In the 150-250 class, the star in our opinion is the Yager GT 200i. The biggest reason being its liquid-cooled 175cc Single, which felt comparable to the Xciting 250 and provided plenty of pop on surface streets and backroads. We didn’t approach freeway speeds on the Biltmore Estates (the Vanderbilt overseers would surely release the hounds if we were too obnoxious, or at least the private security force), however, we feel confident the Yager could handle interstate traffic.

The 13-inch front wheel and 54.7-inch wheelbase make for a quick-turning yet stable handler, while the single-disc brakes front and rear also deliver pleasing performance. The quirkiest trait is the oddly shaped handlebars, which look something like seagull wings ready to take flight but make for plenty of legroom – the comfy ergos another big plus in our book. The $3500 pricetag isn’t half bad either, and a lot of bang for the buck – a better deal in our estimation than the Xcitings.


Another standout was the Super 8 150, which delivers the sharp-turning maneuverability of its smaller 50cc kin but with much more palatable performance out of its air-cooled 149cc 4-stroke. The 14-inch wheels and single disc front/drum rear brakes match well with the urban intentions of this metro commuter. Our favorite trait? Has to be the $2299 MSRP.

Kymco People 150 - $2799

An honorable mention in the mid-range scoots goes to the People 150. Freeways are a no go, but the 152cc air-cooled motor seemed game enough for larger surface streets and make the People 150 a proper little city scoot. The skinny 16-inch hoops are easy to turn yet deliver a motorcycle feel and the riding position isn’t as cramped as we expected. However, is it worth the $500 premium over the Super 8 150? Not by our brief saddle impressions.

Kymco Like 200i

The biggest disappointment in the 200 class was the new 2011 Like 200i. We rode it only a short while on the Blue Ridge Parkway, where it did not belong. The all-new air-cooled 163cc motor was sluggish, struggling up inclines and from standing starts. The most unnerving trait, however, was the cramped riding position, with our knees effectively acting as the steering lock and making it a dicey proposition for taller riders. Unless the pending MSRP is rock bottom, we don’t see many riders opting for the Like when there are better options in the Kymco arsenal.

Kymco People 250 S - $4499

Unfortunately, we didn’t spend more than a few minutes aboard the intriguing People 250 S, but we did enjoy the time. Short review, motor feels similar to Xciting 250Ri with more compact dimensions and handling characteristics. Would like to get a second ride, until then…

Other notes from the 250 Kymco line, the quirky Venox cruiser? It’s gone baby, gone – dropped from the 2010 lineup.

SOURCE:HERE

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• quote from dealernews ,Publish date: Sep 2, 2008:
  
  KYMCO Stoked By Venox Sales
  '' and KYMCO USA says retail sales of the Venox 250 for the first six months of 2008
  were up 50 percent compared to the same period last year. ''
  
  --------------------------------------------------------
  
  
• KYMCOUSA 2010 SCOOTERS & MOTORCYCLES;
  PDF FILE
  
  ATTACHMENT KYMCO_OnRoad_2010_Web.pdf (4.05 MB)
  
  And of course the Venox is not listed....
  
  ------------------------------------------------------
  
  
• From another source:
  

  motorcycledaily.com

   

  I was also eager to try out the Quannon, Kymco's 150cc sportbike. It's now Kymco's sole U.S. motorcycle offering, as the Venox, a 250cc cruiser, was dropped for 2010.

  
  source: Kymco 2010: Do You Know Kymco?
  
  -----------------------------------------------------
  

www.kymco.cn

 

     Tokyo Motor Show, one of the international largest motor show, take place in Tokyo, Japan, from October 23rd to November 4th, KYMCO reveal new models of year 2010 during the phase of exhibition.

      KYMCO will announce series of fuel injection new models including Myroad 700i, new Xciting 500i/300i, Downtown 300i, Racing 125i, Like 200i. And some small capacity models will be shown at same time, such as Super 8 50 2T, Agility Naked 50 2T and Sooner 50 c.c.

To the brand new model, the new Xciting 500i, 4-stroke, single cylinders engine, EFI fuel injection system is that high-tech, luxurious, comfortable and safety. With 498.5 c.c. engine to collocate with outstanding of styling design deliver kind of big sports scooter temperament. Meanwhile, the Racing 125i that had won the 2008 Macao AAMC RUN-5th Auto bike championship will be shown as well. On the other hands, for satisfy with the whole segment of global markets, KYMCO launch the new Agility Naked 50 2T scooter to match up with the needs of young generation user. And hope to make the market sale report reach a new peak for the coming year.

In spite of the global economy recession strike against most of European and American automobile manufacture by the year 2009, and for saving budget of advertisement had caused most of manufacture quit from the exhibitor list, KYMCO, on the contrary, invest much more study in R&D, to launch numerous hi-tech new models. KYMCO against all these economy recession strike to attend the motor show and will become the only one of motorcycle manufacture exhibitor around the Asia region except the Japan local brand. And KYMCO’s aspiration is going to puts itself on a par with the global first class brand.

• 
  
• #10. Wild Hogs – Harley Davidson
  Wild Hogs is a feel good family movie. Four middle aged friends, who only ride their Harley Davidsons at the weekend, take a cross country trip to discover what it feels like to be a “real” biker. The cast includes John Travolta, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence and William H Macey on Harley Davidson bikes. Harley Davidsons featured in this movie include a XL1200C Sportster Custom, FXSTS Springer Softail, Black Fatboy and a Screaming Eagle Fatboy.
  
  
• #9. Purple Rain - HONDA 400A
  Prince played “The Kid” in the 1984 classic Purple Rain. He has trouble at home, trouble in the band - the movie is 80’s from beginning to end. Prince was already an experienced rider at the time of filming and rode the Honda Motorbike
  alongside the filming truck himself, unlike a lot of movies where the actor is filmed sitting on a motorbike on the back of a trailer.
  
  
• #8. Ghost Rider – Custom Built Chopper
  Marvel comic character Johnny Blaze is played by Nicolas Cage in the 2007 film Ghost Rider. Blaze is a motorcycle stuntman who transforms into a demon-like Ghost Rider. Grace, Blaze’s bike in this film, is a custom made chopper designed as a modern take on Peter Fonda’s in Easy Rider. Interestingly, Peter Fonda plays the baddie Mephistopheles in Ghost Rider.
  
  
• #7. The World’s Fastest Indian – Indian Scout
  Starring Anthony Hopkins, The World’s Fastest Indian is the true story of a speed bike racer from New Zealand, Burt Munro. Munro set an under 1000cc world record in 1967 on an Indian brand motorcycle that he mechanically modified and covered with an aerodynamic shell. Amazingly, at the time of the world record the Indian motorbike was 47 years old and Monroe himself was 68! More amazingly, the record still stands today! Film worthy material indeed.
  
  
• #6. The Motorcycle Diaries – 500cc Norton
  The Motorcycle Diaries is based on the real journey of young Argentinean Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara. Before becoming a guerrilla leader he travelled across South America for more than 500 miles with his friend Alberto Granado. Both ride together on a 500cc single cylinder Norton Motorcycle which they name La Poderosa - “The Mighty One”. This film is based on the diaries kept by the two friends on their epic journey.
  
  
• #5. Top Gun - Kawasaki GPZ750R
  Tom Cruise plays Maverick, a competitive naval school recruit who pilots an F14 fighter jet. In the movie Cruise rode a Kawasaki GPZ750R. Cruise had not ridden a motorbike before he filmed the movie and learnt to ride in the parking lot of a Californian bike shop. Despite the informal motorcycle training, the experience turned into a passion for Cruise and he has never looked back!
  
  
• #4.Terminator 2 – Harley Davidson Fatboy
  Terminator 1 had Sarah Connor being chased on a Honda scooter with the Terminator chasing her on a Honda 750. This chase scene left audiences wanting more, so in 1991’s Terminator 2 Arnie rode a Harley Davidson Fatboy. It all started with the line “I need your clothes, boots and your motorcycle”. Arnold, now Governor of California, remains to this day an avid motorcycle enthusiast and owns a range of bikes.
  
  
• #3. Easy Rider – Harley Davidson
  Lots of great stars, lots of great bikes, 1969’s Easy Rider is a cult classic and spawned the hit “Born to Be Wild”. A motorcycle buddy film featuring names such as Nicholson, Fonda, Hopper, the bikes featured in the film were Harley Davidson Hydraglide models from 1949, 1950 and 1952. This film makes you want to get on a Chopper and head out to the unknown with your friends.
  
  
• #2. Mission Impossible 2 – Triumph
  Mission Impossible 2 features two Triumph Motorcycles. The first, ridden by Ethan Hunt played by Tom Cruise, is a Triumph Speed Triple. The second is a Triumph Daytona, ridden by Dougray Scott as Sean Ambrose . The big motorcycle battle is action packed in a way that only director John Woo could pull off. This movie has some of the best motorcycle stunt scenes ever.
  
  
• #1. The Great Escape - TT Special 650 Triumph
  The Great Escape has arguably the greatest motorcycle scenes of all time. Steve McQueen himself had a lot of input into the motorcycle scenes in the 1963 movie and performed all of his own stunts, apart from the jump across the barbed wire fence. McQueen in the famous final scene was riding a TT Special 650 Triumph which had a makeover to look like a wartime BMW. The Great Escape – inspiring people to get on a motorbike for the last 40 years.
  
  

Quote:

 

     After the Frankfurt Auto Show last month, auto lovers are now looking forward to the upcoming Tokyo Auto Show from 24th October to 4th November 2009 at Makuhari Messe, Chiba City, Japan. 21st and 22nd October have been reserved as Press Days while October 23rd will be the day for Opening Ceremony and Special Guest Day. The show will open for general public from 24th October onwards.

The show will have an approximately 2.5km stretch of ground for test drives and each of Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Mazda and Mitsubishi are expected to give test drives of 5-6 models at the Motor Show. There will be test rides for special motorcycles as well. Suzuki, Honda, Yamaha, Adiva, Harley-Davidson and Kymco will participate in this program and are scheduled to provide approximately 30 motorcycles in total.

Japanese car makers are known for their world class designs and when the auto show is on the home turf, no one is lacking in its efforts. Mazda will showcase its Kiyora Concept car based on 1.3-liter version of Mazda’s new SKY-G engine combined with a six-speed Sky-Drive automatic transmission. The exquisite design highlights superb aerodynamic design, regenerative braking, i-stop start/stop system, giving incredible mileage of 31.89 kmpl.