I thought it was roughly equivalent to a 200-250cc scooter. It costs more than a Burghman 650. Here's mine:
Posted on 01/18/2009 1:17:49 PM PST by martin_fierro
Smaller models take the stage at motorcycle show
By Dan Strumpf ASSOCIATED PRESS Sunday, January 18, 2009
NEW YORK — Motorcycle makers showcased cheaper and more fuel-efficient models at the nation's premier motorcycle show Friday, as the industry tries to navigate a tough road of crippled consumer confidence and tighter access to credit that is weighing on sales.
The companies sought to drown out the gloomy news with the revved engines of 600 bikes from more than 250 exhibitors at the International Motorcycle Show, which runs through Sunday at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.
"We're definitely seeing where manufacturers are taking advantage of the smaller motorcycles in their lineup — the motorcycles that don't get the kind of attention when things are sort of economically strong," show spokesman Robert Pandya said. "We're seeing motorcycles coming in that were originally designed for other markets that, because of people's consciousness for fuel economy and ease of getting around, are all of a sudden finding a home in the U.S."
Scooter maker Vectrix Corp. unveiled two electric models, while Italy's Piaggio & C. SpA showed off its new Vespa GTS 300, which can reach 80 mph with a 278-cubic-centimeter engine. Honda Motor Co., Ducati and Kawasaki also displayed new bikes.
Vectrix said it's targeting younger, urban commuters with its electric scooters. The VX-2 will have a base price just over $5,000 and will travel 40 to 50 miles on a charge, with a top speed of 30 mph. The VX-1E will cost about $3,500 more but can reach 62 mph with a range of 55 miles.
"The benefits of these in an urban environment are vast," said Victor Pritzker, Vectrix's director of North American sales. "The first is zero hydrocarbons. It makes you a good citizen. ... The second is the cost of ownership. A tuneup on our vehicle is a computer upgrade."
Honda debuted a chopper called the Fury with a lower riding position, a single-shock rear suspension with a hard-tail look and a 1,312 cc V-twin engine. The Fury's 71-inch wheelbase makes it the longest bike in Honda's lineup.
Honda spokesman Bill Savino said the Fury will sell for about $13,000.
"No one has ever made anything this affordable for that segment of the market," Savino said.
Motorcycle sales tend to take a beating when the economy slows, and sales industrywide fell 2.2 percent in the third quarter of 2008, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. In 2007, sales ended a 14-year growth streak by falling 6 percent.
In October, the top-selling U.S. company, Harley-Davidson Inc., cut its 2008 sales forecast to between 303,500 and 306,000 motorcycles from 330,619 in 2007.
"If you already are a motorcycle enthusiast or rider, you can probably make the current one you have last longer, said Robin Diedrich, senior consumer analyst for Edward Jones. "You don't need to get that new model."
The motorcycle industry hasn't totally wiped out. One bright spot has been sales of lightweight bikes like scooters. Scooter sales in the U.S. surged 50 percent in the third quarter of 2008 compared with the previous year's quarter, said Ty van Hooydonk, spokesman for the Motorcycle Industry Council.
"You're seeing a lot of people who are looking for alternative transportation going to scooters and dual-purpose bikes," Van Hooydonk said. Scooter sales might have been even higher last year if companies could have made more of them to keep up with the spike in demand, he said.
Van Hooydonk said the summer run-up in gas prices likely contributed to the spike, along with more riders using two-wheelers to commute in addition to those who ride for pleasure. Although fuel prices have dropped more than 50 percent from the peak national average of $4.11 per gallon in July, representatives at the show said they think consumers will continue to be drawn to motorcycles for their fuel efficiency, as many bikes get 50 or more miles per gallon.
I thought it was roughly equivalent to a 200-250cc scooter. It costs more than a Burghman 650. Here's mine:
I agree that’s a lousy deal. Here in Toronto you can buy an electric scooter with the same capabilities for as little as $1100. Electrics are great in the city (I rode one for three years) but if you want to get out of town you need a gas scooter at least 125cc.
SWEET! The same bike?
These little ‘lectric scooters, I need on for each foot...
One, that would be one, not on...
The Fury:
A 1,312 cc fuel-injected, liquid-cooled 52 degree V-twin engine
A five-speed transmission with shaft drive
Front suspension: 45 mm fork with 4.0 inches of travel
Front brake: Single 336 mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear suspension: Adjustable single rear shock with 3.7 inches of travel
Rear brake: Single 296 mm disc with single-piston caliper
A 21-inch, 90/90 tire up front, and an 18-inch, 200/50 tire at the rear
Rake: 38 degrees
A seat height of 26.7 inches
Curb weight: 663 pounds
Available colors: Black, Silver, Burgundy, Blue, Matte Silver
LOL!
Roller skates!
[and thanks]....:)
Is that a stella?
Made in india
250cc
manual trans
Copy of the old classic italian scooter. Did I guess right?
It is the “Stella From Hell”
You were almost right. It’s a 150cc motor. Almost all of the parts are interchangeable with the Vespa PX150. The final assembly quality control was poor, but after three months of agony, I got it to run nicely.
Is that one yours too? Is that an authentic HD frame? I got a superglide. Love it.
Ha. Stella from hella.
I read about them in a magazine years ago. All steel. 4 stroke motor. Right?
the show was smaller and much more subdued. no crazy music, almost no half naked chicks, smaller displays, less crazy paint jobs.
and every single kawasaki had a sticker on the gas tank showing its MPG rating. ugh...
Yeh, not sure how to classify it
Licensed as a Motorcycle, requires helmet, etc.
Round steering wheel
Feels like a supercharged gocart
I wanted to sell my ‘02 GL1800 to but one of those...
32K was just too steep for me!
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