Category: 2sb News

From Motorcycle Daily via NewsGome, Aprilia and Piaggio have signed an agreement to work together to procure motorcycle and scooter components. While they’ve bought parts from each other and common sources in the past, this move will possibly reduce costs and pave the way for some shared R&D and standardization between Europe’s largest two-wheeled vehicle manufacturers.

The Chicago Fire announced yesterday that Peter Nowak has retired and will return to the Fire in a management capacity. I know most Fire fans were sad to see him traded last month, but he’d been an expensive benchwarmer the last couple seasons, and his real role was teambuilding and motivation. It’s rare to see such a great athlete who shows loyalty to his team and knows when to quit.

We’re getting early reports on the first shipment of Bajaj Chetaks and the word on the street is very good. We’ll have more details soon, but for now, here’s our friend Matthew from Chicago:
Continue reading “First Chetaks are here!”

Well, the war is on. As a blogger, I guess I should say something about it. I don’t know why my opinion would matter to anyone, but it will make me feel better if I write this all out:
Continue reading “The obligatory war rant”

Grace has slightly different priorities than the average rally-goer. Here’s her perspective on the weekend.
Continue reading “Grace’s Vegas Rally review”

Roger Brown’s new site, Scooterpatcharchive.com, catalogs his large collection scooter club and rally patches. In addition to the archive itself, it features reviews of and links to patch manufacturers, a monthly raffle, and more. Roger is seeking more patch donations and is hoping to exhibit the collection at rallies and events.

Look out for Remey in Las Vegas, she’ll be selling Project: Porkchop t-shirts, including this one. It will look better on you.

In the Czech Republic, scooter and motorcycle sales are up 8% this year, in part thanks to Prague-based Kentoya Motors, who manufactures a full line of mopeds, scooters, and motorcycles as cheap as $800. Kentoya started manufacturing in 2002 and is already the top selling brand in the Republic.

Call me uncultured, (despite my BFA) but scooters keep popping up in art, and I don’t get it. “On the first floor, you find the single altar-like sculpture by Mark Handforth, candles dripping rippling waves of wax over an overturned Vespa in Vespa Fountain.“ There’s no photo, but apparently Mark got bored with his previous scultpure, called simply “Vespa” (another view) and turned it on its side. Magnifique!”

Ryetronics’ second annual Cold Weather Challenge came to an end yesterday, with some impressive results. R.J. Neumieister took first place with a 11.8-mile ride at -14*F in Platteville, Wisconsin. With the huge amounts of snow and ice this year, it took a sidecar Helix to win it.

1. R. J. Neumeister: 11.8 mi@-14F, 2000 Honda Helix (w/sidecar), Platteville, WI.
2. Chad Schaefer: 18.1mi@-8F, Junk Vespa, Chicago, IL.
3. Paul Steinmeyer: 11.4mi@-8F, Kymco ZX-50, Colchester, CT.
4. Andrew S. Baca: 10.5mi@-6F, 1963 Lambretta Li150, ME.
5. Duane Hillebrand: 15mi@-4F, 2003 Stella, Chicago, IL.

We’ve found out a little more about the Coach Vespas since last week. The “Hampton Stripe” model was featured in the New York Times (thanks to Grace, who comments “It makes me want to stab myself with a really expensive cheese knife.”) and one of our inside sources tells us that Coach Eyewear made nine promotional scooters, to be sold for charity, then Coach’s PR department told every publication on earth they were for sale at your local Vespa dealer. Panicked dealers asking PiaggioUSA for details were told that no plans are underway for mass production. Which is probably for the best, because Antonio on the Pontadera production line was getting really worried about painting engine cases pink.

Concerned about ruining heirloom furniture with beer can rings? Protect that priceless piece with lovely scooter coasters from Robot Candy (scroll down) as seen in Bust Magazine.

The Glasgow Daily Record reported Friday that Beckham called for a stunt double rather than being towed on a mod Vespa for a new Adidas commercial. Becks’ Real Madrid teammates Zidane and Raul were more than happy to do the stunt themselves.