Scootersales.com.au News

Scooter of the Year Announced

allen — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 23:20:00 GMT

The Piaggio Mp3

The Piaggio Mp3 range has won the first ever "Scooter Of The Year" competition run by our partner publication Scooter Magazine.

Piaggio’s Mal Jarrett said “The MP3 provides unparalleled road grip and stability levels, and being available in 250cc and 400cc engines, the MP3 offers power, performance and an ease of use that makes for a thoroughly entertaining ride. The MP3 is a scooter that you just have to experience to be able to appreciate. It’s very satisfying to see the MP3 receive the recognition that we feel it justly deserves”.

The MP3 is also great value at the moment @ $9990.00 for the MP3 250, and $10990.00 for the 400, with free Registration, CTP & Stamp duty all thrown in until the New Year; there has never been a better time to jump on one of these fantastic three wheelers. See more HERE

Chosen from a field of scooters including the top selling SYM VS125 as well as the recently released Vespa GTS 300i.e. Super, the Mp3 range from Piaggio came out on top for it's handling, safety and design.

To see the full story on this and much much more check out your local newsagent and pick yourself up a copy of Scooter 21.

NSW RTA Parking Law change 1st of December 2008

allen — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 05:08:00 GMT

Changes to parking laws effective 1 December 2008

From 1 December 2008 all ‘No Standing’ zones will become ‘No Stopping’ zones

NSW parking laws are changing from 1 December 2008. To bring our system into line with the Australian Road Rules, all ‘No Standing’ zones are being removed. ‘No Standing’ zones will become ‘No Stopping’ zones.

This means that even in instances where the sign has not yet been changed, the rules for ‘No Stopping’ apply and a $189 fine will be incurred for any violation. If, however, you stop in a 'No Stopping' zone that is in an operating school zone the fine is $243 and 2 demerit points.

‘No Parking’ and ‘Loading Zone’ rules remain unchanged.

'No Stopping' = You may not stop your vehicle for any reason.

'No Parking' = You may not stop for longer than 2 minutes and only to drop off or pick up passengers or goods (i.e. you must remain within 3 metres of your vehicle).

Aprilia Sportcity 300 Cube

allen — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 22:51:00 GMT

New Sportcity 300 Cube now available at your local Aprilia stockiest with a recommended retail of $7990 + ORC.

Aprilia Australia

Aprilia have entered the 300 cc arena with it's all new and revised Sportcity Cube 300.

With the all new Piaggio sourced Quasar motor the Sportcity 300 Cube gains a host of revised features from styling through to its dual analogue/digital dashboard.

All the key Sportcity features remain like the flat floor, triple disc brakes and 15 inch alloy wheels.

The 300 cc category is now becoming hotly contested with the Vespa GTS 300 Super ($8990) as well as the new Citycom 300i($6990) from SYM all offering the ability to cover various distances fast.

Download the brochures below for more information and detail on the Aprilia Sportcity Cube 300.

For Specifications CLICK HERE

For the Sportcity Cube 300 Key Features CLICK HERE

For a Brochure Download CLICK HERE

SYM Classic 125 cc (Fiddle II)

allen — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:53:00 GMT

[Go to the site to view embedded media]

Boreen Point Scooter Rally 2008

allen — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 04:04:00 GMT

105 registered participants converged at Boreen Point on the Sunshine Coast for a weekend that was filled with like minded scooter riders ready to have some fun.

Ben Silver

Scooteroo held their 2nd Annual Boreen Point Scooter Rally on the 15th and 16th of November, 2008. In 2007, the first year that Scooteroo ran this overnight event they had great response with 60 people riding 50 scooters. In 2008, Scooteroo saw those numbers swell to 105 people riding 85 scooters. People love the location of the rally with Boreen Point located approx 20km's north of Noosa. It makes for an easy and interesting ride from Brisbane with any number of coastal and hinterland routes to choose from.

The rally is focused around one of Australia’s oldest pubs, the Apollonian Hotel. The Apollonian Hotel is famous for its laidback atmosphere and their wonderful spit roasts, they also love scooters.

The Scooteroo Boreen Point Rally is a short rally by most standards; being for only 1 night. This appeals to a larger number of people who can’t take a longer amount of time off work. Also being later in the year, time is tight for a lot of people so close to Christmas. This rally is also open to any form of scooter, from 50cc’s to big capacity modern autos to the restored classics from Vespa and Lambretta. Everyone is welcome and there is always something for everyone.

Scooteroo would like to thank all the sponsors for without their support this event would not have been possible. Vespa and Piaggio Australia gave away shirts to each and every attendee of this event as well as sponsoring 4 major prizes which included loans of the new Vespa GTS300 and Piaggio MP3’s.

Scootersales.com.au have also been instrumental in their support of this event by spreading the word throughout the scooter community. On the Saturday night, prizes were given away for various categories from “Most Stylish Scooter” to the “Karaoke Superstar Challenge”.

Thanks to the sponsors of these prizes: Corazzo Australia, Scooter Style – Noosa, Scooterlife, Scootopia, Scooters Scooters, The Scoota Sketcha, Retro Scooters, Revolution Scooters and Suncorp Insurance who all donated their products to make the prize giveaways possible.

With such positive feedback about the 2008 Rally, Scooteroo is already looking forward to the Boreen Point Rally 2009, planning to go bigger and better, making it the largest Scooter Rally in Australia.

For more information log onto www.scooteroo.com.au

Too see a gallery of pictures from the event CLICK HERE

Vmoto Summer Giveaway

allen — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 01:15:00 GMT

Free Summer Pack Giveaway with every Vmoto scooter purchase

Vmoto Australia

Stay cool this summer with Vmoto scooters free give-away with all model purchases throughout December and January, while stocks last.

The summer give-away includes a free Vmoto cooler bag, t-shirt, cap, thongs, sunglasses and key ring - all the accessories needed to be part of the Vmoto scene.

See your local Vmoto dealer for details and take advantage of the affordable summer pricing including the 50cc Monza from $1890 or the 50cc Milan from $1990 plus on road costs.

All Vmoto scooters come with a factory backed 12 month warranty and dealership support for after sales service on maintenance and accessories.

See www.ridevmoto.com to select a model of choice, or drop into a dealership and find out about the free summer give-away.

Ride Vmoto Ride

allen — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 01:14:00 GMT

Vmoto launch new retail focused website

Vmoto Australia

As popularity grows in the scooter market, Vmoto Scooters has launched a new retail focused website www.ridevmoto.com allowing customers to cut through confusion, and find a scooter to suit their needs without being bogged down in clutter.

All Vmoto scooter models are featured on the website from the 50cc Monza from $1890 to the 150cc Monte Carlo from $2990 plus on road costs. The site also features an option to book a test ride through a dealership.

As an added bonus, when selecting a Vmoto scooter in the range section of the site, customers can visualise their preferred colour through the available colours paint selection. The range section also provides detailed stats and facts for each model, covering everything from engine size and fuel capacity to scooter weight and number of passengers possible.

All Vmoto Scooters come with a factory backed 12 month warranty and dealership support for after sales service on maintenance and accessories.

Check out www.ridevmoto.com and book a demo today.

SYM 2009 Update

allen — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:20:00 GMT

The futures looking bright for SYM with a number of things on the go for 2009.

Scootersales.com.au

SYM have put together a pretty exciting future model line up for 2009. At the recent Eicma Motorcycle and Scooter Show we saw a small piece of what we can expect in the future from one of the leading Taiwanese Scooter Manufacturers SYM.

A new version of what we call the Firenze in Australia but known as the JoyMax overseas has been given a styling revamp and injected with the 278cc motor shared in another exciting model the CityCom 300 i. The current Firenze 250 has been a popular scooter in Australia for both its performance versus value and this will look set to continue if we do see the scooter land here. Sources suggest a possible landing sometime towards the back half of 2009.

Next up the Joyride which is an update of the stalwart that we know as the Le grande in Australia. A full redesign and an injected 125 cc model finds itself overseas. Its not yet known if we will see this model here in Australia.

Another exciting overseas model is the SYM Symphony 125. A large wheeled budget scooter that will surely fit into the model range with ease. This is a great opportunity for SYM to appeal to the big wheeled scooter segment especially in countries like Italy. Again not sure if we will see it but if we do it would be welcomed and you just have to love what they did with the name.

Things we do know about though are the arrival of the SYM Citycom 300i which will land this month in retail shops across Australia. This model has been a hit with the overseas press praising the performance / value equation which this scooter possesses. At $6990 + orc it certainly should be a serious commuting/touring contender.

Also the eminent arrival of the SYM Classic 125 and 50 cc models which should find themselves an instant hit on our market. Due in February the 125 should be priced very competitively around the $3000 mark. Reputable brand, classic looks and lovely to ride this model in my opinion will be the next scooter success story. We will have an exclusive look at this model in the next few weeks so watch out.

See Picture Galley

Citycom 300 i above at $6990 + orc, Due December 2008

The tasty "Classic" 125/50 (Known as the Fiddle OS)

How low can you go? Hold tight! It's Bryan Adams' extreme scooter ride

allen — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 04:31:00 GMT

How low can you go? Hold tight! It's Bryan Adams' extreme scooter ride

We're more used to seeing our rock stars being ferried about town in blacked out limousines so it comes as quite a surprise when we discover an A-lister hiding under a helmet.

Earlier in the week it was Brad Pitt we spotted leathered up and roaring around New Orleans on his new motorbike.

This week though, it was the turn of Canadian rock legend Bryan Adams to turn to two wheels.

His choice of transport - a 125cc Piaggio Fly - was slightly less hell-raising than Pitt's custom-built Swift machine - but just as nippy about town.

The hit singer hopped onto his trusty £1,860 Piaggio scooter to speed around the streets of London this week.

Born to ride: Out this week in London, Bryan Adams takes a corner at an extreme angle on his Piaggo Fly scooter

And while it might not have the bhp of Brad's machine, any scooter devotee will tell you that a scooter will take you across town in a fraction of the time of a burly bike.

Judging by the knee-grazing angle he took the corner, Adams is an experienced rider, despite that fact that he has a colourful scooting history.

Back in 2002 the crooner was papped whizzing about town on his Piaggio with Gwyneth Paltrow sitting on the back, clinging on for dear life.

Bryan Adams ferries Gwyenth Paltrow around on his Piaggio Zip, and right, illegally parks his scooter on the pavement outside a London restaurant

Naughty! Bryan Adams' scooter parked on the pavement in Mayfair last year

Then, in 2007, photographers nabbed Adams illegally parking his Piaggio Zip on the pavement outside Cipriani restaurant in Mayfair, London.

This time round though, despite the extreme lean, Bryan appeared to be sticking to the rules of the road.

Adams is not the first multi-millionaire star to swop the comfort of a car for a more robust ride.

Other scooter fans include the Gallagher brothers, Chris Evans, and, most shockingly of all, Jeremy Clarkson, who despite having called scooter riders all the names under the sun, recently managed to cram his pudgy head into a helmet and beat traffic on a Vespa GTV.

Two wheels bad! Scooter-hater Jeremy Clarkson dons his helmet - and eats his hat - to take to beat traffic on a scooter

Honda SH 150i

allen — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:39:00 GMT

Motor Journalist Pits Honda Scooter Against V8.

Honda Australia

Motor journalist David Dowsey recently exchanged his V8 car for a Honda SH150i scooter for a one month commuting trial around the streets of Melbourne, and found it difficult to switch back.

As the editor of 'Australian Automotive Workshop' magazine, published by the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC), David is passionate about cars.

"I'm a big fan of V8 performance cars and never gave scooters much thought," said Mr Dowsey.

That was until he got his learner permit from Honda Australia Rider Training (HART), and found himself considering two wheels over four.

"What amazed me about the HART experience was how confidently and quickly my group of fellow learners were up and riding. Almost none of us had any two-wheel experience and yet we were changing gears, indicating and emergency-stopping within no time."

"The instructors were first class. I wanted people who were encouraging, but honest with me; the crew gave me what I was expecting and more."

"The open road is an intimidating place for a beginning rider to develop their skills, so I really appreciated the safe and non-threatening environment of HART."

After a month of commuting on the Honda SH150i, David was a convert.

"I live in the city so driving a big car through peak hour traffic just doesn't make sense. Riding a scooter to work cut my commute in half. And need I mention the money I saved on petrol!"

"After the HART rider training and spending some time on a scooter I'm going to find it hard to justify my former ways."

"Not only would I now recommend scooters to my friends, I am going to put my money where my mouth is and am going to go and buy one for myself."

David Dowsey is editor of VACC's Australian Automotive Workshop and is a regular contributor to Unique Cars and Australian Classic Car magazines.

For more information about HART visit: www.hartridertraining.com.au

Arqin Summer Cashback

allen — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:37:00 GMT

Arqin offers up to $1000 cashback this summer.

Arqin Motorcycles

Arqin Motorcycles has a cashback offer to put more cash in your pocket over summer.

Purchase an Arqin V3 250 with a RRP of $5490 +orc and receive $1000 cash back or purchase an Arqin Sprint 125 cc scooter with a normal recommenced retail of $2090 + orc and receive $300 cash back.

This means you will pay only $4490 + orc for the V3 250 or only $1790 + orc for the Sprint 125.

Offers are on now till the end of summer and available nationwide from your local Arqin stockist.

If your in Sydney why not check out the new Arqin Dealer, Racecourse Motors in Randwick. See Alan and the team who have been operating the family owned business for over 20 years. You can find Racecourse Motors at 16 Alison Road Randwick (Opp Randwick Racecourse) or give him a call on (02) 9314 7700.

See www.arqinmotorcycles.com for more information on dealer locations

Vespa Sidecar Prototype

allen — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:36:00 GMT

Vespa launch the GTV 250 i.e. Sidecar as a prototype at this years recent Eicma show in Milan.

Piaggio Press

The romantic taste of travel returns to live in concept as the Vespa Sidecar.

Vespa introduced the GTV Sidecar, a prototype that evokes the atmosphere of when the first sidecar was launched over 50 years ago.

The first sidecar in fact launched in 1948, coupled to a Vespa 125.

Over 50 years since, the sidecar still finds itself as a form of transport that is both practical and affordable.

The Vespa GTV Sidecar returns to live again in this prototype with the pleasure of experiencing travel in a sidecar along with the image of being on a vintage scooter.

The GTV 250 ie has a 250cc 4 stroke, 4 valve, water cooled, electronic injection motor along with discs on both wheels. The Vespa GTV represents the vintage spirit of a brand that is known as the icon of Italian style around the world. Though this Vespa Sidecar prototype takes advantage of the technology that characterises Vespa in the 21st century.

Pre Learner Training for Victoria

allen — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:24:00 GMT

Hart develop a "Learner to Licence" course to bridge the gap and enhance new rider skills.

Hart Australia

To address a perceived gap in the Victorian training and licensing scheme, Honda Australia Rider Training (HART) have created a new "Learner to Licence" course to enhance the skills of inexperienced riders, and better prepare them for the first few months of riding on the road.

The state of Victoria currently has no mandatory "on-road" component to obtain a motorcycle learner permit or licence, which can be a disadvantage to novice motorcycle riders, according to Mark Collins, HART National Manager.

"We believe the lack of on-road training has left some novice riders in Victoria with very limited riding skills and inadequate hazard perception skills compared with motorcyclists from other states," said Mr Collins.

"The current system is predominantly skill's based, and assumes that car driving experience will provide sufficient RoadCraft knowledge for new motorcycle and scooter riders."

"HART's 20 years experience in Victoria has shown us that many new riders have very poor RoadCraft knowledge when it comes to anticipating and reacting to typical motorcycle crash scenarios in traffic."

"With more and more commuters turning to motorcycles and scooters, we need to make sure new riders are given every opportunity to develop their skills; we believe this course will add value to the current Victorian licensing system," said Mr Collins.

As part of the 'Learner to Licence' course, participants:

learn and develop motorcycle specific Hazard Perception Skills on the HART riding simulators - the only ones of their kind in Australia.
practice additional vital practical skills on the HART training range that go above and beyond the current learner curriculum and testing requirements.
put their new knowledge and skills to use on the road under the supervision of a HART instructor. This instructed RoadCraft session is a great opportunity to practice and receive feedback on the rider's buffering, anticipation and reaction techniques covered in the earlier sessions.
RoadSafe Northeast, Northwest, Westgate, Melbourne Eastern Ranges and Barwon have combined with HART to promote this rider safety initiative. As well as encouraging new riders to participate in the Learner to Licence program, RoadSafe are also targeting returning and existing riders to refresh their skills by undertaking training.

RoadSafe are offering participants a free pair of Dririder summer riding gloves after completing the Learner to Licence, Refresher or Intermediate courses until the end of January.

HART are also discounting theses courses by $25 during this time to encourage rider to participate.

This is the ninth consecutive year that RoadSafe and HART have combined forces to improve rider safety in Victoria. Over this period thousands of riders have benefitted from this association through subsidised rider training courses, discounted safety gear, maintenance and road safety education.

For more information about the HART Learner to Licence course visit: www.hartridertraining.com.au

ASF Endorses Scooter Strategy

allen — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:45:00 GMT

ASF endorses the recent City of Sydney Motorcycle and Scooter Strategy and Action Plan ASF A pioneering recent draft City of Sydney Motorcycle and Scooter Strategy and Action Plan has proposed a number of measures to address problems faced by riders in Sydney, such as motorcycle security, road safety, parking, and the use of ticket parking. It also proposes to advocate for fairer and more convenient tolls, emissions standards for motorcycles, inclusion of motorcycles in the Green Vehicle Guide, and legal changes to allow motorcycle couriers to use loading zones. Safety for riders was also considered as paramount.

In developing the draft Motorcycle and Scooter Strategy and Action Plan, the City consulted with riders and motorcycle and scooter groups, surveyed more than a thousand riders, advertised in motorcycle and scooter publications and reviewed extensive rider correspondence to the City. The City also consulted residents within the Council boundaries. That Draft has now been accepted and enacted as the following Action Plan and The Lord Major of Sydney, Clover Moore said "The Motorcycle and Scooter Strategy supports our commitment to sustainable transport options and the shift away from large, polluting vehicles to smaller vehicles to complement walking, cycling and public transport." Some areas where Sydney CBD motorcycle and scooter riders will see an immediate benefit are: Parking and Tolls

• An extensive revised parking list includes overhauling parking within the City of Sydney.

• Highlighted in the report was a dramatic increase in free parking areas with the CBD. • A reduction in motorcycle and scooter parking prices ‘on the street” and within parking stations.

• Advocating for fairer and more equitable tolling arrangements for riders; Road Safety

• Included were road safety programs for riders and drivers

• Further investigation into opportunities to improve rider and driver education. Security

• The plan will look into trailing on-street devices and providing fastening points at Goulburn Street Car Park. Encouraging sustainability.

• The inclusion in the Green Vehicle Guide

• adoption of the national emissions standard for motorcycles and scooters

The ASF applaud the City of Sydney for their initiative in developing this strategy and recognizing the enormous value of scooter riders to their city The ASF believes this plan is truly groundbreaking and will have Australia wide appeal.

For more information on the City of Sydney Motorcycle and Scooter Strategy and Action Plan visit www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Council/OnExhibition/DraftMotorcycleScooterStrategy.asp

If you would like to speak to a spokesperson from the ASF or have general Scooter related queries, please contact: Libby Ross, Secretariat Australian Scooter Federation info@scooterfederation.com.au or 0402 452 452

Kymco Like 50/125

allen — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:10:00 GMT

Kymco to release its own version of retro, the "Like" in a 50 and 125 cc version.

Scootersales.com.au

We have all seen the Fiddle II from SYM and now its time for the Kymco Like, breaking cover on its own interpretation of a classic retro.

The Kymco Like will be available in both a 4 stroke 125 cc version as well as a 50 cc 2 stroke variation. Plans for Australia are still unknown but it would be difficult to think we would not see it here at some stage.

The Kymco Like screams classic from the chrome mirrors to the squared off panels and featured headlamp on the handlebars. Disc brakes front and rear compliment the package.

More information will be provided on this model as it comes to hand.

See Gallery