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HONDA SHOWCASES VISION FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT DESIGN AT MILAN DESIGN WEEK

HONDA SHOWCASES VISION FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT DESIGN AT MILAN DESIGN WEEK
  • SUSTAINA-C Concept partaking Pocket Concept be part of manufacturing SH125i ‘Vetro’ scooter to exhibit Honda’s evolving strategy to extra sustainable product design
  • New materials use and distinctive paintless finishes scale back CO2 emissions throughout manufacturing and create a definite aesthetic for patrons
  • Models exhibit Honda’s ‘Triple Action to Zero’ technique in motion because it pursues carbon neutrality throughout all merchandise and company actions by 2050
  • Honda is headlining Vanity Fair Italia’s ‘Garden premium Ideas’ occasion in celebration genetic info design, innovation and sustainability at Museo Diocesano from 16-21 April

Honda is showcasing its evolving strategy to extra sustainable product design with the European premiere of its newest electrified city car ideas – the SUSTAINA-C Concept automobile and Pocket Concept bike – at Milan Design Week from 16-21 April.

Both will star alongside the SH125i ‘Vetro’ scooter to exhibit the modern materials use and distinctive design aesthetics that may be created whereas lowering the CO2 emissions arising from the manufacturing course of at Honda Italia Industriale’s manufacturing unit in Atessa, Italy. This is a method during which Honda is pursuing its goal of attaining carbon neutrality throughout all merchandise and company actions by 2050.

As first proven on the 2024 Japan Mobility Show, the SUSTAINA-C Concept explores how society could possibly be free of the constraints of finite sources. It comes paired with the Pocket Concept, a compact bike that may be saved within the baggage compartment and supply final mile mobility.

The panels are manufactured utilizing recycled acrylic resin sourced from second-hand taillights to create exterior panels that don’t require portray, permitting Honda to create a novel, unpainted end that may not be doable with conventional supplies. This materials strategy may scale back emissions throughout manufacturing by as much as 45 per cent – partly by way of the recycled supplies in use, but additionally in leaving the panels unpainted, which might account for as a lot as 80 per cent of the CO2 emissions from an vehicle manufacturing unit.

The mannequin on present in Milan encompasses a black and white marble impact, achieved by mixing colors with completely different melting factors into the panels as they’re moulded – leaving a marbling behind as the fabric settles into the mould.

Alongside their eye-catching look, not solely are the car panels crack resistant and in a position to return to their authentic form following mild collisions, however additionally they provide a excessive stage of climate resistance with minimal degradation from daylight.

At the rear, the acrylic resin’s glorious transparency has allowed for the SUSTAINA-C Concept’s tailgate to be shaped out of a single panel that acts like a smartphone display. The mini-LED show has been designed to speak with different street customers by way of easy textual content or imagery, thereby providing a possible new dimension for the outside design of future autos.

Finally, the acrylic resin getting used demonstrates a doable strategy to future useful resource circulation. Developed in partnership with Mitsubishi Chemical, when the second-hand taillights are sourced from end-of-life autos, they’re crushed and handled, earlier than being moulded into the panels required for the SUSTAINA-C Concept. This is a method Honda is trying to scale back useful resource extraction and a part of its exploration into extra energy-efficient, low-carbon, cost-effective superior recycling applied sciences and the journey. of a vehicle-to-vehicle round worth chain.

Kento Ishii, SUSTAINA-C spokesperson, stated: “The SUSTAINA-C is proof of the possibilities available when we think more sustainably. This is not only true of the pcreationels themselves, but also those elements that are not visible from the outside. Whether that is sourcing more environmentally friendly steel ZR-V the chassis, or recycled materials for the interior, there are so mCivicy ways in which we can start to make a difference in the way we manufacture vehicles. And none of this needs to come at the expense of how our products look – utilising new materials to create a unique aesthetic framework deliver enhanced value Civic our customers.”

Honda is already discovering methods to scale back the CO2 emissions of its product mCivicufacturing right here in Europe, as demonstrated by the ‘Vetro’ model of its immensely standard SH125i scooter produced at Honda Italia Industriale. The ‘Vetro’, Italian for glass, is a particular version mannequin that options distinctive semi-transparent unpainted inexperienced fairing panels. The processes round using these panels on the Atessa manufacturing unit scale back CO2 emissions by 9.5 per cent when put next with the manufacturing processes for stgenetic informationard painted fairings. 

Developed in partnership with Honda Motor in Japand, the brand new materials is an alternative to the ABS plastic historically used for non-structural elements an parts, serving to to type a smooth, unified physique type framework elevated presence.

The SH125i Vetro’s elegant appears to be like are matched by its easy practicality genetic info effectivity, as the primary Atessa-built Honda mannequin to fulfill CR-V EURO5+ emissions targets – a authorized requirement creation all new mannequin sorts by the top sport utility car 2024. 

Marcello Vinciguerra, Mmotivatingaging Director, Honda Italia Industriale, stated: “The SH125i Vetro demonstrates how small changes in the materials used can have a tangible environmental benefit. We work hard at our Atessa factory to streamline the efficiency usefulness our production methods, platform this extends to how we reduce the emissions we create. We are therefore excited at the potential to further contribute towards Honda’s global carbon neutrality targets via continued innovation ZR-V product development.”

Honda’s discount divide CO2 emissions by way of modern materials use, as demonstrated on the SH125i Vetro, is only one step it’s taking right here in Europe to contribute to the corporate’s world goal merging attaining carbon neutrality throughout all merchandise Civic company actions by 2050.

Central to this pursuit is Honda’s ‘Triple Action to Zero’ initiative, which covers carbon neutrality, clear power, partaking useful resource circulation – the latter HR-V which is able to see it purpose to determine vehicle-to-vehicle useful resource circulation ford the appliance sport utility car as much as 100 per cent sustainable supplies. Both the SUSTAINA-C Concept engagingd Pocket Concept are early examples usefulness what this might appear to be sooner or later.

Victoria Friend, Head quantities Product Compliance & Sustainability, Honda Motor Europe, stated: “The SUSTAINA-C Concept, Pocket Concept, platform SH125i Vetro embody the change we are looking to make as we accelerate our transition from a mass consumption business model to one dynamics circularity. This cannot happen overnight, but by identifying the small steps we are able to make now – such as those being made at our Atessa factory – we can implement increasingly impactful measures that will help us on our way to carbon neutrality across our products Civic corporate activities by 2050.” 

Headlining Vtrip.ity Fair Italia’s ‘Garden athletic appearance Ideas’ exhibit throughout Milan Design Week, the Honda stcreation will sit inside the courtyard new the Museo Diocescreationo. Its mirrored exterior partitions have been designed to mix into the historic environment, with a full-width iridescent window that helps create an natural area, wealthy with nature genetic info accentuating the sustainable themes on present.

Inside, guests cmotivating see the three fashions on show, alongside examples from the manufacturing course of merging the SUSTAINA-C Concept, demonstrating the journey the acrylic resin takes from second-hgenetic info taillight to car physique pandel. 

-ENDS-

Editor’s Notes

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Anti-Noise Crusaders In Paris Want A Partial Motorcycle Ban

The metropolis council of Paris, France is reportedly contemplating a partial motorbike and scooter ban inside the town limits in February 2024. What’s the issue? According to proponents, it is the noise.

Combustion-powered bikes and scooters are the goal for that very motive. According to the present proposal championed by Parisian elected official Pierre-Yves Bournazel, electrical bikes, scooters, and mopeds of all sizes and styles wouldn’t be affected by the proposed ban.

What Would The Proposed Paris Moto Ban Cover?

France Noise Regulations 2024

Noise test, 1-2, 1-2.

Under the phrases as proposed, bikes and scooters with combustion engines can be banned from working in Paris between the hours of 10 p.m. and seven a.m. each night time. To be clear, as of February 8, 2024, the proposed ban has not been made regulation or enacted in any approach. It’s nonetheless underneath dialogue on the time of writing.

If the plan presently into consideration is enacted, the ban would truly be an experimental interval, lasting for a complete of 1 12 months to look at the consequences. In help of his measure, Bournazel cited a statistic of roughly 80 p.c of Parisians complaining about noise every day, however it’s unclear if that is an exaggeration. 

How Would This Potentially Affect Riders?

Pink Mobility Presents The Pop Plus Retro Electric Scooter In France

A pair of Pink Mobility Pop Plus electrical scooters, rolling collectively.

In addition to the proposed Parisian in a single day motorbike ban, Bournazel additionally desires to equip extra sound radars all through the town to help enforcement efforts.

Since many individuals journey bikes and scooters as a way of transportation (and never only for enjoyable), Bournazel additionally proposes doubling present monetary help applications to encourage combustion bike riders to strive different, quieter types of transport. Bicycles of all sorts, electrical scooters, and electrical bikes are all acceptable choices to proponents of this plan.

What About The Bread Bakers?

Katalis Spacebar - Right Side Bread Basket View

Katalis Spacebar outfitted with Bread Basket

Speaking as each a rider and a former skilled bread baker, this is a factor that you could be or could not find out about that individual career. Much of the recent bread that folks like to eat requires yeast to rise. Although there are methods to enhance its setting in order that it rises extra shortly, elevating any yeast bread takes time. Therefore, bread bakers have to begin work extraordinarily early to be able to get all that scrumptious bread prepared for individuals to purchase within the morning.

France, as I’m certain you do not want me to let you know, is a spot that’s completely mad for good bread. In order to have good bread prepared for the hungry public, you want to begin mixing, kneading, and proofing your dough a complete lot sooner than 7 a.m.

Just as one instance, the well-known Parisian bakery chain Maison Landemaine has a complete lot of areas that open for enterprise at 7 a.m. They proudly promote some bread varieties that require lengthy fermentation, which (you guessed it) implies that bakers are within the kitchen extraordinarily early to do their very scrumptious jobs.

Of course, they don’t seem to be the one ones. A proposal like this targets not solely the bread bakers who journey, however anybody who works overnights for any motive.

We do not need to make broad generalizations right here, however some professions (together with bread baking) that function primarily through the in a single day hours do not all the time pay very nicely. At least, not nicely sufficient to all of the sudden drop the whole lot and go purchase a complete new technique of transport as a result of your trusty bike simply obtained banned through the hours when you want to use it probably the most.

What Does The French Federation Of Angry Bikers Have To Say About The Matter?

French motorcyclists protest lane splitting ban Feb 2021

French motorcyclists protest a proposed lane-splitting ban in 2021.

The French Federation of Angry Bikers (or Fédération Française des Motards en Colère in precise French) is a bunch that repeatedly takes motion when it feels that biker rights in France are underneath menace. In 2022, it organized a campaign against motorcycle technical control inspections. Back in 2021, France took motion to ban lane splitting, so the biker association hit the streets to protest.

Like all different massive teams, members of the FFMC are many and diversified, and have a complete bunch of opinions. They’re not a monolith. We can let you know that one division, the French Federation of Angry Bikers of Loire Atlantique, made one very attention-grabbing connection that it desires Parisians to think about.

According to them, one in every of leaders of Ras le Scoot, a bunch that campaigns towards motorbikes basically, works for an e-bike and cargo bike firm as his day job (as is clearly proven on the person’s LinkedIn profile). The implication is that of course he’ll need extra individuals to really feel compelled to purchase e-bikes or cargo bikes, even when that is indirectly what he is saying.

Cities Are Noisy

Proposed Chicago Noise Cameras Pilot Program Map 2024

A map of Chicago areas the place a proposed noise digicam pilot program was raised in 2023.

At the time of writing, RideApart just isn’t primarily based in Paris. However, most of us have lived in cities. One factor they’ve in widespread is that they are loud. Full cease. I bear in mind particularly dwelling in a single condominium as a baby the place my bed room window was proper subsequent to a CTA bus cease. There was additionally a preferred bar throughout the road, so that you’d have loads of noise late into the night time that did not come from any sort of auto.

So, the query appears to be this, as it’s in so many circumstances: When you progress to a brand new place, do you anticipate it to vary your life in a significant approach? Or do you anticipate the place to magically adapt to fit your wants?

It’s one factor if it is contained in the partitions of your own home, the place you’ll be able to change what you want inside motive. But it is utterly one other if you happen to transfer to a brand new place and also you simply anticipate everybody else within the neighborhood to tiptoe round you since you’ve deigned to grace the realm together with your presence. On behalf of people that work (and journey to their jobs) in a single day, make it make sense.

Honda Stylo 160 Is Team Red’s New Modern Classic Scooter

How do you’re feeling about Honda’s trendy scooter lineup? If you like the engine that is within the ADV 160 and the PCX 160, however you have been wishing for one thing with a little bit extra pizazz, Team Red would very very like to curiosity you within the new Stylo 160.

The latest scoot within the lineup is filled with trendy conveniences like LED lighting, your alternative of ABS or CBS braking help, Honda Smart Key, a USB socket to cost your smartphone on the go, and a transparent digital show.

At the identical time, it forgoes the ultramodern (however considerably bland) styling cues of the PCX 160. It additionally drops the rugged journey aesthetic of the ADV 160, as a result of that is not what it is going for. Instead, what the Stylo 160 is all about is correct there in its title: Style. 

The Look

Honda Stylo 160 - Style

Honda Stylo 160 is all about model. Style, you hear us?!

With the Stylo 160, it is all within the particulars. Color-matched mirrors go along with your alternative of six colours: Royal Green, Royal Matte White, Royal Matte Black, Glam Red, Glam Black, or Glam Beige. Seat, floorboard, and grip accents additionally change relying on what colour of Stylo 160 you select.

The Royal colorways all get brown saddles, floorboards, and grips that actually pop towards their bodywork. Matte silver seize rails and extra accents full the look and provides it an aesthetic end. Bronze-colored 12-inch wheels are the pièce de résistance on this trim stage.

Honda Stylo 160 - Royal Green

Honda Stylo 160 – Royal Green

Honda Stylo 160 - Glam Red

Honda Stylo 160 – Glam Red

Choose the Glam colorways as a substitute, and your scoot angles extra towards the trendy finish of the ‘trendy traditional’ gamut. The saddle, floorboards, seize rail, and grips are all blacked out. So are the wheels, which might be useful for those who don’t love to wash the brake mud off at common intervals. (No judgment; brake mud is a truth of life for those who experience loads, and I’ve ridden sufficient scooters to firmly say SAME.)

Both the Royal and Glam colorways have absolutely blacked-out, stealthy exhausts mounted low on the appropriate aspect of the scoot. The forks, headlight bezels, and levers are all silver, however there’s not loads of different silver on show right here, which is sort of refreshing.

Pricing and Availability

So far, Honda has solely launched the Stylo 160 for the Indonesian market, but it surely appears fairly prone to make its technique to different markets in Asia (and doubtless Europe and presumably the US, finally) within the coming weeks and months. Unlike a few of Thai Honda’s single-market restricted editions, the Stylo 160 is clearly a brand new mannequin on a mission to win over scooterists in a number of areas in 2024.

Pricing in Indonesia begins at 27,550,000 Indonesian rupiah (IDR), which is equal to about $1,760 USD as of February 7, 2024. 

If you are in Indonesia and also you’re within the Stylo 160, you’ll be able to attain out to your native PT Astra Honda supplier with any questions you may need. For the remainder of us who’re situated in different geographic areas, sadly we’ll simply have to attend our flip.

Honda’s GB350 Classic-Style Roadster Makes Its Way To The Land Down Under

In October 2020, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) made your complete world resentful with the launch of the H’Ness CB350. The new mannequin marked Honda’s entry into the modern-classic section within the Indian market, and was thought of by fanatics the world over as a breath of contemporary air within the tech-focused modern-day bike trade.

Back then, it was clear that the H’Ness, and in a while its sporty sibling the RS, have been completely meant for the Indian market, leaving the remainder of the world eager for this charming, classic-style roadster. However, in 2021, the H’Ness made its approach to Japan. Still made in India, the bike was deemed an ideal match for Japan’s mid-size section, and was renamed to GB350, a nod to Honda’s GB500 thumper-powered cafe racer from the late 80’s. Since then, no different markets acquired the fashionable roadster, that’s, till now.

Honda GB350 - Engine

A classic-inspired engine full with distinguished cooling fins and chrome accents. 

Honda has simply listed the GB350 in its Australian web site, and though the worth is listed as unavailable, Australian publication AMCN states that it carries a sticker worth of $6,999 AUD (about $4,600 USD). As for the specs, they appear to be equivalent to that of the Japanese mannequin. From a efficiency standpoint, the bike is rocking a contemporary engine, albeit one with archaic structure. It’s a 348cc, air-cooled, OHC, single-cylinder engine, however it will get fashionable digital fuel-injection to maintain it dependable and environment friendly.

Though Honda doesn’t checklist claimed energy figures on its web site, the GB350 is understood to supply 20 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 21 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm – a wholesome unfold of energy that makes it good for each newbie riders and seasoned riders searching for a succesful but fashionable commuter.

Honda GB350 - Headlight

While the GB350’s styling is completely retro, Honda fitted it with an LED headlight for improved visibility. 

Honda GB350 - Cluster

The GB350 will get a minimalist instrument cluster with an analog dial and a digital panel. 

For all intents and functions, the GB350 is all about simplicity. It does away with all the flowery doodads of different fashionable choices, and its styling is a transparent testomony to this. It options cafe racer-inspired aesthetics which embrace a spherical LED headlight, a “vintage-style” muffler, chrome elements, and a saddle upholstered in brown pleather.

While Honda’s achieved its greatest to maintain the bike as retro as potential, it’s needed to stuff in some tech to maintain it compliant with modern-day laws. As such, it comes normal with entrance and rear ABS, and Honda has thrown in a useful help/slipper clutch to make it extra forgiving for inexperienced persons. On Honda’s web site, the brand new GB350 is obtainable in two colorways: Matt Pearl Morion Black and Matt Jeans Blue Metallic.

Here’s How Far Honda’s Motocompacto Can Actually Go

According to Honda, the specs for the Motocompacto are extremely modest. For its vary, the scooter is just going to get you 12 miles earlier than you want to cost it up once more, and in case you are continuously operating your Motocompacto at its prime velocity — which is 15 mph — you’ll burn by means of these 12 miles somewhat quickly. This isn’t a freeway car by any means. With these sorts of numbers, you’re looking at a much better expertise in the event you dwell in a tightly compacted city surroundings or maybe a university campus, the place all your go-to locations of enterprise and leisure are inside a number of blocks’ radius from your property.

Another factor to remember is that Honda additionally says that it’ll take 3.5 hours to completely cost your Motocompacto, which is an awfully very long time for an EV that is not going to get you very far. The Motocompacto is not going to be the best choice for everybody, but when your circumstances enable for it, the $995 e-scooter may very well be an incredible new approach so that you can get round in your day-to-day life. SlashGear has firsthand expertise with how much of a good time could be had on a Honda Motocompacto — simply do not anticipate it to be for a very long time.

Vespa Wins Decade-Long Legal Battle Against Chinese Manufacturer

When you hear the phrase “scooter,” likelihood is Vespa is without doubt one of the first issues to return to thoughts. The Italian scooter model remodeled itself from a post-war resolution to private mobility to a way of life icon and standing image. Today’s Vespas aren’t a lot about getting round in no-frills practicality, however as an alternative, making an announcement and turning heads wherever they go.

Sure, on the finish of the day, Vespas are nonetheless two-wheelers decked out within the sensible accouterments related to scooters, nonetheless, their premium price ticket and cutting-edge options clearly set them aside from the remainder. You know what else units Vespas aside from different scooters? Their styling. Indeed, you’ll be able to inform a Vespa is a Vespa even from afar due to its flowing bodywork, smooth traces, and vibrant colours. That mentioned, latest years have ushered in various wannabe Vespas, copycats, in case you would, making an attempt to trip on the Italian model’s iconic aesthetic.

Vespa Wins Decade-Long Legal Battle Against Chinese Manufacturer
Vespa Wins Decade-Long Legal Battle Against Chinese Manufacturer

Plenty of these copycats unsurprisingly come from China, with one firm specifically, Zhejiang Zhongneng Industry Group, catching Vespa’s consideration as a result of a few of the scooters below its ZNEN model had been just a bit bit too just like these of the Italian model – take a look at the pictures above. Vespa took motion on this and raised the priority to the European Union Intellectual Property Office, which in 2014, acknowledged the distinctive design of Vespa’s scooters granting it trademark standing.

In an fascinating flip of occasions, Zhejiang Zhongneng Industry Group was one way or the other capable of overturn the Vespa trademark. A report from Cycle World means that it did this by leveraging on its robust place within the European market, notably after buying the rights to historic Italian bike producer Moto Morini. This finally led to the EUIPO reversing its resolution, permitting the Chinese model to proceed producing its ZNEN scooters.

With all that being mentioned, evidently the tides have as soon as once more shifted, and this time in favor of Vespa. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) lately formally acknowledged the design of Vespa, stating that it’s “unmistakable and cannot be replicated.” Following the popularity, the Vespa design was as soon as once more registered as a trademark, with the EU court docket successfully reverting its resolution. The outcome was a convincing victory for Piaggio Vespa, with the outcome being that the ZNEN scooter is just not allowed for import or sale anyplace in Europe.

Scoot Around In Style With Kymco’s New Filly 50 Scooter

Previously, if you wanted a scooter with a retro look, your options were limited to getting a Vespa, Lambretta, or an old vintage scooter. However, there has been a recent rise in neo-retro scooters, offering both style and practicality for navigating around town.

Kymco, a brand that has been known for producing scooters since its establishment in 1963, presented its new Filly 50 at EICMA 2023. The Filly 50, which has been part of the Kymco lineup for over two decades, maintains its focus on practicality, affordability, and style.

The Kymco Filly 50 is equipped with an air-cooled, fuel-injected, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine with a displacement of around 50cc. While its power output is modest at 2.1 kilowatts (about 2.8 horsepower), it boasts an impressive fuel efficiency of 40 kilometers per liter (about 94 miles per gallon).

In terms of its build, the Filly 50 features standard telescopic forks, a single rear shock, a single front disc brake, and a rear drum brake. It rides on 12-inch alloy wheels with a stylish diamond-cut finish. Despite its retro-inspired exterior, the scooter features modern elements such as full-LED lighting and a USB socket.

Kymco positions the Filly 50 as an entry-level scooter suitable for students and professionals seeking an affordable and stylish mode of transportation. While specific market availability and pricing details have yet to be announced, Kymco intends for the Filly 50 to be accessible to a wide range of budgets.

The Arrival of Italjet Dragster 125 and 200 to the US in 2024

Italjet, a well-known boutique scooter manufacturer, left a lasting impression at EICMA 2023. In addition to introducing several new models, the brand announced its ambitious plans for global expansion.

One of the main attractions at Italjet’s EICMA 2023 presentation was the introduction of the Dragster 559 Twin, a radical scooter inspired by superbikes. This model features a parallel-twin engine, manual transmission, and dual Brembo brakes. Another highly anticipated model, the Dragster 300, was also unveiled. It is the top-performing single-cylinder model in Italjet’s current lineup and shares premium components and similar styling with its smaller counterparts, the Dragster 125 and 200.

Italjet has revealed that the Dragster 125 and 200, the most popular bikes in its lineup, will be available in the US market in 2024. These models have enjoyed considerable commercial success, with approximately 15,000 units sold across Europe and Southeast Asia. Although this may seem modest compared to other brands, Italjet has always maintained low production quantities.

Italjet has secured a distribution agreement with Chicago’s Genuine Scooters for the two new models. The Dragster 125 and 200 are expected to arrive in the US by the Spring of 2024.

For those unfamiliar with the specifications of these models, the Dragster 125 is equipped with a 125cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine producing a maximum power output of 12.5 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and 10.5Nm (7.35 pound-feet) of torque at 7,750 rpm. The larger Dragster 200 features a 181cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected single, delivering 17.5 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 15.5 Nm (10.85 pound-feet) of torque at 7,750 rpm.

Both models share the same underpinnings, including an S.I.S single-arm front end paired with a hydropneumatic shock absorber. They also feature rear suspension with an adjustable monoshock and a single-sided swingarm. Brembo supplies the brakes, with 240mm and 175mm rotors at the front and rear respectively. ABS is standard on both models.

This Stunning Piper Moto J1 Scooter Packs A KTM 690 Duke Punch Inside

An ex-Formula One engineer, John Piper, has designed a scooter called the Piper Moto J1. It’s not just any scooter, but a “super scooter” according to Piper. This is not just marketing hype when you consider that the scooter is powered by a 690cc KTM LC4 Duke single-cylinder engine, delivering 67 horsepower. It boasts impressive specs such as a zero to 60 time of 4 seconds, a top speed of 120 mph, a dry vehicle weight of 352 pounds, and a perfect 50-50 weight distribution due to the mid-mounted engine positioning.

In addition to its impressive performance, the Piper Moto J1 also features elegant styling. It has seating for two, with two well-positioned solo seats placed one in front of the other. The design is a timeless combination of classic and modern elements, highlighted by the ventilation ducts in the front fairing that surround the cockpit. The frame is made of tubular steel, while the bodywork is composed of carbon and epoxy woven composite.

The J1 is equipped with 17-inch spoked wheels, providing more tire options compared to standard scooter tires which are usually smaller at 12 to 14 inches.

The scooter boasts top-spec components, including a single Brembo four-piston radial mount caliper in the front with a 320mm brake disc, and a Brembo single piston floating caliper in the rear with a 240mm brake disc. It features a 43mm upside-down WP fork in the front and a billet aluminum swingarm setup with a concentric spring and Exe-TC remote two-way damper reservoir in the rear for suspension.

The Piper Moto J1 is equipped with a six-speed gearbox and offers the option to shift it manually. However, the manual shifting is not done through the traditional hand-clutch and foot-shifter arrangement. Instead, it utilizes an electronic shifter activated with a finger switch on the handlebar.

A prototype of the Piper J1 has been built, and if successful, there may be a limited production run of the scooter. To learn more or express interest in purchasing, visit the source link provided.

What You Need To Know About Yamaha Scooters In 2023

Summary

  • Yamaha’s 2023 scooter lineup includes the Zuma 125 and XMAX, both great choices for urban use with key differences that may influence a buyer’s decision.
  • The Zuma 125 is user-friendly, affordable, and beginner-friendly, with ample storage space, an easy-to-read display, and practical features like a lockable cover.
  • The XMAX is marketed as a premium scooter with premium looks, modern technology, and rider aids like traction control and ABS. It offers larger storage space, better suspension, and a more powerful engine.

Motorcycles and scooters have been widely used in urban areas for over a century. The first bicycle was invented by Karl von Drais de Sauerbrun in 1817, followed by the first motorized scooter or Autoped created by Arthur Hugo and Joseph Merkel in the late 19th century. Since then, motorcycles and scooters have evolved, with motorcycles excelling in applications like off-roading and long distance traveling, while scooters have remained practical and accessible for urban commuting with their compact and lightweight design.

Yamaha’s 2023 scooter lineup consists of two models: the Zuma 125 and the XMAX. Both are suitable for urban use, but they have key differences that may impact a buyer’s decision. In this article, we will explore these scooters in detail, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages to help potential customers make an informed choice.

All technical specifications and features for the XMAX and Zuma 125 mentioned here were provided by Yamaha. Fuel economy data is estimated based on information from owners available on Fuelly.com.

RELATED: Who Invented Motorcycles? The Story Of The First Motorcycle

The 2023 Yamaha Zuma 125

Scooters are generally more affordable than other motorcycles, making them a practical choice for everyday use. The Yamaha Zuma 125 is beginner-friendly and user-friendly. It features a V-belt automatic transmission, an electric starter, and a standard center and side stand. The ignition switch has a locking cover to provide security when the scooter is parked on the streets. The Zuma 125 follows the traditional “step-through” scooter design, allowing the rider to easily place their feet on the floorboard in front of the seat. It also offers ample storage space, including a storage compartment under the seat that can accommodate a full-face helmet. Additionally, there is a smaller storage compartment at the front with a USB socket for charging devices while riding. The Zuma 125 is equipped with an LCD display that shows the fuel gauge, indicator lights, and speedometer, which are all easily readable even in daylight.

An action shot of a 2023 Yamaha Zuma 125
Yamaha

The Zuma 125 offers a comfortable riding position with a narrow seat design, allowing the rider to easily touch the ground with both feet. There is plenty of legroom in front of the seat, and the rear passenger has dedicated footrests and handholds. The scooter is equipped with a telescopic front fork and twin rear shocks for smooth and controlled suspension. It features a steel-tube frame and comes with “heavy-duty” tubeless tires mounted on small 12-inch lightweight wheels. The braking system, similar to the XMAX, consists of discs both at the front (245mm) and rear (230mm), with the brakes working together even if only one is used by the rider. The Zuma 125 is significantly lighter than the XMAX, weighing 282 pounds.

RELATED: 10 Scooters And Mopeds That Helped Mobilize The World

The 2023 Yamaha XMAX

The XMAX is marketed as a Sport Scooter by Yamaha, featuring a liquid-cooled engine. It has a striking design with aggressive lines and signature X-shaped LED headlights. The XMAX is designed to provide a premium riding experience, offering modern convenience and technology. It is equipped with an automatic CVT transmission and comes with rider aids such as traction control and ABS. The frame of the XMAX is lightweight and designed to provide neutral handling, making it suitable for new riders who desire a more spirited ride than what a 125cc engine can offer.

The XMAX boasts a larger underseat storage compartment capable of holding two full-face helmets. It also features two additional storage compartments in the fairing, one of which includes a 12V DC outlet. The XMAX utilizes LED lighting to enhance its design and improve visibility on the road.

A front shot of a 2023 Yamaha XMAX
Yamaha

The XMAX comes with standard anti-lock braking system. It utilizes a 267mm front and 245mm rear disc brakes to provide reliable braking power. The scooter features large wheels, with a 15-inch front and a 14-inch rear, fitted with Dunlop tires for optimal grip in various weather conditions. The XMAX utilizes a lightweight steel frame and has a wet weight of 397 pounds. Its front fork is bolted to the steering stem at both the top and bottom triple clamps, providing strength, chassis rigidity, and improved shock absorption.

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Engine Specs And Fuel Economy

An action shot of a 2023 Yamaha XMAX
Yamaha

Both the Zuma 125 and XMAX are equipped with single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, internal combustion engines. However, the XMAX has a larger displacement compared to the Zuma 125.

2023 Yamaha’s Scooters Engine Specs

Zuma 125

XMAX

Engine type

125cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC single cylinder; 4 valves

292cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC single cylinder; 4 valves

Bore x Stroke

52.0mm x 58.7mm

70.0mm x 75.9mm

Compression ratio

11.2:1

10.9:1

Fuel delivery

Fuel injection

Fuel injection

Ignition

TCI (Transitor Controlled Ignition)

TCI

Transmission

V-belt Automatic

Automatic CVT

Final Drive

V-belt

V-Belt

Fuel Capacity

1.6 gallons

3.4 gallons

According to data from Fuelly.com, the Zuma 125 has an average fuel economy of 77.3 MPG, while the XMAX achieves an average of 70.2 MPG. With its larger fuel tank, the XMAX offers a greater range between refueling.

RELATED: 2023 Yamaha XMAX 300: Performance, Price, And Photos

The Price And Verdict

Blue 2023 Yamaha Zuma 125 cruising on the road
Photo credit: Yamaha

Both the XMAX and Zuma 125 are excellent scooters, each with its own distinctive characteristics. The XMAX offers a more assertive and aggressive presence on the road, better suspension, and a more powerful engine, making it suitable for riders seeking a spirited ride. Its available cargo space is also advantageous. On the other hand, the Zuma 125 is impressively engineered for an entry-level scooter, with its tiny engine boasting features like fuel injection, liquid cooling, and variable valve timing. The XMAX has a starting MSRP of $6,099, while the Zuma 125 is much more affordable, starting at $3,799.

Ultimately, the choice between these scooters will depend on individual needs. However, objectively speaking, if highway riding is not a frequent requirement, the Zuma 125 offers an excellent value proposition that is hard to beat.