Tag Archives: Scooter

Harley-Davidson goes small in 2020

The world’s most iconic big-bike manufacturer, Harley-Davidson, is thinking small for 2020 with the launch of a small-capacity motorbike in China, electric bicycles and an electric scooter.

Baby Hog

Harley-Davidson HD350Harley-Davidson HD350

Last June Harley-Davidson announced plans for a joint venture with China’s Qianjiang to produce a motorcycle under their HD350 project, indicating a 350cc engine.

However, it could be even smaller as they now call it the HD338, presumably powered by the Benelli 338cc twin-cylinder engine from the Benelli 302S as Qianjiang also owns and makes the former Italian brand of motorcycle.

The baby Hog will hit the showrooms in China in June and India by the end of the year.

There is no word on whether it will be exported to any other markets, but we suspect it will be sold throughout Asia.

Harley-Davidson Australia says they won’t be coming here.

They aren’t the only mainstream motorcycle manufacturer with small designs on China.

A month after Harley announced its HD350 plan, Italian manufacturer MV Agusta confirmed they would make 350-500cc bikes and Ducati signed away its naming rights to Chinese scooters.

Electric bicycles

Harley electric bicycles sharing subHarley electric bicycle

Electric balance bikes for kids are already available in US stores.

They will soon be joined by pedal-assisted electric bicycles for bigger kids.

rude boy bicyclesHarley e-bikes

There is no word on these products coming to Australia yet.

Electric scooter

Harley electric LiveWire ID specsHarley electric scooter concept

We saw their electric scooter concept in Portland, Oregon, last year when we attended the world launch of their LiveWire electric motorcycle.

It was the same as the concept images from last January.

However, a new image (top of page) and patent plans have emerged showing a much more developed scooter with upside down forks and a removable battery.Harley-Davidson Scooter small

A removable battery is a smart move as many electric motorcycles and scooters are now considering them for either battery-swap vending machines or so riders can take them into thier home or office to charge inside.

Comment

We applaud Harley for branching out.

However, we wonder about the economic sustainability of low-margin smaller bikes.

They would need to sell these in very high volume.

If not, then it is just draining research and development funding from their core product.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Balancing scooter comes when you call

This balancing act will amaze your friends when you call your motorbike or scooter and it automatically comes to you from its parking space.

That’s a vision of the future from Indian company Liger Mobility who have developed a prototype self-balancing scooter that comes when you call it.

It basically uses voice activation like Siri and it self-balances via gyroscopes controlled by microprocessors.

Self-balancing prototypes

It’s not dissimilar to self-balancing prototypes already developed by Honda, BMW and Yamaha.

Honda's self-balancing motorcycle - short season damon last
Honda’s self-balancing motorcycle

However, this scooter goes further with the ability to come when called.

Apart from the carpark scenario, we can also see that this could be convenient for ageing riders or women riding in high heels who don’t want to get them dirty.Balancing scooter Liger Mobility

However, the Bombay start-up’s claims that it will somehow be safer seem spurious.

We’re not sure of the statistics, but we couldn’t imagine too many deaths from parking incidents or falling over when coming to a stop.

The balancing act a novel display and makes a great video, but surely the extra weight and expense of gyroscopes won’t make these self-balancing scooters and motorcycles commercially viable.

Liger Mobility think it will and say it will only increase the cost of an electric or petrol-powered scooter by 10%.

That’s 10% many might prefer to spend on protective clothing!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

3 hit-run drivers appear in NSW courts

Three drivers appeared in NSW courts this week on charges related to leaving the scenes of crashes that injured two motorcyclists, a pillion and a scooter rider.

One of the drivers remains in jail, the other two are on strict bail conditions.

The accidents happened in April, August and September and the appearances in NSW courts resulted in the matters again being deferred several weeks.

Hit-run 1

Molly Cahill hit run crash Sydney committed
Molly Chaill

In the first incident in April 2019, Molly Cahill, 22, of Sans Souci, was committed to stand trial after driving her car on the wrong side of the road and crashing into a motorcycle, injuring rider Tony Nissirios, 38, and his female pillion, Sam, 26.

She faces two charges of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, failing to stop and render assistance after impact and not keeping left of a dividing line.

Her original bail conditions of a strict curfew, passport confiscation and daily reports to police were expanded when she last appeared.

She has also been ordered not to enter any international points departure, live at a specific address, not take any drugs or alcohol unless prescribed by a doctor and not occupy the driver’s seat of any vehicle.

Her hearing was this week adjourned in Sutherland Local Court to now be heard on October 31 at Sydney Downing Centre in Liverpool St.

Hit-run 2

Paul Andrew Brown, 55, remains in jail after appearing in Burwood Local Court this week over charges of failing to stop after colliding with a Vespa scooter rider in Sydney in August.

The Toyota Hilux ute driver was charged with failing to stop and render aid, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, and not exchange particulars.

The rider of the scooter, a 34-year-old woman, suffered serious injuries.

Officers from the Crash Investigation Unit found Brown’s ute parked in North Strathfield about 2.30pm the day after the crash.

After a short foot pursuit, police arrested Brown and took him to Burwood Police Station where he was refused bail.

Brown has now faced Burwood Local Court twice and the matter has been adjourned to November 5 with bail again refused.

Hit-run 3

Driver allegedly runs red light, hits rider and flees courts
Intersection of Schofields and Windsor roads, Rouse Hill,(Image: Google Maps)

In September, SUV driver Daniel Marjoribanks was charged after allegedly running a red light and hitting a rider at the intersection of Schofields and Windsor roads, Rouse Hill.

“The driver allegedly turned right against the red arrow and struck a motorcycle which was being ridden north through the intersection,” police will allege.

The motorcyclist, a 63-year-old man, suffered multiple compound fractures to his right leg and fractured ribs.

Marjoribanks was charged with:

  • Dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm;
  • Negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm;
  • Fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing grievous bodily harm;
  • Fail to stop and assist after impact cause injury;
  • Drive when visiting privileges withdrawn – first offence; and
  • Not give particulars to injured person.

He was granted bail and appeared again in Blacktown Local Court yesterday where the matter was adjourned for mention on November 22.

Spate of hit-and-runs in courts

Our courts seem to be busy with this worrying spate of hit-and-run crashes leaving motorcyclists injured and dead.

We will continue to follow up on these hit-run incidents, as well as the matter of unlicensed British driver Graham Belcher who has been remanded in custody after an incident last month in which one rider died and another was injured.

unlicensed Scott Rose, wife Tenniel and his children Lacey and Nash courts
Graham Belcher

Belcher, 52, was arrested at Brisbane International Airport as he was about to board a flight to Hong Kong.

He appeared in Tweed Heads Local Court charged with an outstanding warrant, as well as:

  • dangerous driving occasioning death – drive manner dangerous;
  • fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death;
  • negligent driving (occasioning death);
  • cause bodily harm by misconduct in charge of motor vehicle;
  • drive while licence cancelled;
  • not give way to vehicle (give way sign/line); and
  • driver fails/refuses to disclose his identity.

Bail was refused and he was remanded in custody until November 20.

Scott Rose, wife Tenniel and his children Lacey and Nash fundraiser courts
Scott Rose, wife Tenniel and his children Lacey and Nash fundraiser

A fundraiser page has been started to raise money for the family of rider Scott Rose, 39, who sadly died in the collision.

You can support the fundraiser by clicking here. So far, more than $17,000 has been raised from 238 donations.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Piaggio loses Chinese copycat case

Italian motorcycle and scooter company Piaggio has lost a landmark battle with Chinese scooter manufacturer Zhejiang Zhongneng over copycat designs.

The case began in 2014 and has just been concluded with Piaggio over their Vespa LX scooter which has been around since the end of World War II.

China didn’t decided the winner, either. It was the European Union Intellectual Property Office.

They ruled that the designs were significantly different and Zhejiang had not stolen any intellectual property.

Click here to read the ruling

It’s a strategically important case to have lost, given the current trade wars and political rhetoric over China.

Piaggio loses Chinese copycat case
Piaggio (left) and Zhejiang (right)

Other Chinese copycats

Perhaps Piaggio didn’t have a case with this model. There are probably many others they could have pursued with more success.

But there have been many other examples of blatant copycat ripoffs such as this BMW G 310 GS knockoff from Chinese company Everest.

Everest Kaiyue 400X knockoff
Everest Kaiyue 400X

The Vietnamese are also in on the knockoff act with “Ducati” Monsters made by Quang Phuong Motor.

Trademark action

We are surprised that companies such as BMW and Ducati have not filed intellectual copyright breaches.

Honda and Yamaha have tried to fight Chinese manufacturers in the courts over breach of copyright.

However, it is a long process as there are hundreds of knockoff manufacturers.

Italian company Lambretta has also taken “strict” action against several companies for “free riding on the repute of Lambretta”.

They claim the global market is flooded with replicas of their classic scooters from China, India and Thailand.

The Chinese seem immune to international trade laws that bind other countries and their latest blatant ripoff is an electric Honda Goldwing.

We all know the Chinese make cheap copies of well-known brands and many of us probably have a Gucci belt made of plastic in a sweatshop in China.

However, they have also made a lot of copies of bigger and more expensive products such as cars.

Some of the cars these manufacturers have copied include the Range Rover Evoque, Smart ForTwo, Hummer, Porsche Cayman, Audi A6, Jeep Cherokee, BMW X1, Rolls-Royce Phantom and MINI Cooper.

Land Wind knockoff of the land Rover Evoque
Land Wind knockoff of the land Rover Evoque

Some car manufacturers tried to stop them copying their cars, but failed in an obstructive and partisan legal system, so they formed alliances with Chinese companies to make their products for the local market.

Like the car makers, Honda has formed an allegiance with one of the knockoff companies in China to make their bikes for the local market.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Crashed rider’s body found 12 hours later

The body of a 42-year-old man has been found up to 12 hours after he went missing on a country road in the Lockyer Valley west of Brisbane yesterday.

Queensland Police say the rider died “following a single-vehicle motorcycle crash” on Lowood Minden Road at Coolana.

“Preliminary information indicates the motorcycle was travelling south along Lowood Minden Road sometime between 8.15pm and 10pm (September 23) when it left the road and crashed,” Police say.

TheRegency Downs man’s body was found beside his motorcycle about 10.45am yesterday by a member of the public.

He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the cause of the crash.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24 hours a day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Quote this reference number: QP1901862518

Scooter rider dies after collision with utensw cops police Horror bike crashes in two states lying seeking dubbo overnight bail negligent SUV

Meanwhile, a 19-year-old P-plate driver from Kellyville  has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death after a crash with a 41-year-old man on scooter in Sydney.

The collision between a Toyota Hilux ute and the scooter occurred in the back streets of Five Dock about 8.45pm, Tuesday (24 September 2019).

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Spencer Street and William Street following reports that a car and motorised scooter collided.

The rider was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics. He died a short time later.

Officers attached to Burwood Police Area Command attended and established a crime scene that will be examined by the Metro Crash Investigation Unit.

The male driver of the Hilux was arrested and taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

He was later charged and will appear in court today.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash continue.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Driver remains in jail after scooter hit-run

A 55-year-old Sydney driver who ran away from police after allegedly failing to stop following a crash with a scooter rider will remain in jail until his next court appearance on 8 October 2019.

Police will allege Paul Andrew Brown’s Toyota HiLux utility collided with a Vespa scooter on August 14 at the intersection of Wellbank and Spring streets, Concord.

Hit run bail jail
Image: Google Maps

“The driver of the utility allegedly failed to stop to render assistance and continued to drive north on Spring Street,” police say.

The 34-year-old female scooter rider suffered serious injuries and was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where she remains in a stable condition.

Officers from the Crash Investigation Unit found Brown’s ute parked in North Strathfield about 2.30pm the day after the crash.

After a short foot pursuit, police arrested Brown and took him to Burwood Police Station where he was refused bail.

Brown faced Burwood Local Court the next day charged with failing to stop and render aid, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, and not exchange particulars.

He was denied bail and remanded in jail to appear again on Tuesday (27 August 2019) for mention.

Brown’s lawyer has not applied for bail, so he will remain in jail until his next court appearance on 8 October 2019.

Spate of hit-and-runs

The incident follows a worrying spate of hit-and-run crashes leaving motorcyclists injured and dead.

In NSW, the requirement for those involved in a crash to remain at the scene until police arrive was dropped in 2014, even if a tow truck is required.

However, the motorists must report the incident to police and remain at the scene if anyone is injured.

If they don’t, police can charge a motorist with failing to stop at the scene of an accident which is considered a serious offence.

Depending on whether someone is injured or killed in the crash, the motorist responsible could face serious charges with up to 10 years in jail.

Police say motorists leaving an accident scene where someone is injured decrease a victim’s chance of survival.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Bail refused in scooter hit-run crash

A 55-year-old driver who allegedly failed to stop after colliding with a Vespa scooter rider in Sydney has been refused bail in court today (16 August 2019).

Paul Andrew Brown faced court charged with failing to stop and render aid, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, and not exchange particulars.

Police say the matter involved an incident at 7.45pm on Wednesday (14 August 2019) when emergency services were called to the intersection of Wellbank and Spring streets at Concord, after a Vespa motor scooter and a Toyota Hilux ute collided.

Hit run bail
Image: Google Maps

“The driver of the utility allegedly failed to stop to render assistance and continued to drive north on Spring Street,” police say.

The rider of the scooter, a 34-year-old woman, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, where she remains in a stable condition.

Officers from the Crash Investigation Unit found the ute parked in North Strathfield about 2.30pm yesterday (Thursday 15 August 2019).

After a short foot pursuit, police arrested Brown and took him to Burwood Police Station.

He was jailed overnight and appeared in Burwood Local Court this morning where he was again refused bail until his next scheduled court appearance on August 27.

Spare of incidents

The incident follows a worrying spate of hit-and-run crashes leaving motorcyclists injured and dead.

In NSW, the requirement for those involved in a crash to remain at the scene until police arrive was dropped in 2014, even if a tow truck is required.

However, the motorists must report the incident to police and remain at the scene if anyone is injured.

If they don’t, police can charge a motorist with failing to stop at the scene of an accident which is considered a serious offence.

Depending on whether someone is injured or killed in the crash, the motorist responsible could face serious charges with up to 10 years in jail.

Police say motorists leaving an accident scene where someone is injured decrease a victim’s chance of survival.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Crashed rider calls for lane filter training

A rider who was rear-ended because he hadn’t been taught to lane filter has called for the skill to be included in learner and advanced rider-training courses.

Shannon Wynter, age 37, of Caboolture, Queensland, says he was rear-ended because he lacked the training and therefore confidence to lane filter.

See his video below which shows front and back perspectives. (Fast forward to 4:30 minutes for the crash.)

“If I had been confident at lane filtering, I would have zipped out of the lane as soon as the traffic slowed down and the woman that ploughed into me would have hit another car instead,” he says.

“I had no idea what was coming from behind, but if I was regularly lane filtering and had that confidence to just switch out before the traffic stopped completely in front of me, it would have been much better for all involved.

“Lane filtering should be a taught and confidence built during the L period.

“Perhaps something else that can be taught, is if you’re on a highway and it’s coming to a stop, don’t just get to the side of the lane, straddle the line; even if you don’t intend to filter as it takes you out of the line of fire.”
Crashed rider calls for lane filter trainingCrashed rider calls for lane filter training
Shannon and his scooter before the crash

Shannon says he was wearing all the gear in thew above photo at the time of the accident.

“I was extremely lucky and came off with only bruises, a small fracture in my ankle and some over-extended back and neck muscles.,” he says.

Shannon says a truckie and two motorcyclists helped him off the road after the crash.

Lane filter training

“Lane filtering should be a required part of the learn training instead of the message that after three months of riding with a supervisor, and you’re off your Ls/Ps, you get to lane filter.”

Shannon also says motorcycle rider training schools should offer lane filtering as a course.

We  could not find any schools that offer such a course, but we have heard of at least one that had offered it, but could not get any takers.

“Sadly, I don’t think anyone would show much interest (in a lane-filtering course),” Shannon says.

“Many people are way too cocky or money shy. It’s something that would probably have to be mandatory.”

New rider

Shannon says he has only got his full licence a few months ago to ride with his fiance while on holiday in Taiwan.

Crashed rider calls for lane filter training
Shannon’s Honda Forza scooter

“Everyone there rides or has ridden,” he says.

“As chaotic as it is, it’s pretty safe because almost everyone who’s got a car started on a bike.

“You see car drivers over there actively looking out for riders.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Scooter fatality prompts wet roads warning

Police have warned riders to be wary of wet roads after a long dry spell in the wake of a scooter rider fatality over night.

The 58-year-old woman was riding her scooter on Linden Avenue in the North Boambee Valley about 10pm yesterday (Tuesday 25 June 2019) when she hit a road sign.

The woman was from the scooter.

“Despite the efforts of emergency services on site, the woman was unable to be revived,” police say.

Far Northern Region Traffic Tactician Inspector Peter McMenamin said the cause of last night’s crash was still under investigation.

“Given it hasn’t rained for some time the roads will be covered in grime which will become slippery to drivers as well as bicyclists, riders and pedestrians,” Inspector McMenamin says.

“Visibility is important – that means headlights on and if you are on foot or a bike of any kind – make sure you have a bright jacket or umbrella.

“Driving to the prevailing weather conditions is so important and this starts with slowing down and leaving a little more room between your vehicle and the one in front.”

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

Wet roads warning

After a long dry spell, the first rain can bring embedded oil and diesel in the road back to the surface, making it very slippery.

Running water can also bring debris and mud on to the road.

If you are riding in the current east coast wet, read these expert tips from2003 World Supersport champion, 10-time World Superbike race winner and MotoGP winner  Chris Vermeulen.

Wet weather riding Chris Vermeulen
Chris Vermeulen

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Suzuki Burgman 200 scooters recalled

Suzuki Australia has recalled their 2017-19 Burgman 200 scooters over an issue with the CVT face plate which can prevent the scooter from moving.

The official recall notice issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says the fault is with the face plate on the Continuously Variable Transmission.

It may have moved, due to the improper shape of the holes where the rivets fasten the face plate to the motorcycle, the ACCC says.

“If the face plate moves, the motorcycle may not be able to be ridden as the broken face plate will prevent the motorcycle from moving,” the notice says.

burgman
CVT face plate

Suzuki Australia will contact all affected owners in writing to contact their preferred Suzuki dealer service department to arrange a free repair of the defect.

Consumers who require further information should contact Suzuki Australia on 1800 777 088.

The Vehicle Identification Numbers of the 199 affected scooters are listed at the end of this article.

We have published them in case the scooter has changed hands and Suzuki does not have the contact details of the new owner.Suzuki Burgman 200 scooter

Even though manufacturers and importers usually contact owners when a recall is issued, the bike may have been sold privately to a rider unknown to the company.

Therefore, Motorbike Writer publishes all motorcycle and scooter recalls as a service to all riders.

If you believe there is an endemic problem with your bike that should be recalled, contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.

To check whether your motorcycle has been recalled, click on these sites:

• Australia

• USA

• New Zealand

• Canada

VINS of affected Burgman scooters

MLCC9131300300245
MLCC9131300300246
MLCC9131300300247
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Source: MotorbikeWriter.com