Australian company Benzina Zero has finally launched their electric scooter range for sale after almost five years of development.
The three-model range officially launched in Brisbane recently is led by the Sport at $A7250, plus on-road costs.
It can go up to 90km on a single charge with a top speed of 75km/h and features a twin-speaker Bluetooth audio system and USB charger.
The base model is the $A4250 City which can go up to 80km on a single charge and has a top speed of 45km/h.
I particularly like the look of the macho adventure Duo crossover model at $A4650. It can reach speeds up to 65km/h with a range of about 105km. It has more than 20 different attachments so you can attach luggage or even a surfboard.
All Benzina Zero scooters are powered by quiet Bosch motors, can be charged anywhere like a phone, include an anti-theft system and audible alarm, and have keyless ignition.
A performance version of the adventure scooter, called the Duo+ ($A5250) and a Vasto commemorative edition start production next year.
Australian customers can buy Benzina Zero scooters at 10 Australian dealerships (one in Sydney, two in Adelaide and the rest in Queensland).
Longtime motorcycle and scooter industry stalwarts Joe D’Ercole and Ben Silver have developed the scooters with a Chinese factory.
Ben (left) and Joe of Benzina Zero
Ben says motorists are switching to electric two-wheelers for the “social, lifestyle and environmental benefits”.
“We were the first electric vehicle manufacturer in the country to sign up to the B-cycle battery recharging program ahead of all the major players including four and two-wheel vehicles,” the says.
Their innovative company imports and distributes electric first and last-mile mopeds and scooters to more than 18 countries across Europe, Asia and Australia.
Benzina Zero has also been listed as finalists for the innovation award in the 2022 Queensland Auto Awards, announced on November 19.
The motorcycle sales boom that happened in the wake of the first pandemic lockdown appears to be over.
Sales of motorcycles, scooters and ATVs in Australia dropped by more than 10% in the first quarter.
While there are no reasons given, it could be a combination of the threat of rising interest rates, inflation, a looming election, supply chain issues and the war in Ukraine.
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries figures for the first quarter of 2022 show 24,338 motorcycles, scooters and OHVs were sold, a drop of 10.7% on the first quarter in 2021.
This follows a record 13.4% increase last year, mainly led by off-road motorcycle sales.
On the release of those figures, FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said that despite pandemic restrictions limiting access to showrooms, the new motorcycle, scooter and OHV market in Australia remained positive.
Tony Weber
He gave no reason for the drop this year, but says bikes and scooters are the answer in times of rising fuel prices.
“In a period of rising fuel costs and increased congestion, now is the time for States and Territories to implement nationally consistent licensing regulations for motorcycles and scooters,” he says.
“Enabling more motorists to move to motorcycles and scooters is a key tool in helping to lower the cost of living and reducing the amount of time road users spend in traffic.”
In the first quarter, off-road motorcycles again led with 39.6% of the market, but the 9644 sales were a decrease of 17.2%.
Road motorcycles accounted for 9723, which is 39.9% of total sales, up 12%.
The OHV market recorded a drop of 40% to 3275, representing 13.5% of the market.
Scooters made up the smallest portion of first-quarter sales with 1696, an increase of 15% and a 7% market share.
“Motorcycles, scooters and OHVs are a crucial element in the lives of many Australians, be it on the road or for recreation.” Tony says.
FCAI figures
It should be noted that the official FCAI figures don’t necessarily mean a lot these days.
The supposed “peak body for the automotive industry in Australia” now represents a dwindling number of importers who pay to be members.
While several manufacturers who are not members may be minor players, CFMoto is not included and it is most likely in the top 10 sellers in Australia.
Plus scooter sales are possibly much higher as most scooters sold are 50cc models from Asian manufacturers who are not FCAI members and therefore not included in the figures.
The figures now only provide the breakdown in classes (road, off-road, OHV and scooters) and do not include the top 10 sellers in each category such as sports bikes, enduro, tourers, cruisers, learners, etc.
So riders now have no idea how their brand, model and category is performing which used to be a good indicator of resale value.
The figures used to include a list of the top sellers by manufacturer, but now riders have no indication of which manufacturers might be desperate for sales and offer discounts.
Yamaha Australia has recalled its three-wheeler Tricity over the possibility the scooter cannot be ridden of steered when started.
The official notice says 52 of the 2020 – 2021 Tricity scooters have a fault on their ‘Stand Assist’ system which keeps the bike upright when stopped.
The notice says the system may not release immediately after deactivation as intended.
“This may prevent the rider from steering, resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
“A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of an accident causing serious injuries to the rider and/or passenger or other road users.”
Tricity
Owners of the affected scooters can contact their authorised Yamaha Dealer to schedule an appointment to have the work carried out free of charge.
VINs of affected vehicles are listed at the end of this article.
This is the second recall for Yamaha this year after last year scoring only one recall which was a substantial change over 2020 when it “top scored” with eight recalls.
There were official 46 safety recalls of motorcycles in Australia last year, the highest number monitored since 2009 and significantly more than the previous high of 37 in 2018.
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:
this year after last year having only two recalls in a year where there were official 46 recalls, the highest number monitored since 2009 and significantly more than the previous high of 37 in 2018.
This handsome scooter is so radical, it might even change some rider’s attitudes toward scooters altogether.
Lee was inspired by the original Dragster design from the 1990s, but with a Ducati-like trellis frame and centre hub steering.
The reborn Italjet 200 will soon be available for $9990 ride away at all Italjet dealers in the five main states of Australia.
But unlike the 155hp (115kw) 955cc Panigale V2, the Italjet 200 is powered by a 181cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, four-valve, Euro 5 four-stroke single-cylinder engine producing 19.8hp (14.5kW) and 15.5Nm, embedded in package that weighs just 112kg dry.
A prototype of the resurrected Italjet with modern designs and materials was first unveiled at the 2018 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, followed by a three-year period of refinement and collaborative input from Italian MotoGP rider and now brand ambassador Andrea Dovizioso.
With some pandemic-enforced delays also thrown into the mix, production of the Italjet began in October 2021.
The quirky Dragster 200 features a molybdenum-chrome frame reinforced with die-cast aluminium plates, while the signature trellis frame – as well as providing a strong, lightweight structure that simplifies placement of engine and components – connects the steering head to the swingarm pivot and provides rigidity due to its interwoven structure.
The centre hub steering, in the same mould as the famous Bimota Tesi 3D, separates the steering, braking, and suspension functions for improved stability.
It is claimed to filter roughness, without transmitting vibrations to the handlebar.
There’s a Paioli monoshock at the front and rear with preload adjustability while, remaining true to its Italian heritage, the Italjet is fitted with Brembo brakes and Pirelli tyres.
The package is completed by an aluminium front swingarm, MotoGP-style hand/lever guards, passenger seating and a standard scooter centrestand.
Italjet Australia’s Fredy Arnet says he was “taken aback at the Dragster prototype shown at the EICMA show 2018” .
“But ‘prototype’ probably isn’t the best word, because the production model that’s going on sale in Australia is remarkably similar in design and spec to what we saw in Italy,” he says.
“And the centrepiece of that is of course the centre hub steering, but in many other ways it’s above and beyond anything else on the market – the distinctive styling one of them.
“Quite simply, the Dragster is a stunning example of Italian ingenuity, attention to detail and, most importantly, a passion to create a vehicle that excites.
“We’re looking forward to showcasing the Italjet brand to a new batch of devotees, as well as those who remember the brand with fondness from the 1990s and the turn of the century.”
Italjet was founded in 1959 by Leopoldo Tartarini, who was an integral part of the Ducati racing and business family before embarking on his own two-wheeled adventure.
The Dragster is the best-known of the Italjet models, with the two-stroke 50 and 180cc platforms previously sold in Australia.
The 2022 Dragster 200 will be available in three liveries – grey/white/red, grey/yellow and black/grey – and comes with a two-year unlimited-kilometre factory warranty.
Cruising on the all-new 2022 Honda Navi. (Photo by Drew Ruiz)
We test the 2022 Honda Navi, the latest addition to Honda’s miniMOTO lineup. Toeing the line between a twist-and-go scooter and step-over motorcycle, the latest mini borrows the fan-cooled, 109cc Single and CVT transmission from the Activa 6G and the Grom’s popular design language. And with an MSRP of just $1,807, it fits within any budget.
We spent a day cruising around Costa Mesa, California, on the Navi and found it to be a fun, user-friendly machine, the perfect gateway to the world of motorcycling.
Check out our video review:
2022 Honda Navi Specs
Base Price: $1,807 Website:powersports.honda.com Engine Type: Fan-cooled Single, SOHC w/ 2 valves Displacement: 109.2cc Bore x Stroke: 55.0mm x 55.6mm Horsepower: 7.8 hp @ 9,500 rpm Torque: 6.6 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm Transmission: Automatic CVT Final Drive: Chain Wheelbase: 50.6 in. Rake/Trail: 27.5 degrees/3.2 in. Seat Height: 30.1 in. Wet Weight: 236 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 0.9 gals.
The 2022 Honda Navi is the newest addition to the miniMOTO lineup. (Photos by Drew Ruiz)
Like any great team, Honda’s miniMOTO lineup has a little something for everyone. The Grom favors sporty styling while the Monkey opts for retro-cool. The Super Cub adds urbane sophistication to the mix and the Trail 125 counters with rugged utility. With each member filling a niche, Team Red’s miniMOTO family may seem complete. However, the new 2022 Honda Navi is by far the most affordable and user-friendly bike in the lineup.
The 2022 Honda Navi borrows its 109cc from the Activa 6G scooter.
Toeing the line between a twist-and-go scooter and step-over motorcycle, the latest mini borrows the fan-cooled, 109cc Single from the Activa 6G and the Grom’s popular design language. Honda hopes that mix of practicality and performance will carve out a new niche in the miniMOTO range, one that caters to students, commuters, and scooter converts. To prove the Navi’s moto meddle, Honda invited us to Costa Mesa, California, to put the newest mini to the test.
Honda Navi custom by Steady Garage
Honda Navi custom by MNNTHBX
Before we climbed into the saddle, long-time Honda collaborators Steady Garage and MNNTHBX (man in the box) showcased their custom Navi creations for the crowd. From a Tron-inspired, cyberpunk dragster to a stereo-equipped road racer, the two builds put the Navi’s custom potential on display. Honda wants Navi owners to follow in those footsteps, offering accessory TrueTimber and Icon Motorsports graphics out of the gate.
Even in stock form, the Navi’s Red, Grasshopper Green (shown), Nut Brown, and Ranger Green colorway give customers more than enough options to express themselves. All four liveries were in attendance when we threw a leg over the Navi. As expected, the 30.1-inch seat height proved agreeable right away. Very few riders will struggle with the perch’s height, especially when considering the Navi’s 236-pound curb weight.
The Honda Navi’s accessible seat height, short wheelbase, and low weight make it very maneuverable.
After releasing the left-hand emergency brake and squeezing the front brake lever, the little thumper purrs to life. The automatic CVT transmission shifts into neutral at stops, so the emergency brake helps the Navi stay put when parked. With the Single fired up, users simply twist to go. The CVT relieves riders of friction points or shifting gears. While the automatic drivetrain offers the approachability of a scooter, it delivers comparable acceleration as well.
The Honda Navi’s 109cc Single is mounted to the swingarm.
The Navi pulls away from a stop easily, and torque quickly peaks at 6.6 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm. It takes the thumper more time to reach its maximum 7.8 horsepower at 9,500 rpm (there’s no tachometer on the instrument panel). With its leisurely pace, the Navi obeys all posted speed limits, but on the backroads, riders can wind the miniMOTO all the way up to 50 mph. In full tuck, with the throttle pinned, and a light tailwind, the Navi even touches a top speed of 55 mph. Of course, you can’t take yourself too seriously on a 109cc motorcycle, and the gentle powerband ensures those antics remain harmless fun.
With drum brakes front and rear, the Honda Navi has limited stopping power.
The drum brakes help with those efforts, and they’re predictably soft. Light on initial bite and overall stopping power, the brakes require a heavy hand and extra distance to do the deed. The linked system does maintain the Navi’s stability, but only compounds the vague feel at the lever and pedal when used in tandem. On the bright side (especially for newbies), the drum units lack the power to lock up. Despite stomping on the brake pedal with all my might, the rear wheel refused to brake traction. The “old school ABS” of the Navi’s drum brakes match its minuscule mill and $1,807 MSRP.
An inverted fork and a single rear shock handle suspension duties, and they provide a decent ride.
(Why the odd price point? Why isn’t it $1,799 or an even $1,800. Honda reps told us the price stands out, not just for how low it is – most electric bicycles cost more – but because it makes folks stop and think.)
Unlike the brakes, the basic suspension exceeds expectations. The 26.8mm inverted fork only offers 3.5 inches of travel and the rear shock lowers that figure to 2.8 inches, but the soft suspension soaked up most road irregularities. Only the harshest hits unsettled the chassis. Luckily, those instances were rare. Along with the supple suspension, the 27.5-degree rake made the Navi eager to tip in and the 50.6-inch wheelbase preserved that agility without sacrificing stability at top speed.
At best, the top speed of the Honda Navi is 55 mph, so it’s suited for around town and backroads but not freeways.
The balanced chassis not only remained composed at lean but also stayed steady at slow speeds. Combined with the user-friendly throttle response, the poised chassis allows riders to pick through rush hour traffic with confidence. The Navi’s motorcycle-style ergonomics only enhance that feeling. Mid-mount pegs keep the knee bed at a 90-degree angle and the reach to the bars is short. Compared to a sportbike, the riding position is neutral and relaxed, but compared to a scooter, it’s much more commanding.
The Navi’s instrumentation is basic.
The Navi’s aesthetics and ergonomics may resemble a motorcycle, but the ride is closer to a scooter. The rear-mounted engine contributes to that quality, shifting much of the weight to the back. That configuration leaves an engine-sized hole in the frame, which Honda fills with a lockable storage box.
The Navi’s lockable front storage compartment is a handy feature.
In pictures, the cubby’s capacity looks nominal. In the flesh, the storage area proved much more spacious than anticipated. I easily fit two water bottles, a notebook, snacks, and a hat in the compact box. Most students and commuters will have no problem packing textbooks and light jackets into the lockable storage.
The Honda Navi is the perfect gateway into the world of motorcycling. Cheap, easy to ride, and fun!
At $1,807, the Honda Navi presents an affordable gateway to Honda’s miniMoto lineup as well as the motorcycling world. The model’s tractability appeals to beginners while its simplicity keeps things enjoyable for experienced riders. Its unintimidating 109cc Single and no-brainer automatic CVT transmission help the newcomer carve out a niche in the miniMOTO range. Despite its practicality and user-friendly nature, the Navi is fun first and foremost. If there’s any qualification for joining Honda’s miniMOTO, it’s fun factor, and the Navi more than lives up to those standards.
2022 Honda Navi Specs
Base Price: $1,807 Website:powersports.honda.com Engine Type: Fan-cooled Single, SOHC w/ 2 valves Displacement: 109.2cc Bore x Stroke: 55.0mm x 55.6mm Horsepower: 7.8 hp @ 9,500 rpm Torque: 6.6 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm Transmission: Automatic CVT Final Drive: Chain Wheelbase: 50.6 in. Rake/Trail: 27.5 degrees/3.2 in. Seat Height: 30.1 in. Wet Weight: 236 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 0.9 gals.
Earlier this year Honda updated two popular models in its miniMOTO lineup for 2022, the Grom and the Monkey. American Honda has announced that a new model called the Navi will join the family, and it retails for just $1,807.
Small, accessible, playful, and affordable (it’s less expensive than most electric bicycles), the Navi should appeal to a wide range of riders, especially those just learning to ride. It’s powered by a fuel-efficient, user-friendly 110cc single-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission, so there’s no clutch lever or shifter – just twist and go, like a scooter.
On the left side of the Navi is a storage compartment.
The engine is fan-cooled, uses eSP friction-reducing technology, has an OHC with two valves, and uses a carburetor to mix fuel and air. It has an electric starter with a kickstart backup. The V-Matic CVT (continuously variable transmission) uses an automatic centrifugal dry clutch, and power is sent to the rear wheel via belt drive.
Fuel capacity is just 0.9 gallon, but based on the EPA estimate of 110 mpg, range could be 99 miles between fill-ups.
The Navi’s modern, blocky styling is reminiscent of the Grom, and its seat height is just 30.1 inches. Weighing just 236 pounds, measuring just 50.6 inches between its axles, and rolling on 12-inch front/10-inch rear wheels, the Navi will be ultra-easy to maneuver and park, or load onto a rack behind a car, truck, or RV. There’s even a storage bin for stowing a few essentials. The Navi’s seat accommodates a rider and passenger, and passenger footpegs are standard.
The new 2022 Honda Navi is designed to be accessible, affordable, and user-friendly.
“From the original Cub to the Grom, Honda has a proud legacy of producing miniMOTO models that open doors to new riders, and the Navi is set to extend that trend even further,” said Brandon Wilson, Sports & Experiential Manager at American Honda. “This miniMOTO checks all the boxes for new riders, like simple operation, a fun design, low operating costs and Honda reliability – all for well under $2,000.”
2022 Honda Navi in Nut Brown
The Navi will be on display at this weekend’s Progressive IMS Outdoors motorcycle show in Costa Mesa, California, where it will also be among the models included in the Motorcycle Industry Council’s Ride With Us Moto Intro experience, giving new riders an opportunity to try motorcycling.
The 2022 Honda Navi will be available in January (February in California) in four colors: Red, Grasshopper Green, Nut Brown, and Ranger Green.
For more information or to find a Honda dealer near you, visit powersports.honda.com.
The EICMA, or Esposizione Internazionale Ciclo Motociclo Accessori (also known as the International Motorcycle and Accessories Exhibition), is back in business!
2019 EICMA
One of the top motorcycle expos that the world has to offer, the EICMA attracts motorcycle manufacturing giants like Kawasaki, Honda, KTM, Suzuki and Yamaha. These companies, among others, take the time to step to the stage and flaunt the latest and greatest from their brand, as well as a few choice prototype projects from the lab.
2019 EICMA
You can bet your bottom dollar that any motorcycle brand in attendance at the EICMA is there to show off what they’ve got – so the fact that one Taiwan’s biggest manufacturers for affordable, mass-market scooters and small-capacity motorcycles has confirmed their attendance to this year’s event means that Sanyang Motor Co., Ltd. (SYM) has a series of new machines in the pipeline.
According to RideApart, SYM’s annual turnover in global production usually turns out more than one million vehicles – both two-wheeled and four-wheeled – and with the return of EICMA to everybody’s schedules in 2021, motorcycle manufacturers like SYM are eager to present, perform, and set precedents for the coming years.
SYM’s most recent addition to the lineup includes the MAXSYM 400: A Euro-5 compliant, 4-stroke engined, single cylindered, 399 c.c. machine revealed at the 2019 EICMA and capable of handling up to 139 km/h and boasting 39.5 Nm / 5,250 rpm of torque.
SYM MAXSYM400
Other features of the scooter include a very nice Traction Control System (TCS), a versatile 5-Position Adjustable Rear Suspension, Keyless start, and a decent curb weight of 215kg.
With a machine like this out and about from SYM, it will be interesting to see what else the Taiwanese company has in store for their customers – they’ll definitely show it off at the EICMA, whatever it is.
Earlier this week, Chinese EV manufacturer, Super Soco unveiled its new CT-3 maxi-scooter, at the 19th annual China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition. Super Soco has a diverse portfolio from scooters to entry-level motorcycles, and the addition of a maxi-scooter further strengthens its line-up.
The CT-3 features a prominent fascia with twin-pod LED headlights and a short windscreen like most other maxi-scooters. The tail end is rather significant, as well, with LED taillights and turn signals that are stacked vertically. At first glance, the CT-3 resembles the BMW C 400 GT gas-powered scooter. Speaking of, Super Soco seems to have the German manufacturer’s electric scooter, the CE-04, in its crosshairs with the introduction of the CT-3.
Image source: Zigwheels
The CT-3 also packs a decent amount of modern features that we’ve come to expect from EVs. Zigwheels has reported that the scooter features a large 7-inch TFT display that offers smartphone connectivity and reverse parking assistance. Powering the scooter is a belt-driven 18kW motor that works alongside a 7.2kWh battery pack, which takes a claimed 3 hours for a full charge (pretty quick!) Super Soco also claims that the CT-3 has a top speed of 125kmph (77.6mph) and a range of 180km (111 miles) on a full charge.
Super Soco is a joint Chinese-Australian venture and sells its products in multiple markets, including the U.S. There’s no official information about when the product will reach our shores, but a launch seems imminent.
Last evening, the Piaggio Group released a statement that it had won two lawsuits filed against Peugeot Motorcycles (owned by the Mahindra Group). The verdict was passed by the Tribunal Judiciaire of Paris and the Court of Milan after they found that the Peugeot Metropolis was guilty of infringing a European patent on technology found on the Piaggio MP3 three-wheel scooter.
The technology in question allows the three-wheeled MP3 (and Metropolis) to mimic the leaning action of a conventional scooter or motorcycle. The ruling has brought an end to Peugeot Metropolis sales in France and Italy, and the manufacturer has also been asked to pay a substantial €1.5m fine. Additionally, the manufacturer will be fined an additional €6,000 for every Metropolis sold after 30 days. The court also ruled that all sales must stop after 90 days. If not, Peugeot will draw an additional €10,000 fine every day.
Piaggio MP3
This isn’t the first time that Piaggio has filed lawsuits against another manufacturer. There have been multiple instances with Chinese manufacturers and the Vespa design being involved in the recent past. This also isn’t the first time the MP3 has been a part – Visordown reminds us of the time the manufacturer forced the removal of the Yiben YB 250 ZKT at EICMA 2011 because it resembled the MP3.
The Peugeot Metropolis is one of the company’s more successful models in the European market, and this ruling will undoubtedly be a significant blow to the company. There’s no info about whether Peugeot will appeal the verdict, but we’ll update this space if it comes to light.
