The Autoworld Museum in Brussels is a magnificent place to be when you’re in the business of bikes – and this year is no different.
Until August 15th, visitors attending the Autoworld Museum will have viewing access to 75 Vespa models – a gift from the museum to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Vespa.
The Italian company has shown great success over the years, from the founding of the business in April 1946 by Piaggio & Co., to the name the company made for itself with the release of action films such as “Roman Holiday” (1953) and “La Dolce Vita.”
(1960).
The Vespa fleet promises to be diverse, including models from Belgium, France, Germany, Britain, Italy, the Americas, and Spain. “All models from all eras” is what the Autoworld Museum’s website brags – and they mean it.
On top of the Vespa 946, Vespa Elettrica, and limited edition Vespa 75th, the exhibit will also include the MP6, alongside the highly popular ‘faro basso’ model, a few of the first sidecar editions, and the three-wheeled light commercial models APE and TriVespa.
Flanking these will be the more powerful Vespa models, labeled 150 GS ‘Vespone,’ a rally version of the same, and a CMA Vespa TAP 150cc military edition.
The exhibit will also show a ‘U’ model – ‘U’ meaning ‘Utility. These scooters were the more budget-friendly scooter line back in the day, though the trademark lines and thin neck have long since made the ‘U’ models the most expensive scooters available on the antique market.
Having been “born out of the desire to create an innovative product for individual mobility,” it’s no wonder that the popularity of the Vespa scooter carries its legacy strong into the 21st century.
BMW Motorrad Australia has finally decided to import electric scooters, starting next year from $20,350.
The company launched its C evolution scooters in 2013, but the Australian branch of the Bavarian company decided the time was not yet right to go electric.
Now they have decided to import two models of the newly unveiled CE 04 scooters based on the 2017 Concept Link.
BMW Concept Link electric scooter
The standard CE 04 will start at $20,350 plus on-road costs and the CE 04 Avantgarde from $20,690 adds high windscreen and comes in “Magellan Grey” metallic paint.
They come standard with automatic stability control, ABS pro enhance traction and safety technology and three riding modes: ECO, Rain and Road.
Both are powered by a 31kW (42hp), liquid-cooled permanent magnet electric motor and a 8.9kWh battery with 130km of city range, 0-50km/h in 2.7 seconds and a top seed of 120km/h.
BMW says the battery will charge in four hours and 20 minutes from flat when using the 2.3kWh 10A charger.
The air-cooled lithium-ion high voltage battery can be charged using the integrated charging device plugged into a regular household socket or via a wallbox or public charging station.
It’s the same charging technology as used in their cars.
If you buy the optional $1330 30A quick charger, charging time is 100 minutes from flat or 45 minutes from 20-80%.
The chassis consists of a tubular steel main frame, 35mm telescopic forks and a single-sided swing arm with a directly controlled, fully covered spring strut.
They are shod with 120/70 R15 67H tyres at the front and 160/60 R15 56H at the rear.
Brakes consists of twin discs up front and BMW Motorrad ABS Prowhich has a banking sensor for more control in corners.
Technology abounds with integrated satnav and connectivity in the 10.25-inch TFT colour screen and a ventilated mobile phone charging compartment and USB-C charging port.
There are storage compartments at the front and side and the helmet compartment can be operated while seated.
All lighting is LED and the headlights have an adaptive turning light to illuminate the inside of a corner at night.
2022 BMW CE 04 scooter
BMW CE 04 $20,350:
Liquid-cooled permanent magnet electric motor
130kW (42hp) output
62Nm torque
8.9kWh air-cooled lithium-ion high voltage battery
While the likes of Ducati and MV Agusta are releasing news of E-Bike partnerships and products more akin to bicycles, a few hours further north the Germans are readying to release a new EV motorcycle platform in the first-quarter of 2022 when the new BMW CE 04 arrives to spearhead BMW’s electromobility strategy for the urban environment. The new EV scooter will be priced from $20,350 +ORC.
BMW CE 04
The CE 04 is a production ready model that has its origins in the BMW Motorrad Concept Link originally showcased in 2017 followed by the Definition CE 04 prototype first unveiled in 2020.
BMW CE 04
The newest member of BMW’s zero emission fleet features electric drive, modern futuristic design and innovative connectivity solutions.
BMW CE 04
A maximum output of 31 kW (42 hp) propels the CE 04 from 0 to 50 km/h in 2.6-seconds. A reduced output version will be available in some markets where the L3e-A1 vehicle class attracts reduced licencing requirements.Both versions will be suitable for highway use with a maximum speed of 120 km/h.
BMW CE 04
The new BMW CE 04 has a battery cell capacity of 60.6 Ah (8.9 kWh), providing a range of 130 kilometres (reduced output version: 100 km).
BMW CE 04
The new BMW CE 04 has a permanent magnet electric motor mounted in the frame between the battery and the rear wheel, as used in a similar form in BMW cars such as the 225xe Active Tourer.
BMW CE 04
The lithium-ion battery is charged using the integrated charging device either at a regular household socket, a wallbox or a public charging station. When the battery is completely flat, charging time ideally lasts 4 hours and 20 minutes. With the quick charger available as an optional extra with an output of up to 6.9 kW (2.3 kW is the standard level), charging time is reduced to just 1 hour and 40 minutes when the battery is completely flat. If the battery level is only 20 per cent and the battery is charged to 80 per cent, the charging time is reduced to just 45 minutes with the optional quick charger. Depending on the market, the standard charging cable with a charging capacity of 2.3 kW comes as standard with the BMW CE 04.
In the same way as with BMW automobiles, BMW Charging solutions are also available for the BMW CE 04 for charging at home, on the road and at work.
A traction control system is available on the new BMW CE 04 and is comparable to the Automatic Stability Control in BMW motorcycles with combustion engines. ASC limits engine torque in relation to rear wheel slip. Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), available as an optional extra, provides even greater riding safety. DTC enables even more safe acceleration, especially in banking position.
BMW CE 04
The new BMW CE 04 features the three riding modes “ECO”, “Rain” and “Road” as standard. The additional “Dynamic” riding mode is also available as an ex works option, enabling the scooter to accelerate at an even swifter pace. Different braking energy regeneration levels are present dependent on the riding mode that is selected.
The main frame is a tubular steel construction. The front wheel is controlled by a telescopic fork with a slider tube diameter of 35 mm. Rear wheel control consists of a single-sided swing arm. At the rear, suspension and damping are performed by a directly controlled, fully covered spring strut. The new BMW CE 04 is fitted with generously sized tyres, with 120/70 R15 67H at the front and 160/60 R15 56H at the rear.
BMW CE 04
At the front, a twin disc brake ensures secure deceleration, supported by a single-disc system at the rear. In addition, BMW Motorrad ABS ensures a high level of active safety. ABS Pro, available as an optional extra, goes even further: By means of a banking sensor, ABS Pro also controls braking on bends, thereby offering the greatest possible safety.
BMW CE 04
The new BMW CE 04 comes fitted as standard with a 10.25-inch TFT colour screen with integrated map navigation and connectivity. The screen makes it possible to display a navigation map within the instrument cluster.
As you would expect LED lighting is employed across the machine and an adaptive turning light Headlight Pro will be available as an ex works option.
BMW CE 04
The modern surface finish is in a striking Light White, complemented by matt black sections in the front and side areas as well as the “floating” seat. The rims feature a disc-wheel look. The new BMW CE 04 in Avantgarde Style (ex works option) appears in Magellan Grey metallic is supplemented with a black/orange seat, an orange wind deflector and various graphics.
BMW CE 04
BMW CE 04: $20,350* Standard specification
Liquid-cooled permanent magnet electric motor
30 kW (42 hp) output
62 Nm torque
8.9 kWh air-cooled lithium ion high voltage battery
Comfort Package (Heated Grips and Backrest Comfort Seat)
Seat Heating
Tyre Pressure Control
Centre Stand
LED indicators
LED headlight and taillight
10.25-inch TFT display
Ventilated mobile phone charging compartment
USB-C charging port
Front and side storage compartments
Light White paint
Options
Backrest Comfort Seat II: No cost option (note: recommended for riders above 190cm tall)
Windshield High: $140
Anti-theft alarm system: $375
30A Quick Charger: $1,330
BMW CE 04 Avantgarde: $20,690*
Includes all standard specification from the CE 04 and adds the following:
Windshield High
Magellan Grey Metallic paint
Options
Backrest Comfort Seat II: No cost option (note: recommended for riders above 190cm tall)
Anti-theft alarm system: $375
30A Quick Charger: $1,330
*Recommended Retail Pricing is shown and includes GST, but excludes on-road costs. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW Motorrad dealer for all pricing enquiries.
It’s the early ’80s and 12-year-old me is in deep trouble. My parents were livid. One minute I’d been fooling around on a Honda CT110 ‘Postie’ bike, and the next I was being screamed at for risking my own death and breaking the law. All I knew was that I’d been riding up and down some dirt roads on a friend’s farm in country New South Wales, north west of Sydney, having the time of my life. Then in a moment of childhood inspiration, I’d decided to take to the nearby public road ‘to see how fast the bike could go’. 30 seconds later, there’s me doing 90 km/h (55 mph) on a 60 km/h (40 mph) public road in a t-shirt, shorts and thongs and with five more years to go before I could even think about getting a licence. As for a helmet, and registration? Absolutely not. And I don’t even want to think what would have happened if a cop had caught me.
The wind blast was so strong, I had to squint which also had the interesting effect of making it almost impossible to see where I was going. And the tears from my young, innocent eyes were streaming backwards into the hair above my ears, making it all cold and wet.
If I had stopped and thought about anything for more than a nanosecond, I may have realised that the farmhouse was in fact on the hill above the road, so my cnot-very-delighted parents sat and watched in horror as the whole event unfolded in front of them.
That is, they watched until my sheer velocity took me toward the horizon and out of their view. Welcome to the fantastic and dangerous world of the Aussie ‘Postie Bike.’
Photo courtesy of thepostiebike.com
Snail Mail
But let’s start at the beginning. The legendary Honda CT110 ‘Postie’ bike is a dual-sport or ‘Trekking’ bike (yes, you read that correctly) that commenced production in Japan in 1980 as a replacement to the company’s CT90. Somewhat surprisingly, the platform was designed by Honda as a tool for hunters, fisherman and outdoorsmen to traverse mild off road routes and to also be used as a kind of safe and gentle commuter.
With a massive seven horses at the crank, the bike was sold in many countries including the USA. But it would be the Aussies and the New Zealanders off-roaders that would really take to it. And this would come about in a rather unusual way. See, some smart little public servant drone in a down under government department decided that they’d be a great tool for the postal staff to speed up their deliveries and to also increase their hauling capabilities. Which is all good and well, but how did regular yobbos like me end up trying to kill themselves on them?
Photo courtesy of thepostiebike.com
Post Master General
The answer is simple. After a very comfy, non stressful life trundling around local neighbourhoods delivering gas bills and letters from Aunty Beryl, the well-serviced, nigh on unbreakable and hard-ever-thrashed Hondas were retired in remarkably good condition and sold as ex-government vehicles at rock-bottom prices to whatever lout, miscreant or local hoodlum with a unemployment cheque could afford them. Bungee strap a plastic milk crate on their rear luggage rack and – hey friggin’ presto – you had the world’s most uncool daily.
And while I can’t be sure of the specific details on what type of CT I was tearing around on as a pre-teen, they were delivered in three distinct flavors. The straight CT110 had a semi-automatic four-speed transmission and a centrifugal clutch. The bikes sold to Australia and New Zealand Post lacked the dual range sub-transmission of the standard bike and there was also a CT110 AG model that ran 6 volt electrics, presumably so that farmers wouldn’t risk setting their sheep on fire with the full 12 volts.
It’s also interesting to note that the bikes were not available for purchase by the general public directly from Honda until 2009. The fact that they were somehow kind of rare and yet still managed to leave such an impression on the general population is a real testament to their cult status. Honda Australia still sells a CT110X model, too. But as before, their Aussie website clearly states that ‘the Honda C110X Postie is available to registered Australia Post contractors only and cannot be sold to the general public.’
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.org
Local Deliveries Only
And when I wasn’t running from some imagined cops on one the Posties were a common sight all over Australia, usually being used in summertime for skint teens and 20-somethings to make runs down to the local shops for a chocolate milk, sausage rolls or to pick up a few beers which were definitely not consumed right outside the bottle shop before the owners headed down the beach for a sunset dip. How the striped, faded beach towels stuffed into the milk crates at the back didn’t get blown out at the first sign of a bit of wind is an aerodynamic conundrum that Australia’s best engineers are yet to solve.
It’d be an interesting exercise to speak to some traffic cops from back in the day as to what they thought of the phenomenon and how exactly they would approach the average Postie bike rider. Being the absolute lowest bar for a road-going, privately-owned vehicles, the chances are that if a cop was to pull one over for shits and giggles, the chance of collaring the rider for not having a licence or a regulation helmet must have been sky high. Indeed, the centrifugal clutch system made it a piece of piss to ride, as my 12-year-old self would no doubt testify.
Photo courtesy of Honda
Red Letter Day
A quick scouring of Sydney’s local classifieds reveals the secondhand market is still going strong, with a whole heap of old Posties available from ones that look like they have been stolen and dumped in the ocean for a few hundred bucks to immaculate originals at around the four grand mark, it’s great to see that the legend is alive and well.
You’ll also be glad to hear that despite ceasing production in 2009, Honda announced in 2020 that the CT125 would be sold as a replacement (see above). As you’d expect, they have gone to much trouble to update the design, equipping it with modern ABS and a whole bunch of other mod cons that somehow manages to sterilise the legend just a little.
Photo courtesy of MotoFomo.com.au
As a riding experience, it won’t surprise you to learn that the bikes were pretty mild affairs. The semi-step-through frame was a clear hat tip to their moped-ish influences and as with many of Honda’s bikes, they were designed to be as vanilla and brutally functional as possible. If you rock up for your first ride expecting some kind of life-changing retro experience like a Vespa or a ‘60s two-stroke, you’ll be sorely disappointed. Remember, they were being issued to postal workers who just needed something to replace their old bicycles. The quieter, innocuous and easier they were to ride, the better.
Photo courtesy of Silodrome.com
Post Modern
But thankfully that ‘am I awake yet?’ experience was soon to be rectified come the wave of custom craziness that’s circled the world in the past decade. And while I can’t be sure that some 1990s speedy-loving genius didn’t attack one with the tools to see just how fast the little buggers could go, there was a definite trend around 2015 or so for Aussie Custom shops to soup the CTs in a very ‘what’s the worst possible candidate for a custom bike ever’ kind of a two-finger salute to coolness. How very Aussie.
Proponents were led by a Melbourne outfit wittily titled ‘Post Modern Motorcycles’ (Geddit?!). Owner Jim Clarke delighted in mimicking the very serious custom styles of the time, creating incredible custom bikes that simultaneously inspired without taking themselves too seriously.
Photo courtesy of lanesplittergarage.com
With 20/20 hindsight, it’s all too easy to rationalise the Postie’s cult status into one thing or another, but it’s important to mention that, like the AMC Gremlin or England’s Morris Minor, sometimes a vehicle that is really rather wrong can also be so very right.
And that thought becomes even more relevant in today’s consumer space where an increasingly large amount of products are researched ‘till the cows come home to ensure that they are as bland, functional and safe as possible. It’s nice to know that sometimes, it’s perfectly OK to be a little crap.
As an avid motorcyclist, I’m not typically one to hop aboard a 15 hp, 150cc scooter with a look of excited anticipation…but as an avid Star Wars nerd, I have promised to zip it and save my opinions on the dark side after I try one of these buggers out in person.
Yamaha has partnered with Lucas Films to create two seriously stylish Star Wars-themed scooters, currently only available in Brazil.
According to a report from Yahoo, the scooters are available in two editions – Galactic Empire and Rebel Alliance.
While Yamaha makes no promises as to the futuristic potential of these themed motors, the NMAX 160 ABS does sport the typical headlight-mounted front apron with LED headlight, raised windscreen, high-set handlebars, single-piece seat with pillion grab rail, and a digital instrument console – with everything stacked on blacked-out designer wheels.
With only 680 units being released, it might be a good idea to check availability for some serious scoots about the solar system.
A bit of advice for Yamaha – next time, we need a stormtrooper theme. It’s the only way to be guaranteed not to hit anything.
Behind each racer is a team – and every team is dedicated to running as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
In an environment where every second is valuable, marshals and technicians have taken to scooters to increase time efficiency – especially if things should go bottoms-up on the track.
And the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) has found an answer to their goals of increasing sustainability on the track by giving track scooters an electric makeover.
FIM has just partnered up with Swedish electric motorcycle maker, CAKE, to create the CAKE Ösa utility scooter.
Labeled as ‘the swiss-army knife on wheels,’ The scooter sports a unibar that allows riders to use a clamp-on system for bags, purses, and more to create over 1,000 different possible configurations.
And with three ride modes and two brake modes, it’s easy to see how this little two-wheeled munchkin will become FIM’s main mode of transportation around the track.
A report from RideApart states that both companies also have goals of eventually transferring that efficiency to the race machines themselves.
For now, though, care for the climate starts with small steps – and with the CAKE Ösa utility scooter on call, contributions to a smaller carbon footprint have become that much more reachable.
For more articles on sustainability at the track, head over to WebBikeWorld.
If you think there has been a lot of motorcycle safety recalls in the past month, you are right.
In the first quarter of 2021, there were 13 recalls, but the rate has accelerated with 10 recalls in the month of May, alone.
Perhaps as riders are coming out of lockdown around the world and riding again, they are discovering issues with their bikes which result in official recall notices.
The latest is and issue of rusted brakes on 2017-2019 BMW G 310 motorcycles and C 400 scooters.
“Due to road treatment conditions, such as aggressive salt types or significant usage, surface corrosion could occur within the un-anodised brake caliper piston bore,” the notice says.
“Corrosion on the surface of the brake caliper could impair the piston’s clearance within the bore, affecting brake performance and increasing the risk of an accident and serious injury or death to the rider and other road users.”
Owners will be contacted by BMW Group Australia or a BMW Motorrad dealer to arrange for inspection and free repair.
Vehicles affected are BMW G 310 GS (K02, 0G02); G 310 R (K03, 0G01); C 400 GT (K08, 0C06) and C 400 X (K09, 0C09).
VINs (Vehicle identification number) of affect ted bikes and scooters are included at the end of this article.
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:
All this and more could be yours for a minimum bid of $8,000.
Am I kidding? Nope. Say hello to the Jetson family, folks.
BringATrailer has 3 days left on a bid for a vintage firetruck-red 1947 Model 85 scooter, and I’m digging the dynamics. What other scooter can brag gas/brake pedals, a spring-cushioned solo seat, and 1.5 cubic feet of storage capacity?
According to a report from RideApart, Salisbury started up with their scooter line in the 1930s, when post-Depression Americans were looking for a cheap commute. Amelia Earheart, female pilot, and icon of the times, was said to have served as an inspiration for Salsbury’s spiffy style.
And that’s not all. Style came with speed, even back then. The scooter’s top velocity is due to the 320cc fan-cooled, 6 hp side-valve motor and maxes out at a hair-raising 50 mph – pray you don’t hit the speed bumps the wrong way.
The Model 85 was acquired by its current owner in 1996 and has since been refurbished with chrome detailing, paint touch-ups, and a fine-tuned CVT – in this case, ‘CVT’ standing for ‘Constant Velocity Transmission,’ not ‘Continuously Variable Transmission,’ as is true for most modern CVTS with a hand throttle.
Additional perk: only 1000 units of this model were made, with precious few remaining in such good shape. They sold for $800 back then, so the full accounting for inflation tips the scales at a neat $9500.
It’s a bargain, and you know you want it – if only to putter about town and make your neighbors jelly.
In light of further closures and lockdowns across India, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has announced in a statement that they will be extending warranties and free service periods to all customers whose perks were set to end between April 1 and May 31, 2021.
All extensions will remain in effect until July 31, across all dealerships in India – and anybody that was experiencing a lack of warranty or service due to increased limitations will have their services catered to.
Quoted by Livemint as “the corporate social responsibility arm of all Honda group firms in India,” the Honda India Foundation (HIF) has also pledged 6.5 crores (around 9.5 million USD) as an initiative to bring support and aid in unprecedented times.
The funds will be going to 5 states in the country – Gujarat, Rajasthan Karnataka, UP, and Haryana.
The support of HIF also involves the following:
the installation of oxygen production plants in Manesar, Alwar (Rajasthan), Kolar (Karnataka), and Gautam Budh Nagar (Uttar Pradesh).
HIF will establish facilities housing up to 100 beds in Rajasthan and Haryana to support the demand for space.
Distribution of PPE masks and sanitizers to essential workers.
Distribution of medical equipment (oxygen concentrators, pulse oximeters) to government hospitals in rural areas.
With the country shutting down and now rumors that HMSI will have to shut down temporarily, the aid is a welcome gesture to keep the country – with their motorcycles and scooters – running.
India is gunning to be a leading force in the e-scooter market. On May 3rd, Ola Electric presented the news of electric scooters on a global scale by 2022 and made headlines with the commitment to build a Hypercharger Network consisting of over 100,000 charging points across 400 cities of India.
According to a report from RideApart, Ola Electric also announced Wayne Burgess as the new Head of Vehicle Design. The announcement couldn’t have come at a better time, or be more strategically placed, seeing as this news came the day after the company revealed its goal to provide the Hypercharger Network.
Wayne Burgess comes with an impressive pedigree, having played a hand in the design of the Bentley Arnage, as well as the Aston Martin Vantage and DB9. In the 20 years at Jaguar Land Rover, Burgess also played a part in the design of several Jaguar models, including the XF, XE, F-Type, and F-Pace models.
In a statement released by Burgess, “I am looking forward to my work at Ola Electric and to the opportunity to lead a team that will work on designing cutting-edge electric vehicles for the world. I am thrilled to be part of Ola as it accelerates on its path to becoming a leader in global EV solutions,”
“Wayne is a fantastic addition to our leadership team and will bring global appeal and design aesthetic to our industry-changing electric vehicles,” Bhavish Aggarwal, Chairman, and CEO of Ola said in a statement.
“As the world moves to EVs, the vehicle form factors will be fundamentally reimagined. Wayne’s expertise in designing some of the most legendary vehicles will also be helpful in bringing these new form factors to consumers. I look forward to collaborating with him to build the most iconic range of EVs in the world,” said Bhavish Aggarwal.
Ola isn’t playing games when it comes to the company goals. On top of basing their first scooter prototype on the highly popular and efficient Etergo AppScooter, there are also plans circulating that hint at designs for four-wheeled electrics. Based on the major moves the company has made, it’s more than apparent that they plan on taking the EV world by storm.
