My Definiton of Scooter

When I posted about Aprilia Mana 850 being used by Chinese police, I was told by one of HFL contributors that Mana850 is not a motorcycle but a scooter. I guess his definition of scooter is to have automatic scooter like gear system of some sort. My definition of scooter is close to what California Department of Motor Vehicles Motorcycle Handbook says, "any two-wheeled device that has a motor, handlebars, and a floorboard for standing on when riding" I would also add relatively, smaller engine displacement and motor being placed at rear of the vehicle. By the way, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA) "doesn't define the terms “motor scooter,” “moped,” “pocket bike,” “mini-chopper,” “mini-ninja,” or any other terms of this nature that may be used for the purpose of marketing motorcycles and motor driven cycles." but in the same document, they talk about how to import "small motor-scooters".... Confusing...Anyway, Piaggio Gilera GP 800 is a scooter,( motor is placed in rear of the vehicle and there are floor boards.) but Aprilia Mana 850 is a motorcycle to me. Even Aprilia website calls it motorcycle; it is not in Scooter section.

I could see some people have problem accepting Mana 850 as a motorcycle though. The gear system is pretty much of scooter technology, and its gas tank is located under seat like scooter's.

Aprilia Mana 850 Police in 重慶市 Chongqing

The thirty Aprilia Mana 850 make up a team to escort the former U.S. Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger. Those Aprilia were specially customized to fit the needs of the service according to the requests of Chinese. Kissinger,the Nobel Peace Prize winner, was in China to celebrate the anniversary of his first official visit to China 40 years ago.

What? Why Aprilia? Aren't there shit loads of motorcycle manufacturers in China? Yes, but those Aprilia were supplied by joint venture Piaggio Zongshen Foshan Motorcycle Co. Ltd, which of 45% is owned by Piaggio ,45% Zongshen Foshan and the rest owned by the city. Also, Chinese prefer European, and American vehicles for some reason. Owning those are sort of status symbol there. Did you know GM sold more car in China than here in the US? Buick is loved by Chinese.

Anyway, Aprilia Mana 850 houses a 90° V twin 850cc engine with electronic injection and liquid cooling. It is a sports motorcycle with engine mapping modes and a unique Gear System that allows automatic or semi-automatic control of the drive system for sports performance.

Via: Motoblog.it

Flat out on RSV4

RSV4 VS GT-R

Hell for leahter was commissioned by Aprilia USA to produce this video. Wish someone commissions us to make some video... Both vehicles are stock and driven by professionals.

Via: Hell for Leather

Paris Hilton Racing team

This is what Sergio Gadea and Maverick Vinales' bikes look like next season. It is SuperMartxé VIP by Paris Hilton 125cc racing team bike. I am sure that their racing suits will be matched to the color scheme of the bike. They will look like right out of drawing board of Barbie design team from Mattel. As far as I know, almost all of motorcycle bloggers are bitching and moaning about this Paris Hilton sponsored team and feeling sorry for the two riders who would look like a Ken doll.

Yeah, sure those riders might get cat calls and sniggers from other riders and fan on the track, but hey, they got a sponsor, who are providing the bikes, other necessary stuff to go with and paying you to race. So I say it is better than no sponsor. Additionally those guys might get extra cheer from little girls and big girls even. If I were a racer and they give me this sponsorship, I would take it in a heart beat and slip myself into a pink and glittered my little pony leather suit with smile.

Moreover, because of her involvement in MotoGP, it is getting attention from international media, making motorcycle race more popular. Anything to promote what you love, right? so quit bitching you so-called race fans.

Reportedly, Hilton is contractually obligated to attend five MotoGP races.

Source: Bikeracing.it

Motorbike Commercial Battle

BMW S1000RR Original commercial


And this is Aprilia RSV4's retort commercial


I like both ads, but in fact Aprilia is doing way better than BMW in WSBK, thanks to Max Biaggi...