This lovely gallery of the Ducati Hypermotard 796 is a set of preview pics from the guys at Motoblog.it, who are currently conducting a test of the new Hypermotard. We’ll be bringing you more details soon, but in the meantime have a look at this nifty, slender Ducati in a background of autumn hues.

Ducati Hypermotard 796 test pics

Continue reading: Ducati Hypermotard 796 live pics from test ride

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What should the ideal city scooter be like? We say agile, zippy, compact and practical. And we found all these qualities in our test of the Aprilia Scarabeo 200 ie. It is one of those scooters you can fall in love with straight away for its elengance and performance, which is truly spectacular for city riding. It’s part of the new Aprilia Scarabeo scooter range.

Compared to the previous model, it has a new look and direct injection, and the style is appreciated when you sit comfortably on the seat. The Scarabeo is the perfect size and everything is under control, especially given the well-designed instrument panel with its analogue-digital features.

A button on the handles allows you to scroll through the LCD functions, including the external temperature (with emergency ice warning) and battery charge. The plexiglas screen doesn’t give off any annoying reflections and is easy to read.

Continue reading: Aprilia Scarabeo 200 i.e. road test

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When we took a test ride of the Vespa GTS 125 Super, we also had the chance to take the Vespa LX 50 4Valvolve out for a spin, and while the difference in the two is notable, the LX 50 really fits its market. The LX 50 4 Valvolve is made for a young public who want a zippy scooter that’s easy and safe to ride, and who want the Vespa style in city riding conditions.

The city terrain and its narrow streets and heavy traffic, is the perfect setting for the LX 50. It’s a good friend in traffic, with its new 50cc four-stroke engine, equipped with four valves that grabs your attention when you take off.

It’s a more powerful model than the previous version and almost has the response of a two-stroke (the distinctive smell is the only thing missing). The engine is the main novelty of this Vespa, which has been designed as a half-way point between the benefits of both a 2T and a 4T.

Test Vespa LX 50 4Valvole

Continue reading: Test ride of the Vespa LX 50 4Valvole

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We took the new Yamaha Majesty 400 for 2009 out for a test ride, to see where scooters are going these days. It can be appreciated for its progression and increase in performance that have seen it establish itself in the 400cc segment over the last couple of years.

Plenty of manufaturers are focusing their attention on this segment, as customers seek greater technological solutions from these scooters. They are positioning themselves as the ultimate compromise between urban scootering and long range touring, while keeping elements of the scooter style.

These kind of scooters should not be overly penalised for their size, and still need to be perfectly manageable with good handling in the traffic. This needs to be combined with stability at high speeds, rider and passenger comfort. The latest Majesty has all this, especially with a wide and well padded seat. Its look is also now more modern and attractive, with an updated frame and colours.

Continue reading: Yamaha Majesty 400 test ride

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We had a test run a few days ago at the Vespa Day Milan of the new Vespa GTS 125 Super. One of our colleagues, back in the good old days, had a magnificant Vespa P200E from 1979, and he can confirm that taking out the new GTS 125 Super still gives you that true Vespa feeling. As we all know, a Vespa is a Vespa.

The Vespa style has always remained more or less what it is today, with only a few touches to modernise the scooter to keep up with current technology and the market. The new GTS 125 certainly makes use of Vespa’s strong points, showing off a classic 60’s style.

The engine is a single-cylinder 125 four-stroke, liquid cooled with the new Electronic Cooling System that guarantees reduced energy use and greater fuel efficiency. The electronic ignition combines to make 4.9 hp at 9,750 rpm.

Test Vespa GTS 125 Super

Continue reading: Test ride Vespa GTS 125 Super

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Peugeot completes its scooter range with this high wheel scooter in the LXR model. The urban scooter is equipped with 16-inch wheels, is made for daily use with a light and compact style and an attractive quality-price ratio. We tried it out in the 125cc version around Milan, and also had a test ride of the 200cc direct injection model.

Both engines are single cylinder, four-stroke with four valves per cylinder and liquid cooled, complying with Euro 3 norms. The braking system has twin 220mm discs, and the whole scooter has a dry weight of 135 kg, with a tank capacity of eight litres.

The Peugeot LXR 2009 will be sold at a price of 2,650 euros, in the 125cc version, while the 200cc version costs 2,900 euros. Colours available are white, blue and dark grey. Optional accessories include rear box storage and high or low windshield.

Continue reading: Test ride of the Peugeot LXR 2009

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We had a test drive of the 2009 SYM scooter range recently, with a drive on a windy and mountainous road that proved a good testing ground for the scooter from Taiwan. The three distinct products that we tested were the Joyride evo 200i, the Citycom 300i and the Symphony 125.

All three scooters have good finishings and production options, with electronic ignition. While the engines are pre-series, they already work well, with good balance and performance.

The 200cc is the most well-balanced of the engines, while the 300cc on the Citycom is almost too powerful for the model it equips. The 125cc on the Symphony is enjoyable to ride, with good response. All engines are single-cylinder four strokes that comply with Euro 3 norms.

Continue reading: SYM scooter road test: Symphony, Joyride and Citycom

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We had a test ride of the new Moto Guzzi V7 Cafè Classic and to be honest, it’s difficult to go unnoticed on this motorcycle, faithful to Guzzi style and historic class. Above all, the dominating factor is a retro look, with plenty of fascination and charm that true Guzzi fans will appreciate.

The new V7 is born from the ashes of the V7 Legnano, a prototype that was based on the V7 Special that emerged at the beginning of the 1970’s. The original V7 version had a 700cc engine and about 50hp, that was built on the request of the police for an all-purpose model that could substitute the all-rounder Falcone.

The first model, destined for the military, was built in 1963 with a 90° V engine at 700cc, will the V7 civilian road version was presented in 1965 in Milan. From the project, and using the same chassis and engine, further models were developed including the V7 Special, V7 Sport (known in Italy as the “bassotto” or dachsund) and the V7 GT 850.

Continue reading: Road test: Moto Guzzi V7 Cafè Classic

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This Griso will certainly have Guzzi fans enthusiastic over the 2009 offering as Moto Guzzi undertakes a strong brand relaunch, which sees the Griso as protagonist.

We have watched the new 2009 models from Moto Guzzi with interest, including the Nevada 750, V7 Cafè Classic and Griso 8V Special Edition, and we recently had the chance to take the new Griso for a test ride.

This new model perfectly unites history with innovation, showing that Moto Guzzi is keeping up with the times and creating charismatic bikes. The name “Griso” comes from a famous character in Italy’s canon text of “The Betrothed”, written by Manzoni who lived not far from Mandello, where Moto Guzzi has its factory.

Continue reading: Road test: Moto Guzzi Griso 8V Special Edition 2009

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Honda’s best selling scooter is updated for 2009 with the arrival of the SH125i and the SH150i. The new scooters have been modified in their style, mechanics and braking system.

We had the chance to have a little ride as the Honda SH scooter is the most sold on the Italian market with more than 500,000 models sold since it was first released back in 1984. Italy is the biggest scooter market in the world, and so the Honda success really says something.

The two motors are relatively similar in their performance and fuel consumption, at more than 30km/litre for both models. The style has taken on a more elegant and compact profile with new front and rear design, including front V-shaped headlight.

Continue reading: Our tests: Honda SH125i scooter

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