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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The name Dorsoduro (literally hard back or more liberally strong spine), is already a clue as to why this Aprilia fascinates and makes you feel like a real rider. And this Dorsoduro test ride, after part one, will be an “onboard diary” from the guys at Motoblog.

The first thing to note after a couple of weeks is how fun it has been to ride, and how much attention the Dorsoduro garners. People look, the stop, they want to know how it goes and how much it costs: something which should always happen with ‘special’ two wheels.

While it isn’t extremely powerful it gives the impression that it’s been held back a little to adapt it to motorcycle on today’s roads. After a few hundred kilometres you will realise it has everything it needs: a low and long seating position, and an incredible sound.

Continue reading: Road tests: Aprilia Dorsoduro, part two

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While there was so much to organise for our coverage of the Eicma show, what with all the beautiful Ducati models, the Honda Fireblade and Hornet, the Victory custom models, KTM and of course the blonde and brunette girls, it’s very easy to get distracted.

It was also very easy to be distracted by the possibility of an Aprilia Dorsoduro sitting in the garage, waiting for a test ride. And so our colleagues at Motoblog.it couldn’t resist such a delicious opportunity, and we give you this first instalment of their Dorsoduro road test.

In the first test in city traffic and on urban roads, the Aprilia Dorsoduro was already convincing, though we had an idea just from taking a look at this lovely motorcycle that this would be the case.

Continue reading: Our road tests: Aprilia Dorsoduro, part one

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Born from the idea of a Roman designer and drive of Italian managers, this could be the most exciting bike Honda has made in recent years. It’s street fighter at the top of its category, it’s dynamic, powerful, and easy to handle - riding pleasure like no other.

Soon, for motorcycles of this kind, it will be compulsory to write on the tank the caution: “use with care at regular intervals - overdosing could cause dipendency and addiction”. Perhaps they could put it next to the label “use only unleaded fuel”. This bike is imaginary and original like a Bimota Delirio, aggressive like a Brutale but sweet, ergonomic and well made just like a Honda.

The new CB1000R (official details here and pics here) shows that the Tokyo company is shaking off its conservatism and indulging in modern, couragious and exciting projects. This is a powerful bike, lovely to see and nasty such that it seems wasted on “correct” road use - but we’ll still indulge in the riding pleasure.

Continue reading: Our tests: Honda CB1000R, free spirit

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Couragious, with an adventurous spirit and no compromises, the Honda DN-01 explores new frontiers of two-wheel transport, offering a new riding philosophy for the city and on the road. It has an American custom riding position, very sat-down with the legs forward.

The weight and size are quite contained though, with a sports look and automatic transmission that we’d never seen before. It has a practical mix of everything that current riders seem to appreciate: automatic clutch, agressive and modern style, and relaxing, comfortable riding position.

A futuristic touch is added with its form, and next generation transmission which creates an efficient and relaxing riding style. This line reminds us of some motorbikes you see in science fiction films, or those ridden by the demons in the cartoon “Ken”.

Continue reading: Test: Honda DN-01, a window to the future

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In the Aprilia Company the arrival point is well defined: to create a supermotard with no compromises, in every detail. And so it has been. In the planning of the Dorsoduro the Noale technicians have exploited all the experience accumulated in the World Supermoto, designing a benchmark chassis and a riding experience, and mapping out the twin-cylinder 750cc that makes full use of the “Ride by wire” technology.

Equipped with a torque that favours lower and medium ranges, the Aprilia engine gives out 92 hp at 8,750 revs and a maximum torque of 82 Nm at 4,500 revs. The clean lines of the front and the lovely tail give voice to the racing spirit of this bike.

In the seat you feel at home, with the tank positioned such that the legs can hold on without necessitating fatigue. As you gain confidence you find yourself leaning in more to the bends knowing the bike will adjust its trajectory. We were well impressed by the quality of the engine, gutsy at lower revs, and of the three driving modes: Sport, Touring and Rain.

Continue reading: Aprilia SMV 750 Dorsoduro: a beautiful creature

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