Tresoldi - a popular Honda dealership near Milan, Italy - has released a couple of interesting limited edition of the Integra, the recent scooter from the Japanese manufacturer: the Army Edition and the Carbon Look.

The Honda Integra Army Edition uses a military green livery, black rims and exhaust as well as a few mild modification that make for a menacing and captivating look. The Honda Integra Carbon Look instead comes with gold painted wheels, Akrapovic end-can, diamond-shaped wing mirrors, sporty number plate holder and a lower windscreen. Check them both out in the videoclip above.

Znug Design introduces the zecOO, a new electric scooter boasting an innovative and futuristic design that makes it look like a motorcycle from some sci-fi movie. The model is the brainchild of former Toyota designer Kota Nezu, who needed just 6 months to get from the graphic concept of his own vision of a futuristic scoot to the actual prototype, which was built by Tokyo’s custom workshop Suehiro.

The most striking feature of this prototype is obviously its flashy bodywork, that includes parts in wood and alloy and might actually be an anticipation of the electric maxi-scooter of the future. At the front, in place of the usual forks, the zecOO adopts a central hub system, while the cantilever rear wheel is belt driven. The model also comes with single sided swing arms at both front and back, but looking at the pics there are plenty of interesting solutions that, in terms of sheer design, are pretty interesting and original.

At the moment there are no official specs to talk about, but Znug Design said that the performance of the zecOO will live up to its jaw-dropping aesthetics. However, a few rumors circulating on the internet reported of a quite unimpressive output of 28 hp and 67 Nm as well as an overall weight of 245 kg, which surely wouldn’t have this bike winning any sort of speed contest. The first tests of the zecOO will begin this spring, but it is not clear when it will actually hit production. Accordingly to a few sources, the price for the zecOO would be something in the 8,000,000 $ area, but we would find it hard to believe. Maybe something got ‘lost in translation’ and that is actually 8 million Yen (roughly 75.000 € / 100.000 $), but if that’s the actual price, we might actually go for a dozen of something else instead, and keep the spare change.

View the full zecOO by Znug Design photo gallery

via | Japan Trends e Asphalt&Rubber

In a presentation that took place at the Yamaha Factory Racing head-quartes in Gerno di Lesmo, Italy, Ben Spies and cyclist Enrico Battaglin introduced a special version of the Yamaha TMAX 530 that will be part of the crew at the 95th ‘Giro d’Italia’, the famous Italian long distance road bicycle race. The Yamaha TMAX 530 ‘2012 Giro d’Italia’ Edition will come with a special black/white/pink livery specifically designed by Yamaha for this race, but apart from that it is identical to the standard model.

The partnership between Yamaha and Gazzetta dello Sport (the Italian newspaper that organizes the event) is entering its 4th year, but for the TMAX 530 this is going to be the maiden year at the race. The Yamaha TMAX 530 ‘2012 Giro d’Italia’ edition is the official motorcycle of the event, meaning that 30 units will follow the race in all of its 21 stages. The Giro d’Italia will start with a time trial in the Danish town of Herning, on May the 5th, and will end in Milan on the 27th, with another time trial.

However, the TMAX 530 will come on duty a little earlier, on the 26th of April: on that day, a special ‘Giro d’Italia’ organized by the local ASD TMAX Club - an official club patronized by Yamaha Motor Italia that gathers many TMAX enthusiasts from the whole country - will leave from Gerno di Lesmo and cover almost the same route of the race, marking the first official ‘public appearance’ for the model.

Our colleagues from twin-site Motoblog.it alerted us about a video that shows how an ingenious scooter owner from Italy - which was recently hit by quite some heavy snowfalls - has built himself a set of clever snow chains for its Honda SH using only a common little chain. The video was probably shot by the maker himself and also features fitting on the bike’s tyres and first test ride on snow and ice. We can just praise the guy for the clever idea.

Thanks to Spanish website MotorPassionMoto.com we can show you what is believed to be Piaggio’s updated version of their three wheeled scooter the MP3 or the Fuoco (fire) which was caught testing on the roads near Girona in Spain.

Apparently the new model -which at the moment looks pretty fugly - is well ahead in the testing phase and could be ready to be released in time for this year’s EICMA show.

Two of the most sought-after models at the latest 2011 EICMA in Milan were the new maxi-scooters from BMW, the C650 GT and C600 Sport, and here is a video released by the German manufacturer showing us the newborn maxi-scoots in action, both in and out of town. The C600 Sport and C650 GT have been developed on the same platform and are equipped with the same 60 hp 649cc 2-cylinder DOHC engine, the same chassis and use 15″ wheels.

The C600 Sport is the more sporty and aggressive-looking one of the pair and aims at a younger audience, whereas the C650 seems to be targeting a more sober and quiet custom base. Both models are expected to hit the market in 2012 and the production has already begun, but at this moment the asking prices are still unknown.

Yamaha’s brand new Super Tenere Worldcrosser “Competition White” is not the only novelty brought to the 2012 Motor Bike Expo by the Iwata-based manufacturer. Making its first appearance at the event in Verona is also the new ‘Sport’ version of the T-Max 530, featuring a more aggressive-looking windscreen, complete backrest for the passenger, a pair of aluminum footpegs and a sporty plate holder. Here is a bunch of picture taken live by our mates from Motoblog.it at the Yamaha’s stand in Verona.

Vierw the full Yamaha TMax Sport 2012 photo gallery

Maybe I’ve been living in Italy to long and used to seeing more streamlined scooters, like Vespa, Lambretta, and Honda’s whipping in and out of traffic and the new electric scooters that are trying to make their mark to appreciate the design pecularity of this new E-scooter from Boxx Corp.

For those of you who find it utterly fascinating and would love to stand out from everyone else, prices start at $3,995 but can reach over five grand with all the available option upgrades and it comes in ten different colours.

Measuring just a meter long, it can hit a top speed between 28 to 35 miles per hour, while autonomy is 20 miles before recharging that takes four hours, but an optional battery can double the range, while an optional recharger cuts recharging down to just one hour.

Source | boxxcorp.com via autoevolution.com

The economic crisis hasn’t spared any motorcycle factory and the latest in the line to shut down will be Peugeot Motorcycles and specifically their scooter factory located at Dannemarie, France.

The manufacturer is expected to make official announcement on November 25th at Mandeure (another of their factories). The Dannemarie factory produces engines for their 50cc and 125cc scooters and currently employs 140 workers.

According to reports, Peugeot will relocate at least 40 employees to Mandeure and the rest in their PSA Group at Mulhouse or Sochaux to avoid any job losses, but the local unions are worried that this operation will be difficult considering the financial situation that the entire Peugeot group finds itself in.

Source | omnimoto.it

Honda has released a one-minute long promotional video starring the Vision 50 m.y. 2012, recently unveiled at the 2011 EICMA. The new version of the long running model is powered by a 49 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke engine with PGM-FI fuel injection and electric start producing 3.35 hp at 7,000 rpm and 3.5 Nm of peak torque at 6,750 rpm.

With a reliable and efficient fuel-injected engine (average fuel consumption: 62 km/l - 146 mpg), a stable and easy to ride chassis, the advanced safety of Honda’s Combined Braking System (CBS) and extensive storage space, the new Vision 50 represents one of the most interesting addition in the 50 cc scooter market.

In the wake of its recent unveiling at the 2011 EICMA, Yamaha releases a massive photo gallery of the new T-Max, one of the undisputed stars at the recent Italian event. The model firstly debuted in 2001 and is now at its third generation, sporting its most aggressive look to date.

Making it lighter was probably what Yamaha engineers had in mind since the word go. The new T-Max is powered by a 530 cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke, 4-valve engine built with many light components and delivering 45.8 hp (34.2 kW) at 6,750 rpm and 52.3 Nm of peak torque at 5,250 rpm. Its die-cast aluminum frame is also significantly lighter than the current one, and is connected to a motorcycle-style telescopic fork on the front and to a strong rear shock at the back.

It is easy to tell that a lot of work has been put into the new aesthetics, which give the T-Max its most aggressive look ever as well as a bodywork offering great weather protection. The model retains its signature double head light (although slightly revised) and sports new LED technology on its tail, while the instrument panel with its two distinctive polygon-shaped analogue counters is also new. Click on the ‘Continue reading’ link below the thumbnails to see the 2012 T-Max full technical specs.

View the full Yamaha TMAX 500 ABS MY 2012 photo gallery
View the full Yamaha T-Max m.y. 2012 at the 2011 EICMA photo gallery

Yamaha T-Max technical specifications:

Engine
Engine type: Forward-inclined parallel 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve
Displacement: 530.0cc
Bore x stroke: 68.0 mm x 73.0 mm
Compression ratio: 10:9 : 1
Maximum Power: 34.2 kW @ 6,750 rpm
Maximum Torque: 52.3 Nm @ 5,250 rpm
Lubrication system: Dry sump
Fuel system: Fuel Injection
Ignition system: TCI
Starter system: Electric
Transmission system: V-Belt Automatic

Chassis
Front suspension system: Telescopic fork
Front travel: 120 mm
Rear suspension system: Swingarm
Rear Travel: 116 mm
Front brake: Hydraulic dual disc, Ø 267 mm
Rear brake: Hydraulic single disc, Ø 282 mm
Front tyre: 120/70-15
Rear tyre: 160/60-15

Dimensions
Overall length: 2,200 mm
Overall width: 775 mm
Overall height: 1,420-1,475 mm (adjustable windscreen)
Seat height: 800 mm
Wheelbase: 1,580 mm
Minimum ground clearance: 125 mm
Wet Weight: 217 kg /ABS221 kg
Fuel tank capacity: 15.0 litres

As previously reported, BMW Motorrad unveiled at the 2011 EICMA its two new maxi-scooters, the C600 Sport and the C650 GT, which have been developed on the same platform. In fact, both models are equipped with the same 649cc 2-cylinder DOHC engine (delivering 60 hp), use the same chassis and roll on 15″ wheels fitted with quite wide tyres.

The C600 Sport is slightly more sporty and aggressive-looking, with a large, variable storage component (Flex Case) that sets new standards in terms of practicality and functionality, and an adjustable windshield. The C650 seems to be more sober and quiet, but it boasts a host of innovations such as the LED daytime running light, parking brake integrated into the side stand, electrically adjustable windshield and the central locking system.

Both models - as usual with BMW Motorrad - are bound to set new standards for urban mobility in their respective categories, both technically and commercially. BMW has released official technical specs and a massive photo gallery portraying the two newborn maxi scoots together, check them out by clicking on the ‘Continue Reading’ link below.

View the full BMW C650GT and C600 Sport photo gallery

BMW Motorrad C600 SPORT technical specifications:

Engine
Type: 2-Cylinder 4-stroke liquid-cooled engine, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x stroke: 79 mm x 66 mm
Capacity: 647 cc
Rated output: 44 kW at 7500 rpm
Max. torque: 66 Nm at 6000 rpm
Compression ratio: 11.6:1
Emission control: Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, exhaust standard EU-4

Performance / fuel consumption
Maximum speed: 175 Km/h
Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 90 km/h: 4,4 l
Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 120 km/h: 5,6 l
Fuel type: Premium grade fuel, unleaded 95 (RON)

Electrical System
Alternator: Three-phase generator 588 W
Battery: 12 V/12 Ah, maintenance-free

Power transmission
Clutch: Centrifugal Force
Gearbox: CVT Gearbox
Drive: Chain drive in oil bath

Chassis / brakes
Frame: Steel tube construction with aluminium die cast unit
Front wheel location / suspension: Upside-down fork 40 mm
Rear wheel location / suspension: Single-sided swing arm
Suspension travel front/rear: 115mm/115mm
Wheelbase: 1591 mm
Castor: 92 mm
Steering head angle: 64.6 Deg
Wheels: Aluminium cast wheels
Rim, Front: 3.50 x 15″
Rim, rear: 4.50 x 15″
Tyre, front: 120/70 ZR 15
Tyre, rear: 160/60 ZR15
Brake, front: Two-rota disc brake, diameter 270 mm, 2-piston floating caliper
Brake, rear: Single disc brake, diameter 270 mm, 2 piston floating caliper
ABS: BMW Motorrad ABS

Dimensions / weights
Length: 2155 mm
Width (incl. mirrors): 790 (877)
Height (excl. mirrors): 1378 mm
Seat height, unladen weight: 810 mm
Inner leg curve, unladen weight: 1770 mm
Unladen weight, road ready, fully fueled: 249 kg
Dry weight: 231 kg
Permitted total weight: 445 kg
Payload (with standard equipment): 196 kg
Usable tank volume: 16 l
Reserve: 4 l

BMW Motorrad C 650 GT technical spectifications

Engine
Type: 2-Cylinder 4-stroke liquid-cooled engine, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x stroke: 79 mm x 66 mm
Capacity: 647 cc
Rated output: 44 kW at 7500 rpm
Max. torque: 66 Nm at 6000 rpm
Compression ratio: 11.6:1
Emission control: Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, exhaust standard EU-4

Performance / fuel consumption
Maximum speed: 175 Km/h
Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 90 km/h: 4,4 l
Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 120 km/h: 5,6 l
Fuel type: Premium grade fuel, unleaded 95 (RON)

Electrical System
Alternator: Three-phase generator 588 W
Battery: 12 V / 12 Ah, maintenance-free

Power transmission
Clutch: Centrifugal Force
Gearbox: CVT Gearbox
Drive: Chain drive in oil bath

Chassis / brakes
Frame: Steel tube construction with aluminium die cast unit
Front wheel location / suspension: Upside-down fork 40 mm
Rear wheel location / suspension: Single-sided swing arm
Suspension travel front/rear: 115mm/115mm
Wheelbase: 1591 mm
Castor: 92 mm
Steering head angle: 64.6 Deg
Wheels: Aluminium cast wheels
Rim, Front: 3.50 x 15″
Rim, rear: 4.50 x 15″
Tyre, front: 120/70 ZR 15
Tyre, rear: 160/60 ZR15
Brake, front: Two-rota disc brake, diameter 270 mm, 2-piston floating caliper
Brake, rear: Single disc brake, diameter 270 mm, 2 piston floating caliper
ABS: BMW Motorrad ABS

Dimensions / weights
Length: 2218 mm
Width (incl. mirrors): 822 (916) mm
Height (excl. mirrors): 1411 mm
Seat height, unladen weight: 795 mm
Inner leg curve, unladen weight: 1770 mm
Unladen weight, road ready, fully fueled: 261 kg
Dry weight: 241 kg
Permitted total weight: 445 kg
Payload (with standard equipment): 186 kg
Usable tank volume: 16 l
Reserve: 4 l