Aprilia's 2007 Model Line in Las Vegas

From a press release issued by Piaggio Group:

Aprilia USA invites attendees at the 2007 Femmoto track days and motorcycle demo event demo event to discover why its Italian motorcycles and scooters are one of the most pulse-pounding experiences available on two wheels. From October 5 through 7, enthusiasts can experience Aprilia’s award-winning V-Twin street and off-road bikes as well as a selection of equally sporty scooters when the Italianmanufacturer’s national test ride tour opens its mobile showroom at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Now in its sixth year, Femmoto continues the tradition of hosting female motorcycle enthusiasts in a nurturing and safe environment. Emphasizing its dedication to this growing audience of female riders, Aprilia USA is again a proud sponsor of the event.

Femmoto attendees can schedule a test ride on championship-caliber motorcycles, such as the 2007 RSV 1000 R Factory, awarded the 2006 “Masterbike” designation by the world’s leading moto journalists, and Aprilia’s award-winning naked bike, the Tuono 1000 R. Riders new to the sport, or first-time buyers considering two wheels, are also welcome. Aprilia scooters like the Scarabeo 500 i.e., the true embodiment of an“automatic motorcycle” combine fuel efficiency, easy operation and high technology for a sporty transportation alternative.

All riders with a current driver’s license, appropriate motorcycle endorsement, and riding helmet, eyewear and apparel are invited to attend.

WHAT: Aprilia USA National Demo Tour
WHERE: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
WHEN: Demo rides available all weekend.
Aprilia USA on Tour: The 2007 Model Portfolio

In addition to the race-bred motorcycles and scooters featured in Aprilia’s mobile showroom, the 2007 Aprilia new model line includes the following performance choices:

RSV 1000 R Factory and RSV 1000 R. Experience Aprilia’s top-of-the-line, race-bred V-Twin supersports and discover precisely why the Factory version earned the 2006 “Masterbike” award, a prestigious media accolade that recognizes the fastest series motorcycle in the world. A category leading collection of exotic materials, high-tech components, sophisticated technology and chassis refinements distinguish both bikes as uniquely Aprilia.
The Tuono 1000 R Factory and Tuono 1000 R. Aprilia’s award-winning naked bike blends the soul of a race bike with the reality of riding – even go-fast guys demand reliability and superb ergonomics. Whether you’re curious to sample the magical responsiveness and super technology of the Tuono R, or the 139 hp, Ohlins race-suspension sporting Tuono 1000 R Factory, you’ll never go back to ordinary Twins after flicking the throttle of an Aprilia Tuono.
ETV 1000 Caponord is the perfect mix between functionality and design. This “total tourer” can tackle the town, the trail and the interstate, all with a passion for delivering a sporty ride. Aprilia’s touring Twin packs plenty of value on top of excellent performance and ride comfort. Standard features range from active safety elements like tubeless spoke rims to a multi-function digital and analog instrument panel for the ultimate in navigation convenience.

RXV 450/550 is a trail-specific powerhouse that integrates an exceptionally tough frame with the superior power and torque of Aprilia’s ultra-compact V-Twin. Exceptional rigidity, competition-grade components, such as category-leading brakes, and ease-of-maintenance all combine to create a serious challenge to conventional off-road machines.

SXV 450/550 is the Supermoto edition, the direct descendent of the Aprilia that won the World S2 Supermoto title during its debut season. Tuned for the track, the SXV delivers all the right elements to win races – plenty of torque for the straightaways, Grand Prix-level brake performance for aggressive maneuvering and just the right overall rigidity to keep riders in control on both asphalt and dirt.

Scarabeo 500 i.e. is an all-new member of the family. Almost 50 pounds lighter than its predecessor, this sporty ride is scooter, tourer and urban commuter all in one technically advanced package. Featuring large wheels, extensive safety features and superior ride comfort, this scooter is the true embodiment of Aprilia’s “automatic motorcycle” concept.

Sportcity 250 is the next new attraction in Aprilia’s scooter portfolio. Headed to dealers during early summer, the potent SportCity is designed to set the performance bar in the mid-size scooter category. Standard urban warfare equipment includes a powerful, fuel-injected four-stroke, large wheels and impressive brakes that literally stop on a dime.

Mojito 150 is Aprilia’s sexy interpretation of the classic Italian scooter – but with plenty of unique American style. Inspired by America’s Fifties era muscle cars, the Mojito also pays homage to American custom bikes, thanks to liberal use of chrome.

SR 50 R is the ultimate pit scooter – or weekend run-about. The SR 50 R’s aggressive styling is inspired by the Aprilia RSV 1000 R sport bike, making it a unique way of expressing your need for speed even when you’re just zipping to the post office, or pit to pit.

For information on Aprilia's complete U.S. model line, visit the company's website at http://www.apriliausa.com/.

Yamaha concept motorcycles

Yamaha has revealed more of the weird concept bikes it will show at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month.

The new models include:

Yamaha Tesseract

This is a hybrid 4-wheeled vehicle powered by a combination of a liquid-cooled V-twin gasoline engine and an electric motor.

It is designed with "dual-scythe" suspension that lets it lean like a motorcycle despite the 4-wheel layout.

There is also a dual arm-lock system that keeps the machine upright when at rest without a stand.

Yamaha LUXAIR

This is a hybrid motorcycle with a petrol engine and an electric motor, with the electric motor kicking in during acceleration to assist the engine and switching over when cruising to perform a electricity generating function that re-charges the battery.

The engine-braking force created during deceleration is also used to generate electricity to charge the battery.

Yamaha’s YIPU (Yamaha Intelligent Power Unit) is built into the rear hub to provide the electric power during acceleration and when wheeling the vehicle by hand, and it also provides a reverse function.

Yamaha FC-Dii

This model is a further evolution of the “FC-me” fuel cell motorcycle using a methanol-water solution as fuel, unveiled in 2005.

This version is enhanced with new features including a Yamaha-exclusive compact cell stack that features the highest level of power density in the 1kW class, a detachable lithium-ion battery for easy recharging, modular design components, readily available parts and improved serviceability aimed at achieving practical use.

Yamaha BOBBY

This is an electric commuter vehicle with collapsible seat, fold-in rear wheel, handlebars and footrests for compact, convenient storage. The motorcycle is also equipped to access a variety of Internet services.

Yamaha C3+

This is a “minimum electric commuter” motorcycle with a light weight, compact body with a helmet storage space.

Yamaha FC-AQEL

This is a fuel cell motorcycle mounting the Yamaha Hydrogen Fuel Cell System fueled by compressed hydrogen gas.

By adopting a hybrid system mounting a secondary rechargeable battery and metal separators in the fuel cells, it has been possible to achieve a compact lightweight design.

The adoption of Yamaha’s super-thin YIPU (Yamaha Integrated Power Unit) also improves environmental performance and increases ease of use as a commuter motorcycle.

New suspects charged over Hells Angel shooting

Three new suspects have been charged with murder over the shooting of a Hells Angel on the M40.

The three men were charged last night after being arrested early on Wednesday morning on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. All three were due to appear before magistrates this morning.

A fourth man was arrested by Warwickshire Police yesterday on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. The 44-year-old from Nuneaton is being detained at a police station in Warwickshire.
Victim Gerard Tobin, 35, was shot dead on August 12 while returning from the Bulldog Bash at Long Marston Airfield near Stratford. Tobin was a Canadian who lived in south London, where he worked for Warr’s Harley-Davidson.

Four men have already been charged over the killing and are currently remanded in custody.
Simon Turner, 40, Dane Garside, 41, and Sean Creighton, 43, are charged with murder and a firearms offence, and Dean Taylor, 45, with a firearms offence. They are due to appear at Birmignham Crown Court on November 26.

Exclusive MCN competition: Win Mac Tools toolbox and Nokia 6110 mobile phone with Long Way Down

As well as offering an exclusive six-page serialisation of the new Long Way Down book, in this week's MCN (Wednesday, October 3, 2007), we have also got a stunning money-saving reader offer and the chance to win some incredible prizes.

The Long Way Down adventure sees Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman heading off on their latest trip from Scotland to the tip of Africa in South Africa.

The exclusive reader offer price of £49.99 packages the Long Way Down book, DVD, soundtrack CD and T-Shirt and a free sticker together – a saving of more than £20 over the recommended cost of £70.97.

If you take out the amazing reader offer you will also be entered into a competition to win some incredible prizes including a limited edition Mac Tools toolbox.

Commemorating the Long Way Down adventure, the toolbox is ideal for professional mechanics or keen enthusiasts and has retail value of £1,750.

Also up for grabs are 10 Nokia Navigator 6110 mobile phones – the same as those used by McGregor and Boorman on the epic adventure.

To be in with a chance of winning check out www.greatcompetitions.co.uk where you will also find the full terms and conditions.

Click here www.motorcyclenews.com/longwaydown to save over £20 off RRP + FREE postage on the Long Way Down bundle (includes the Book, DVD, CD Soundtrack, Tee-Shirt & Sticker). 200 copies randomly signed by Ewan and Charley.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com