#scooters

On sale in Europe since 2006, Suzuki’s Burgman 200 is finally coming to the U.S. in 2014, completing the Burgman trifecta with the existing Burgman 650 and Burgman 400 models. To clear up any confusion, the Burgman 200 tells you its engine displacement right in clear view: the 200 is…a 200, not a 199cc, a 205cc or any other odd number. It’s fuel-injected, liquid-cooled and, according to Suzuki, focused on giving healthy mid-range power. Its traditional CVT delivers the power from the engine to the tires without any shifting necessary from the rider. And yes, it’s freeway legal.

Whatever else is going on at  Honda these days (a lot), you have to admit they’ve got the reliable urban transpo thing down to an art form. And one of our favorites is the PCX150, newly upgraded for 2015 with fresh new bodywork, dual headlights and a bigger gas tank. The PCX slots nicely in between the 541-pound Silver Wing (too big), the Forza (nearly $6000) and the Ruckus and Metropolitan on the other end (50cc scooters are just toooo slow). We haven’t had a chance to ride the upgraded 2015 PCX150 yet, but we’re happy to go out on a limb and bet it’s even better than the previous model – especially since it sells for the same $3,449 as before.

The front end of the Piaggio MP3 looks a bit like an angry Mutant Ninja Turtle or, if you stretch it, like a big scary frog. It’s a quirky scooter but the French seem to love it, having purchased nearly 70,000 of them. So, it was appropriate that Piaggio chose Paris as the city in which to launch the newest version of the MP3.

The queen of Vespas has received the latest in high-tech rider aids, with both ABS and traction control. The single-cylinder four-stroke buzzes underneath me as I’m sitting on a comfortable seat while smelling spring air in Tuscany, and I notice the butterflies in the fields covered in yellow spring flowers. It’s good to be liberated by the warming sun.

Piaggio‘s MP3 has been one of the most distinctive motor vehicles of the past decade, using two wheels up front, but able to lean like a true motorcycle. And it’s attracted an amazingly large fan base. The Italian company says it has sold 150,000 MP3s since the model line’s introduction in 2007.

Riders have two important events to look forward to each spring. First, as the weather warms, layers of clothing come off, exposing more skin and allowing us to remember why we’re so attracted to the gender of our preference. Pause for a moment, close your eyes, breathe in through your nose and think about the smell of spring and the sight of your favorite fantasy date in a swimsuit rather than a parka. OK, exhale. The second – and more important event for riders who live in climates with real winters – is the beginning of the riding season. The bikes get dusted off, checked over, and put back out on the road.

Occasionally, a bike will capture the collective fancy of the MO staffers to such a degree that we actively seek out new opportunities to ride it again. The BMW C650GT is one of those motorcycles, as it redefines what we expect and what is possible with a scooter. It’s so broadly capable that it has the potential to lure motorcycle enthusiasts to the scooter world.

Good day, all ye MO faithful, to the first installment of the Church Of MO. In this space every Sunday we will reach back in the MO vaults or deep inside the interwebs for a classic, interesting, or otherwise amusing motorcycle story. Whether or not a traditional faith is right for you, let us be your salvation from the heathens who crossed the double yellows, narrowly missing you on your ride this morning.

I have a confession to make: I love scooters. From piddly scoots like Vespas, to burly 700cc beasts like the Kymco MyRoad 700i, something about scooter riding really appeals to me.

Here at MO we like scooters, especially big ones. Laugh if you want, but when it comes to practical, versatile, comfortable, and fun two-wheeled transportation, scooters often get overlooked. Well, we’re here to give them their fair share. What other motorcycle will take you to the grocery store, have room for the box of cereal, gallon of milk and six-pack of beer you just bought, then welcome the chance to take the twisty road back home – all while having your left hand free to sip a latte?

First used in 1968, Vespa is recycling the Primavera name in 2014 with a 50cc two-stroke and two 3-valve four-stroke versions (125cc & 150cc). We recently tested all three. Vespa sold 162,000 units in 2012 for parent company Piaggio. In 2013 Vespa has already seen 40% growth as of last quarter and is hoping to beat the 2012 figure this year.

Pretty girls sell motorcycles, that’s no secret; but did you know that silver screen leading lady Audrey Hepburn may have been the face that sold one hundred thousand Vespas? Read on, but first up, how it all started for Vespa.