Suzuki introduced an updated Burgman 650 scooter at the 2012 Intermot show, refining the maxi-scooter’s styling and giving a boost in fuel economy.

The 2013 Suzuki Burgman 650 is powered by a 638cc liquid-cooled parallel twin engine, the same powerplant used when the scooter first debuted in 2002. Though the engine is essentially the same, Suzuki claims the 2013 Burgman 650 uses 15% less fuel than the previous model due to a refined  transmission system and reduced losses from friction. A new Eco light on the display panel lights up to let the rider know when scooter is being used in a fuel-efficient manner.

The Suzuki Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission returns, allowing riders to choose between two fully-automatic modes and a manual mode. The SECVT has been updated for 2013, with Suzuki claiming a 35% reduction in drag from the clutch plates. Continue Reading »

Kymco USA announced four new models for 2013, bumping its scooter lineup to 16 models. Joining Kymco‘s offerings are the Compagno in 50cc and 110cc iterations, the Movie 150 and the Xciting 500Ri ABS.

The Compagno 50i and 110i (pictured above) feature a traditional Italian-style scooter design. The 50i version is powered by an air-cooled 49.5cc three-valve fuel injected engine while the 110i comes with a 112cc four-valve fuel injected engine. Both versions feature underseat storage, LCD digital fuel gauge and clock, folding passenger pegs, magnetic key lock and 1.45 gallon fuel tanks. According to Kymco, the Compagno scooters weigh 189 pounds which, combined with the 29-inch seat height, should make it accessible for beginners and smaller riders.

The 2013 Kymco Compagno 50i is priced at $2,599 and will be offered in Black or White, both with silver accents. The larger Compagno 110i is available for $2,999 and will offered in Light Blue or Metallic Mocha. Continue Reading »

BMW has unveiled the a new “near-production” prototype of its electric maxi-scooter. The German manufacturer has produced five operational prototypes of the BMW C evolution scooter which will be showcased at various events around Europe to prepare for the launch of the serial production version.

The BMW C evolution maintains many of the styling cues from the Concept e scooter unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. The white side body panels maintain their boomerang shape, though its much more angular and has a rectangular panel on its lower half. A refined split seat and mirrors with integrated turn signals complete the near-production picture.

The scooter is powered by a 14.8 hp continuous output electric motor (as measured by ECE R85 regulations) with a peak output of 46.9 hp. According to BMW, the C evolution has comparable 0-60 kph acceleration to 600cc internal combustion scooters. Top speed however is capped at 120 kph (74.56 mph). Continue Reading »

Yamaha announced it is importing the newly updated for 2012 TMax maxi-scooter to Canada.

First unveiled at the 2011 EICMA show, the 2012 Yamaha TMax received a sportier facelift and an updated 530cc engine Yamaha claims is lighter, more efficient and offers more torque at low- and mid-rpms compared to the 499cc engine found on the 2011 model. Yamaha claims the updated TMax can get up to 53 mpg, compared to the previous model’s 47 mpg claims.

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The 2011 EICMA show in Milan is just a few weeks away and from what we’ve seen from the manufacturers so far, it looks like the prevailing theme this year is the maxi-scooter.

Honda will present its 700cc dual clutch transmission Integra scooter at EICMA, BMW announced it will unveil two new maxi-scooters in Milan, and Aprilia is rebadging an 850cc V-Twin Gilera scooter as the SRV 850. And now Yamaha is jumping into the fray with an update to its popular TMax.

Yamaha will unveil its next generation TMax Nov. 7 on the eve of the 2011 EICMA show. Yamaha hasn’t released any specifics, except for the teaser image above and the video shown below after the jump.

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BMW will present its 2012 lineup at the upcoming EICMA show in Milan, Italy, but the centerpiece will be the company’s first maxi-scooters.

The German manufacturer is expected to reveal two scooter models, both derived from the Concept C BMW unveiled at the 2010 EICMA show. The two scooters are expected to be powered by a version of the parallel Twin engine used in the F800R, but with a lower displacement in the 500cc-650cc range.

What remains to be seen is how the two models will differentiate themselves from each other. They may simply use different engine displacements but don’t count out the possibility of one being more of a touring scooter and the other more of an urban commuter.

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Ed: Honda has recently announced the new Integra engine will be a 670cc engine, not 700cc as previously announced. This post has been updated to reflect this new information.

Honda announced it is developing a new series of 700cc 670cc engines and a second-generation dual clutch transmission for motorcycles. The new engine and transmission will be introduced with the production version of Honda’s New-Mid concept as the Honda Integra scooter.Yes, Honda has officially run out of names and is now recycling them from its cars.

Based on the New-Mid concept unveiled at the 2010 EICMA show in Milan, the Honda Integra is the latest in Honda’s attempt at a scooter/motorcycle crossover (anyone remember the DN-01?). The styling looks like a maxi-scooter but the large wheels, frame, engine position and the fact the rider straddles the Integra are what you’d find on a motorcycle. The Integra, along with two other models using the same new engine, will be displayed at the 2011 EICMA show in November.

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BMW previously announced it will unveil two new scooter models at this fall’s EICMA Show in Milan, but the German manufacturer may have some news for us even sooner.

BMW‘s global media site has a new section set up for scooter news. The section is empty at the moment, except for a subsection titled “Scooter Technology”. Until recently, the BMW Motorrad section of the media site had just three sections: “Motorcycles”, “Rider Equipment” and “Rider Training, Travel, Events”.

Of course, this may be nothing more than BMW re-organizing its media site (and Germans do have a stereotype of being very organized). Earlier this year, for example, BMW moved its entire Motorrad section into its own section alongside BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and Husqvarna brands.

Materials on BMW’s Concept C scooter, introduced at the 2010 EICMA Show, are still in the “Motorcycles” section but will probably be moved into the new section soon. On the other hand, the new “Scooter Technology” section suggests BMW may have some details for us soon about the upcoming production models.

Hermann Bohrer, vice president of BMW Motorrad, confirmed there will be two BMW scooters at the 2011 EICMA Show in February during a launch event for the BMW K1600GT and GTL in South Africa. Our own Kevin Duke was at that launch and was able to get some hints about the BMW’s maxi-scooter.

“The scooter’s powerplant has yet to be revealed, but we’re told to expect something competitive with Yamaha’s TMax which is powered by a 500cc parallel-Twin,” reports Duke. “So BMW’s maxi-scooter will likely be powered by a twin-cylinder engine between 500c and 600cc, perhaps a sleeved-down version of the F800 powertrain.”

Testing is already well underway as a camouflaged scooter was reportedly spotted outside a BMW facility in Munich, Germany.

Related Reading
BMW Maxi-Scooters Confirmed for EICMA
EICMA 2010: BMW Concept C

Aprilia has unveiled a new touring scooter, the Aprilia SR Max, available in 125cc and 300cc configurations.

Okay, perhaps “new” isn’t the right word for it, as the SR Max is a rebadged version of the Nexus from Aprilia’s Piaggo Group stablemate, Gilera. It’s also not clear if Aprilia will import the SR Max to North America, but the scooter is more likely to pop up here, where Aprilia already offers the SR 50 scooter, with its new name, than it would as a Gilera. The Piaggio MP3 500, for example, is available in the U.S. and it’s really a rebadged Gilera Fuoro 500.

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