He might be talking about mopeds, but it applies to all 2 wheel vehicles.

Ride your motorcycle or scooter on this day to demonstrate:

• The number of motorcyclists to the general public and to politicians.
• That motorcyclists are from all occupations and all walks of life.
• That motorcyclists can reduce traffic and parking congestion in large cities.
• That motorcycles are for transportation as well as recreation.
• That motorcycling is a social good.

To improve road safety Domino’s Pizza the Netherlands introduces a human engine sound on their silent electrical scooters

 
Dear Genuine Friends,

March was so kind to us with great weather, we got an extra month to ride scooters and save more money! The country is buzzing with Scooter activity and Genuine is right in the middle of it all!

We have been sponsoring our Celebration Rides in cities all over the country; Genuine customers and riders are invited to join us on a two hour ride through select cities before we sit down to a great lunch to swap stories and meet new like-minded friends who really enjoy their scooters and the freedom that comes from “little wheels”. We were in Tucson, Arizona on Sunday, March 25th and will be in New Orleans on April 15th to celebrate French Quarter week and to enjoy the sights and sounds of one of our favorite cities. We are expecting a big crowd, so if you live in Louisiana, come on out and join us, RVSP to Big Easy Scooters, to let them know you’ll be joining in on the fun!!

Many of you are looking at scooters now as a serious form of alternative transportation. Despite the tremendous fun and freedom they offer for solo travel, many are finding the savings significant. Instead of filling the SUV for $80, you can fill a Buddy 50cc scooter for $5 and travel for a couple weeks if you average less than 10 miles per day. WOW!

When you buy a Genuine, you become part of a culture and a family. We are all scooter riders here, and participate in many local events and national ones too! We could be seen last week in People Magazine and the week before in US Weekly, as Selena Gomez and Vanessa Hudgens were seen riding all over the St. Petersburg, Florida area filming a movie called Spring Breakers.

Visit your local Genuine dealer for the best value in two wheel transport. We’ve got the best warranty, the best reliability and a level of quality that will never be copied or reproduced in China. We care about safety, we care about quality, and we care about you.

Genuine Scooters “It’s who we are”.

Kind regards,
Philip McCaleb
(The #1 Scooter Dork)
Genuine Scooter Company

GoGo Gear, a Los Angeles based maker of protective, armored, abrasion resistant riding gear and accessories for men and women, scoots into the Shark Tank this Friday. According to the GoGo Gear website, GoGo Gear creator, Arlene Battishill, was recently selected as one of the 100 Top Influencers in the LA Fashion Industry by the Fashion Group International.

Originally, GoGo Gear was designed for women riders of scooters and motorcycles. The idea was to bring fashion and function together in the form of protective outerwear for riding. The GoGo Gear designers wanted to have a jacket that would protect a rider in a fall, but still look as chic as an Armani dress. They expanded into men’s jackets and men and women’s Kevlar jeans and they even sell American Made CSC Scooters on the site.

 Read more at The Shark Tank

NEW YORK, March 19, 2012 –

Italian manufacturer Piaggio Group, represented in the U.S. by its subsidiary Piaggio Group Americas (PGA), gave North American dealers a clear vision of plans for global and market growth during the company’s 2012 dealer meeting in Hollywood, FL. Led by Piaggio Group Chairman and CEO Roberto Colaninno and Piaggio Group Americas President and CEO Miguel Martinez, as well as Piaggio Group executives from engineering, design, racing and marketing divisions, the event, attended by over 300 U.S. and Canadian dealers, included the unveiling of three new production models, four new prototypes and the announcement of a new international Advanced Design Center in Pasadena, California.

In addition to celebrating successes like an increase in scooter segment market share from 27.1 percent in 2010 to almost 30 percent last year, a 25 percent growth in sales of U.S. motorcycles, a 63.8 percent annual increase in total unit shipments and a strong 53 percent increase in revenues, the gathering also included several surprises – such as a special appearance by Aprilia race pilots in the 2012 Superbike World Championship, five-time world champion Max Biaggi and Aprilia Racing teammate Eugene Laverty.

Prototypes Vespa 946 MotoGuzzi Cali 1400

Prototypes Vespa 946 MotoGuzzi Cali 1400 “There’s never been a better time to be a Piaggio dealer – or a customer, for that matter,” said Martinez. “I believe the news and investments we announced for the North American market this past week prove our absolute commitment to bringing award-winning motorcycles and scooters and a best-in-class ownership experience to North American Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio and Vespa customers.”

New International Pasadena Design Center to Focus on the Future of Mobility
The opening of an all-new International Piaggio Group Advanced Design Center in Pasadena, California was one signal of how serious the Piaggio Group is about its leadership role in defining the future of mobility. The new facility will be led by Piaggio Group designer Miguel Galluzzi, whose projects in Italy have included some of the most celebrated motorcycles of the last 20 years, including the Aprilia RSV4, winner of the 2010 Superbike World Championship and the brand-new Moto Guzzi California 1400, scheduled to debut at the end of 2012.

 
“Setting up a research center in California opens a window on the changes that will be taking place in our society, our way of life and in urban and metropolitan mobility models in the next few years,” Colaninno told dealers. “The new Advanced Design

Center in Pasadena will be working not only at the cutting edge of style developments, but will also be cooperating with the world’s top universities and research centers.”

Galluzzi and team will be working closely with the Piaggio Group Style Center, led by Marco Lambri, on projects that impact all of the Piaggio Group product lines. In addition to styling the next generation of motorcycles and scooters, the Design Center team will be studying and developing alternative transportation innovations and solutions, such as the application of new energy accumulation technology and aerospace materials, for development of innovative emission-free engines using alternative energies.

Prototypes Point to Model Portfolio Expansion

  
The Piaggio Group’s product line continues to show how the company views each brand’s position and opportunity in the marketplace. Dealers received their first looks at four new prototypes bound for North American showrooms. They include
 

Vespa 946.
The 946 exemplifies the next generation of design-forward, fuel-efficient, low-emission, low-noise scooters. The single-cylinder, 125cc four-stroke, three-valve, air-cooled engine with electronic injection, represents Piaggio Group’s state-of-the-art technology in scooter engines.
Strong torque and performance make the 946’s powerplant the one to beat in the 125cc and 150cc scooter categories.

Piaggio BV 350.
Maxis are the ultimate efficient and comfortable commuter scooters, and the new Piaggio BV 350 ensures riders have plenty of power to get up and go, with an all-new engine, frame and body work. The BV 350 performs like a 400cc scooter but has all the low fuel consumption and emissions levels of a smaller displacement scooter. There’s nothing cute about the BV 350: from its smoked windshield and glossy black rims to matte, brushed metal details, this ride is sporty with a decidedly tough urban edge. The Piaggio BV 350 is available in Shiny Black and Matte Silver colors and has a MSRP of $5499. It arrives in U.S. showrooms in May.  

Motor Guzzi California 1400.
Headed for a global launch in December on U.S. soil, the new Moto Guzzi California 1400 has true long-and-low cruiser styling, but with all the Moto Guzzi Italian authenticity and soul. A new 1,400cc, air-cooled, four-valve engine adds power and torque, and a touring version will come standard with panniers, a rear case and lots of other extras for long-distance rides

Aprilia Caponord 1200.
Developed for multipurpose use, the Caponord 1200 traces its adventurous roots to the Aprilia Dorsoduro maxi-moto. The Caponord 1200 will have the most advanced electronics package in its class: Ride-By-Wire electronic throttle control, Aprilia Traction Control, ABS and Electronic Dynamic Dampening. It also adopts the design DNA of Aprilia’s RSV4 superbike. 
Aprilia SRV 850
The Aprilia SRV 850 engine is the world’s first and only 90-degree V-Twin scooter engine. With 76 hp, it makes the SRV 850 the fastest, most powerful scooter ever manufactured. The Aprilia SRV 850 is based on the GP 800, the original maxi two-cylinder launched by Piaggio Group in 2007, then the highest-performance scooter available anywhere. Aprilia engineers embued the SRV 850 with the same racing DNA that the company has always transferred to its most sporty bikes, such as the 2010 World Superbike championship-winning Aprilia RSV4 and the muscular motard, the Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200. With evolved engine performance, revamped riding set-up and styling, the SRV 850 embodies Aprilia’s philosophy of performance without compromise. Three New Production Models Headed to North AmericaLed by the all-new Aprilia Tuono V4 naked sportbike – the most powerful bike in its category – PGA’s new additions to the 2012 model portfolio also feature the new Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 NXT and Piaggio BV 350 maxi scooter.
 

Aprilia Tuono V4.
Designed in the spirit of the RSV4 racebike, with a streetfighter physique that is in its element when accelerating and braking, the Aprilia Tuono V4 features the world championship-winning Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) electronics package and an Aprilia 65-dgree V4 engine. That makes it the fastest naked sportsbike and highest performing in the category. Extremely compact, as slim as a twin-cylinder and installed in an ultra-compact chassis, the V4 pumps out 167.3 hp at 11,500 rpm, and 82 Ft. lbs. of torque at 9,500 rpm. Scheduled to reach dealers in March, the Aprilia Tuono V4 is available in Competition Black and Sunlit Yellow. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $14,999 in the US and $15,695 (CAD) in Canada.
 

Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 NXT.
Melding Motor Guzzi character with state-of-the-art performance and design, the latest Stelvio adventure touring family member features both technical and functional upgrades. More streamlined styling results in more efficient aerodynamic protection: a new top fairing and a much larger, 8.5 gallon fuel tank (32 liters) keep you enjoying the ride longer and with a higher degree of comfort. The NXT features the hallmark Moto Guzzi engine design – the V-shaped 90-degree transverse four-valve, the highest performer among all the families of engines manufactured at Mandello del Lario. The Stelvio 1200 NXT comes standard with key adventure touring features such as switchable ABS and Automatic Traction Control, roomy aluminum side bags, hand guards, heated grips and adjustable wind screen, saddle height, handlebar, clutch levers and foot pegs. Color choices in the U.S. are Lava Black and Burnt Orange with an MSRP of $15,990. Canadian customers can select Lava Black at an MSRP of $16,190 (CAD).
www.aprilausa.com, www.motoguzzi-us.com, www.piaggiousa.com, and www.vespausa.com. In Canada visit www.aprilia-canada.ca, www.motoguzzi-canada.ca, www.piaggio-canada.ca and

www.vespa-canada.ca About The Piaggio Group:

 Established in 1884 by Rinaldo Piaggio and based in Pontedera in Pisa, Italy, the Piaggio Group is one of the world’s top manufacturers of two-wheel motor vehicles. With more than 7,000 employees, an annual production of 653,000 vehicles in 2011, five R&D centers, seven production facilities in Europe and Asia and world-wide commercial operations, the Piaggio Group has a strong and increasing leadership in the European two-wheeler market. The company produces scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to 1,200cc displacement range, marketed under the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Derbi, Aprilia, Scarabeo and Moto Guzzi brands. The Group also manufactures three- and four-wheel light transportation vehicles for the Ape, Porter and Quargo ranges.

 Media Contacts:

 Lindsay Wagner
 Brandware PR for Piaggio Group Americas
 lwagner@brandwarepr.com
 949.357.6781 direct
  
 Melissa R. MacCaull
 Piaggio Group Americas
 mmaccaull@piaggiogroupamericas.com
 212.380.4413 direct

VESPA USA AND KATE SPADE NEW YORK SCOOT INTO SPRING WITH THE LAUNCH OF FACEBOOK SWEEPSTAKES

Fans can enter for a chance to win one of two Kate Spade New York Custom-Designed Florence Broadhurst Collection Vespa LX 50 Motor Scooters and a $500 Kate Spade New York Gift Certificate

WHERE:   Participants enter to win at www.Facebook.com/VespaUSA

WHEN:   Monday, February 6 to Tuesday, March 6

DETAILS:  Vespa USA and Kate Spade New York have teamed up to encourage style mavens, trend setters, and the irreverently chic to embrace their independence and sense of adventure with the launch of a fun Facebook sweepstakes.  In celebration of Kate Spade New York’s spring collaboration including designs from famed Australian artist Florence Broadhurst, Vespa USA Facebook fans have the opportunity to win one of two custom-designed Vespa LX 50 motor scooters and a $500 Kate Spade New York gift certificate.

At www.Facebook.com/VespaUSA.com, entrants are prompted to select the custom Vespa LX 50 motor scooter they’d like to win and their ideal Kate Spade New York spring ensemble.  Two lucky winners will be chosen at the close of the sweepstakes, just in time to zip through city traffic during riding season!

Each stylish, twist ‘n go custom-designed Vespa LX 50 motor scooter reflects the timeless Japanese floral and spotted patterns coined by the late legendary Aussie artist and sprinkled throughout Kate Spade New York’s highly anticipated spring collection.

For more information about Vespa USA’s 2012 motor scooter lineup, visit www.VespaUSA.com.