TheScooterScoop » Concepts http://www.thescooterscoop.com America's motor scooter, moped and micro car news source. Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:07:45 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Helmet carved from solid block of aluminum only outdone by the 5 axis machine that made it http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2010/03/20/helmet-carved-from-solid-block-of-aluminum-only-outdone-by-the-5-axis-machine-that-made-it/ http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2010/03/20/helmet-carved-from-solid-block-of-aluminum-only-outdone-by-the-5-axis-machine-that-made-it/#comments Sat, 20 Mar 2010 17:56:47 +0000 Steve Guzman http://www.thescooterscoop.com/?p=3067 When I saw this helmet the first time, it blew my mind! It’s more of a conversation piece than most people’s scooters… the perfect amalgamation of high strength A7n01-T6 aluminum alloy, kick ass CNC machining technology and “beat THAT!” badassmanship. Though, after running this through the mental physics engine a few times, the practicality seems to have fallen out the window on this one. It’s really just a show piece from Japan’s powerhouse prototyping company, Daishin Seiki, to celebrate their 50th Anniversary. The aluminum cheek pads were the first giveaway that this was not intended for actual road use… that and the thought of the heat transfer you’d get from this baby sliding down the pavement. I imagine that your standard, spontaneous highway dismount would result in a fracture that would split the helmet into a 3 or 4 pieces as it unraveled from your delicate skull. Still… a BEAUTIFUL piece of machine work! Bravo Daishin Seiki Corporation!

NOW then, do you wanna see the “beat THIS!” badassmanship in action?  Of course, we don’t have video of the COUNTLESS hours spent rendering this bad boy, but we DO have video of the hyperMILL app controlling a Gildemeister DMU60 Duoblock machine as it puts the tool to it!  (Casey… wipe the drool off yer chin)  Did you know that JUST  a CAD mock-up of the DMU60 costs $1,500!  I can’t imagine how much the actual machine costs.  (anybody?)

]]> http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2010/03/20/helmet-carved-from-solid-block-of-aluminum-only-outdone-by-the-5-axis-machine-that-made-it/feed/ 4 Fuelcell cargo scooter concept http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2010/01/27/fuelcell-cargo-scooter-concept/ http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2010/01/27/fuelcell-cargo-scooter-concept/#comments Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:30:00 +0000 Steve Guzman http://66.147.242.95/~thescoot/2010/01/27/fuelcell-cargo-scooter-concept/
(click to enlarge)
Designer Chengli Hung’s cargo bike concept is a two-wheeled attempt at “all things to all people”. It’s a cargo hauling scooter that can transform into a sort of sport bike by simply swapping or adding components. The bike is describe by the designer as:

…a small scooter but have a large integrated storage area and an optional storage compartment in the mid-section of the scooter. The flexible steering handlebar allows the scooter to transform into a more potent motorbike for higher speeds which improves the aerodynamics of this vehicle and brings more pleasure of riding.

Interesting idea! I’ve always liked the cargo scooter and in fact, this isn’t the first one to show up on Tuvie. I’m also a big fan of the cargo Microcar. I have to wonder if Aprilia ever sold any of their Cargobikes, which was really nothing more than a SportCity with a large storage compartment where the step-through once was. Not taking anything away from it! I’d like to see that kit available here in the USA! *writes email to Cargobike*

Oh, and… it’s really too bad we won’t ever see any Honda Cargo Gyro’s or new Bajaj Vans here. Well, not so much “too bad” as “it really pisses me off”. *climbs on soapbox* STOP the auto lobbyists from blocking the acceptance of micro work vehicles on American roads! *steps off soapbox* At least I think (hope) you can still get Peirspeed’s Pizza scooter.

]]> http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2010/01/27/fuelcell-cargo-scooter-concept/feed/ 1 The BMW C1 is back… TO THE FUTURE! http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2009/10/07/the-bmw-c1-is-back-to-the-future/ http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2009/10/07/the-bmw-c1-is-back-to-the-future/#comments Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:08:00 +0000 Steve Guzman http://66.147.242.95/~thescoot/2009/10/07/the-bmw-c1-is-back-to-the-future/
We’ve been getting LOTS of excited emails on this HOT scoop from green.AutoBlog’s Jeremy Korzeniewski. He’s got a full line of pretty images and some details on the possible return of the BMW C1 in the form of the C1-E concept. My first response is “PLEASE be more than just a concept!” followed shortly by a “PLEASE come to the USA!”.

I’m pretty sure BMW is going to hold this card until we see some battery tech improvements coupled with a couple of years of skyrocketing gas prices. The C1 was a GREAT, proven feat of engineering from a safety standpoint. There were only few minor flaws with the old design; slightly poky performance, a tad bit top-heavy & wind prone and a hefty sticker price. The only MAJOR flaw from BMW was hoping that UK safety departments would bend the rules to allow C1 commuters to ride without a helmet… that never passed, so charging people the extra loot and not offering a solution for helmet hair proved fatal to the C1, living only two years before vanishing from showroom floors.

Thanks to Grant and Fred for being the first two to serve up that fresh scoop!

I’d love to experience the return of the dream (as seen below)

I may end up having to settle for THIS instead.

]]> http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2009/10/07/the-bmw-c1-is-back-to-the-future/feed/ 7 An old icon meets a new movement – The Honda EV-Cub http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2009/09/30/an-old-icon-meets-a-new-movement-the-honda-ev-cub/ http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2009/09/30/an-old-icon-meets-a-new-movement-the-honda-ev-cub/#comments Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:00:00 +0000 Steve Guzman http://66.147.242.95/~thescoot/2009/09/30/an-old-icon-meets-a-new-movement-the-honda-ev-cub/
To go with our deep-fried Snickers donut and triple shot of organic wheatgrass this morning our friend Akisan gives us this to munch on… the Honda announcement of their plans for the 41st Annual Tokyo Motor show (Oct 24 – Nov 4). There’s the normal amount of car and motorcycle stuff, but buried in that list of sportbikes, cruisers and cars is a special little treat… the EV-Cub concept. See it there in the image? Right there in the middle next to the Honda omnidirectional segway styled unicycle the UX-3? All clean and white and red? We’re probably still two or three battery technology generations away from them actually producing the EV-Cub, but it’s nice to imagine.

The EV-Cub concept is part of Honda’s HELLO! (Honda Electric mobility Loop) Zone at TMS 2009, which features many of Honda’s latest green technological developments including zero CO2 vehicles powered by solar and hydrogen generated electricity.

Another electric scooter concept on display was the EVE-neo (below), which looks like it’s ready for the road. Details on this baby are scarce at this time, but we’re certain to have more specs and photos in the coming weeks.

Honda says to also expect the PCX 125 to show up as well as “other” items. We’ll keep you posted! Arigato once again to Aki for the scoop!

UPDATE
Just added a link to the original press release to the title, so click on it if you want to read the whole thing.

***UPDATE 10/2/09***
Found a bunch more nice photos of the whole lineup HERE>

]]> http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2009/09/30/an-old-icon-meets-a-new-movement-the-honda-ev-cub/feed/ 7 Imagine if you will… BMW returning to the scooter market http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2009/02/04/imagine-if-you-will-bmw-returning-to-the-scooter-market/ http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2009/02/04/imagine-if-you-will-bmw-returning-to-the-scooter-market/#comments Wed, 04 Feb 2009 20:49:00 +0000 Steve Guzman http://66.147.242.95/~thescoot/2009/02/04/imagine-if-you-will-bmw-returning-to-the-scooter-market/
Here’s a very detailed rendering from our old friend Oberdan Bezzi .  He’s charmed us before with his dreamy designs, he had recently done work for Massimo Tartarini (Italjet) and now it looks like he’s got his sights set on BMW with what he is calling the SCT800.
This “what-if” design uses a twin cylinder, 4 valve, 800cc engine to push the 16 inch wheels to breakneck speeds.  BMW had said they were considering scooters again.  It took them more than a decade to lick the wounds of their short lived BMW C1.  Rumors abound that BMW will release a scooter that is simply a rebranded Kymco.  
I would personally like to see one of OBIBOI’s designs come to life for BMW.  I guess we’ll have to play the waiting game.  Maybe they’ll show something for 2010?
You can click the title link to see what the guys and gals over at ADVRIDER have to say about it. They also have a much bigger image where you can get more of the detail.
Thanks to Rick Russell for the scoop!
]]> http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2009/02/04/imagine-if-you-will-bmw-returning-to-the-scooter-market/feed/ 9 Speaking of Suzuki… WOW! The SD-01 and SD-02 (Now with alien technology) http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2008/05/15/speaking-of-suzuki-wow-the-sd-01-and-sd-02-now-with-alien-technology/ http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2008/05/15/speaking-of-suzuki-wow-the-sd-01-and-sd-02-now-with-alien-technology/#comments Thu, 15 May 2008 17:26:00 +0000 Steve Guzman http://66.147.242.95/~thescoot/2008/05/15/speaking-of-suzuki-wow-the-sd-01-and-sd-02-now-with-alien-technology/

(breathe, breathe… deep slow breaths… think of something less exciting the 2008 Honda lineup)

Here’s one that surprisingly slipped past the scoop-o-scope last month. Thankfully, Dudel’s was working. At the 29th Annual Bangkok International Auto Show (March 26 – April 6, 2008), Suzuki Thailand showed of two jaw-dropping concepts… The SD-01 Cyber Motorcycle and the SD-02 Pure Motorcycle.

The only thing I can make from the press release is… “Adjustable honeycomb styled seat”, “LED lighting” and lots of words like “aerodynamic”, “exciting”, “rapid”, “alive” and “downed alien aircraft”. Just kidding about the last part, but they do say “advanced technologies”. Hrm? see what I’m saying?

They look like they’d have to be electric (unless they use fusion powered repulsor drives). Unfortunately my Thai is even worser than my English, so if you’ve got Thai skills maybe you could fill us in. SD-01 SD-02. You can also click on the title link to see a few more photos from Krashkraft. Eh? Alien? Krash? Kraft? I think I’m on to something… or ON something, one of the two. I can tell you this; the technology is definitely from the year 2551!

Stay tuned for some sort of video here in a little bit.
You can also go here to see how they pimp their scooters in Thailand. Much different that what they do in Japan.

***UPDATE***

(OMG! I wasn’t ready for that. The still photos do nothing when you watch the video… especially the ending. I’m on the edge of my seat now!)

]]> http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2008/05/15/speaking-of-suzuki-wow-the-sd-01-and-sd-02-now-with-alien-technology/feed/ 9 A little more Suzuki Gemma eye candy. http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2008/02/29/a-little-more-suzuki-gemma-eye-candy/ http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2008/02/29/a-little-more-suzuki-gemma-eye-candy/#comments Fri, 29 Feb 2008 20:58:00 +0000 Steve Guzman http://66.147.242.95/~thescoot/2008/02/29/a-little-more-suzuki-gemma-eye-candy/
No, sorry. No news on the eminent release of Suzuki’s 2007 concept scooter, but we do have a few new images of their “lead sled” here thanks to the Tokyo Scooter Stuff guys (title link) and yasukun2 (for the YouTube video). I kinda dig it still.

]]> http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2008/02/29/a-little-more-suzuki-gemma-eye-candy/feed/ 5 ObiBoi designs a Hum-Dinger of a Scooter Utility Vehicle http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2008/02/04/obiboi-designs-a-hum-dinger-of-a-scooter-utility-vehicle/ http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2008/02/04/obiboi-designs-a-hum-dinger-of-a-scooter-utility-vehicle/#comments Mon, 04 Feb 2008 02:36:00 +0000 Steve Guzman http://66.147.242.95/~thescoot/2008/02/04/obiboi-designs-a-hum-dinger-of-a-scooter-utility-vehicle/
Bouncing around the webisphere, I made a stop by the old Dragon’s place, when I found a post that said “A Hummer I’d actually own”. Thinking to myself, “well, the Dragon is a scooter fan and a steam punk fan… so this is either a Hummer Scooter or a Hummer made of riveted brass and wood.” Sure ‘nuf, it was Oberdan Bezzi’s interpretation of what would happen if you crossed the two. I really have to give Bezzi a pat on the back. You can always count on him to come up with something to tickle the imagination.

If executed, this could actually be a good PR move for GM. Now if they just had a platform they could start with… Hrm…

Ahhh HA! GM… teams up with Honda and POOF! ObiBoi’s dreams become reality. Now, who’s gonna be the first to put together a prototype? Anyone got a Big Ruckus and a hankerin’ for some fiberglass forming?

I think it’s alright, but not NEARLY as sexy as Bezzi’s concept for an electric Moto Guzzi. OUCH! That’s HOT!

]]> http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2008/02/04/obiboi-designs-a-hum-dinger-of-a-scooter-utility-vehicle/feed/ 3 Our first "WTF?! Accessory" nomination – Burgers on the go! http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2008/01/28/our-first-wtf-accessory-nomination-burgers-on-the-go/ http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2008/01/28/our-first-wtf-accessory-nomination-burgers-on-the-go/#comments Mon, 28 Jan 2008 01:27:00 +0000 Steve Guzman http://66.147.242.95/~thescoot/2008/01/28/our-first-wtf-accessory-nomination-burgers-on-the-go/
You’ve seen slicers and dicers and George Foreman grills… but have you ever seen something that combines the fat-free, grilling goodness of the Foremen with the fun of scootin’ around town? Introducing The Exhaust Burger! The cool thing about the scooter version is that 2-strokers won’t even need a non-stick spray… ESPECIALLY if you’re running rich.
Ok, it’s not as bad as it seems. This device is from the “Dining 2015″ competition and the exhaust doesn’t really bathe the burger with delicious carbon monoxide and 2-stroke oil. It just heats the pan. Now THIS is some global warming I could learn to love.

Found this on worstcookever.com (title link)

]]> http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2008/01/28/our-first-wtf-accessory-nomination-burgers-on-the-go/feed/ 2 Adiva TO 400 – Commute scoot perfection? http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2007/12/12/adiva-to-400-commute-scoot-perfection/ http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2007/12/12/adiva-to-400-commute-scoot-perfection/#comments Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:15:00 +0000 Steve Guzman http://66.147.242.95/~thescoot/2007/12/12/adiva-to-400-commute-scoot-perfection/
(Cyberscooter.it (title link) caught some things that few others noticed)

Whew… It’s been quite a long break, eh? Sorry about that, I’ve been working out a few things here at the home front… can’t say what right now, but there’s definitely some good stuff in development for myself. I’ll keep you posted.

Now then, back to the topic… ADIVA. Don’t search too hard… You’re not going to find them in the USA. The closest thing you’ll find here is the Diamo Velux and you’re not going to find a huge variety in Europe. Looks like they have one model that comes in 2 sizes… the 125 and 250. From what I can tell, Adiva has split off from Benelli (who has a spacey concept of their own) and speaking of “concepts”, what you see in the photo here is some photo scoopage from Cyberscooter.it.

Take the roofed Adiva, stick a 400cc motor in it and graft a front wheel configuration from the MP3 on her and BLAM! What could possibly be the perfect commuter scooter. Retractable protection from the elements… get up and go… crazy stability… CHECK!

This could be a big seller in Europe and Japan, where it may actually be available in 2009. Keep an eye out at EICMA 2008 for developments.

Click on the title link to see a couple more photos of the TO 400.

]]> http://www.thescooterscoop.com/2007/12/12/adiva-to-400-commute-scoot-perfection/feed/ 10