Kandi looking to enter U.S. market

Over the last few years, there has been an amazing influx of Chinese motorcycles, scooters and all terrain vehicles. Many of the products coming in from overseas have a horrible record for quality, but there have been a few gems along the way as well. With this in mind, our eyes were drawn to an article on Automotive News regarding a new Chinese company we were not yet familiar with. Though we've become accustomed to finding these manufacturers on scooter forums and news sites, it is still rare to see them in the mainstream automotive media. We have no way of knowing what kind of quality its vehicles are, but Zhejiang Kangdi Vehicles Co. may be making some inroads into the U.S. market with its line of two, three and four-wheelers in both gas and electric versions. The company appears to be calling itself Kandi. A Seattle company is importing the vehicles and fifteen franchises have already been purchased.

We took a look at the company's web site and we see some of the normal scooters and motorcycles. We also see some carts with an eerie resemblance to the smart fortwo. One model really caught our attention -- a three-wheeled scooter powered by what appears to be the ubiquitous GY6 150cc engine and CVT transmission. We'll see if Kandi vehicles come up any more in the coming weeks and months. It's just as possible that we never hear the name again. Will Kandi begin offering EPA-certified vehicles? Stay tuned.

Many motocross tracks planned for Quantya

There used to be lots of motocross parks in Europe where you could ride your dirt bike around banked turns and over carefully crafted jumps to your heart's content. In recent years, though,the issue of noise pollution has really taken the air out of the knobby-tire fun. With the advent of clean and quiet electric bikes like those from Quantya, those days may be coming back. Hans Eder, businessman and motocross trainer, thinks that "Quantya Parks" are about to become really popular and has plans to open somewhere between 50 and 70 of the tracks in Germany and Austria. That's a lot of parks!

One of the first Quantya parks has already opened in the Bavarian town of Siegsdorf and because of the lack of noise, town officials allowed it to be built beside some tennis courts close to a residential area. Would-be riders don't need to bring their own wheels to take on the challenging track. They can be rented onsite for €15 ($22) per 15 minutes and if folks like them as much as we did when we took it for a test drive, you better bring some serious plastic. But you don't have to go all the way to Europe to enjoy a Quantya. According to Quantya's American website, the bikes are now shipping to the U.S. and Canada.

[Source: Spiegel Online]

ABG speaks with PowerGenix about NiZn batteries

We recently got on the phone with Dan Squiller from PowerGenix, a company which hopes to "revolutionize the battery industry" with its new nickel-zinc batteries. The firm's batteries will soon make an appearance in power tools and in lawn and garden machinery, with ebikes, scooters and consumer AA-sized units shipping shortly thereafter. Of course, the company also sees huge room for expansion in hybrid cars and has plans to sell its technology to a major manufacturing company in the near-term future.

What makes the company think its product is so good? Read on past the break for the story.

Trying out the Vectrix electric motorcycle

ABG friend and NextGear host Matt Kelly headed up to San Francisco to check out the west coast launch of the Vectrix electric motorcycle. Marketing Director for Vectrix gives all the details on the nickel metal hydride powered two wheeler. The battery is expected to have a ten year lifespan and the bike gets a two year warranty. The bike isn't cheap at $11,000 but it doesn't use any gas, is clean and quiet and has a 40-60 mile range depending on your riding style. The video is after the break.

[Source: NextGear]

KillaCycle takes off, crashes into parked minivan; Bill Dube OK

Since we have brought you past news on Bill Dube's KillaCycle, we thought that you might like to know that the owner/builder of the machine (and not the normal rider!) is all right after a crash. The accident happened while Dube was giving a demonstration of the electric bike, which is capable of covering the quarter mile in around 8 seconds at over 150 miles per hour. With power like that, it is not surprising that the bike shot out from under Dube while he was putting on a show by doing burnouts. After crashing into a minivan, paramedics took Dube to the hospital for X-Rays.

There is a video at this link of an interview with Bill Dube who explains that the bike uses A123 lithium ion batteries which can propel the bike to sixty miles per hour in less than one second. Right after the interview, you can watch the crash! The accident took place on the 13th in Los Angeles at the Wired NextFest conference. We wish Bill a speedy recovery!

On last thing: please consider this a reminder to be safe while operating any vehicle. Especially consider safety on a motorcycle, where a helmet at the very least should always be worn. Oh yeah, maybe it's time to change the bike's name.

George Clooney reminds us to be safe out there when riding on two wheels

We often bring you the latest information on two-wheeled riding, because it can be a great way to save on some gas. We also like to offer friendly reminders in most of those posts, because no matter how good of a rider you are, you are still at the mercy of the other motorists on the road. And, I am sure we don't need to tell you what the motorcycle's chances are when facing off one-on-one with your everyday average sedan. That's why we send our well-wishes to George Clooney and his significant other, Sarah Larson. The couple is recovering from an accident with a car while riding Clooney's motorcycle. Clooney has made news on our site in the past for his appreciation of electric cars like the Tango. Both Clooney and Larson were wearing helmets, which likely made an impact (ha ha) on the relatively minor severity of their injuries.

Now would be a good time to mention the BMW C1, which performed rather well under crash-test scenario's. There are plenty of riders out there who wish that this vehicle, or one like it, were still available.

The Kneeslider: Are motorcycles the future of performance?

We feel like we're ahead of the curve on this one, but Paul Crowe over at The Kneeslider has posted an editorial questioning whether or not performance cars are an endangered species. Considering that CAFE rules are becoming ever more stringent, cars like the Corvette are likely to move to smaller, more efficient motors and correspondingly lightweight chassis architecture. Heck, even the Camaro could get a hybrid option in the near future.

The question posed by Crowe is whether or not motorcycles will make up for the lack of high-performance cars. We think the answer is a resounding maybe. A few speed-addicts might make a move towards two wheels, but the market for fast cars is not going to go anywhere. Remember the muscle car? That era ended a long time ago, but the desire for the vehicles has not gone anywhere, in fact they are more desirable now than ever before. What's more, technology is already in place which will allow high performance and high economy. So, just as some people are switching to two wheels for economy, some might switch to two wheels for performance. With motorcycles, though, a few will have their cake and eat it too.

[Source: The Kneeslider

Electric motorbikes all the rage in Vietnam

As the price of oil goes through the roof, people the world 'round are responding. Here in America many have reduced their driving or traded in their SUV for a hybrid. Others, horror of horrors, have even started taking the bus. In Vietnam, where many folks have been riding 50cc "motorbikes" for years, the reaction has been to switch to electric versions. According to state-owned e-newspaper VietNamNet, "they are selling like hotcakes." One retailer (name not given) interviewed for the story, whose shop is on Vo Thi Sau Street in HCM city, claims to be moving 500 units a month. That's a lot of scooters, excuse me, motorbikes. Typically the parts for these machines are originating in Taiwan and China with assembly taking place in Vietnam. Prices are between VND 6-7 million (US$377-$442).

How goes the electric scooter in America? Most of our faithful ABG readers are quite familiar with the situation with Vectrix sales. The only other scooter manufacturer importer of any note, is Zap, who sell the Zapino. I actually read a very positive initial review of the newest batch of Zapinos (only the ones with ABS) by very knowledgeable electric scooter guy, usatracy, on my favorite EV forum. Strangely, no press release was issued by ZAP to inform us of the improvement in their product.

[Source: VietNamNet]

Triciclo Pompéo - ethanol powered three-wheeler made for Brazil

There are plenty of people who would love to have the fuel mileage of a 250cc motorcycle, but choose not to ride one because of the inherent safety problems and the lack of weather protection. Brazilian company Triciclo thinks that they have the answer to this issue, and it's called the Pompéo. Using a small motorcycle engine which is capable of running on either gasoline or ethanol (important for the Brazilian market), the Pompéo is said to have decent performance due to its low weight. Also important is the fact that the machine - which looks kind of like the front half of a car - is fully enclosed, meaning that the occupants will stay dry no matter what the weather outside. Seat belts provide a measure of safety lacking from the typical motorcycle, although in some countries it will be classed as such regardless. Finally, the cost is said to be in-line with a 400cc motorcycle, meaning the Pompéo should be quite affordable.

We love the idea of the Pompéo and hope it reaches success in Brazil. Currently, there are plans to export the vehicle, but nothing is said of the European or North American market as of yet. Be sure to watch the short video after the break.

Gallery: Triciclo Pompeo

[Source: World Car Fans / Triciclo]

Is the scooter scene in need of freshening?

We mention scooters more and more often in these days of expensive gasoline, because for the right person, they can save some money when it comes time to fill up (We've also created a new "On Two Wheels" category for these type of posts). But, I have heard from numerous people that they just hate the way that most scooters look. Some people like the racy looks of modern sportbikes, some people like the retro designs from Italy, such as the Vespa. Of course, some people just don't care, as long as it's cheap and reliable.

For those of you who do care what your automatic transmission'ed four-stroke scooting machine looks like, why not take a moment to check on the sketches drawn up by an Italian man named Oberdan Bezzi at his scooter design blog, which is aptly named "Scooter Design". If your tastes lean more towards motorcycles and shifting for yourself, you can also check out his other site: "Motosketches", which we mentioned at Autoblog. I don't read Italian, so I just like to look at the pretty pictures. You?

[Source: Scooter Design via Motorcycle News]

Can't decide between your motorcycle or your jet ski? Build two-in-one

Here is another one of those oddities that we sometimes show you here at AutoblogGreen. We often write about motorcycles here, so this one seems to fit... sort of. Anyway, what we have here is a mid-eighties Yamaha Virago, one of the first of the Japanese Harley-copies that hit the scene. These are the motorcycles that initiated the term "cruiser" as opposed to just Harley... but enough history.

The builder of this machine apparently couldn't decide between his two hobbies, so he combined them into one mode of transportation. I can't help but think that it is not an easy conversion between the two of them, though.

For a moment, let's focus on the practical efficiency gains contained here. First, we have a motorcycle, which uses far less petroleum than an automobile. The light weight of the vehicle contributes to this, as the engine can be much smaller while still allowing high performance. Also, having two contact patches on the ground increases the efficiency of the vehicle. Next, we have the fishing platform. Read the article, you will find that at 5 mph, roughly walking speed, the vehicle lifts out of the water, greatly reducing contact with the water, increasing vehicle efficiency. There, now we all feel better, don't we?

[Source: Popular Mechanics, via The Kneeslider]

Overgrown Tricycles? Nope, it's the Can Am Spyder and Gilera Fuoco 500ie!

Here we go again with another round of multiple posts about motorcycles with three wheels on the same day. Earlier today, we told you about a new scooter that could be coming in the future from Can Am, and we reminded you of the Can Am Spyder, which is a three-wheeled motorcycle (two in the front, one in the back) which was recently made available in the United States. I believe that this is the first mention of the Gilera Gilera Fuoco 500ie, however. That might be because that brand is not available in the United States. But, we have brought you plenty of news about the Piaggio MP3, on which the Fuoco is based. The difference between the two bikes is in the styling and the size of the engine. The Gilera features a large 500 cc engine, while the Piaggio's make due with 125s and 250s. Rumor has it that a larger version of the MP3 will be available soon.

One major and obvious difference between the two vehicles here is that the Gilera and MP3 lean into turns like a motorcycle, while the Can Am does not. The Can Am does offer sophisticated technology to keep you on the road, however, with stability control and ABS brakes. Just how practical are these two machines? That depends on the rider, of course. What is the weather like where you live? How far do you travel in a day? Do you often carry large items with you? Conversely, how much money can you spend on a vehicle? How much do you want to spend filling up the tank? Vehicles like this serve a small market of people who enjoy wind-in-the-hair riding but want some added stability and feeling of safety, and they save plenty of gas in the process. There is also a rumor that Vectrix might release an electric scooter based on the technology of the MP3. That would be really great.

[Source: Telegraph]

Deus Ex Machina, an electric Yamaha-branded exoskeleton

Click on the image for more shots of the Deus Ex Machina concept

Bumsuk Lim, a professor at Art Center Pasadena in California, has started a new program which aims to push the boundaries of future motorcycle design. Lim projects two-wheeling as a possible green revolution of sorts, saying, "There is no point in designing existing vehicles and simply adding green technology to the same old problem when we have the opportunity, and the moment in time, to make a greater change! Why not use these new environmentally safe technologies to change the way we ride?"

Judging from the first design we've seen from Jake Loniak, convention has taken a back seat to design. Called Deus Ex Machina, which means God Out of a Machine, the three-wheeled vehicle is a melding of motorcycle and exo-skeleton, complete with artificial vertebrae and pneumatic muscles. A built-in helmet, which sits atop the machine at rest, tilts forward with the body of the rider, making for a leaned-forward riding position. If it were ever built, which seems rather unlikely, the vehicle is projected to accelerate to sixty in three seconds and travel up to sixty minutes at a speed of up to seventy-five miles per hour, all after a fifteen minute charge of the Doped NanoPhosphate batteries and ultra-capacitors.

Gallery: Deus Ex Machina concept

[Source: GreenCarDesign via Hell For Leather]

Motorcycles get pole position in Spain

You know how it is when you're in traffic. Everyone thinks they're Mario Andretti or Danika Patrick while jostling for the prize of pole position at the upcoming traffic light so that when it turns green they can speed off without any impedance for a least half a block. Certain cities in Spain have decided, however, that it will do you no good to do the blacktop boogie unless you are on a motorbike. Yes, those Spaniard civil-engineering smartie pants realize that motorbikes are not only greener than cars but that they accelerate faster and therefore deserve the added safety and prestige of the front row. If you've ever watched Formula One racing you know that the most dangerous place to be is somewhere mid-pack where everybody seems to want to occupy the same real estate as someone else. The front row doesn't usually have that problem (until the first turn anyway.)

According the Motorbiker.org, Barcelona was the first to come up with the innovation but now Madrid has followed, though their "grid" has a less colorful paint scheme. We doubt this idea will make the journey across the pond but think it's a pretty good one. Click the pic above for more images.

[Source: Motorbiker.org via The Scooter Scoop ]

Consumer Reports investigating motorcycle testing procedures

Click on the image above for high-resolution shots of the Aprilia Scarabeo 200

There's no arguing with the fact that high gas prices have fueled an increase in motorcycle and scooter sales. As Consumer Reports shows, the overall scooter market in particular is up a whopping twenty-four percent. Still, there are many issues with using two-wheelers for everyday transportation chores, with safety being of paramount concern. As CR reports, riders involved in motorcycle crashes are thirty-four times more likely to be killed than individuals in automobiles. Interestingly, head injuries make up a very large chunk of serious motorcycle injuries, which means riders wearing helmets are considerably safer than riders who choose to go out sans head protection.

For this reason, the popular consumer guide is beginning to study the market in an effort to provide its readers with valuable information regarding this recent trend and is considering creating a special set of testing procedures for two-wheelers. Data shows that the majority of motorcycle accidents could be avoided with proper training, so we look forward to seeing what, if anything, CR comes up with for testing.

Gallery: Aprilia Scarabeo 200

[Source: Consumer Reports]

The nUCLEUS is one crazy-looking alternative motorcycle concept

We've run across some pretty crazy-looking contraptions in our time, but few of them break with tradition with quite the verve of the nUCLEUS. Looking very interesting from every angle but the side profile, the nUCLEUS revels in its slab-sidedness, or something like that. All the necessary controls appear to be accounted for, and the video on their site shows a bit, but certainly not much, of front wheel lock for making tight turns. This is nothing more than a concept, and as such, no details are given regarding what would power this unique machine, but the designer does not have the internal combustion engine in mind. The side panels, which appear so un-aerodynamic at first glance, are actually just blades when viewed from the front and would be made from some sort of composite. We certainly don't expect to see anything quite like this for sale any time soon, but at least it's a different take on a familiar concept.

Gallery: NONOBJECT nUCLEUS

High School students build enclosed electric motorcycle

Click above for more shots of the Saint Thomas EV

BMW once came up with the idea to enclose a scooter and add some safety equipment to it. Crash tests showed surprisingly favorable results, but the idea never seemed to catch on and the C1 is no longer for sale. The fact that it already proved unsuccessful on the commercial market once hasn't stopped others from considering the idea. One such group is the Saint Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. A group of students at this high school has created an enclosed electric motorcycle which uses sixty volts worth of lithium phosphate batteries powering a Briggs and Stratton ETEK pancake-style permanent magnet electric motor.

The current configuration is said to be good for a top speed of sixty miles per hour and a range of forty miles. The chassis is constructed from chromoly tubing. The body is made from a carbon fiber and Kevlar composite and should therefore prove very strong. The full seat even features a seatbelt. We are not certain that anything quite like this will ever be available for purchase again, but its good to see it in concept form at least.

Gallery: Saint Thomas EV

Fox Business wants you to keep your trucks

Click above for high-res gallery of the Piaggio MP3 400 and 500

Finding yourself stuck in a truck? Gas guzzling got you down? You are certainly not alone. Though the most obvious thing to do would be to ditch the fuel-inefficient vehicle for a cheaper to run model, Fox Business has other ideas. Keep in mind that the current value of pickups, especially full-sizers, has dropped nearly as dramatically as the fuel prices have risen, so you're not likely to get what you owe, assuming you are still making payments. That's why getting out from under your purchase could end up costing you more than its worth.

If you're stuck with a gas-hog, what are your money-saving options? Umm... drive less. No, seriously. Consider public transportation and carpooling if possible. Ride your bike when its practical and even *gasp* walk. Of course, it's not always possible to walk or ride a bike to get where we need to go. Fox ends by suggesting a scooter as a second vehicle. It's worked out for lots of people already, but be sure to count that cost too before making any rash decisions. We're cycle fans who recognize the fun and low-costs associated with scooters, but safety and practicality cannot be ignored. Whatever you do, get used to it, 'cause gas isn't likely to begin dropping back down any time soon.

Dealership can't sell trucks, sells scooters instead

The sky-high price of gas has hit some dealerships pretty hard. A perfect example of this is Moody Chevrolet in River Falls, Wisconsin which last sold a pick up truck sometime in February. While their truck inventory sits outside and waits patiently for new homes, the Moody brothers still need to sell something and that something now happens to be scooters. They might not have the profit margin of a Tahoe or an Avalanche but they don't cost nearly as much to stock either. They have sold 20 of the two-wheeled econo-cycles so far this year and suspect they could sell a lot more if they could only get their hands on them. Apparently, the scooter supply is as short as the demand for trucks is, well, non-existent.

According to the report from KARE11 there is one scooter on the premises that's not for sale. It's the red one that Mike Moody uses to get back and forth with while his Suburban sits in a garage at home. Because of its 45 mpg disadvantage, it only gets to come out and play when it's raining. Mike seems to have a good attitude about the situation though saying, "[It's] another mode of transportation and that's the business that we're in."

Man falls in love with his Xingyue enclosed scooter

A Michigan man has found his own personal solution to high gas prices in an interesting three-wheeled enclosed scooter which leans into turns from a Chinese company known as Xingyue. Before this story, we were not at all familiar with the company, though a Google search does turn up a little information. Powered by a 150cc single cylinder four stroke engine, the scooter is capable of traveling on any road that is not a major highway and is fully street legal. The new owner estimates that he is getting fuel mileage of around 120 miles per gallon when he keeps it under forty miles per hour and 80-90 miles per gallon when he's really wringing it out.

This machine appears to be some sort of copy of the Honda Gyro. Though we tend to shy away from unknown Chinese scooters, reputable brands like Piaggio, Vespa and Yamaha have appeared on these pages in the past. The enclosure of the Xingyue allows a slightly longer riding season for those who live in areas with poor weather much of the year. See a video of the machine in action here.