Monday, October 22, 2007

Honda CHF50


he CHF50 is a scooter manufactured by Honda. It is known as the Metropolitan in the United States, the Jazz in Canada, the Scoopy in Australia and the Crea Scoopy in Japan. It can reach a maximum speed of just less than 40 mph for 2002-2005 models and just over 40 mph/65 km/h for 2006-2007 models. The Metropolitan has typical gas mileage of 80-100 miles per gallon.

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[edit] Design Concept

While the CHF50 is one of several 49 cc scooters offered by Honda since the early 1960s, it is notable for its "classic" Vespa-inspired styling and modern mechanicals. In the United States, it debuted as the Metropolitan in model year 2002.

The CHF50 has a large lockable center compartment, located below the seat, which can hold a 1/2 helmet.

[edit] History and Variations

[edit] Honda Metropolitan (US)

US Models of the CHF50 are two-tone, with white and one other color. There has been some criticism of Honda from North American consumers regarding the models available compared to the greater variation of the Japanese domestic and Australian lineup.

Colors and changes by model year:
2002: Initial offering includes colors Blue ("Denim"), Red ("Salsa"), Green ("Kiwi"), Yellow ("Solar"), Orange ("Juice"), and Light Blue ("Sky"). This first year featured white "fenders" at the rear and a colored compartment. Brown seats, footboards, and grips were featured on the Denim scheme.
2003: Color scheme is reversed at the rear of the scooter. Compartment is now white and fenders are colored. Black seats on all models.
2004: Same as 2003, plus two special graphical paint schemes are added: "Blue Hibiscus" and "Checkers"
2005: Sky and Juice are discontinued, but two more special graphical paint schemes are added: "Kanji" and "Orange Ice"
2006: Kiwi, Solar, and Checkers are discontinued. Available in Blue ("Denim"), Red ("Salsa"), and three special paint schemes; "Blue Ice," "Peach Hibiscus," and "Red Kanji".
2007: All previous color schemes are discontinued. Available in Bright Blue Metallic ("Sapphire"), Dark Red Metallic ("Ruby"), and two special paint schemes; "Pink Hibiscus," and "Purple Kanji".
2008: Dark Red Metallic ("Ruby") continued from 2007, with three new schemes added: Light Blue Metallic ("Ocean"), "Monza" Red (with chrome trim), and "Gothic" (black/gray with chrome trim).

[edit] Honda Jazz (Canada)

The Jazz colors are analogous to US configuration but have slightly different names. The decal model name on the fenders is also different.

2005: Yellow, Jolly Red, Denim Blue, Kanji
2006: Jolly Red, Denim Blue, "Special Chinese Print Red," "Special Cracked Print Blue"
2007: 2007: All previous color schemes are discontinued. Currently available in Bright Blue Metallic ("Sapphire"), Dark Red Metallic ("Ruby"), and two special paint schemes; "Pink Hibiscus," and "Purple Kanji".


A Japanese tuner has built this real-life version of Akira's motorcycle on top of a Honda Bick scooter. I got the impression that a company might be selling a kit you can purchase to do this yourself in the future, but I could be wrong. They've got about another 14 years to pull it together.

The motorcycle of the ??? " the AKIRA ? ? is and makes specification " the part [ITMedia via AkihabaraNews]

Update: Brad Douglas has all the details after the jump. It looks like there is, in fact, a kit.

I just thought you'd like a little more info about that story. According to the ITMedia article, it's based off of the Honda Fusion (http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/fusion/index.html). There's two (well, three) types for sale. A new Fusion, pre-modded will run you around Y1,155,000 (that's in "Fighting Red" color). One that is painted to look more like the real (?) thing is called Kaneda Red and that will run you Y1,470,000. If you already have a Fusion and you just want the body kit, the bolt-on kit will run you Y630,000.

This is all put together by Saitaniya, a custom parts maker out of Osaka. They've been working on this for over a year, trying to get a kit that would be easy to put together and also not cost an arm and a leg. They say that if you can change your own muffler, then you can assemble the kit.

The other thing is that they haven't gotten any kind of OK from Kodansha, the publisher than owns the rights to AKIRA. According to a guy from the custom parts maker, "We haven't spoken to anyone from Kodansha. If you look closely, you can tell, but this isn't the "Kaneda Special". It's nothing more than a custom parts to make your Fusion look "Akira-esque". If we get the OK from Kodansha, we plan to get more detailed and that's what we're currently working towards."

Honda Develops the DN-01 Automatic Transmission Motorcycle


By Alice Hill
RealTechNews

I drive a scooter largely because in San Francisco you have to stop at almost every block. This makes shifting a chore, and makes scooting a fun and snappy morning commute. But when people see my helmet and ask “Oh, do you ride?” they always smirk when I say “Yes, I have a scooter” like I’m on a tricycle. Never mind that scooters are more dangerous than street motorcycles, but I have been on a quest ever since, for my holy grail: the truly automatic motorcycle. True, there are some scootery-looking versions that come close, but today, it looks like Honda actually did it:

One of the surprises of the 39th Tokyo Motor Show 2005 which opened to the media yesterday was Honda’s showing of a large-size sports motorcycle concept model dubbed the DN-01. The motorcycle is equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and a water-cooled, 4-stroke, OHC, V-twin, 2-cylinder, 680cc engine. Most significantly, Honda stated that it “will continue the development of DN-01 with the goal of introducing it to the market in the near future.” CVT has already been introduced into the market in a range of scooters with Suzuki’s futuristic Burgman scooter the most obvious shining example. Honda’s version of the CVT is being touted as different to other CVTs and is described as an hydraulic mechanical continuously variable HFT (Human Fitting Transmission) system featuring two automatic modes and a 6-speed manual mode which the rider operates through buttons on the handlebars. Source: Gizmag

Vespa Granturismo GT 125L 2007


Vespa's profilation of this bike
Engine build assures exceptional performance in terms of speed and acceleration. Comfort Wide double-stitched seat, useful side stand and functional glovebox for small personal items.
General information
Model:Vespa Granturismo GT 125L
Year:2007
Category:Scooter
Rating:69.6 out of 100. Show full rating and compare with other bikes
Engine and transmission
Displacement:124.00 ccm (7.57 cubic inches)
Engine type:Single cylinder
Stroke:4
Power:14.75 HP (10.8 kW)) @ 6600 RPM
Torque:9.60 Nm (1.0 kgf-m or 7.1 ft.lbs) @ 6000 RPM
Bore x stroke:57.0 x 48.6 mm (2.2 x 1.9 inches)
Fuel system:Carburettor
Valves per cylinder:4
Fuel control:SOHC
Ignition:Electronic CDI, variable spark advance
Starter:Electric
Lubrication system:Wet sump
Cooling system:Liquid
Gearbox:Automatic
Transmission type
final drive:
Belt
Clutch:Automatic dry centrifugal type
Physical measures
Weight incl. oil, gas, etc:138.0 kg (304.2 pounds)
Seat height:790 mm (31.1 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall length:1,940 mm (76.4 inches)
Overall width:755 mm (29.7 inches)
Wheelbase:1,395 mm (54.9 inches)
Chassis and dimensions
Frame type:Pressed steel monocoque
Front suspension:Single-arm with dual-acting hydraulic shock absorber and co-axial spring
Rear suspension:Twin dual action shock absorbers with adjustable pre-load
Front tyre dimensions:120/70-12
Rear tyre dimensions:130/70-12
Front brakes:Single disc
Front brakes diameter:200 mm (7.9 inches)
Rear brakes:Single disc
Rear brakes diameter:200 mm (7.9 inches)
Speed and acceleration
Top speed:102.0 km/h (63.4 mph)
Other specifications
Fuel capacity:10.00 litres (2.64 gallons)
Color options:Excalibur Silver, Daring Plum, Black Graphite
Further information
Parts and accessoriesCheck out parts and accessories from our partners. Vespa Granturismo GT 125L accessories
Ask questionsJoin the 07 Vespa Granturismo GT 125L discussion group
Insurance, loans, tests Search the web for dealers, loan and insurance costs, tests, customizing, etc.
Related bikesList related bikes for comparison of specs

Jinlun JL 50QT-7 Retro Twist and Go 2007




General information
Model:Jinlun JL 50QT-7 Retro Twist and Go
Year:2007
Category:Scooter
Rating:Do you know this bike?
Click here to rate it. We miss 1 vote to show the rating.
Engine and transmission
Displacement:49.50 ccm (3.02 cubic inches)
Engine type:Single cylinder
Stroke:4
Power:3.08 HP (2.2 kW)) @ 7500 RPM
Torque:3.00 Nm (0.3 kgf-m or 2.2 ft.lbs) @ 6000 RPM
Compression:10.5:1
Bore x stroke:39.0 x 41.5 mm (1.5 x 1.6 inches)
Fuel system:Carburettor
Lubrication system:Compress and Splash Combined Type
Cooling system:Air
Gearbox:Automatic
Clutch:Automatic Centrifugal
Ignition:C.D.I
Starter:Electric & kick
Physical measures
Dry weight:70.0 kg (154.3 pounds)
Wheelbase:1,195 mm (47.0 inches)
Overall length:1,620 mm (63.8 inches)
Overall width:630 mm (24.8 inches)
Overall height:1,040 mm (40.9 inches)
Ground clearance:90 mm (3.5 inches)
Chassis and dimensions
Front tyre dimensions:3-10
Rear tyre dimensions:3-10
Front brakes:Expanding brake (drum brake)
Rear brakes:Expanding brake (drum brake)
Speed and acceleration
Top speed:50.0 km/h (31.1 mph)
Power/weight ratio:0.0440 HP/kg
Other specifications
Fuel capacity:4.00 litres (1.06 gallons)
Fuel consumption pr. 10 km (6.2 miles):2.80 litres (0.74 gallons)
Color options:Red, Blue, Purple, Black
Further information
Ask questionsEnter the 07 Jinlun JL 50QT-7 Retro Twist and Go discussion group
Related bikesGet a list of related bikes for comparison of specs
Parts, gear and accessories Check out offers from our webshop partners. Only in the US and Canada yet.
Insurance, loans, tests Search the web for dealers, loan and insurance costs, tests, customizing, etc.

Oddball Custom Fusion / Helix

As long as we were talking about the Honda Helix, I thought I'd bring this one up. Quite an oddball custom job that's for sure.

This image was titled "Chrysler Airflow Scooter" and has a comment that says "The second ugliest device on the planet.".

Eh, maybe. I know what the number 1 ugliest device is... The Colibri Vogel. It's on page 43 of the book "The A-Z of CLassic Scooters". I'll have to scan it for you one day. Absolutely atrocious.

Classic retro helmet


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