Manufacturer: Yamaha

Categories: 2009 and Prior Motorcycles

Offer: 6.99% and up to $1000 cash

Expires: 9/27/2009

The Fine Print:

*$1,000 Customer Cash offer good on 2009 (and prior year) Roadliner and Stratoliner between 6/27/09 and 9/27/09. **Offer subject to credit approval. Applies to purchases of any new Yamaha Star Motorcycle made on a Yamaha Installment Financing loan account from 6/27/09 to 9/27/09. Minimum contract length is 24 months and maximum length is 72 months. Minimum amount finance is $5,000. Fixed APR of 6.99%, 8.99%, 11.99%, or 15.99% will be assigned based on credit approval criteria. Offer good only in the U.S., excluding the state of Hawaii. Some models shown with optional accessories. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For further information regarding the MSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227. Dress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection, gloves and boots. Do not drink and ride. It is illegal and dangerous. 2009 Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. Cypress, CA 90630.

Star Motorcycle Models Royal Star Tour Deluxe $300 (2009) $300 (2008 & Prior)
Stratoliner / Roadliner $1,000 (2009) $1,250 (2008 & Prior)
Road Star (all versions including Warrior) $500 (2009) $500 (2008 & Prior)
V Star 1300/Tourer $300 (2009) $500 (2008 & Prior)
V Star 1100 (all versions) $200 (2009) $300 (2008 & Prior)

More pictures of the 2009 Victory dealer meeting below.

We’re just back from the Victory dealer show in St. Paul, Minnesota.  During the event, Victory showcased their new 2010 models, the most notable of which are the Victory Cross Roads and Cross Country models.  Both of these new models feature a new sand cast aluminum frame using what Victory refers to as CORE technology.  This frame is similar to the one found on the Vision, but specifically designed for the two “Crosses”.  Also common between the two bikes is the 106-cubic-inch air-cooled V-twin engine and six speed overdrive transmission, 21 gallons of storage, and 4.7 inches of rear suspension travel.  MSRP for the new bikes is impressively low at $15,999 for the Cross Roads and $17,999 for the Cross Country.

The Cross Country wears a large, fork-mounted fairing, while the Cross Roads incorporates a removable Lexan windshield. Victory claims both bikes have the lowest seats and the lightest weight in their class. Features include:

• Weatherproof hard cases offering a total capacity of 21.3 gallons; 70% more than the Yamaha Stratoliner, and 25% more than the Harley-Davidson Street Glide
• Standard chrome tubular highway bars on the Cross Roads, and forged aluminum highway bars on the Cross Country
• Adjustable rear air suspension via Schrader valve
• A standard AM/FM stereo on the Cross Country, with iPod connectivity, and optional cruise control

We were not able to test ride these new bikes, but are very impressed from a stationary seat-of-the-pants feel.  Victory had a HD StreetGlide on hand for comparison, and the ergonomics blow away those of the HD.  Unless you have a HD tattoo, it’s hard to imagine why you would choose the StreetGlide over one of these bikes.  From the way they feel sitting still, we can’t wait to give them a run down our favorite road.

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If you’re now saying to yourself “I have got to get me one of these”, then you’re not alone.  You will, however, have to wait with the rest of us.  A firm shipping date is still elusive, but unofficial word from Victory is “sometime after the first of the year.”  Production is reported to be limited, so if you think this is the motorcycle for you I suggest you send us a message or stop in and let us know you want to be on the list.

A photo gallery of Cross Roads and Cross Country pictures from the dealer show below.  Photos of the rest of the bikes on display can be found here.

We’re just back from the 2009 Polaris dealer meeting where Polaris unveiled their plans for the 2010 ATV and UTV model year.  Both lineups get some refreshing throughout the line, but the big news comes by way of the Polaris Ranger 400 and its brother the Ranger EV. Both of these units share the same, smaller, two-seat chassis, that fits in the back of a pickup truck, with many of the riding features of their full-sized counterparts: On-Demand True All-Wheel Drive with VersaTrac Turf Mode, Independent Rear Suspension, and high ground clearance.

The Polaris Ranger 400 specifically features the 455cc engine also found in the Sportsman 400 ATV. It’s a robust single-cylinder power plant that is capable of propelling the 1,050 lb UTV down the trail of across the field with surprising spirit. Polaris could have put a 600 sticker on the side of it and we would have believed them; there’s that much get-up-and-go. Despite the smaller operator’s station, the 400 feels comfortable and can easily accommodate larger and taller people. With a cargo capacity of 500 lbs and towing capacity of 1250 lbs, this “mid-sized” Ranger can still get a lot of work done.

The Polaris Ranger EV is the brother to the gas-powered 400. The EV is powered by a 30 hp/48V AC electric motor. The EV features a three range mode selector allowing the operator to select between High, Low, and Max Range. With Max Range engaged the EV is reportedly capable of running 50 miles before it needs a charge. That charge would come courtesy of a standard 110V AC outlet.

We were able to run the EV and honestly our expectations were pretty low. Just how good could an electric Ranger be anyway? Well, pretty good actually. Although it doesn’t have the snap of the 400, the EV is very capable at putting a smile on your face. There is something inherently appealing about pounding down a trail with only a little whine from the electric motor. If it weren’t for the snapping twigs, you might just be able to sneak up on that whitetail you are hunting. What’s most remarkable about the EV is that it gives you the ease of use of a golf cart with the true trail tested all-wheel-drive capability of an off road UTV. At an MSRP of $10,699, it comes at a $2700 premium over its gas burning brother. That’s not a small amount, but it does offer a low hassle and environmentally friendly UTV that is currently un-matched in the industry.

Hell for Leather reported today that the Piaggio MP3 Hybrid has been officially launched in Europe. Details of the revolutionary scooter are as follows:
Configuration:
A leaning three-wheeler combines the advantages of a scooter — traffic busting, easy parking — with something that’s easy-to-use and, most importantly, unintimidating to new riders. Unlike other, supposedly eco-friendly vehicles like the Toyota Prius, the MP3 Hybrid will never get stuck in traffic nor create congestion for other road users, thereby further reducing its impact on the environment.

Since the gasoline engine only displaces 124cc, European riders will be able to ride it on nothing but a car license or a motorcycle learner’s permit.

Fuel Economy:
The MP3 Hybrid performs like a 250cc scooter, most of those return about 90-95mpg. In similar urban conditions, the MP3 Hybrid adds 50% to that figure. In comparison, the 2010 Toyota Prius, the most fuel-efficient car sold in the US, returns only 50mpg in the combined EPA cycle.

The Plug:
A common modification for super nerdy Prius owners is a plug, enabling them to recharge their batteries at home or at the office and then run on electricity-only for longer and faster. That also enables them not to suck down gasoline to recharge the battery when electricity, even from coal-fired power plants, is created far more efficiently and is so easily available.

Electric-Only Operation:
Many European cities are rapidly defining areas open only to electric vehicles. In electric mode, the MP3 can access these areas. Additionally, you never need use gasoline for short trips just super-cheap electricity.

Lithium Ion Battery:
More energy density and reliability than NiMH or LiPo cells, Lithium Ion means higher performance, lighter weight and increased longevity. Expect the batteries to last the vehicle’s lifetime.

Range:
Unlike all-electric competitors, the MP3 Hybrid’s range is indefinite. Need to take a long trip? Just stop at gas stations and top up.

It’s Coming To America:
Piaggio Group President and CEO Paolo Timoni exclusively revealed to us that the MP3 Hybrid will go on-sale in the US Q1 2010 for around $8 or $9,000.

Read more about the Piaggio MP3 Hybrid here and here.

Whether you’re commuting, shopping or simply going from Point A to B, getting there should be all the fun. So without further ado, allow us to introduce you to Honda’s all-new SH150i: your first-class ticket to world-class fun, guaranteed to get you wherever you’re going with style—and a smile. The SH150i is the perfect blend of cool and cutting-edge, combining progressive styling and plenty of room for two with a fuel-injected 153cc four-stroke engine, Honda V-matic transmission and Combined Braking System delivering the potent, reliable performance one has come to expect from a Honda. No wonder it’s the most popular scooter in Italy!

The all-new SH150i. Proof that a scooter can be both practical and fun. Request more information.

Engine	4-stroke, liquid cooled, single		Max Speed	~55 mph
Displacement	153 cc		Gas Mileage	~75 mpg
Fuel System	fuel injection		Seat Height	30.9 in
Transmission	CVT (automatic)		MSRP	$4,499
Weight	279 lbs		Our Price	Inquire

Manufacturer: Vespa

Categories: Scooters

Offer: $0 Down/ $0 payments/ 0% Interest

Expires: 7/31/2009

The Fine Print:

Offer valid at participating dealers on purchases of new & unused 2007, 2008 and 2009 Piaggio & Vespa models when you use your Sheffield Card between 5/1/09 and 7/31/09. Minimum Amount Financed $1,500; Maximum Amount Financed $40,000. See dealer for details and program dates. No payments required and 0% APR FOR 6 MONTHS. Thereafter, MONTHLY PAYMENTS of 3% of the original loan balance plus any additional charges, for approximately 47 months at the Standard Rate. As of 3/1/09, the Standard Rate is 17.99%, which may vary monthly. For accounts not current, the promotion is canceled, and regular Minimum Monthly Payments of 3% of the original loan balance plus any additional charges, and a Default Rate of 23.99% APR will apply. Minimum Monthly Finance Charge is $1.50. Certain rules apply to the allocation of payments and Finance Charges on your promotional purchase if you make more than one purchase on your Sheffield Card. Call 1-888-438-8837 or review your cardholder agreement for information. Financing is subject to credit approval; not all applicants will qualify for credit. Financing promotions void where prohibited. Offer subject to change without notice.