Here's the Kongo, one of the world's most sought after scooters (Part-1)

Did you ever heard about the Vespa Kongo classic scooters? For those of you the scooter fans from abroad may be feel strange due to have never been heard or known the existence of this classic Vespa scooter type before. But for the Indonesian scooter fans, of course, most of them are already knew and familiar to those Vespa Kongo (or 'Congo' for English spelling) scooters name.

Vespa Ausburg VGLA/B aka Vespa Kongo is a state award scooter to several groups of the Indonesian Peacekeeping Forces who served in Congo, Central Africa back in the end 1950s to early 1960s. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2o5cywb)

Besides having a distinctive shape, it turns out that the antique scooter holds a priceless historical value for Indonesian, and also said has its own prides for those who are lucky able to own it. This Vespa scooter model emerged and gained popularity back in the early of 1960s.

Several member of the Indonesian Peacekeeping Forces proudly posed with their Vespa Kongo in the 1960s. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2oED8wa)

History of the Vespa Kongo name 

Actually there are some nicknames that are circulating in Indonesian society about this Vespa scooter model besides the 'Kongo,' including the 'Vespa Telur' (mean 'an egg' in English) because it has oval-shaped side fender like an egg, then there's also called it as 'Vespa Ndog Kentus' which means the same as an egg.

Several member of the Indonesian Peacekeeping Forces proudly posed with the Vespa Kongo in the 1960s. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2oGthFZ)

The designation of the Vespa Kongo itself comes from the name of the country where several groups of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (Tentara Nasional Indonesia/TNI) known as the Indonesian Garuda Contingent (Kontingen Garuda/KONGA) were assigned in the late 1950s and early 1960s. At that time they got the task as the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces from Indonesia in Congo, Central Africa under the mission of the UNOC (United Nation Operations for Congo).

Vespa Kongo was assembled at the Vespa GmbH Augsburg one of the Vespa factories in Augsburg, Germany. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2nSPf8T)

Front view of the legendary   
Vespa Kongo of the 1960s.  
(Picture from: http://bit.ly/2o0ZOGR)

Well, this Vespa scooter models were then given to the members of the Peacekeeping Forces as a form of appreciation from the Indonesian government for their services in Congo. Another sources said that besides these Vespa scooters there're also other forms of appreciation like the money and also sewing machines. 

It was also reported that the Vespa Kongo scooters were distributed based on the military rank, namely for those who had higher rank to get the green colored Vespa 150 cc scooters (Vespa Ausburg T150/4 (type 332, 4-speed) VGLB, while the soldier with lower rank got the Vespa 125 cc (Vespa Ausburg T150/4 (type 332, 3-speed) VGLA in yellow or blue colored.

The Vespa Kongo starting known in the Indonesian scooter market back in the 1963, as a Vespa scooter model belonging to ex-Kontingen Garuda-2 (1960-1961) and Garuda-3 (1962-1963) members, but there is no certain source yet whom said whether the members of the Kontingen Garuda-1 also received the same scooter prizes (due to they assigned to Egypt back in the 1956).

Vespa Ausburg T150/4 (type 332, 3-speed) VGLA aka Vespa Kongo only exist in Indonesia for the scooter models in between 1960 to 1963. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2o0ZOGR)

Let's move to the next discussion about the Vespa Kongo destinctive marks. (Continued to Part-2).

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... 

(This article was deliberately created in order to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the Indonesian National Army (Tentara National Indonesia/TNI) on October 5, 2019.)

Remain as the Guardian of Our beloved Indonesian homeland with all the heart. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KOMPAS | OTOFREAK | MOTOPLUS | OTOMANIA | VESPA]

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This is the future electric big motorbike embodiment

One of the British electric motorcycle manufacturers named ARC Vehicle officially scheduled to immediately produce and launch its new product of its new facility in South Wales next year and it named the ARC Vector. The company said the the electric motorcycle already able to be ordered at a price of £90,000 (around $117,000 or Rp.1.6 billion).

The ARC Vector electric-powered sports motorcycle has managed to debut at the 2018 EICMA Milan event. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2mPDsre)

As reported by Carscoops, on its first production batch will made as much 399 units of motorcycle. It to be built to order in the first 18 months and give its prospective buyers more and more reasons to be excited about what the company calls the "most advanced electric motorcycle in the world."

As the most sophisticated electric motor in the world, this motorbike adopts Human Interface technology, carbon monocoque, hub-center steering, wheel inspired by characteristics and more.

The ARC Vector is said the future electric big motorbike embodiment. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2mPDsre)

On the other hand the presence of an electric motorbike also aims to bring a motor that is nimble and has a lot of power, but also also user-friendly and fun to drive both in the city and on the open road. This is where the hub-center steering system enters.

“The system that we have developed provides low speed control on the bicycle. There are a number of manufacturers who have implemented hub-center steering in the past, but they do it with an anti-dive system," said the ARC founder and CEO Mark Truman.

Hub-center steering system necessitates a front swingarm. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2mPDsre)

"For Vector, we have created a system that has all the benefits of HCS but feels like a series of prongs. The advantage is that rigidity allows for steep rake angles and chassis which allows rapid change of direction with stability at high speeds. What we have designed is the best of both worlds without negative things," he said further.

As for the drivetrain sector, the ARC Vector EV relies on a 399-volt electric motor which is claimed to be able to burst power up to 133 horse power and 109 lb-ft (148 Nm) of torque. And to be noted,  this bike weighs 485 lbs (220 kg) which makes it a little heavier than most conventional sports motorcycles, though not much.

In addition, even though the weight is quite heavy, the fantastic priced electric motor can also accelerate from 0 up to 60 mph (96 kph) in 3 seconds and able to be ride to top speed of 125 mph (201 kph).

And when it rode in urban areas, the ARC Vector offers a range of 387 miles (623 km), while on the highway it can travel 230 miles (370 km). The average mileage is in the range of 270 miles (435 km). Yes, all of them were pretty impressive numbers aren't...

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ARC VEHICLE | NEW ATLAS | CARSCOOPS | AUTO.NDTV]

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Cool Classic Scooters of Japan

Sometimes you come across a vehicle, whether on the road or online, that blows your mind. Over the past century, you can see the creativity of scooter designers increasing as new models are produced, each more wonderful than the one. But, it feels incomplete when we talk about motorized vehicles (in this case a scooter) if we don't include Japan in them.

1968 Fuji Rabbit S-301, a vintage Japanese scooter with 125cc displacement. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2nKnJKf)

Yes, Japan is one of the countries in East Asia which since the beginning of the 20th century has also been known as one of the world's giant automotive industry countries. And apparently, Japan has also produced many classic scooters that can be said to be cool in their hey days.

After in a number of articles we have discussed the row of classic scooters produced by countries in Europe and America, then on this occasion will be discussed about the cool classic scooters that have been produced by Japan.

1. Fuji Rabbit S-1 Series

By looking at the world's automotive history, before Piaggio and Innocenti produced their first scooter there were already several similar scooter products made by other companies. One of them is the Fuji Rabbit S-1 Series.

1946 Fuji Rabbit Superflow S-1 series uses a 135cc engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ncfBld)

Initially, the scooter-making company was a fighter-making company during the 2nd World War named Nakajima Aircraft Co. which produced various types of military aircrafts. And since 1945, the company was dissolved and reformed as Fuji Sangyo Co., which only concentrated on producing all the needs of civil transportation.

1960 Fuji Rabbit Superflow S601 with 200cc displacement. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ncfBld)

And in 1946 was born the company's first scooter given the name of Fuji Rabbit S-1 Series. Yes, six months before the Italian companies Piaggio and Innocenti began their first 'Vespa' and Lambretta scooter productions, the Japanese company had produced their scooters.

Fuji Rabbit S-1 Series scooter was inspired by this US-made scooter named 1938 Powell Streamliner. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ncfBld)

The Fuji Rabbit scooter design was inspired by the Powell scooter model made by the Southern California-based automotive company named Powell Manufacturing Company (PMC).

1960 Fuji Rabbit Superflow S601 sold only in North America market. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ncfBld)

Fuji Rabiit S-1 Series uses a 135cc engine. Uniquely, this scooter was not sold in the Asian automotive market at the time, but was more famous in the North America countries. The Fuji Rabbit began to enter the American market in 1957 with the Fuji Rabbit Superflow S601 series that carrying the 200 cc engine and around 74,694 units sold at the time.

1960 Fuji Rabbit Superflow S601. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ncfBld)

Unfortunately, this Japanese scooter trip did not last long. After running 22 years, the Japanese company ceased the scooter production in 1968. Then, under the named of Fuji Heavy Industries after reformed in 1953 and the company succeeded to create its first car product named Subaru 1500 a year later and continued in penetrating the world's automotive market and successfully survived to date.

2. Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon C-10

After the 2nd World War ended, it could be said the scooters usually are used to help reconstruct the country which have been devastated by the war. Yes, long before it was known as the world's famous car manufacturer, Mitsubishi also made the scooters.

1946 Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon C-10 powered by a 112cc 4-stroke side-valve air-cooled single-cylinder engine developing 1.5 PS. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2n63p5C)

In fact, the scooter once had a chance to reap success for more than 10 years. In fact, this scooter is one of the 240 original Japanese vehicles released by The Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan. Even one of the Silver Pigeon scooters has been dedicated to the Emperor of Japan in 1948.

The first version of the Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon C-10 scooter imported directly from the United States by an engineer at General Motors named Kojiro Maruyama. He had bought a scooter back with him from America. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was so impressed, then invited him to join and start work on a Japanese-made scooter version. The Mitsubishi scooter production start from 1946 and was finally ceased in 1963.

1955 Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon C70 with 125cc two-stroke engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2m0Up1D)

For 17 years, there are at least 17 scooter models offered. However, that does not mean the company release a facelift version of the scooter once a year. Hence, in 1960, there were 5 new variants released, namely C-111, C-200, C-300, C76, and C110. Still in the same year, again the company was presented a new variant of the C-300.

1962 Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon C110 with 175cc four-stroke engine developing 8.3 hp. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ncUxLn)

Thus, the type of engines were offered also varies, ranging from 112cc, 125cc, 143cc, 175cc 2-stroke, 175cc 4-stroke, 192cc 2-stroke, 192cc 4-stroke, up to 200cc. In fact, the biggest engine ever made reaches 210cc with 2-stroke and 4-stroke configurations.
Of the various models circulating over 17 years, there were 463 thousand units of Mitsubishi's scooters have been sold. And as the best-selling variant is the 1960 Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon C-200 scooter with the sales figures reaching 38,000 units.

3. Honda Juno K

Honda debuted its first scooter named Honda Juno K in January 1954. At that time, in Japan's domestic scooter market was dominated by 2 other famous scooter products, namely Fuji Rabbit and Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon. Although coming up as a challenger, Honda did not want half measures in developing its first scooter.

1954 Honda Juno K has been provided with some pretty good details, name it the self-starter, height windscreen and the turn signal positioned near the windscreen. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2n4OCZ4)

By design, the Honda Juno K is often referred to as a "future" scooter figure. Why? Because the Honda's scooter has been provided with some pretty good details, name it the self-starter, height windscreen that able to protect the rider from the wind exposure and its turn signal positioned near the windscreen. And when examined, Juno actually looks like a Tourer-Scooter.

1954 Honda Juno K is the second vehicle in the world to apply the Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) bodykit after the 1953 Chevy Corvette applied it a year earlier. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2m1F1SI)

Besides that, the Honda Juno K was the first scooter to apply the Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) bodykit, the newest vehicle body material at that time. And the Honda Juno K is the second vehicles in the world to use this unique body material, having been applied for the first time in the 1953 Chevy Corvette or a year earlier.

1954 Honda Juno K used a single cylinder 4-stroke OHV engine with a capacity of 189 cc, and coupled with the 3-speed transmission system. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2nblz5S)

In the engine sector, the Honda Juno K is also no less classy than other Japanese scooters. In fact, the scooter has the most qualified power among the scooters at the time. This Honda's first scooter used a single cylinder 4-stroke OHV engine with a capacity of 189 cc, and coupled with the 3-speed transmission system. The power amount reaching of 9.0 horse power at 5,500 rpm and capable of running up to the top speed of 70 kph.

Well . . One thing to note. Although the Honda Juno K carries various advantages that even exceed its time. The scooter actually failed to gain success in the Japanese scooter market. Yes, the Honda's first scooter was considered too expensive, the engine often overheat quickly and the weight is relatively hefty compared to the scooters in general at that time. (Wanna see the French-made classic scooters.)

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CATAWIKI]

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A hodgepodge trike, a combined of a motorcycle and Aventador's tails

For vehicle owners who love a beautiful rides, to change body appearance can be a choice. Ranging from limited changing the colors, up to excessive overhaul until there is no remaining innate characteristics of the initial vehicle.

A Boss Hoss Cycles shop in Germany made a unique trike, a combined of a motorcycle and Lamborghini Aventador tails. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ZizKZr)

Recently, Boss Hoss Cycles, an American big motorcycle manufacturer is making on a unique vehicle project by merging two types of vehicles into one through one of its shops in Germany. 

This unique vehicle built based on one of their big motorbike products named Big Boss V8, then mated to the rear section of the Lamborgini Aventandor completedly with its rims.

This modification is unique, because usually an overhaul that includes two different types of vehicles, only by doing the engine vehicle exchanging. For example, like the two-wheeled vehicle engines swaped with the car engines. 

A Boss Hoss Cycles shop in Germany made a unique trike, at the front uses handlebars like a motorcycle in general while on the back is applied the Lamborghini Aventador tails. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31RG3Qe)

From the appearance, it appears that the builder combines the design of a motorcycle and a supercar. At the front, the steering wheel uses handlebars like a motorcycle in general. While on the back is applied the Lamborghini Aventador tails.

Boss Hoss Cycles unique trike is used a Corvette engine has a capability to burst power up to 445 horsepower, and 603 Newton meters of torque. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31RG3Qe)

The combination of a three-wheeled motorcycle design with the rear body of the Lamborghini Aventador blends very nicely, completedly with the black-colored Lamborghini's rims mounted on the rear.

The combination of a three-wheeled motorcycle design blends very nicely with the Lamborghini Aventador tails. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31RG3Qe)

As quoted from Rideapart, beside getting a touch of unusual body modification, turn out the engine ability also changed. This hodgepodge vehicle takes an eight-cylinders, 6,200cc engine has a capability to burst power up to 445 horsepower, and 603 Newton meters of torque.

The combination of a three-wheeled motorcycle design completedly with the black-colored Lamborghini's rims mounted on the rear. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31RG3Qe)

Those engine was taken from a Chevrolet Corvette. And as we all knew, previously they had a deals with the car manufacturer from the United States, in the matter of car engines supply for those motorcycle company.

So far, the results of the Boss Hoss Cycles vehicle project have only been used as displays. There is not yet a willingness to sell the work, or submit it to a modification contest. It was unthinkable, which contest is suitable for this vehicle, due to the type of vehicle is unclear whether motorcycle or car?

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RIDEAPART]

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Unique shaped scooters from the past

For those of you who may still be confused with the 'scooter' term and what is the difference with an ordinary motorcycle. The definition of 'scooter' is a type of two-wheeled vehicle or motorcycle with a frame that is one with the body (monocoque) so that its rider has a special platform to put his feet.

Unique shaped scooters (in pictured: Unibus scooter) from the past. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2UyYDZB)

Perhaps when it was first shown to the public in the past, its shape was not as we know it now. And maybe you will ask about how unique the shape of the scooter was when it first began to be developed in the past. Here're unique shaped of pioneered scooter was built in early 19th up to 20th centuries;

1. Hildebrand und Wolfmuller

Scooter design began to develop since 1914, but long before there's a German manufacturer named Hildebrand und Wolfmuller had pioneered the first model of scooter in early nineteenth century. But the Hildebrand und Wolfmuller models are not well developed due to the complexity of the design, including the rear wheels which are driven directly by the engine piston as well as on the steam locomotives.

This is Hildebrand und Wolfmüller motorcycle was brought by an Englishman named John C. Potter in 1893 and later known as the first motorcycle in Indonesia. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1Nwfrq1)

But amazingly, this German-made scooter was the figure of a motorcycle that first stopped in Indonesia (at that time still called the Dutch East Indies) which was imported directly by a British named John C. Potter in 1893. (Here's the full story).

2. Auto-Fauteuil

In 1902, a French manufacturer made a scooter named Auto-Fauteuil which is often regarded as one of the forerunners of the modern scooter. Unlike today's scooters, Auto-Fauteuil scooters drive the rear wheels with a chain system, just like an ordinary motorcycle. Its trademark is the rider's seat adopts a (house) chair model with arms and backrests.

Auto-Fauteuil 1908 model "Tour" 490 cc, water cooled, single frame. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2UR5VwD)

And the story behind the creation of this scooter is also quite unique, it all began when the French factory named Georges Gauthier and Cie. in Blois, Loir-et -Cher, which is actually an auto-parts manufacturer tried to make a scooter.

The scooter manufactured between 1902 and 1922 and the presence of these scooters was quite attention-grabbing in the eyes of the bikers of the era. At  first the power units were supplied by De Dion Bouton, but by 1906 Gauthier used his own engines. These engines could be ordered in several capacities, with magneto or battery and coil ignition and engines could be air-cooled or water cooled.

3. Autoped

Then the first generation of scooters was marked by the appearance of Autoped in 1915. The Autoped was an early motor scooter or motorized scooter manufactured by the Autoped Company of Long Island City, New York from 1915 to 1921.

1919 Autoped, (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KXq9jQ)

To ride the Autoped had a unique way, namely the driver stood on a platform with 10-inch tires and operated the machine by pushing the handlebars forward, while for braking, the driver must pull the handlebars towards the rear.

Krupp licence-built Autoped with seat. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KXq9jQ)

The engine was an air-cooled, 4-stroke, 155 cc engine over the front wheel. The bike came with a headlamp and tail lamp, a Klaxon horn, and a toolbox. Developed during wartime and gasoline rationing, it was quite efficient, but was not widely distributed and used (for example, used by traffic police officers).

4. Unibus

Next unique scooter is a scooter from England which is also included in the first generation scooter category. The scooter was named Unibus, ie a scooter produced by a British company called Gloster Aircraft Co. and before producing scooters, this British company founded in 1917 had been producing airplanes which were used during the first world war. And at the end of the war which was precisely in 1920, the company decided to switch to producing two-wheeled vehicles, namely Scooters.

Unibus scooter as display at the Jet Age Museum in Gloucestershire, England. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DuB6Ds)

This unique scooter designer is Harold Boultbee who is also an engineer at those British manufacturing company. In its heyday, Unibus was a scooter that used a fairly sophisticated engine so many people at that time dubbed it "The Car On Two Wheels". The Unibus scooter uses a 2-stroke one-cylinder air-cooled engine with a capacity of 270 cc. These engine is capable of producing power up to 2.5 horsepower, which then delivers the power to the rear wheels through the two-speed manual transmission system. Then the legs that allow this scooter to roll on the road are a pair of 16-inch wheels.

With engine specifications that are fairly sophisticated at that time, of course it is not surprising that the selling price becomes expensive. Especially by carrying out an elegant design, then at that time, Unibus was considered a masterpiece. But as a result of the high price of these scooters, made it unsold on the market. So finally in 1922 the production was stopped. And for 2 years producing Unibus scooters, the British manufacturer only made 100 units. And if you currently feel interested and want to see this Unibus scooter figure, then you are advised to come up to the Jet Age Museum in Gloucestershire, England.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | SCOOTERNET.GR | YESTERDAYS | HITS FROM THE 80S&90S]

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Engler F.F Superquad, a unique blend of Supercars and quad bikes

This year's Geneva Motor Show automotive exhibition hosts a number of car manufacturers in the world. Not only automotive brands with great reputation were present, but there were a number of small companies also enlivened the exhibition which took place in Palexpo, Geneva, Switzerland. Besides that, there are also several unique vehicle models that are also displayed to enliven the event of this famous automotive exhibition.

The Engler F.F Superquad is a cross between a supercar and a quad bike. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2NUZJwY)

And one of the companies that managed to attract the attention of visitors to the exhibition was Engler, a Slovakian automotive company whose founded by Victor Engler. At this exhibition the company officially introduced a unique vehicle named Engler F.F Superquad.

The unique vehicle named Engler F.F Superquad has been premiered at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2NY3wK2)

As the name implies, these unique vehicle is a blend of supercars and quadbikes. Yes, even though it has four wheels, this vehicle does not have a cabin and steering wheel. And it looks more unique, because this vehicle is not provided a bench, but only pinned to the seat extends to the rear and the handlebar as it is found on a motorcycle.

While on the engine side, this Slovak company claims that the Engler F.F Superquad which is powered by a V10 engine with a capacity of 5.2 liters can spit power up to 850 hp. (In our opinion) most likely the engine is sourced from the Lamborghini Gallardo, Huracan, or Audi R8.

This unique vehicle only has a fairly light weight that is around 850 kg, and is also claimed to be able to produce a perfect power-to-weight ratio of 1:1. And reportedly, the Engler F.F Superquad can accelerate from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 217 mph (350 km/h). WOW!

The manufacturer of Engler F.F Superquad also explained if the customers able to personalize vehicle components according to their wishes and there are a number of different color choices. These unique vehicle has engineered and developed its own aluminum chassis and carbon fiber body, which it plans to manufacture in-house. However, the company has not officially informed the price of this Engler F.F Superquad.

Do you want to feel the intense sensation of the supercar power on the bike's handlebars instead of the steering wheel as always. If yes, You must try to ride this unique kind of vehicles.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPER-QUAD | CARSCOOPS | AUTOBLOG]

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