Seeing two unknown Yamaha Frogs of the past

Weird FROGS - Did you know that in the past there was a Yamaha poster that contained a picture of a large Frog in the middle of the road being illuminated by a light. I don't know what this poster means, what is certain is that this Japanese motorcycle manufacturer is not selling Frogs. 

Do any of you know what this Yamaha scooter model is called? (Picture from: RiderTua)

So what does Yamaha have to do with the Frog? Of course this piqued our curiosity to find out if Yamaha had a close relationship with the Frog? Indeed, not many people know that in the past this Japanese motorcycle manufacturer had a two-wheeled vehicle that wore the Frog name. 

A funny, weird Yamaha poster that contained a picture of a large Frog in the middle of the road being illuminated by a vehicle headlight. (Picture from: RiderTua)

And what we found at least, there were two Yamaha models of two-wheeled vehicles that carried the name Frog, as described below;

1. Yamaha Frog Electric Scooter Concept

This scooter not only carries the name Frog (as you can see on the sides), but also has a unique shape which at first glance is indeed very similar to the amphibious creatures. As you can see the front fascia is different from the majority of scooters currently on the market. There are two headlamps that stick out like a frog's eyes, and a fender that is attached to the body.

This possibility is one of the electric powered scooter concepts made by Yamaha back in the 1991. (Picture from: RiderTua)

The shape of the fender is different from the majority of current scooters which are separate from the body. At a glance, its shape reminds the public three-wheeled vehicles of the past, namely the Daihatsu Midget MP4 or in Indonesian called as Bemo. Turning to the back of the shape is also no less unique. The rear body piece is slightly ''bloated'', almost like one on the Vespa automatic scooter, coupled with the single-seat similar to the one on the Vespa 948. The rear stop and turn signal lights are also round like the front.

Yamaha had released Vinoora scooter for the Taiwan market in 2020, which has a similar unique-looking of the 1991 Yamaha Frog scooter. (Picture from: SerambiNews)

Unfortunately the drivetrain details which are not known, the information is also very scanty. This possibility is one of the electric powered scooter concepts made by Yamaha back in the 1991. And this Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the production of a similar scooter for the Taiwan market was named the Yamaha Vinoora in the 2020.

2. Yamaha Frog FZ750 Concept

The following one is also named Frog or the full Yamaha Frog FZ750 concept bike made by Frog Design in 1985 on the basis of the Yamaha FZ750. The company that designed this motorcycle is actually a company founded by Hartmut Esslinger in 1969 and is known as the designer for Apple computer casings in the 1980s.

The Yamaha Frog FZ750 motorbike concept made by Frog Design in 1985 on the basis of the Yamaha FZ750. (Picture from: RiderTua)

And the beginning of the birth of the Yamaha Frog FZ750 itself was because at that time Frog Design took part in a Yamaha motorcycle design competition held in collaboration with a German motorcycle magazine Motorrad. The goal is to get a safer and more beautiful motor design. Hartmut Esslinger said that apart from creating a futuristic design he also integrated safety features found by the University of Bochum, Germany. These features affect the design of the body and fuel tank of the Frog FZ750.

Even though the Yamaha Frog FZ750 is considered the most innovative invention of the time, Yamaha is reluctant to mass-produce this motorbike because it is considered impractical. (Picture from: RiderTua)

On the other hand, Esslinger also innovated in the lighting sector by adding dual main lights to maximize lighting. He also designed the rim design from carbon fiber. Yamaha Frog FZ750 was the most innovative invention at that time. Now the motorbike is at the Yamaha headquarters in Hammamatsu, Japan. Even though it is considered the most innovative invention, Yamaha is reluctant to mass-produce this motorbike because it is considered impractical.

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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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Once upon a time there's 'una Vespa' on the streets...

Right-engine greetings!
Dear, our fellow of the Vespa fans all-over the world.

Did you know by now that the Vespa, one of the Piaggio-owned brands celebrates its 77th anniversary this year (2023)? What started out as an idea to help the Italian people to travel easily and affordably way back in April 23, 1946 turned into a giant in the motorcycling industry as well as being one of the world's fashion icons.

We're proud to be one of the Vespa scooter riders....Happy 77th Anniversary of Piaggio Vespa. (Picture from: Pinterest)

During its 77-long years of tenure in the world's motorcycle industry has led this Italian company to produce a large number of different Vespa scooter models. We wanted to join in on celebrating this historic moment, as many of his fans around the world have done (as an illustration, like those giant Vespa carried by another Vespa in the parade of allegorical floats during the Carnival in Turin, in 1954).

One of the Indonesian Vespa enthusiasts rides proudly his lovely Vespa Super somewhere in the country. (Picture from: KomunitasVespaIndonesia)

These are my Lovely Duo Vespas.
(Taken from my personal collection)

There are so many Vespa-brand scooter models worth mentioning and many of them are also then built in such a way as to become a unique custom vehicle figure which is of course far different from the original ones.

In Indonesia, the Vespa scooter remains one of the favorite two-wheeled vehicles used by all groups of all ages. Although now Piaggio as the Vespa scooter manufacturer as well as the brand owner has produced many kinds of modern scooters, users and fans of classic scooters are still not diminishing.

Uuups... these are my Vespa.
(Taken from my personal collection)

And in our beloved country, amongst Vespa scooter enthusiasts are known a slogan that describes how close we are to one another, namely "Satu Vespa, Berjuta Saudara" (One Vespa, Millions Brothers.) 😀

That's mean if You having trouble with your Vespa in the streets (in Indonesia off course), and saw by the other Vespa owner who passing by. It's guarenteed, they will be help You immedietly. Due to we're all brothers and bonding each other through these Italian wasps wherever you are.👍

How about in your place?

Though the Vespa's anniversary had passed few days, but on this occasion let We say, 

Happy 77th anniversary of Vespa, the Italian wasp... 💋

We're proud to be one of the Vespa scooter riders... 💋

 

We're proud to be one of the Vespa scooter riders (in pictured, the Indonesian scooter enthusiasts while celebrating Indonesia Mods Mayday 2019) - Happy 77th Anniversary of Piaggio Vespa. (Picture from: GilaMotor)

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops.....*** [EKA [24042021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FACEBOOK | TWITTER ] 

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Toyota launches electric three-wheeled mobility scooters for elders

Elder Mobility Scooter Toyota Motor Corporation recently unveiled its newest scooter, although this time it's a bit different and not as related to four-wheelers as always. But actually this three-wheeled mobility scooter is called the Toyota C+Walk S which is designed to help the activities of the elderly population in Japan.

Toyota presents the Toyota C+Walk S, because the percentage of elders aged over 75 years and over who want to go outside is decreasing. (Picture from: GoOto)

Toyota launched this mobility scooter for the elderly is actually not without reason. This was done after the Japanese automotive giant found data in their researchs about people over the age of 75 years old was starting have serious problems after walking as far 328 feet (100 meters). The fact causes the proportion of elders aged 75 years who leave the house for walk is lower 10 percent than those aged 65 years.

The Toyota C+Walk S mobility scooter for elders presented as a vehicle to support the increasingly high population of elderly  in Japan. (Picture from: OtomotifKompas)

As a result, this made Toyota feel concerned, and then tried to design a mobility scooter that was not only practical but also attractive. As quoted from Carscoops, the C+Walk S elderly mobility scooter of Toyota features a sleek design, having a variety of colors, a lightweight battery that's easy to recharge, and ample storage, so it could be helped elders move around with confidence.

To control this Toyota C+Walk S mobility scooter is very easy, thanks to a simple accelerator lever that the rider can release if they want to slow down. (Picture from: OtomotifKompas)

While judging from its design, the C+Walk S elderly mobility scooter was inspired by other Toyota C+ lineups, including the C+Walk T stand-up scooter and the C+Pod microcar. Furthermore, this Toyota' elderly mobility scooter is available in several color variations ranging from black, brown and gray.

To control this Toyota C+Walk S mobility scooter equipped with advanced driver assistance features, such as an obstacle detection system that slows the scooter to a speed of 1.2 mph (2 kph) if it sees something ahead that needs to be avoided. (Picture from: OtomotifKompas)

The appearance of the C+Walk S is indeed designed to be more than just sleek, in addition with such three-wheeled design like this it is also intended to make it easier for users to get on and off the vehicle. It can also make it easier to see what is happening in front of user. Meanwhile, the storage space under the seat is quite large, so it can accommodate a basket of groceries.

The Japanese auto manufacturer claims to control this elderly mobility scooter is very easy, thanks to a simple accelerator lever that the rider can release if they want to slow down. If they really need to brake in a hurry, separate brake controls are also provided.

Toyota C+Walk T is designed to move around in pedestrian walkways. (Picture from: Gadgets360)

This Toyota C+Walk S is also equipped with advanced driver assistance features, such as an obstacle detection system that slows the scooter to a speed of 1.2 mph (2 kph) if it sees something ahead that needs to be avoided. This system also helps slow it down when turning corners to ensure the C+Walk S doesn't go unbalanced suddenly. Similarly, it can slow down this scooter when going up a steep incline to prevent the user from losing control.

Toyota has finally decided to release its tiny electric car, the C+Pod, to be marketed in retail. (Picture from: Carvaganza)

If all safety systems off, the Toyota C+Walk S has a top speed of 3.8 mph (6 kph), which is said to be roughly the same as walking speed. Furthermore, the C+Walk S' built-in lithium-ion battery system can only take it walking as far as 7.4 miles (12 km) for a single charge. Not only that, the battery was fully removable (weighing only 5.5 lbs/2.5 kg) and can be fully recharged in two and a half hours.

For this day, the C+Walk S can only be purchased at Toyota' dealers in Japan with a starting price tag of JPY 498,000 (approx US $3,823), but customers who want full package of these driving assist technologies have to pay around JPY 505,000 (US $3,877).

 

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of three-wheeled honey bunny and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOYOTA | CARSCOOPS | GADGETS360 ]

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Mysterious Vespa racing scooter prototype of 1950s revealed

Mystery REVEALED The first time we saw this scooter on the internet a few years ago. At that time we were immediately fell in love with it because in our opinion this scooter has an unusual fierce shape we've never seen before. After that, we tried to find out what model this scooter was? However, it turns out that none of the models in the Piaggio's scooter catalog like this one.

The gorgeous scooter called Vespa 125 Corsa (original) built based on 1951 Vespa 125 by Cavalli brothers-owned workshop under the Piaggio authorization of the 1950s. (Picture from: FotoCommunity)

After searching, we finally found a little information about this unusual scooter from an account on a photography site in the name of William Mendini (a gentleman of Brescia), plus other info from several Vespa scooter fansites such as Basque Radical Mods, Vespa Club Salo and others.

The 1951 Vespa 125 has an aerodynamically bulged shape that resembles a big nose which is also used as a place for the headlight attached. (Picture from: FotoCommunity)

It turns out that this scooter was built based on the 1951 Piaggio Vespa 125 model by a Brescia-based modification workshop owned by the Cavalli brothers. The unique-shaped scooter was designed by Achille Cavalli for racing purposes and is said to have authorization of Piaggio as the manufacturer and owner of the Vespa brand.

The gorgeous scooter called Vespa 125 Corsa (original) modified under the Piaggio authorization for racing purposes. (Picture from: FotoCommunity)

As a result, the one-off prototype (as we can see today) was successfully built in 1951 and tested in 1952. But unfortunately, there are no data or records about it after that. So it is clear now, that isn't a scooter model made by Piaggio but the custom-built scooter result of a Brescia-based workshop. As for the name, some call it Vespa 125 Corsa (original) prototype, and --Because We Love Vespa-- If allowed, we preferred called it as Vespa Grosso Naso (big nose).😎

Achille Cavalli one of three Cavalli brothers who modified the Vespa 125 in the early 1950s. (Picture from: FotoCommunity)

When viewed from the physical appearance it looks like a combination of many scooter models made by Piaggio in the 1950s. As we can see from the front view, the scooter has striking looks with an aerodynamically bulged shape that resembles a big nose which is also used as a place for the headlight attached. Then to the middle, where a handlebar is the same as that used on the Vespa scooter model at that time.

Then in between the seat and the handlebar, there is an extra-large size fuel tank like the one on the Vespa Circuito 125 and at the bottom of where a spare tire saved like the Vespa 125 'Sei Giorno' models. Going to the back, there is a fin that at a glance reminds us of the Vespa Siluro model. While the engine, it looks like still uses a 125cc 2-stroke engine (there was none of the info about it).

The 1951 Vespa 125 was featured with a larger fuel tank, and a spare-tire in the middle. (Picture from: BasqueRadicalMods)

And if you look carefully ranging from the front to the rear of this scooter was very aerodynamic and added to the rider's sitting position who ducks with his head tilted over the fuel tank. Of course, that's very promising to be fast when speeding on the track.

The 1951 Vespa 125 was designed by Achille Cavalli (look at the designer name stamped on the scooter body), and probably still uses a 125cc 2-stroke engine. (Picture from: BasqueRadicalMods)

As quoted of FotoCommunity.it under the name of William Mendini's account, for more than fifty years this beauty racing scooter was stored well in a garage at the outskirts of the city and lastly restored in 2008, but it is unknown who the scooter owner today.

The gorgeous scooter called Vespa 125 Corsa (original) has a rear fin that at a glance reminds us of the famous Vespa Siluro model. (Picture from: BasqueRadicalMods)

That's it, and if the article above is still considered inadequate or inaccurate, or if you have additional information related to this unique scooter, please don't hesitate to let us know via the comments column below this article.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES[18082020] | BASQUE RADICAL MODS | VESPA CLUB SALO | FOTOCOMMUNITY | VESPA RESOURCES | VESPANIA | VESPISSIMO]

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A unique and rare Italian Little-Ant scooter

Unique ONES You may often see the appearance of this unique Italian classic scooter made by Moto Rumi of Fonderie Officine Rumi or the Rumi Foundries was formed at the beginning of the twentieth century (established by Gabrielle Rumi in Bergamo, Italy in 1906) and originally supplied cast components to the textile machinery industry. 

1959 Rumi Formichino made by the Italian factory Rumi, the 1959 Bol d’Or with a 125cc two-stroke engine was the most sought after of the Formichino models and was the fastest scooter of its day, producing 8.5 bhp at 7,200 rpm. (Picture from: MotorcycleNews)

One of Gabrielle’s son, Donnino, began working at the foundry at the age of 12. His work was casting metal, but his passion was painting, drawing, and sculpture, at which he was gifted and classically trained. Donnino assumed management of the foundry in the 1920s, with art taking a back seat. During WWII, Donnino refused to work with the Germans, and fought (and was subsequently jailed) as a Partisan. Meanwhile his foundry churned out bronze propellers, anchors, torpedoes, and periscopes for submarines.

1954 Rumi Scoiattolo 125. (Picture from: Ruotedasogno)

After the war, Donnino returned to help rebuild the factory, concentrating on textile machinery and later starting made light motorcycles and scooters powered by the horizontal twin two stroke engine of 125 cc capacity. In 1952, with the popularity of scooters through its compatriot made scooters such Vespa and Lambretta, Moto Rumi decided to start manufacturing its owne scooter known as the Rumi Scoiattolo or (a squirrel in Italian). 

Right side view of 1955 Rumi Formichino. (Picture from: LaneMotorMuseum)

The Scoiattolo has a cast aluminum monocoque body with tubular swinging arm rear suspension and teleforks with 14 inch wheels and three gears. Its subsequent models had a four speed gearbox and electric starter, at the time it was also reputed as the fastest scooters then in production.

Speedometer and odometer view of 1955 Rumi Formichino. (Picture from: LaneMotorMuseum)

Moto Rumi, a division of the Rumi Foundries that produced motorcycles and scooters, was only active from 1950-1960. While wildly popular on Italy’s strade, during this short span the factory also enjoyed numerous endurance and sprint racing victories, most notably the 24-Hour Bal d’Or at Montlhéry, France. All the Rumi bikes, both motorcycles and scooters, were based on their 125cc horizontal twin and some excellent engineering.

Rear side view of 1955 Rumi Formichino. (Picture from: LaneMotorMuseum)

The Rumi Formichino (a little ant in Italian) seen here is made up of only a few aluminum castings (as pointed to the company real expertise with metal). The engine is actually a structural member, part of the frameless monocoque, with the castings attached front and rear. 

The 1954 Rumi Regolanta 125cc. (Picture from: ClayPaky)

This lightweight approach gave a decided performance advantage over the conventional steel-framed Vespas and Lambrettas on the Italian roads, and added to their appeal as well. It’s also a beautiful sculptural piece, both functional and fast. No wonder if they triumphed three-times at the Italian Speed Championships in 1957, 1958, and 1960.

The 1953 Rumi Huchback 125cc. (Picture from: ClayPaky)

After Piaggio Vespa upped their game, so Moto Rumi was unable to compete anymore. And then they ceased the bike production in 1960, and closed the foundry in 1962. While Donnino returned to his first love of painting and sculpture, until his death in 1980. 

The 1951 Rumi Regolanta 125cc. (Picture from: ClayPaky)

Is history repeating itself? After some time away from the world of racing motorbikes, one of Donnino's grandsons named Stefano established the Rumi Sport Race Engineering in 2009, and developed (both of 125 cc and 250 cc) and lastly competed under Team Rumi in collaboration with Clay Paky at the Moto3 of 2014 racing seasons. 

This Moto3 racing bike powered by a 250cc four stroke engine was unveiled in 2013 after one year of toil by Rumi-Sport Engineering. (Picture from: ClayPaky)

Thus a brief history of Moto Rumi that once dominated various racing circuits in the 1950s to 1960s.

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 [13112018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LANE MOTOR MUSEUM | MOTORCYCLE NEWS | WIKIPEDIA | RUOTEDASOGNO | CLAY PAKY ]

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Two generations of a classic Honda Juno scooter

Unique Ones Talking about scooters, which had become a mode of transportation after the 2nd World War, because they were considered in accordance with the economic conditions of the people at that time, which were suffering due to the war. And of course you already know that this trend was originally pioneered by the Italian duo scooter maker companies, Piaggio and Innocenti, who were successful with their respective scooters.

Here is she a metallic green the 1956 Honda Juno JB (on the left) posed along a white-colored the 1963 Honda Juno M85 (in the middle). (Picture from: OOCities.org)

It turns out that the scooter trend is not only spreading in Europe, but also across the ocean to be precise in the land of the rising sun aka Japan. So it was not surprising that at that time pioneer scooters made by Japanese manufacturers began to appear, starting from the Fuji Rabit and the Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon after the war. As we could say that the scooters made by those Japanese manufacturers above were one of the first to appear after the Italian-made scooters becoming a trend in the era.

Here is she a a white-colored the 1963 Honda Juno M85 (in the front) posed along with with its predecessor, the 1956 Honda Juno JB (in the background). (Picture from: GridOto)

Then what about other Japanese manufacturers such as Honda Motor Co.Ltd. which was later also listed as one of the Japanese manufacturers who were also exposed to this trend and unmitigated the company was made scooter production up to 2 generations, even if they don't make any profit from the sales. The story began when, in the 1950s, Soichiro Honda, the company founder of Honda, interested in producing scooters after seeing that the promising motorcycle market in that country was being dominated by the two scooter brands above, Fuji Rabit and Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon.

Here is the first Honda-production scooter, 1954 Honda Juno KA is powered by a single-cylinder 4-stroke engine with a capacity of 189 cc with 7.5 hp. (Picture from: GridOto)

In short, Honda produced its first generation scooter in 1954 under the name Honda Juno. At that time, the single red-wing logoed company was produced the Juno in two variants, namely the KA, and JB types. By design, the Honda Juno scooter looks similar to the Vespa, but has a difference, namely that the body is made large coupled with the deck was not flat.

The Honda Juno first generation headset coupled with instrument panels (unknown model or year) might be that's 1956 JB type. (Picture from: OOCities.org)

At that time, Honda described its scooter as a "future" scooter figure. Why is that? Because the Honda's scooter has been provided with some pretty good details, name it the electric-starter, height windscreen capable to protect the rider from the wind exposure, and its turn signals positioned near to the windscreen..

The first generation of Honda Juno (in pictured the JB type) has large-sized body coupled with the deck was not flat, and came in two variants, namely the KA, and JB types. (Picture from: GridOto)

Well, if you examined, the 1st generation of Honda Juno scooter could be said a tourer scooter. As for the propulsion, the Honda Juno KA is equipped with a fairly large engine, namely a single-cylinder 4-stroke engine with a capacity of 189 cc with 7.5 hp. Meanwhile, the JB types are equipped with a 220 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke engine capable of producing 9 hp.

The first generation of Honda Juno (in pictured the JB type) already provided with several features a head its time, such the electric-starter, height windscreen, and its turn signals positioned near to the windscreen. (Picture from: Moto-Collection.org)

Unfortunately, even though it's equipped with a fairly large engine and a large body as well, it does not necessarily make this first generation Honda Juno last long on the market. This is because the body which is made of FRP (Fibre-Reinforced Plastic) actually makes it heavier, and in addition, the engine considered quickly overheat and the price was too expensive. So it's no wonder that the production of the first generation Honda Juno was ceased in 1955, after successfully selling about 5,856 units. 

The second generation of Honda Juno had many changes that made it look different from its predecessor, such as by removing the windshield and the design lines which looked more like the Honda Cub series. (Picture from: EnoAnderson)

But the failure of the first generation of Honda Juno above did not dampen Soichiro Honda's interest in making scooters again. Thus, the second generation of the Honda Juno was launched, and began its production in 1961. It came in two variants, namely the M80 and M85 types. The second generation of Honda Juno had many changes that made it look different from its predecessor, such as by removing the windshield and the design lines which looked more like the Honda Cub series which was successful on the market at that time.

The second generation of Honda Juno came in two variants, namely the M80 and M85 types. (Picture from: GridOto)

Then for the engine, the Honda Juno M80 is powered by a 125 cc two-cylinder 4-stroke boxer engine with 11 hp, while the M85 type uses a 170 cc two-cylinder 4-stroke boxer engine with 12 hp power. It was like experiencing deja vu, this second generation of Honda Juno met the same fate as its predecessor which was also unable to reap success in the market, and during its production period from 1961 to 1963 only 5,880 units were sold.

The second generation of Honda Juno is powered by by a 125 cc two-cylinder 4-stroke boxer engine with 11 hp for the M80 type, while for the M85 type used a 170 cc two-cylinder 4-stroke boxer engine with 12 hp power. (Picture from: GridOto)

By looking at the failure of those 2 generations of Honda Juno mentioned above, the Executive Vice President of Honda then, Kihachiro Kawashima, called it an extraordinary failure for the company. However, that is part of the journey that has been passed by a successful company that is now transformed into one of the Japanese industrial giants that not only produces motorcycles and cars, but has also ventured into many other advanced things such making private jets, robots, etc. 

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

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.