Former Master Sgt. Adam Monticelli with the Oregon Air National Guard changed his plea to guilty in federal court Monday.
Monticelli admitted that he stole three Suzuki motorcycles from the Air Force, 125 Special Tactics Squadron of the Oregon Air National Guard in 2009. He was a Senior Master Sgt. at the time. Monticelli admitted to creating a fictitious person, signing off on those motorcycles as being unusable, then selling them on Craigslist for profit.
Although Monticelli admitted guilt, he will likely never see the inside of a prison cell. He is being placed on an 18 month diversion program, similar to probation. Monticelli, who lives in New York, can have the three felony charges against him dismissed if he completes a diversion program by July of 2012.
Monticelli must also re-pay the government $8850 for the stolen motorcycles.
U.S. Attorney Pamala Holsinger said that under the circumstances the result is unusual, but said Monticelli is a decorated service member being given a second chance.
If Monticelli does not successfully complete the 18 month diversion program, he will be sentenced on three felony counts of theft of government property—a crime that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine.
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While 700 motorcycles may seem like a bad day for some rallies or events, in some parts of the world its considered a record.
Case in point, Jakarta Indonesia where the magical figure of seven hundred broke a record set in 2007 for the number of motorcycles participating in a rally. And like every record-breaking event there were a list of who’s who, at least among the local population.
Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo and former Industry Minister Fahmi Idris participated in the rally.
But like any motorcycle event that crowds the local streets, the sheer number of bikes reportedly slowed down traffic with drivers complaining about bikers creating unwanted congestion.
There are more than a few reasons why this motorcycle enthusiasm is music the ears of motorcycle manufacturers the world over. While some parts of the globe were happy with maintaining sales, or even a slight decrease, in Indonesia two-wheeled sales were up 26 percent reaching 7,369,249 units.
That already big number is expected to get bigger with an expectation of over eight million motorcycles being sold in 2011.
Sales volumes last year were led by Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki according to data from Indonesia's Motorcycle Industry (AISI). With these mind-boggling motorcycles it’s no surprise that manufacturers from Harley-Davidson to Honda are looking to these prolific markets with longing eyes. Both felt lucky with selling 143,000 and 192,000 motorcycles respectively in the North American region for 2010.
Admittedly, the motorcycle market in Indonesia and surrounding countries have large segments of smaller sized engine motorcycles that are used by the general public as everyday transportation, an area not serviced by the Ducati’s of the world.
And it’s wrong to assume to look for would-be motorcycle clubs rumbling through the back roads of Indonesia because they’ve been bitten by the biker bug. Most likely the reason for the expected jump in the already millions of sales is a fuel subsidy.
The Indonesian government plans to stop the use of subsidized fuel for private cars in the Jakarta region after the first quarter, but not for motorcycles which is seen to help with the growth of two-wheeled sales.
But regardless of the reasons why and what they may buy, motorcycle manufacturers have over eight million reasons to find their way to Indonesia.
Honda released its overall 2010 sales numbers this week, showing a 16.2 percent increase in global sales, but an 8.6 percent drop in North American sales.
Globally, Honda sold 17.9 million motorcycles in 2010, compared to 15 million in 2009. In North America, 192,000 bikes were sold in 2010, compared to 210,000 in 2009.
Besides North America, sales have also descended in Europe and China. In Europe, sales were down 1.2 percent (258,000 motorcycles sold 2010; 261,000 sold 2009). In China, sales were done 1.6 percent (1.2 million motorcycles sold 2010; 1.3 million sold 2009).
But there's a different trend in Asia and Oceania, where smaller displacement motorcycles are mostly sold. Honda broke records there; sales were up 18.7 percent, with 14.3 million motorcycles sold in 2010 compared to 11.7 million sold in 2009.
With a new year just beginning, motorcycle enthusiasts still have a lot to wait until the top players on this market start teasing us with new models and concepts. Meanwhile, thanks to Honda, we have a series of contraptions to feast our eyes with, starting with the Fury “Furious” concept that you can see in the adjacent images.
The history behind this project is not as complicated as you might be tempted to think: three young designers from Honda Reseach & Development Americas located in Southern California were given the task to build custom bikes based on the Fury, Stateline & Sabre.
Starting with 2010 Honda VT1300's, the designers had only 3 months to realize their builds from start to finish. All this while having to stay within a limited budget.
Here's what Honda have to say about the 2010 Honda Fury “Furious” (Hardtail Chopper):
“Based on the 2010 Fury, Nick Renner (Honda R&D Americas) introduces “Furious”, a bold blend of new and old school flavor. Pounding the street with a 23 inch wheel up front and a 20 on the rear, Furious makes no apologies. 45 degree rake and converted hard tail create a clean, pure statement that is simply chopper. Metal flake, variegated leafing, and diamond stitched seat contrast with the five spoke crushers and Fury tank. Long and low, clean and mean... Furious is an instant Neo-Classic.”
Honda produced more than 18 million motorcycles and ATVs in 2010. The Japanese giant released its global production and sales data for the past calendar year, with record-breaking numbers in many categories. Fueling the numbers were increases in the high-volume Asian market. Honda’s North American sales, which include the U.S., Canada and Mexico, decreased from 210,000 to 192,000, a decline of 8.6%.
honda motorcycles cbr
Honda expects to sell 220 000 of its new little Twister annually.
Honda sales in Asia have fueled a record-setting production pace for the Japanese manufacturer, with more than 18 million motorcycles and ATVs produced in 2010
Honda’s Asia and Oceania market showed the most dramatic growth in terms of unit volume, with a remarkable 2.7 million unit increase in annual sales. The 14.4 million total for 2010 sets a new record for Honda, replacing last year’s 11.7 million mark, itself a record-setting total at the time. The Asia/Oceania region includes high-volume countries like Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as India, the second-largest motorcycle market on earth.
At the end of 2010 Honda reshaped its strategic presence in India when it confirmed a split with its joint venture Hero Honda. The Japanese firm will divest its 26% share in the JV, which since its creation in 1984 has blossomed into the largest manufacturer in India, with more than five million Hero Honda sales claimed for 2010. Honda’s wholly-owned subsidiary company, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), has itself grown into a manufacturing powerhouse in the Indian market. HMSI is the fourth-largest OEM on the subcontinent, behind Hero, Bajaj and TVS. Honda’s subsidiary looks to maintain market share amidst the country’s rapid two-wheeled sales growth, with HMSI building another manufacturing plant for 2011 to keep production inline with demand.
As for the largest two-wheeled market in the world, China, Honda saw a slight decrease in sales, with totals dropping from 1,303,000 to 1,285,000. In South America Honda made up the loss, enjoying a robust gain in sales, up 18% to 1,640,000.
Honda’s European and North American markets are characterized by much lower unit volumes of larger-displacement, higher-priced machinery. Honda groups the European market in with the Middle East and Africa. Big Red claims slight decline in sales in those regions, dropping from 261,000 to 258,000. North America remains Honda’s poorest performing market, with motorcycle sales in the U.S. still in the decline for 2010.
Honda Motorcycle plans to triple India sales in 5 years news
04 January 2011
Japanese motorcycle maker Honda Motor Co, which ended a partnership with India's Hero Group, plans to ramp up motorcycle production at its fully-owned Indian unit and triple sales to 5 million units annually in five years.
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), the Indian arm of Honda Motor Co, has reported a 20 per cent year-on-year growth in sales, at 1,40,642 units in December 2010 compared to the same month of the previous year.
Honda sold 53,821 motorcycles and 76,263 scooters in India in December while it exported 10,558 units during the month.
Honda, which last month sold its stake in Hero Honda Motorcycles to partner Hero Group, hopes to boost local production to offset its comparatively low market share. (See: Hero, Honda split; seal new licensing deal)
Honda plans to boost production at its subsidiary Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt Ltd from the current 1.55 million units a year to 2.2 million units by 2012, Japanese business daily Nikkei reported.
Honda is planning overall investment of Rs1,000 crore (18 billion yen) in India to boost two-wheeler production, the newspaper said.
As part of its sales promotion drive, Honda Motor Co plans to begin production on a 250cc sports model in India in March.
The company also plans to build a third plant in Andhra Pradesh and open new sales locations in regional cities and rural districts, the paper added.
In '85 the original V-Max turned the motorcycle world on its ear. Our engineers took a big dose of the original "Mad Max" DNA then added a bunch of Yamaha's latest sport bike technologies like our chip controlled variable intake stacks, a high tech fuel injection system and our famous fly by wire throttle. The result is the next generation VMAX. The legendary sound, engine character and amazing acceleration are all part of the design but there is a twist. The VMAX offers truly sporty handling, thanks to its lightweight aluminium chassis and fully adjustable suspension. Scorched any pavement lately?
Unlike any other motorcycle available today, the 2010 Yamaha VMAX is truly in a class of its own. The awesome acceleration and muscular beauty combines with sporty handling and Yamaha's latest electronic engine management technologies to offer an incredibly exhilarating riding experience.
The 2010 Yamaha VMAX has always been the untimate muscle bike, and the 2010 VMAX is the awesome result of its evolutionary journey. The unique features of this iconic beast are richly blended with advanced sportbike technology and forward-thinking style. It all ads up to a machine with immense performance and visual power. 
Yamaha SZ Motorcycles images
Yamaha SZ wallpaper
Yamaha SZ bike
Yamaha SZ MotorcyclesIndia Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. unveiled the new 153cc 2011 Yamaha SZ-R, adding a new credo for the motorcyclists in India with the archetype Yamaha DNA of performance, innovation and design.
The SZ-R gives the 150cc motorcycle commuters a sporty edge apart from delivering just enough power, comfort and style. The Yamaha SZ series of motorcycles launched in Aug. of 2010 and aggressive pricing of Rs 49,000 ($1,081.68 USD) have been in high demand as they gain popularity across India.
Motorcyclists in India have been demanding a disc brake version which is now available in SZ-R. Yamaha India is confident that the new motorbike models will once again capture the hearts of our motorcycle buyers and will further consolidate their position in the market against Honda Hera and up and coming Mahindra & Mahindra.
Mr. Hiroyuki Suzuki (CEO of India Yamaha Motorcycle) says: "India is one of the key markets for Yamaha and we have been constantly shifting gears to transform the market from utility to pleasure & lifestyle.
"Yamaha offers innovative designs, sporty looks and premium features across models as part of its strategy to give consumers a new thrill in biking.
"After the successful launch of our superbikes and 150 cc bikes in the Indian market over the last 3 years, we are adding new bikes to our portfolio corroborating Yamaha's continued commitment to provide world-class products to its consumers."
In essence, the 153cc SZ-R is a sporty version of SZ-X stylish commuter. The more muscular SZ-R is targeted at commuter customers with their sportbike-oriented interests and is designed to create the sensation of "high speed", in the words of Yamaha India.
The motorcycle comes complete with front disc brake, tachometer and has a tank protector added to the fuel tank to make it appear even larger. Furthermore, the shroud from the standard SZ-X motorcycle model is replaced by an aerodynamic spoiler that extends out in the same silver coloring as the side covers.
The Yamaha SZ-R also has clear lens turn signals, colored handle grip end bar, painted muffler end caps along with special graphics. The SZ-R is priced at Rs 55,500 ($1,214.13 USD) and will be available in 3 color options: Quality Black, Quality Red and Quality Blue.
With the launch of the SZ-R, Yamaha is all set to provide Indian motorcycle riders a chance to experience a well engineered, comfortable, stylish new motorcycle, which lies at the heart of the new Yamaha creation.
For 1200 bucks it sounds like a bargain. The only part I don't understand is how does a guys with the last name Suzuki become CEO of Yamaha?
Kymco is offering the People 125 model for just 1,999 euros.
Stands out for his generous axle width ( 1.40 m ) and the size of his wheels that are the same that Kymco GT has with the 100/80 x 16′ and 120*80 16′ pneumatics at the rear. 260 mm front disc brake and rear cylinder with 130 mm double shoe brake .
The lighthouse counts with double optic halogenous, being the first one in building it into their category. The lighthouse situation in the tallest possible place guarantees a precise illumination and better visibility for the rest of the drivers. Also attracts our attention the wide rear, transparent lighthouse, in fashion with the actual car ‘tunning’ tendency. The new People S 125 is also pioneer in using leds in the winkers, more luminous than the traditional lightbulbs. Another unusual detail is the digital muti-function screen of the instrument board, than in addition to the clock and total and partial speedometer, alerts us the maintenance periods.
Benefits:
* Potency: 10.3 cv to 7.500rpm
* Top Speed: 100 km. per hour
* Average Consumption: 3.5 liters 100
* Acceleration: 0-100 m in 7.3 seconds
