Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128342
~ Ha p p ' nlng s In Mot occycllng The Piaggio Police The New York City Police Department recently purchased 300 Piaggio BV200 scooters, just in time to use for the Republican National Convention. Th is add ition represents an important component of the fleet, which will allow the department to easily navigate congested New York City streets. Powered by a 2 I-horsepower LEADER (Low Emissions ADvanced Engine Range) mated to an autom atic transmission, the BVis the ideal vehicle for stop-and-go traffic situations . The scooters are white with customized blue NYPD decals, the NYPD motto, and full protective windscreens designed specificallyfor the department. "The Piaggio name stands for innovat ion, quality and superior performance, and we are excited to be able to supply these elements to further e nhance the work of the NYPD," said Costantino Sambuy, president of Piaggio USA. The BVis a larger, more powerful scoote r than what the NYPD has been using up until now . It has a 200cc , liquid-cooled, four-valve motor, front and rea r disc brakes , I 6-inch whee ls and dual shock absorbers for a smooth ride. The BVhas a top speed of ove r 7S miles per hour and has features such as a fold-away waterproof seat cover, electronic anti-theft immobilizer, trip computer, and optional top case and side compartments. Piaggio currently provides scooters to the New Orleans Police Department, as well as the state and municipal po lice in Spain, Italy, Romania and Hungary. For more info rmatio n on the Piaggio BY, go to www.piaggiousa.com . Lal:oni" To§eland" Lanzi" Mugello Regis Laconi, James Toseland and Lorenzo Lanzi were special guests during the recent World introductio n of the 2005 Ducati 999 at the Mugello Circuit, just outside of Florence, Italy, last week. All three riders were flown in from Holland, where the World Superbike race had taken place at the Assen circuit the day before. The two FilaDucati riders had a decent day at Assen, with Toseland winning race one and finishing second in race two. Teammate Laconi finished on the podium in third in race one and ended up fifth in race two. Toseland leads the World Superb ike points stand ings with 25S points, over Chris Vermeulen with 252 and Laconi in third with 245. Meanwhile, in the Supers port race , Lanzi strugg led with his 749R to finish 20th. Lanzi will be riding on the Ducati Austin team's 999 at the final AMASuperbike round at VIR, which comes after impressing the Ducat i Corse staff at a recent test with Eric Bostrom, Toseland and Laconi at Mugello in August. 92 SEPTEMBER 2 2, 2004 • CYCLE NEWS 40th Anniversary