TGB X Race 150 arrives

As the scooter market continues to prop up sales of the greater motorcycle market, buyers are increasingly spoiled for choice. The latest 'sporty' scooter to tempt buyers is the TGB X Race 150, which is due to sale in October and will slot in underneath the TGB Bullet 150.

Priced at $2590, the TGB X Race 150 joins the X Race 50 and 125cc models, but adds more power -- motivated by the same 151cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine as the TGB Bullet 150, outputting a healthy 10hp (7.4kW) at 7500rpm.

The gearbox is a CVT unit, so no gear shifting is required. As TGB terms it, the scooter has a 'Twist and Go' setup and ease of use is furthered by an electric start.

TGB says it has bequeathed the new model a race inspired design that "Will make it the number 1 choice for the sporty commute this Spring."

Featuring a dark motif with red accents on the undertray, the X Race 150 also comes with 13-inch colour matched wheels, complete with red pinstripes. Even the front disc brake caliper is finished in red, adding to the scoot's athletic pretensions.

Suspension comprises inverted forks with hydraulic shocks and dual coil over shocks at the rear, while Maxxis tyres are standard equipment.

The TGB X Racer 150 has been designed for two-up riding thanks to folding rear pegs for the pillion passenger. There's also under seat storage for odds and sods.

TGB, or Taiwan Golden Bee, have been building scooters in Taiwan since the late 1970s and all models in Australia are backed by a two-year parts and labour warranty.

In the first half of 2011 sales of new scooters in Australia rose 14.3% compared to 2010, showing strong interest in the compact two-wheeler market. TGB has been travelling strongly - its sales figures were up by 83.6% for the same period, year on year.