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Archive indexThe Bernardi Buzz Italian-made cyclemotor, formerly known as the Delta Dart, which was brought to the 1996 Headcorn event by local agent John Bayley, is, according to Buzz UK's Director Iain Bush, selling particularly well to motor home and caravan owners.
The 35cc two-stroke, with electronic ignition, auto clutch and carbon-fibre roller drive sits below the bottom bracket 'Firefly style'. Governed to 4,100 rpm, its economy is claimed to be 190mpg at 20mph, with a top speed of 25mph. Iain tells me the price is around the £400 mark.
The Company is also to market an American electric bike motor in two versions, a single-speed type at £295, and a two-speed version for £100 more. Known as the ZAP, further details should be available shortly.
The third interesting newcomer to the scene is the electric Yamaha PAS bicycle. I had a short ride, and feel it is the Rolls Royce of electric power—so smooth and quiet, very well put together, as one might expect from this company. It has a range of 18-25 miles whereupon the NiCad battery can be recharged in 3½ hours. There is a Nexus 4-speed hub gear and drum brakes, and colours are blue or yellow. Dynamo lighting and front basket are also included.
Club member Paul Evernden is the sole dealer for Kent, and has a demonstrator, and an information pack is available to serious enquirers. Contact Evernden Cycles, 47 Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Kent, TN12 6DG, Tel: 01892 832823. It is cheaper than the Raleigh, at £899.
First published - April 1998