As I was moving the car out of the driveway to get easier access to my motorcycle, my neighbor came up to me and said "I saw you come in on a really weird motorcycle thing yesterday and what is it?"
Never one to pass up an opportunity, I replied in my best B-movie space alien voice, "It is an alien space vehicle."
"Oh. I thought so."
Well, actually, it's a Piaggio MP3 500. Piaggio, perhaps better known as the manufacturer of Vespa scooters and owner of Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Gilera, and other brands, calls it a "maxi-scooter", and the MP3 series is unlike anything else except the closely related Gilera Fuoco, at least on this planet. The "3" comes not from any music formatting, but from three wheels. The rear wheel is conventional, if larger than the old-school scooter norm. The usual single front wheel is replaced by two, placed close together, and connected by a patented parallelogram multilink suspension system that ensures they turn and bank together. The front wheels can be locked by an electro-hydraulic mechanism so that the MP3 stays upright when stopped, with no need for the rider to put their feet on the ground. That locking system, and a parking brake, means that the center stand doesn't normally need to be used.
At $8,899, the MP3 500 is as expensive as many motorcycles.
Source: Cnet - CarTech
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About Piaggio MP3 500
Piaggio to up production in India, launch scooters
Piaggio (PIA.MI: Quote, Profile, Research) will step up production in India and launch scooters in a market that is set to play a greater role in the Italian firm's global operations, its chief executive said on Tuesday.
Faced with a stagnant market in Europe, Piaggio is investing in China, India and Vietnam, and expects Asia's contribution to total sales at 30-35 percent by 2010 from about 20 percent now.
"The Asia-Pacific region offers immense opportunity," Roberto Colaninno said at a news conference.
"We are very positive about our growth in these markets -- they will play a major role in the group's worldwide vision."
Piaggio is looking at setting up research and development centres in Asia, including India, forging new agreements with key partners and tap more sourcing opportunities, he said.
A strategic cooperation agreement with Daihatsu Motor (7262.T: Quote, Profile, Research), for example, is being extended to supply components, engines and powertrains for Piaggio's light transport vehicles.
It has also entered a new agreement with India's Greaves Cotton (GRVL.BO: Quote, Profile, Research) for diesel engines for three-wheelers.
The maker of the famous Vespa scooter sells motorised three-wheelers in India and has launched a mini truck to take on leader Tata Motors (TAMO.BO: Quote, Profile, Research) (TTM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) in the fast-growing segment.
Piaggio had a venture with LML (LMLL.BO: Quote, Profile, Research) for scooters, and plans to re-enter the scooter market by 2010 with a hybrid design.
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| Piaggio Liberty 125cc
Engine: Single cylinder 4 stroke Piaggio LEADER
Displacement: 124cc
Starter: Electric
Description: Transmission: CVT and torque server
The Piaggio Liberty high-wheeled scooter enjoys extremely low consumption and negligible emissions exceeding Europe’s tough Euro 2 standards. Practical, manoeuvrable, functional - all captured in a design of elevated elegance. The Liberty is fun to ride in city traffic and always assured in its movements. The Piaggio Liberty 125 embodies the strong points of the high-wheeled scooter, a vehicle that has enjoyed a real boom in recent years in terms of popularity and sales. In scooter savvy Italy, the Liberty is the market leader in sales. Rationality and design appeal are the reasons for this scooters success. It produces a solution to the urban mobility problem that appeals across the board to a wide range of customers. The success of the Liberty is not only the result of its elegant lines, but also of the attention that Piaggio pays to improving technology, comfort, functionality and performance to create a comprehensive product range that meets the tastes and expectations of every customer. Storage space meets the needs of town use: the Liberty has a helmet compartment under the seat, storage inside the legshields, rear rack and bag hook, and the option of a colour-coded top box. The Liberty 125 Quattrotempi is powered by the new-generation Piaggio four-stroke engine. High technology and environmental friendliness are the criteria that inspired the Piaggio LEADER engine range (Low Emission ADvanced Engine Range) which powers the Liberty 125 Quattrotempi in the two valve SOHC air cooled configuration. Fuel consumption is particularly low (38 km on one litre at 60 km/h for the Liberty 125). Safety, comfort and driving enjoyment are guaranteed on the Liberty by motorcycle-type design elements and cycle parts. The Libertys high resistance steel frame has structural reinforcement. It absorbs even the roughest road surfaces without problems. This is helped by a suspension system made of a front fork with oversized shafts and a single arm rear suspension with a dual rate hydraulic damper and coil spring with adjustable 4-position pre-loading. The brakes, a 220 mm hydraulic disc at the front and 140 mm drum at the rear, guarantee a high level of active safety and perfect control over the vehicle. The 125 has chrome plated steel protective elements, a chrome-plated spring on the rear damper and a new larger and more comfortable seat. An electronic anti-theft immobiliser is standard equipment on the Liberty 125.
ALL NEW PIAGGIO PRICING! ENQUIRE IN STORE!
Dimensions: Length 1930mm / Width 740mm
Wheel Base: 1325mm
Seat Height: 775mm
Fuel Capacity: 6 Litres
Front Tyre: Tubeless 90/80-16”
Rear Tyre: Tubeless 110/80-14”
Front Suspension: Ø 32 telehydraulic fork, 76 mm travel
Rear Suspension: Hydraulic monoshock, 4 position spring preload, 85.5 mm travel
Front Brakes: Ø 220 mm disc, calliper with opposed pistons
Rear Brakes: Ø 140 mm drum
Dry Weight: 106 Kg
| Piaggio X9 400 ie
Engine: Single-cylinder, 4 stroke, 4 valve MASTER with electronic injection; catalysed
Displacement: 399 cc
Starter: Electric
Description: Transmission: CVT Automatic
The second model to the already popular X8 range only this time it is powered by an economical 34HP 399cc Fuel Injected engine! The X8 has a cavernous dual opening underseat storage area. The X8 also features fron t and rear disc brakes for safe braking in all circumstances.
Dimensions: 2,184 mm/ 760 mm
Wheel Base: 1,540 mm
Seat Height: 790 mm
Fuel Capacity: 12 litres (includes 1.8 litres reserve)
Front Tyre: Tubeless 120/70-14”
Rear Tyre: Tubeless 140/70-14”
Front Suspension: 35 mm tele-hydraulic fork, 94 mm travel
Rear Suspension: Two dual-effect shock absorbers and four-position spring preload, 90 mm travel
Front Brakes: Two stainless steel disks, 240 mm, floating caliper with two pistons
Rear Brakes: Stainless steel disk, 240 mm, caliper with opposed pistons
Dry Weight: 198 Kg
| Piaggio MP3 250cc
Engine: Single-cylinder QUASAR, 4-stroke, 4-valve, electronic injection, catalysed
Displacement: 244.3 cc
Starter: Electric (freewheel) with torque limiter
Description: Transmission: Twist and go’ automatic CVT, torque server
PIAGGIO MP3 Two front wheels — a revolutionary concept. Piaggio launched the first Vespa model — and with it the scooter phenomenon — in the spring of 1946. The scooter revolutionised personal transport, giving Europeans a sense of utter freedom. Sixty years on, Piaggio has come up with another revolutionary product: the PIAGGIO MP3, a totally innovative three-wheeler with two front wheels. The PIAGGIO MP3 provides safety, road grip and stability levels that no two-wheeler can match. Power, performance and ease of use make for a very entertaining ride. The two front wheels of the PIAGGIO MP3 re-define the very concept of ride stability to provide an unprecedented riding experience. The front assembly, with two independent tilting wheels, is far more stable than any scooter. The PIAGGIO MP3 grips the road even when tailing other vehicles, providing top performance in total safety. The full extent of this three-wheeler’s stability can be tested on wet asphalt or tough riding conditions that would sorely challenge a traditional two-wheeler. In town and city traffic the PIAGGIO MP3 has no equal in terms of safety. It takes on cobblestone streets, patchy asphalt and tram tracks with the greatest of ease, remaining safe and stable all the while. With its compact super-scooter size and exceptional manoeuvrability, the PIAGGIO MP3 is at home in town traffic. It’s a cinch to park: an electro-hydraulic suspension locking system means there is no need to put the vehicle on its stand. Thanks to an overall front-end width of only 420 mm, the Piaggio MP3 is type-approved as a standard two wheeled motorcycle. The revolutionary PIAGGIO MP3 requires far less braking space than any scooter — the three-disk braking system and exceptional front-end road-holding reduce braking space by 20 per cent compared to the best scooters. The PIAGGIO MP3 comes into its own when heading out of town. Its road grip, cornering safety and tilt angle of up to 40 per cent are unprecedented for a scooter, adding to the pleasure of riding different road surfaces at high speed. The PIAGGIO MP3 will come to Australia as a 250 cc, 4-stroke, 4-valve, liquid-cooled unit in line with Euro3 emissions standards. The 250cc, equipped with electronic injection, delivers a 22.5 bhp/16.9 kW power output, making the PIAGGIO MP3 capable of comfortably taking on long-distance rides. The PIAGGIO MP3 offers unique and unprecedented riding pleasure. The version we are expecting will have an electro-hydraulic tilt lock mechanism allowing automatic levelling. This innovative vehicle marks the start of a new personal transport revolution from Piaggio. From Piaggio Press
Dimensions: L 2,130 mm / W 745 mm
Wheel Base: 1,490 mm
Seat Height: 780mm
Fuel Capacity: 12 litres (includes 1.8 litres)
Front Tyre: Die-cast aluminium alloy, 12inch
Rear Tyre: Die-cast aluminium alloy, 12i
Front Suspension: Parallelogram composed of four aluminium arms supporting two steering tubes, cantilevered suspension
Rear Suspension: Two dual effect hydraulic shock absorbers and adjustable spring preload – Travel: 110mm
Front Brakes: Two stainless steel disks, Ø 240 mm and floating calliper with two pistons, Ø 30 mm
Rear Brakes: Stainless steel disk, Ø 240 mm and calliper with opposite pistons, Ø 30 mm
Dry Weight: 204 kg
| Piaggio X9 500cc
Engine: Single cylinder liquid cooled 4 valve fuel injected 4 stroke
Displacement: 460cm3 (Power 39Bhp and Torque 43Nm)
Starter: Electric only
Description: Transmission: Automatic constantly variable transmission (C.V.T) with centrifugal clutch
The latest incarnation of the X9 500 is the Evolution. Boasting a 460cc single cylinder, fuel injected four stroke engine with four valve head and variable cam timing, it has become the European benchmark in the Mega Scooter market segment. It also boasts an excellent linked braking system featuring the best Brembo componentry, 14 inch wheels front and rear for a better ride and added stability, an integrated PICS comunication/entertainment system featuring rider to passenger intercom and FM radio. The New X9 500 Evolution truly is the scooter to aspire to, whether you are a seasoned scooterist making your way to the top of the model range or a motorcyclist sick of changing gears and looking for something more comfortable and easy for everyday use. The X9 500 Evolution has your name written all over it! Check it out today at Scootopia! All Piaggio scooters have now been reduced. See in store for details!
Dimensions: 2130mm, 910mm
Wheel Base: 1530mm
Seat Height: 780mm
Fuel Capacity: 14.5Ltrs
Front Tyre: 120/70 x 14
Rear Tyre: 150/70 x 14
Front Suspension: Hydraulic telescopic forks (41mm tubes with 90mm stroke)
Rear Suspension: Dual adjustable coil springs with hydraulic dampers (90mm stroke)
Front Brakes: Twin 260mm stainless discs with Brembo Oro two piston callipers
Rear Brakes: 240mm stainless disc with Brembo Oro calliper (linked system to front left disc)
Dry Weight: 206kg
| Piaggio Beverly 250
Engine: Single cylinder 4 stroke Piaggio QUASAR
Displacement: 244cc
Starter: Electric
Description: Transmission: C.V.T Automatic
The Piaggio Beverly has revolutionised the scooter market, rapidly becoming the top seller in the competitive medium and large displacement high wheel-scooter segment. Agile and safe in traffic, elegant and noticeable around town the Piaggio Beverly high-wheel scooter is extremely easy to ride. The Piaggio Beverly is the same scoter used in New York as the NYPD Police Scooter running hundreds of these Scooters across the city! The Beverly 250 ie uses the Quasar 250 ie four-stroke, four-valve electronic injection liquid cooled engine as seen in the Vespa GTS and the upcoming MP3. The result is a 22 bhp shaft power output and torque of over 20 Nm at 6,500 rpm, giving the Beverly 250 maximum speed of up to 125 km/h and pick-up levels that top the category.
Dimensions: 2110mm x 780mm
Wheel Base: 1470mm
Seat Height: 790mm
Fuel Capacity: 10 litres (includes 2.5 litres reserve)
Front Tyre: Tubeless 110-70 – 16
Rear Tyre: Tubeless 140-70 – 16
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork, Ø 35 mm shafts, 104 mm stroke
Rear Suspension: Dual hydraulic shock absorber, 4-position spring preload,
Front Brakes: Ø 260 mm disc, floating caliper with two pistons
Rear Brakes: Ø 260 mm disc, floating caliper with opposite pistons
Dry Weight: 157Kg
| Piaggio Fly 125cc
Engine: Single cylinder Piaggio LEADER 4 stroke 124 cc
Displacement: 125cc
Starter: electric and kick starter
Description: Transmission: C.V.T constantly variable automatice transmission
Now in Store and rearing to go! Another completely new model from Piaggio - The all new Piaggio Fly. Powered by an effecient 4 stroke 125cc engine. With its simple design and classic Italian flair this scooter has already won a lot of hearts! The Fly is exceptional value for money. The Fly is from the world most famous Scooter Brand in the world - Piaggio! Stick with the brands you recognise!
Dimensions: 1870 / 735 / 1330mm
Wheel Base: 1340mm
Seat Height: 785mm
Fuel Capacity: 7.2 Litres
Front Tyre: Tubeless 120/70x12
Rear Tyre: Tubeless 120/70x12
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork, Ø 32 mm
Rear Suspension: Hydraulic single shock absorber
Front Brakes: disk Ø 200 mm, floating calliper with two pistons
Rear Brakes: Drum Ø 140 mm
Dry Weight: 97Kg
| Piaggio Purejet NRG 50cc
Engine: Single cylinder 2 stroke with direct electronic injection
Displacement: 49.4cc
Starter: Electric
Description: Transmission: automatic variator with torque server
The All new Piaggio NRG Purejet has arrived! The NRG is a completely new super sport design to match the high performance and cutting-edge technology within the bike. New front shield more aerodynamic offers greater rider protection. The front headlamps are set within the front shield reflecting the current trend in sports bike design. The racing elements can be seen in all areas of the scooter design, including the unique 13inch six spoke alloy wheels and sporty tyres. The NRG Purejet has an analogue and digital instrumentation panel and a new style aircraft inspired fuel tank positioned on the front of the footrest for quick and easy access. Available in Red & Black, Blue & Black and silver & Black Schemes. ALL NEW PIAGGIO! ENQUIRE IN STORE! This Scooter can be ridden on a car licence!
Dimensions: 1870 mm x 720 mm
Wheel Base: 1300 mm
Seat Height: 810 mm
Fuel Capacity: 7 litres of which 1.9 litres reserve
Front Tyre: Tubeless racing type, 130/60x13
Rear Tyre: Tubeless racing type, 130/60x13
Front Suspension: Upside down hydraulic telescopic fork, shafts Ø 30 mm
Rear Suspension: Single-arm with hydraulic damper
Front Brakes: Ø 220 mm stainless steel disk, fixed two-piston calliper
Rear Brakes: Ø 175 mm stainless steel disk, fixed two-piston calliper
Dry Weight: 89 kg
| Piaggio Zip 50cc
Engine: Single cylinder four stroke Piaggio Hi-PER4
Displacement: 50cc
Starter: Electric with kick start backup
Description: Transmission: CVT Automatic
Welcome Back Zip! Scootopia are proud to announce the arrival of the Piaggio Zip this time with a clean green 4 stroke 50cc engine! Stock is in store now! *PLUS ON ROAD CHARGES.
Dimensions: 1690mm x 680mm
Wheel Base: 1215mm
Seat Height: Adjustable to three positions (750 mm, 765 mm, 780 mm)
Fuel Capacity: 7.3 litres of which 1 litres reserve
Front Tyre: Tubeless 100/80-10
Rear Tyre: Tubeless 120/70-10
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork, 75 mm travel
Rear Suspension: Hydraulic single shock absorber, 74 mm stroke
Front Brakes: 175 mm disc, calliper with opposed pistons
Rear Brakes: 110 mm drum
Dry Weight: 83 kg
| Piaggio Liberty S 200cc
Engine: Single cylinder 4 stroke Piaggio LEADER
Displacement: 197.9cc
Starter: Electric
Description: Transmission: CVT Automatic
NOW AVAILABLE - the New Liberty S 200. A recent addition to the popular range of Liberty Scooters from Piaggio. Powered by an economical 200cc 4 stroke engine this scooter will not disappoint! Get your order in today! Colours available will be Black and Midnight Blue!
Dimensions: 1930mm (L) 740mm (W)
Wheel Base: 1325mm
Seat Height: 805mm
Fuel Capacity: 6 litres (includes 1 litre of reserve)
Front Tyre: Tubeless 100/80-16\\\\\\\\
Rear Tyre: Tubeless 140/70-14”
Front Suspension: Ø 32 telehydraulic fork, 76 mm travel
Rear Suspension: Hydraulic monoshock, 4 position spring preload, 73.5 mm travel
Front Brakes: Ø 175 mm disc
Rear Brakes: Ø 140 mm drum
Dry Weight: 107 Kg
| Motor scooters gain in popularity
Sales soar as Americans look for relief from soaring gas prices
PIERRE, S.D. - Gasoline pushing $3 gallon? Why worry? Buy a motor scooter like thousands of other Americans and stretch that single gallon of gas a week or more.
“As people start driving them, they start finding more reasons to use them,” said Doug Day, owner of Scooter Centrale and Vespa Hartford in Plainville, Conn. “They’re practical, easy to park and get great gas mileage. I put $5 worth of gas into mine when it’s totally empty, compared to $50 in my SUV.”
As gasoline prices soar, the popularity of peppy, fuel-sipping motor scooters — most easily get 50 miles per gallon and some of the smaller ones get up to 80 mpg — is soaring. Sales, estimated at 86,000 last year in the U.S., have doubled from 2000, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council.
“I put about 20 miles a day on mine, and I only have to fill it up twice a month,” said Jessica Meuchel, 23, who uses a scooter to deliver daily newspapers in Pierre, S.D. She bought the two-wheeler this spring because it was costing her $200 a month to fuel her truck.
Even the larger scooters are more economical to drive than cars, says Day. He says sales at his shops climbed nearly 200 percent last year and are doing well this year, too.
MIC spokesman Mike Mount said the market gained momentum when upscale Italian scooter maker Piaggio re-entered the U.S. market with the legendary Vespa scooter in 2001. Motorcycle makers such as Honda and Yamaha also began offering new lines of scooters in recent years.
Scooters were pioneered in postwar Europe by Piaggio, which made the first Vespa in 1946.
Gary Christopher, an executive with American Honda Motor Co. in Los Angeles, said Honda heavily promoted U.S. scooter sales in the 1980s, but annual U.S. sales peaked in 1987 and slumped after advertising was pared. They have long been popular in coastal areas and warmer climates, but more also are being sold in states with colder weather, he said.
“It looks like this new resurgence of interest in scooters is something that can stand on its own without massive injections of advertising and promotion,” Christopher said.
Although scooters are economical, the fun factor cannot be overlooked, Christopher said.
“There’s just something about a scooter that invites you to jump on it and go,” Christopher said.
Dwight Turner, owner of GS MotorWorks in Frisco, Texas, a large seller of imported motor scooters from China, attributed the fad in part to rising gasoline prices and the coming of age of youngsters who have graduated from popular foot-propelled sidewalk scooters.
“Many 10- to 13-year-olds bought those scooters, and then got hooked on the idea of riding scooters instead of bicycles and are moving up the scooter food chain,” Turner said.
| Piaggio Zip 100 (100cc)
Engine: Single-cylinder 4 stroke
Displacement: 96 cc
Starter: Electric with kick start backup
Description: Transmission: C.V.T Automatic
New Release! Introducing the all new Piaggio Zip Kat 100cc 4 stroke. The 100cc version now joins the ever popular 50cc 4 stroke variant! Beat conjestion.. Beat parking hastles!
Dimensions: 1690mm 680mm
Wheel Base: 1215mm
Seat Height: Adjustable to three positions: 750-765-780 mm
Fuel Capacity: 7.3 litres (includes 1 litre reserve)
Front Tyre: Tubeless 100/80 –10
Rear Tyre: Tubeless 120/70 -10
Front Suspension: Ø 30 mm telescopic fork - 75 mm travel
Rear Suspension: Single-arm with dual effect hydraulic shock absorber and coil spring - 74 mm travel
Front Brakes: Ø 175 mm disc
Rear Brakes: Ø 110 mm drum
Dry Weight: 89 kg
| Gizmag - Piaggio ready to release 170 mpg hybrid two and three wheel scooters
Italian manufacturer Piaggio, the maker of Vespa, is set to become the first company to release a hybrid drive scooter following an announcement that it is developing hybrid versions of its Vespa LX, Piaggio X8 and Vespa MP3 (the carving three-wheeler) models. The new hybrid system, which has a working title of HyS (Hybrid Scooter), can operate in full electric mode with a range of around 20 kilometres as well as hybrid mode - whenever the rider needs to accelerate more aggressively, the electric motor kicks in, providing about 85 per cent extra performance. Piaggio’s HyS system is a parallel hybrid in which a combustion engine and an electric motor incorporated into the gearbox casing are mechanically and electronically linked and simultaneously supply power to the rear wheel. The system uses drive-by-wire and the in-built electronic management combines the two engines to offer not only better acceleration but also a significant reduction in fuel consumption (up to 170 mpg or 1.67 liters/100 km) and in CO2 emissions, only 40 g/km (using 65% the hybrid modes and 35% the electric one). Perhaps the most exciting prospect is the hybrid MP3 which enjoyed such success as a 250cc it has since been developed as a 400cc version and was recently shown as a stylish 500cc Gilera – a sportier hybrid version of the 500 would enjoy exceptional performance.
In this dual drive-by-wire type system, a sophisticated electronic management system interprets the rider’s request for more power, and selects the level of assistance based on the current level of battery charge. The HyS uses a regenerative braking system to capture much of the energy usually lost under braking and the scooter’s range can be further optimised in the garage by charging the battery from an electricity source using the 220V battery charger.
The automatic gearbox, electric ignition and automatic start provide the usual zip and ease of use in town as well as out-of-town trips. The gas engine offers sparkling performance in standard running, charging the electric motor all the while.
The Piaggio HyS uses very innovative, avant-garde technical solutions but remains incredibly easy and intuitive to use.
The rider uses all the normal controls (accelerator, brakes and additional handlebar commands) as well as a specific switch to choose one of the different operating modes: three hybrid, one electric-only and the reverse.
In the first three modes the HyS manages power output from the two engines, thermal and electric, using a drive-by-wire type system: the electronic management system (SGE) interprets the rider’s request for more torque and selects the assist ratio based on the state of the system (e.g. the level of battery charge). During deceleration and braking, the control system recovers and accumulates power that is lost on normal vehicles in the battery.
The three hybrid modes are conceived to optimize performances, consumption and battery charge.
The rider simply turns a handlebar switch to shut down the combustion engine and turn the Piaggio HyS into a silent zero-emissions vehicle that can go into areas closed to internal combustion engined traffic. Another turn of the switch and the petrol engine turns itself on and goes back to being the main engine, charging the battery as it travels through areas open to normal traffic.
Drive-by-wire technology not only allows the control system to optimally manage the combined power output of the two engines but also ‘forces’ the thermal engine to work when it can be most efficient, thereby reducing specific consumption, with obvious advantages in terms of lower consumption and emissions.
Piaggio's new Micro lid
Piaggio has launched a new lid, which will appeal to both motorcyclists and scooter riders.
This ultra-light helmet is manufactured from ABS material and weighs in at just 950g, yet meets the latest safety standard (ECE 22.05).
The Italian design is apparent from the hand stitched eco-leather trim, which compliments the gloss paint finish to create a very stylish appearance.
Inside is a hypoallergenic Dupont Terinda lining, that is breathable and snag-free, so it will stay looking and smelling good.
The Micro is secured with a quick-release buckle on the chinstrap. Detachable storm goggles are included, which are attached to the helmet by elastic straps that fit to press-studs on either side.
Piaggio offer the Micro in five sizes, from XS to XL, in a choice of three gloss colours – black, silver and orange from early 2007.
The Micro costs £79.99 and will fit comfortably into the under-seat compartments on their market leading range of scooters, including the Liberty.
Contact your local Piaggio dealer or call 0117 977 0466 for further details.
Piaggio launches new Vespa S
If any two-wheeler inspires as much affection as Fiat's Cinquecento it's the Vespa, and with serendipitous timing Piaggio is about to launch a second retro version of the 61-year-old scooter.
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Called the Vespa S, it's based on the existing 50cc and 125cc LX models with styling revamped for a 1970s look. The leaner handlebar area is distinguished by a square instead of round headlamp while the mudguards are cut back to reveal more of the suspension.
But the most effective change visually is the removal of the bulky plastic on the inside of the legshield, revealing the shape of the steel chassis spine typical of older Vespas.
In the true spirit of Italian vehicle manufacturers, Piaggio can't tell us prices or availability dates, but expect it to cost about £2,000 for the 50 and £2,500 for the 125, with showroom appearances in autumn or winter.
We'll be reporting on the Vespa S in about a month (the press launch date has suffered from maybe-next-week-itus, too) but if you fancy a Cinquecento-matching Vespa in the meantime there's always the 250GTV, out since last summer and styled in sympathy with the original 1946 Vespa, including a period mudguard-mounted headlight, exposed handlebars and sprung saddle. That's available now for £4,011.
Eco Geek Chic: Hybrid Scooter
While sales of hybrid vehicles continue to rise there are some places where even hybrid vehicles can feel excessive and over sized. Luckily, Piaggio has announced a HyS, which is a “parallel” hybrid scooter in which a combustion engine and an electric motor are mechanically and electronically linked and simultaneously supply power to the wheel.
In this linked gas/electric engine, the gasoline engine behaves like a normal catalysed four-stroke engine with excellent performance and distance range on the one hand and low emissions and fuel consumption on the other. Due to its "parallel" status, the hybrid scooter will be allowed into the restricted traffic zones in most cities and is still perfect for travel out of town.
Piaggio HyS will look like the well known Vespa LX, Piaggio X8 or MP3 models and will feature a battery charge indicator on the dashboard. The battery can be recharged from an electricity source by inserting a normal cable into the plug provided for this purpose. Charging time is about three hours. If that isn't geek chic, I don't know what is.
