Posted: 15 Oct 2013
In a battlefield full of scooters, the name Piaggio stands out very clearly. With good reason: Piaggio is one of the oldest brand names associated with scooters; those little-wheeled miracles of affordable commuting for the masses. That’s how it’s always been and certainly looks good for the future with Piaggio’s latest range of fun and funky scooters that also happen to embrace modern technology
The fuel-injected, single-cylinder, water-cooled engine is a modern masterpiece. It’s a clean and efficient four-stroke engine that starts on the starter button everytime without the owner having to worry about anything else when setting off from work. Hitch legs and bum across the supple seat and go. Perfect. And because the engine is thoroughly modern with two inlet and one exhaust valve, complete with fuel injection, the Fly is capable of achieving 100mpg+.
Instant throttle action with a warmed engine produces crisp drive from 1mph all the way to the regular 60mph top end – it can go faster downhill but in the real world that’s about it, but remember that’s ample for commuting life and urban speed limits. Let’s not forget that the fully automated CV drive system means it gets to max speed fuss-free. Sit and relax and let the engine do all the thinking – we like easy.
There’s a lot more room behind the neat, stylish leg shields than its overall size suggests. Of course the riding position is pure upright and isn’t crippling regardless of time spent in the saddle. Given that the front suspension isn’t adjustable you can expect to feel jolts through the handlebars when failing to navigate the mass of potholes our roads are littered with. Some comfort can be had with the preload adjustable rear shock absorbers that do a good job of soaking up most holes.
To ride means to stop, and the Fly is fortunate to be graced with an effective single front brake disc and a solid rear drum brake for back up emergency stops. Although the 12-inch wheels aren’t the largest wheels available, Piaggio has worked on the chassis to give the Fly reassuring stability and agility to make riding a pleasure in and out of traffic. When you do arrive at your destination it’s good to know you can throw your ‘scooter’ half-face lid under the seat along with the rain suit and walk away clutter free.
+ points – modern commuting scooter in every sense – economical, cheaper and quicker then public transport, practical and good looking
- points – riding flat out at every point in the journey will knock the fuel economy down to 90mpg, but even so 90mpg is frugal city
Price: £2271
Power: 12.1bhp, 7.9-ft lbs
Dry weight: 121kg
Seat height: 760mm
Colours: White, black, blue, red
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