The Piaggio X9 500 is much more than a scooter, reports John Wheeler
In recent years we have seen the emergence of "big bore" scooters, those with 500cc or larger engines. Most of the well-known manufacturers now have one in their range.
Piaggio, perhaps better known as maker of the ubiquitous Vespa scooter, is no exceptiowith its top of the range X9 500 SL. This is a very well thought-out machine bristling with ingenious and useful features. A lot of thought has gone into producing a comprehensive specification, but how does it behave and perform?
Riders of conventional motorcycles often have reservations about scooter-style machines, believing them distinctly inferior on road-holding and performance.
In many cases this may be true, but not with the Piaggio X9. One is immediately struck by its low-speed stability, doubtless helped by the fuel tank being sensibly positioned low down under the foot well.
The CVT transmission cuts in smoothly at around 1,850 rpm, and disengages around 1,500 rpm. The exhaust and engine noise are pleasantly subdued and the brakes are powerful and grab-free.
Unusually for this type of transmission engine, braking is exceptionally good. The scooter copes remarkably well with our native road defects.
And the open road? Well, performance is astonishing. One would expect a relatively small-wheeled scooter to feel a bit twitchy at high speeds. Not at all. Stability at speed is utterly reassuring, indeed in the thoroughbred class.
Acceleration, thanks to the fact that with CVT there is no loss of momentum gear changing, is really surprising. This machine could give many a motorcycle an embarrassing run for its money.
Indeed the difficulty, even on motorways, is keeping within the 70 mph limit. Claimed maximum speed is 100 mph and there is no doubt this machine will do at least that.
We achieved 66 mpg in a mixture of city and suburban traffic plus a lot of clear main road and motorway work.
Aesthetically, it looks like your ordinary scooter, only somewhat bigger. Closer inspection reveals an integral braking system - the left-hand lever operates both rear disk brakes and front left-hand disk. The right-hand lever operates the right-hand side front disk, similar to the Moto Guzzi system. Front disks are 260mms in diameter; the rear is 240mms. Wheels are 14-inch. The rear hydraulic suspension has four positions, although we did find the rear suspension a bit on the hard side even on the softest setting.
The SL version has an automatic centre stand, so at the press of a button an electro-hydraulic system puts down the stand and raises the bike onto it. No more trying to manhandle a laden machine.
Standard on this model is Piaggio's PICS system which provides for rider to pillion intercom, radio for rider and pillion and a hands-free mobile phone connection.
The windscreen has three height positions and is adjustable with a screwdriver. The comfortable dual seat incorporates a rider's backrest - in truth more of a "posterior stop" than backrest - it's adjustable fore and aft. We found it was more comfortable when the backrest was removed. Pillion comfort was declared "much better than most".
POWER comes from a single cylinder four-stroke, four-valve single overhead camshaft engine. It produces 39 bhp at 7,250 rpm with peak torque of 40 Nm at 5,500 rpm.
Under-seat storage has a 45-litre capacity, is carpet-lined, has a gas strut to hold the seat in the open position and a 12v cigarette lighter type socket which could charge a mobile phone.
The front scuttle has a compartment for a mobile phone as well as a small glove locker which also houses release mechanisms for seat and fuel filler locks.
Instrument display is magnificently comprehensive. Above the left grip is a nacelle housing the radio controls and LCD display. The on-board computer and a host of warning lights are in the centre of the handlebars.
Other features include an electronic immobiliser, steering lock and a stout ring on the frame for a chain and padlock. Useful options include heated grips and a colour co-ordinated 45-litre topbox.
All told, given excellent handling at all speeds, impressive performance and very comprehensive specification, the X9 500 is one seriously good big scooter. With its luxury specification, it ought to tempt even up-market car commuters out of their inefficient transport - and it's capable enough even to satisfy traditional motorcyclists.