Road-testing the Piaggio X9 Evolution 125cc scooter: Piaggio's X9 Evolution 125cc scooter could easily be mistaken for its larger lookalike 500cc stablemate.
This is a machine which is firmly placed in the executive or upmarket sector, despite its modest sized engine.
The accent is on impressive lines, a quality finish, comfort and good weather protection. Indeed the sort of machine a captain of industry would be happy to be seen on around town, instead of wasting the better part of the day in a tin prison.
Piaggio is the company that re-defined the scooter as a means of transport and brought the Vespa to the world. Originally the company, established in 1884, concentrated on ship-fitting and early in the 20th century moved on into railcar production.
With the start of the first World War, the company moved into producing the MAS submarines, aeroplanes and seaplanes, firstly under licence from Ansaldo, Macchi, Caproni and Dornier and, eventually of their own design. Civil and military aircraft were produced at a new factory in Pontedera from the early 1920s onwards, and culminated in the 4-engined Piaggio P 108.
The quality of the firm's planes and engines is demonstrated by 21 world records established between 1937 and 1939.
During the second World War the Pontedera factory was bombed and almost totally destroyed. The need to rebuild, coupled with a global shortage of raw materials, encouraged the founder's son, Enrico Piaggio, to focus his efforts on satisfying the increasing need for personal mobility in a country that, like so much of Europe, was trying to get to grips with post-war reconstruction.
Supported financially by the Americans, the Italian government was able to make grants to companies which could provide basic transport. Piaggio's answer was the Vespa scooter.
The concept of a scooter was not entirely new. During the 1920s scooter-like motorcycles such as the Mars, Megola and Ner-a-Car had been in production. Essentially they relied on conventional motorcycle construction and engines, but were "step through" in form, and most of the working parts were covered in. A similar, even earlier example, was the 1909 Scott.
The logic of the modern scooter lies in a total re-think, using aircraft production techniques resulting in light weight, economy of scarce raw materials and a serious effort to make two-wheeled transport more appealing.
Features such as stub axles, the use of stressed skin - the monocoque construction - and aerodynamic details were derived straight from aerospace practice. Those most in need of personal transport at that time would, doubtless, have preferred a car. Conventional motorcycles of that era did not have mass appeal.
The X9 design goes a stage further, drawing on conventional motorcycle mechanics for example in the use of telescopic forks and disc brakes, blended with the contemporary scooter orthodoxy of "twist & go" transmission.
The single cylinder Leader engine thrives on high revs and produces its power with negligible vibration and in near silence, the exhaust note never becomes obtrusive.
A 125cc machine is never going to be the fastest kid on the block, especially when it comes to acceleration.
With a kerbside weight of 179kg, the X9 is heavier than some supersports machines churning out nine times the power, so a degree of circumspection is required should you be tempted to join in the traffic lights Grand Prix. Once moving, it has the edge on city and suburban traffic, in part due to the somnambulance of the average Irish car driver.
Although not the first away from the lights, this machine will cruise effortlessly at 100km/h and, in calm conditions on the level, reach 115 km/h making it acceptable in motorway conditions.
The advantage of the small engine capacity is that insurance is, by motorcycle standards, about as cheap as you can get, and fuel consumption is frugal.
The mirrors are excellent. Controls simple and easy to use. The instruments car-like and clear. The screen is very effective and can, using tools, be adjusted to suit your height.
There is a side stand as well as a centre stand. Under seat stowage can take a helmet or a fair load of shopping though the shape will not accommodate a briefcase. A top box can be added as an option.
There are smaller glove lockers in the front scuttle and a folding hook for a hand or shopping bag. The net result is a thoroughly civilised and comfortable machine which even a dyed-in-the-wool motorist would find a pleasant alternative to the tedium of 4-wheeled congestion. Every home should have one.Tech Spec
ENGINE: 124ccm, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke. Power: 14.7kW (20.11hp) @ 10,000rpm and 12.00Nm torque @ 8,000rpm, CDI ignition, "twist & go" automatic transmission.
CHASSIS: Double cradle steel tube frame. 35mm front telescopic forks, 90mm travel, double 240mm disc brakes. Single 240mm rear disc brake. 14" wheels.
DIMENSIONS: Kerb weight 179kg (395 lbs) Seat height 790mm on lowest setting. Wheelbase 1,500mm. Fuel 15.2 litres.
INSURANCE: Group 2
PRICE: €4,800