Well since we are having our own project threads for bikes I thought I'd start with my latest purchase, a 2012 Piaggio BV350.

 

I've always had a thing for scooters, the laziness and ease of jumping on and off, no gears, no hassle, storage space, a bit of weather protection etc. I used man maths to justify it, if I use it for 6 months of the year it should save me a few hundred quid a year, which will pay for itself over a few years.

 

I looked at a few models, I wanted something that was small, nimble and easy to squeeze in to tight spaces but with the most powerful engine possible. I was considering a Vespa GTS 300, my dad bought one and I was lucky enough to use it for a while. I loved the size and how light it is but it felt like it was lacking just a bit top end.

 

I went away and while in Italy I had a good look around a Beverly 350, slightly newer engine, bit more power than the Vespa but also a little larger, not overly so though. On my return I found the prices were a fair bit higher than the Vespa, mainly because they're not as common and haven't been out as long. I managed to find one for sale for £2400 in Worthing at a Yamaha dealer so off I went on the big bike to go look at it. I arrived and it looked tidy, took it for a spin and loved it. Done the deal, went to collect it a few days later. If anyone is in the Worthing area or looking at a bike at Key Bros Motorcycles they were fantastic, proper old skool family business, no bull****, what you see is what you get. 

 

So, onto the actual bike. It's a 330cc 33bhp motor, its a good size but keeps the upright riding position and 'sports scooter' looks rather than the laid back touring type bike. Looks wise, it does remind me of the old Gilera Runners from back in the day, but slightly more upmarket. Performance is good, remembering it's a scooter and not a sports bike it goes up the road very impressively. There's a small lag when you initially open the throttle but after that, the lack of gears means it will relentlessly pull up to 60mph without issue. Once up to 60 it'll carry on pulling past the national limit comfortably, in fact, it will sit at 80mph and still have enough left to speed up a little if needed, the 86mph top speed is conservative for sure. 

 

Taking into account the engine bouncing about on the rear wheel the bike goes round bends well enough, the suspension is far better than any scooter I've ever ridden, it drops into bends quite well, although when riding over bumpy roads it does bounce about more than a normal bike. When traveling at higher speeds it will sit comfortably at all speeds it can attain, the Vespa felt a little skittish flat out, not overly so but the BV is great in comparison, feels much more planted, I use a dual carriageway on my way to work and it's fantastic. The brakes are good, they're linked and have ABS, I tried to do some skids the other day and forgot so just ended up with the ABS kicking in.

 

Practicality is the trump card of a scooter, the under seat storage is huge, I can get my large full face lid under and have room for other stuff still, it come with a colour coded top box which isn't needed day to day but if needed is huge, plus a glovebox and 12v socket. I LOVE going to the shops and not having to carry my lid round with me, I also managed to do a week shop on the bike, 3 heavy bags under the seat, chucked the 2 lighter ones on the bag hook. Weather protection is decent, I rode home in the rain last week and my legs were still pretty dry, I'm a little too tall for the screen but it still directs most of the rain over me. 

 

Running costs are pennies tbh, I cant remember the tax but it was about £35 I think, insurance isn't THAT cheap yet because I have no NCB for the scooter but it still comes in at £300 or so. It's averaging around 70mpg at the moment, I expect that'll rise a bit once I stop annoying cars off the line at traffic lights and ride it a little more sensibly.

 

Anyway, sorry for the waffle, I dont have much planned for this, only an exhaust and maybe a little screen lip for the top. A few pictures...

 

 

 

I don't care what anybody says you've got to love a twist and go. Just jump on it and go. Hope you have fun on it but it's shame you left it so late in the year to enjoy the warmer months.

Looks the business that Matt.. nice one! It looks like it could be a 50 or 125.. so i expect it catches a few people out! Thats where the funs at eh! 

 

I like the seat too.. all about the leather interior on these things isnt it . 

 

Glad you're pleased with it. Confident you've made the right choice then? It's well worth taking some time out to decide properly what you want isnt it! 

I don't care what anybody says you've got to love a twist and go. Just jump on it and go. Hope you have fun on it but it's shame you left it so late in the year to enjoy the warmer months.

 

Yeah, I think it helped get the bike a little cheaper than if it were April/May time. I'll get it out on dry days still.

 

Looks the business that Matt.. nice one! It looks like it could be a 50 or 125.. so i expect it catches a few people out! Thats where the funs at eh! 

 

I like the seat too.. all about the leather interior on these things isnt it . 

 

Glad you're pleased with it. Confident you've made the right choice then? It's well worth taking some time out to decide properly what you want isnt it! 

 

100%! This is the first vehicle I took a bit of time thinking over, I went for a spin with my dad today, we swapped bikes for the ride home, as much as I love how his Vespa looks, it really is out of it's depth on anything but town roads. It was like a bucking bronco down the back roads and my arse ached after 15 min. He got off mine and loved how smooth and stable it is BUT he likes the small size of his bike, so we both done alright. 

 

Hi Matt

 

Trading as Mister S (not sure how to add my Site name / photo... or does it happen automatically?) I'm a Newby here, just joined yesterday (and enjoyed a lovely couple of Welcomes).

 

Ardent 2-wheeler for decades, stopped for 7 yrs because of age-related Room-at-ism. Recommended a Harley; not my style AT ALL, then advised to check out a scooter. Went on holiday in Ibiza, checked out the options...

 

... enter Stage Left - a '14 yr-old Piaggio X10 350ie Executive ABS from Bridge, Exeter with just 1362mls at purchase in July.

 

It's Italian. It has dodgy electrics etc,, they say... online suggestions / modifications applied, along with copious Waxoyl (frame), Duck Oil (mech bits), Vaseline (contacts). Will it all work? Watch this space!

 

Now, after 3 months it shows some 3300mls. Classed as a Maxi Scooter, it holds its own (and some!) with normal motorway traffic, has averaged 78+ mpg in my usage (200+ mile range), stores 2 helmets under the cavernous seat OR all luggage for a week's up-country road trip. Covered 280+ mls each way (total trip nearly 700mls). Never thought it (or my Rear End?) would survive. Did I say it's comfortable? Prefer Welsh roads to M5 / M6 / M56 any day; handled them amazingly well.

 

Sooo luxurious re: the elaborate dashboard display, linked ABS brakes, 12v ciggy lighter for accessories (heated gloves), USB socket, parking brake... oh yes, I'm completely spoilt.

 

So there you have my own opinions, Matt. Agreed, such a discovery. There's life after VFR, Blackbird, Duke ST3...

 

Michael

Good to hear you're enjoying the Scoot life Michael! I love mine, although it's not a full maxi scooter, it does take the miles very well. I expect yours is like riding a magic carpet up the road. It does impress me massively how we can thrash them everywhere and still get a good 70mpg+ too, plus, as much as many 'bikers' refuse to try a twist and go bike they are great fun! 

That 350 engine is a big improvement over the 278cc lump in the GTS. Much as I liked my Vespa, the design is really showing it's age now and Piaggio really need a totally new large frame scooter. Instead, this years Euro 4 upgraded model consists of a couple of new colours, less power, and reverting back to the cheaper front suspension. :(

Matt, you might find this forum useful to subscribe to, I know I did....

http://www.maxi-muppets.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=5

Righto, that's my evening's entertainment, then. Looks good, thanks for the link, Brimma.

 

Michael

X10

awaiting Oct 1.4TSI 150 SE Sport in New Year

That 350 engine is a big improvement over the 278cc lump in the GTS. Much as I liked my Vespa, the design is really showing it's age now and Piaggio really need a totally new large frame scooter. Instead, this years Euro 4 upgraded model consists of a couple of new colours, less power, and reverting back to the cheaper front suspension. :(

 

The 350 is a peach of a motor, Dads GTS looks the part but does leave me wanting more. He keeps pinching the BV when I leave tit at home so I think he feels the same  

 

Matt, you might find this forum useful to subscribe to, I know I did....

http://www.maxi-muppets.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=5

 

Nice one, I'll take a look. Do you not have the scooter anymore? 

Nice one, I'll take a look. Do you not have the scooter anymore?

Chopped it in for a very slightly more powerful Honda Crosstourer Highlander DCT - just hope I've got the balls to ride it

Chopped it in for a very slightly more powerful Honda Crosstourer Highlander DCT - just hope I've got the balls to ride it

 

Still on two wheels then! I tried a DCT Honda last year, it was much nicer to use than I expected, really enjoyable to ride with. 

I have found the rear carrier I had fitted to my 2012 Beverley 350 ST , easy fit ! Any offers ?