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By Christopher Tan
Like Volkswagen, Piaggio has come off its high horse to introduce a budget model that rivals Asia-made machines.
The Italian bike maker's Fly 150 costs $3,400 before COE and insurance, making it the cheapest European scooter here.
Its next model up is the Piaggio Liberty 200, which costs $4,300.
The Fly series was introduced in Europe in 2004.
It took five years to get to Singapore because Piaggio wanted to protect its premium status here.
But with the recession, the company thought to launch the Fly to win some share of the mass market from the Japanese and other Asian makes.
As an entry-level bike, the Fly 150 is impressive.
It is quite refined and betrays none of the crustiness associated with inexpensive machines.
Well, except for harsher-than-expected vibration when idling.
It is also very frugal.
Having had the bike over three days, its fuel gauge hardly moved.
You can ride to Malacca on less than $10 of fuel.
Yet, it is not lethargic.
It produces plenty of torque at the slightest twist of the throttle and its speedo maintains its position even on an incline.
The only setback is its limited top speed. It fails to touch 100kmh even at full bore.
But for zipping about in the city, it is more than adequate.
Its manoeuvrability is pretty amazing for a scooter and the ride comfort conferred by its 12-inch wheels (big for a scooter) is decent.
The Fly has all the versatility and amenities that scooters are known for.
| PIAGGIO FLY 150 |
Engine: 150cc one-cylinder 2-valve air-cooled 4-stroke
Transmission: Fully automatic CVT
Power: 11.6hp at 7,750rpm
Torque: 11.6Nm at 6,000rpm
0-100kmh: Not applicable
Top speed: 98kmh
Fuel consumption: 3 litres/100km (city)
Price: $3,400 (without COE and insurance)
Distributor: ADH
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The seat is wide and comfortable, with enough room for two.
Under-seat stowage accommodates a full-face helmet and the inside front shield has a bag hook and a small glove compartment.
It is also equipped with an electric starter, as well as an anti-theft immobiliser.
However, it does not have an engine cut-off button or a side-stand.
Fortunately, the bike is pretty lightweight. This makes parking manageable.
Its budget status has not diminished its design.
The made-in-Italy scooter is austere yet elegant, exuding an appeal that harks back to a simpler era.
Stylish commute has never been more accessible.
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