PIAGGIO X8 test

Intro: SIMPLICITY WITH A TOUCH OF GENIOUS

An athletic build, a tall and elegant line, the latest machine from the Italian firm is going to turn more than a few heads. Baptised X8 in step with its big brother, the X9, it will replace the famous LX, which has come to the end of its run after 10 years of loyal service. It is set to offer a top of the line choice of equipment, something that the X9 had to abandon due to its exaggerated list of equipment coupled with a price tag just as exorbitant.

Esthetique: DYNAMIC AND ELEGANT

A missing element from the Piaggio catalogue from the past, from May the X8, will offer a compact and comfortable urban scooter. Dynamic and elegant, the front end has radically broken away from the style seen with the X9. The chrome adds a touch of class to a scooter that still remains simplistic. No embellishing with the equipment here, just smooth efficiency and functionality. The X8 retains the positive points of the machine that it is replacing, the famous rear boot of the LX is now, on the X8...one long continuous compartment, measuring 80 centimetres. The boot of the X8 offers a veritable cargo type storage capacity of 56 litres. No worries whatsoever for storing two helmets and much much more. Each opening is electronically controlled from the handlebars. The petrol opening has two controls, one electronic and one manual in case of a dead battery. The footrest hatch can serve as a small storage area and has a 12-volt plug in. As for the rest, no real surprises, the gauges are perfectly readable and the equipment includes a clock and a rather approximate petrol gauge, but it will let us know when we are about to reach the last few litres. The controls are ergonomic and top quality, like the large and comfortable double seat and the indispensable rain cover. For parking just about anywhere, the X8 comes with two kickstands, one on the side and the other centrally located which is particularly easy to use.

Motorization: MONO-LEADER

As for the brakes, Piaggio has kept it simple, no electronic gadgetry, rather two simple discs, one at the front and one at the back. On the motor front, nothing less than assured value from the leader in the 125cc single-cylinders. Its 4-stroke, 4-valve has already proven its worth on a number of Piaggio scooters offering 14.5 horsepower at 10 000 rpm. Equipped with a regulator optimised for more progressiveness while running, it respects European pollution standards thanks to its catalytic chamber. On the performance front, it won’t surprise anyone. The acceleration is very linear and the pick-up lacks a bit of punch. On the other hand the X8 will save one extra trips to the petrol station, averaging just 4.4litres of fuel for every 60 miles.

On the road: EASY TO USE

From the first metres aboard the X8, this latest Piaggio surprises with its agility and lightweight. Its capacity and the rigidity of the steel chassis provides reassuring handling, perfect for weaving through city traffic. Despite a weight of 157 kilograms, this scooter demonstrates a disconcerting handling. The shock absorption is reputed to be very efficient, but it is however, a shame that the brakes are not as satisfying. The rider has to deal with a front brake that desperately lacks bite and with a rear that does to the contrary work very well. We would have preferred if it where the other way round. Piaggio has passed on any electronic devices such as ABS or torque braking. To save itself, the X8 is very comfortable, with a seat that offers a good riding position and even the larger riders amongst us will have no worries aboard. The front fairing is positioned to low and exposes the rider’s head to unwanted turbulence. This was done perhaps to force the customer to purchase the extra high fairing offered in the firm’s option catalogue. At the end of the day the X8 cultivates simplicity with ingenuity. A choice that permits for a very reasonable purchase price. For 1000 Euros less than its big brother the X9, the X8 should be a very attractive and intelligent addition to the Piaggio line. At 3399 Euros, it is definitely good value for money. Easy to use, it promises to be a serious competitor in the 125cc scooter market.