Piaggio X9 500 test

Intro: THE SPIRIT IS WELL THERE

Piaggio, European leader of the scooter, could not be excluded from the segment for the large two-wheelers. Even if the arrival of the X9 500 was at the very least surging, the behaviour of the machine, which can appear dangerous, the latest was re-examined. The handling of the Piaggio cannot be criticised. This machine preserves the handiness and drivability of a scooter and manages very well on the road.

Esthetique: MAXIMUM EQUIPMENT

Considering the success met by the X9 range, whether it is the 125 or 250cc the goal of Piaggio obviously was to preserve all the assets of this segment, while imposing a more powerful capacity. And indeed, the X9 is the most compact scooter of the category. It remains accessible and does not dead end on the principle of maximum ingeniousness to render service to its rider. Thus the storage spaces are many and roomy, the occupants of the machine have the possibility of communicating between one another via the Intercom, which also acts as a radio. Without forgetting a frightening weapon: a power station crutch. In short, with these equipment dimensions, the Italian does has nothing to envy from the competition. One could wait for the Piaggio to undergo some reproaches regarding protection but this one is shown surprisingly effective in spite of its small size. The only negative point in the field of comfort, a seat that is much too soft which ends up cutting blood circulation to a strategic place of the human body.

Motorization: A LEADER

The power plant is the famous engine baptized "leader". It is a large 460cc one-cylinder, which does not balk to climb in the turns and release the power of 39bhp and a torque of 4,2 mkg. You will note in the passing, the difference in weight between the Piaggio and colossal Suzuki, which amounts to over 70 kg. The one-cylinder one constitutes a good surprise. It can eat up hundreds of kilometres while moving close to the red zone without weakening one moment. The relative lightness of the X9 makes it possible to support a good rhythm on the small roads.

On the road: IT LIKES THE CITY

As we have said, the Piaggio X9 has remained the most faithful to the original philosophy of the scooter. With a reasonable size and weight, it also profits from a good turning radius. It is thus logical that it is the best in congestions. The clutch suffers all the same while going up very quickly and very high in temperature. A mix of flexibility and power, the X9 threads in circulation with as much handiness as the 125 and 250 versions. The power is constant and linear. The top speed is quite sufficient and stability is never threatened, even at high speed. The 150-km/h mark can quickly be reached. On the other hand, beyond, it’s less obvious. Its principal vocation is its agility, not to be forgotten. Its weak points? At night. The lighting is not very powerful and poorly distributed on the roadway, best not to be risked on a dimly lit road. The central crutch also has reduced very appreciably the ground clearance and to each angle intake, the rider is subjected to an unpleasant rattling noise. The braking also could be improved. Lastly, the X9 is the most economical of the category, attaining 5,3l per 100km.