Typhoon 50 - good all rounder (Other Piaggio...)

Member Name: rod88

Product:	Other Piaggio...
Date:	29/12/02 (3070 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Reliable, Economical, Reasonably zippy!

Disadvantages: Delays obtaining spare parts

I've had one of these for over a year and covered around 7000 miles. It fills the gap between the pedal cycle and the car - much more fun than the car, faster & less effort than the bicycle!!

The Typhoon is a useful alternative to the Zip, having more legroom (more than adequate for this 6' 1" rider) and plenty of space for a pillion who can be carried provided you do not have L-plates. The seat is large & reasonably comfortable though the foam tends to compress and goes a bit hard after a long journey. The vibration levels are very low, both in the floor and the handlebars, and are not significant.

The engine, which has 50 years of Vespa heritage behind it, is very reliable and starts easily, except when temperatures are below 5C when starting is much more sluggish. The only problem is that when anything does go wrong, getting hold of Piaggio original spare parts is a very slow process.

From 2000, all Piaggio 50cc engines have been equipped with a catalyst in advance of future emissions regulations. Some reviewers advise cutting off the resonant pipe on the exhaust to increase power output. Regard that advice with caution as such a mod. interferes with the operation of the catalyst and may destroy it.

Whilst running in what was obviously a very stiff engine, the exhaust front pipe looked to be rusting well away. However, after about 5000 miles, I cleaned it up and sprayed it with Plasti-kote and it now looks as though it will last for ages longer.

The upside-down forks on the front effectively insulate the handlebars from bumps in the road. However, the rear suspension (combined spring & hydraulic) tends to bottom out on not very severe bumps causing a bit of a 'kick up the backside' and cannot be adjusted for the weight of the rider or the presense of a pillion.

Some of the Yamaha 50cc reviews on DooYoo refer to sluggish acceleration away from rest; no problem with Piaggio, espec
ially once the engine is warmed up. Gets away smartly at the head of a queue of traffic, without annoying the car drivers behind.

The fuel tank holds only 3.5 litres; this is a nuisance especially as the minimum delivery at the petrol pumps is 2 litres. I often fill a gallon can at the same time, then the bike can start away with a full tank each trip if required. Fuel economy when fully run-in is good, 95mpg. The fuel guage is hopelessly inaccurate, but at least consistent; when it falls to 'half' there is just under 1 litre remaining.

The bike requires fully synthetic 2-stroke oil, for long engine life it is advisable to use the highest quality oil you can get your hands on. Castrol TTS is a good one, though costs up to £12.99/litre in the shops. I buy Putoline ProScooter Plus, which is highly regarded, at £7.50/litre from a mail-order supplier.

There is a an under-seat helmet compartment, however this will not accomodate all types & sizes of full-face helmet.

Riding after dark is always a little awkward as 50cc bikes only have a 35 watt headlight bulb. The practical maximum speed on an unfamiliar, unlit road (after your eyes have adjusted to the dark!) is about 25mph.

On-bike security is limited, the steering lock is reportedly not very strong and the desirability of the 125s for thieves means that even the 50cc version needs to be locked to a post, etc if left for any length of time. Allow for the cost of this, remembering a Thatcham-approved lock is preferrable.

On the whole, the Typhoon is robust, reliable, great fun to ride and I have no hesitation in recommending it.

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