Piaggio B-125 my first positive impressions with some remarks (Piaggio B125)

Member Name: Mafj

Product:	Piaggio B125
Date:	04/08/09 (126 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Sturdy build, big wheels, mirrors, clocks/controls, comfy and sturdy

Disadvantages: cold start, might be too heavy for small people

I have bought used Piaggio B125 Scooter and have been riding it for a couple of days so far.

I really like it and there is much to like it: sturdy feel, very comfortable sitting and suspension, a lot of room for your knees if you have got long legs like myself. Riding is smooth and a pleasure. I have got it with top box and side panniers already fitted so I have plenty of storage.

I share the mentioned cold start problem though if I do not give it a couple of minutes before going to the first junction I get myself into trouble.

The downside of side-panniers is that having them fitted makes it hard to put the bike onto its stand. The bike is heavy and in my opinion especially great for taller chaps. You need to have some strength to keep it straight and under control (maybe it is a matter of skills though). The previous owner was a tiny lady and there are obvious marks on side panniers indicating it has fallen several times.

I made my CBT on Suzuki EN 125 (the only thing I can compare it with) and can share some remarks on the differences (as far as one can compare scooter to manual g/b motorcycle).
* B125 is much more comfortable to seat
* When speeding B125 behaves more stable in my opinion
* overall feeling is that B125 is sturdier and safer
* B125 is heavier and it is harder to put it on stand and more strength is needed to keep it straight
* Mirrors in B125 give much better view are placed wider so sturdy jacket does not limit your view.
* obviously automatic transmission makes B125 so easy to handle
* controls are much better:
** on Suzuki when cancelling indicator you can mistakenly switch it
to wrong position or turn beam light on.
** B125's electronic counters on and failure indicators rock
that with B125.
* EN125 seem to have more reliable engine start

Update:
Cold start issue: Before taking off I rev the engine couple of times and now it is OK.
Petrol usage: My bike makes stable 75-78 mpg in the city on plain Tesco fuel.

Summary: Great for commuting, great in the city and on dual carriageway

Processing/Quality:
Reliability:
Driving comfort:
on skiddy terrain:
on dry terrain: