Scooter Review Piaggio X7 300i EVO We uncover a real thoroughbred that has the short or long tracks covered. All dressed up with places to go, that's the all new X7 300i from Piaggio.
Allen Drysdale
Introduction
It was with a sense of enthusiasm and expectation that I took delivery of the new X7 300i. In its lower capacity 250 cc format the X7 was by no means a hit on the sales charts. It was sad to actually see a scooter with this kind of dynamic all round ability shunned by the scooter fraternity.
But that was then and this is now. A new engine, a few tweaks in the styling department and a price that remains unchanged. Has the brand new X7 turned up ready to contribute? We take a look......
Features
If you place the older 250 beside the newer 300i you immediately notice a whole host of styling changes. Its like the 300i has taken a more executive, charismatic approach. The all black painted wheels coupled with the blue tinged headlights immediately give the X7 300i a sportier look and feel. The revised mudguard at the front finds itself separated from the body and it too plays its part in enhancing frontal styling. The instrument cluster looks classy with its chrome surrounds and touches like the new gloss black rear rack help. All up its a very neat package. Our test White X7 300i looked stunning and the all black 300i just looks downright nasty. Love the EVO touch....
Everything else remains relatively the same apart from one major change, the engine. The newer generation 278 cc Quasar finds itself taking up the chore of pushing the X7 forward. And doesn't it rise to the challenge.
For me the 250 cc Quasar motor was always the benchmark, now I have to say that the 278 cc version takes top position on the mantle. It all comes back to the increased torque figures the extra capacity provides. The numbers don't lie, the newer X7 300i has a shed load more torque, 23.8 Nm at 5750 rpm V's 20.3 Nm @ 6500rpm for the 250. Liquid cooled, 4 valve and fuel injected, this motor just rocks my world. The larger capacity engine has more grunt down low, right where you need it.
Storage was always a strong point on the X7 and things haven't changed. Enough room for a full face helmet on its side "plus more" or a fair size laptop bag "plus more". Its all very usable with a deeper cut out section at the front for smaller items. The seat opens by pushing on the ignition, its a manual operation. A bag hook up-front helps with anything extra, catering for those just in-case moments. We also have a deep 1 litre glovebox that will easily hold a wallet and phone. Only thing missed is a 12 volt charger.
The fuel filler is situated low and between your feet, this opens via the electronic button on the bars. The fuel tank takes 12 litres in total meaning the X7 300i should be good for well over 300 km's. Initial statistics reveal fuel consumption on average @ 28 km/l, this should improve over time. The motor was still fairly new.
Up front we have a set of gauges telling us clearly fuel, speed and temp. A small digital clock isn't always easy to read but its present. All looks very smart and the switchgear is all very typically piaggio, nice feel and reassuring in use.
The brakes are both single disc front and rear, 260 mm up front and 240 mm on the rear. Dual multi adjustable shocks are found on the rear also. A centre stand is called upon to do all the lifting duties as no side stand is provided. You do learn to live without one quite quickly.
The X7 300i comes with a fairly useful windscreen and the mirrors are spread wide, providing ample vibe free vision behind. The rear rack is top box ready and has the screw holes already pre drilled, fitting a top box has never been so easy.
One new feature I better not forget is the immobiliser that now comes standard for added security.
On the Road
So how does it all work. The whole package just combines exceptionally well.
The motor is a treat. The X7 will accelerate hard from the get go. And it just keeps powering ahead until you reach well over the ton. Top speed is in the vicinity of 140 km/h and cruising along the freeway at a steady 110 - 120 km/h is where this baby wants to be.
The X7 300i is effortless in its approach to hills and the way it accelerates out of corners would make most lower capacity motorcycles feel worthless. The engine and transmission combine to work as one, seamless grunt would be the best way to describe the feeling.
Talking of corners the X7 has a fairly high ground clearance so leaning over is more a question of how far do you want to take it. This became even more apparent on a tight set of hairpins heading over the Blue Mountains. Scraping or bottoming out is not in this scooters vocab.
Handling is sharp and the X7 300i when rolling feels compact and nimble. Sporting you could say, with every ride becoming a twist and go festival. Dynamically the X7 300i will instil a little enthusiasm in your riding style. More often then not I found myself being urged and taunted by a chassis and engine combination that's addictive. Go faster, corner harder , I think I need to grow up. But hey this is just so much fun.
Fast corners and dynamic ability does require brakes to match. The rear brake works a treat and you can get this to lock up on demand, meaning that fast rear braking manoeuvres are catered for. I found myself ducking into a number of corners, rear brake on hard, accelerate, and out the other side. So much fun... The front is progressive, not as savage but more then sufficient.
Seating is comfortable, nice and wide but not over firm. After a 3 hour ride in the saddle it still wasn't a chore. Two up will provide the pillion with better options then many. The seat is pretty expansive so you have plenty of room to spread out.
What's also impressive is the frontal protection that the screen and sloping bodywork provides at speed. A great sense of weather protection, flip your visor up at over 100 km/h and its still calm and steady. For my height, 5"8", I thought the screen was a gem. This will be individual though and you do have an option to swap screens at point of purchase. (see your dealer)
So if I was to summarise the "on road" behaviour I would say that the X7 300i is all dressed up with places to go. Do not be fooled by the executive charm, the X7 exudes a rawness that's just sheer basic fun.
Summary
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The "Scooterman" Says,
This Piaggio X7 300 is very much a premium sports scooter, it goes fast, handles brilliantly, looks good on the eye, and is an absolute delight to ride. It is a real thoroughbred in every way.
Totally at home on the freeway with a real speed of 140km/h, perfect for the urban tracks with fantastic acceleration, thin enough to filter, light enough to toss around, the X7 does it all. And with each kilometre it just got better and better.
I was warned about this scooter but I couldn’t help myself. I fell in love with it. Then I had to give it back. That was the hard bit.
The 300 class is really exciting if you love riding scooters and the X7 is one of the best I’ve ridden. Piaggio’s Quasar 300 is a brilliant engine and to be able to get one for $6999 + ORC in this well put together package is unbelievable bang for buck. Bring it on
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The X7 package is very much the best of both worlds. Day to day its small enough to use around town. For weekends or longer commutes its a pleasure. Its a true freeway option that maintains the levels of speed required that you could even contemplate interstate travel.
Plenty of storage with an extremely punchy engine. Serious comfort provided by ample weather protection. A sporting dynamic ability that excites, the added ability to travel two up comfortably. I really liked the X7 300i, I mean I really liked the X7 300i.
Why?
Because you could never get tired of having a scooter that does so many things this well. The X7 300i is a far better option then many of its dearer counterparts, performing day to day tasks in a highly competent fashion.
The 300 configuration opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Sure Piaggio has emitted a 12 volt charger and sidestand but for the $6990 + ORC you get a scooter that try as hard as you will, you just wont fault. It has this relentless ability to satisfy.
So all that said I am just going to put it out there, the X7 300i could very well be one of the best all-round scooters on the market today. And if you don't want to take my word for it then I suggest a test ride at your local Piaggio dealer.
The Piaggio X7 300i EVO a true thoroughbred in every sense.
published 22/04/2010 |