Scooter News Piaggio X8400ie The Piaggio X8400ie will be in showrooms very shortly. The price has been set at $8990 +ORC.
Allen Drysdale Importer Peter Stevens has some major movement on its hands when you consider the amount of new models it has coming to our shores. The X8 400 will join the likes of the Suzuki and Yamaha who currently have 400 cc models and will be joined in competition with the Peugeot Satelis 400 (using the same engine) when it arrives later in the year.
More information on the X8 400 from Piaggio.
PIAGGIO X8 400 ie
With the addition of the new X8 400 ie., the Piaggio X8 range is now complete. This powerful, high-tech all-new engine equipped with electronic injection already meets Euro 3 standards. The Piaggio X8 400 ie is the most agile vehicle in the super-scooter category, with the dual advantages of manoeuvrability and record storage capacity. Quick and snappy, the Piaggio X8 400 ie is the only compact GT scooter to offer ample space for rider and pillion, optimal aerodynamic protection and super-scooter load capacity.
Master 400: intelligent use of power for the Piaggio X8 ie.
The Piaggio X8 400 ie has a powerful new single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-valve Piaggio Master (Multi-valve Advanced Super Torque Engine Range) engine with electronic injection. This technologically avant-garde engine is a result of the continuous improvement of the Master series with its advanced technology and excellent power and torque.
The all-new Master 400 offers significant technical advantages as well as benefits for the user:
- Lower fuel consumption than higher displacements but ‘maxi’ performance
- Higher maximum speed than any other 400cc.
The specific features of the Master 400 engine are liquid cooling, four-valve SOHC valve gear and a counter rotating balancer shaft that drastically reduces vibration to ensure a comfortable ride.
The Master version on the Piaggio 400 X8 ie delivers 25 KW (34 bhp) of power to the shaft at 7,500 rpm and pushes the Piaggio 400 X8 ie to a maximum speed of 155 km/h. Maximum torque is 37.6 Nm, reached at a relatively low 5,500 rpm.
Engine tuning is specific to the Piaggio X8 400 ie, intended for use in town but well suited to touring, to enhance smooth running while maintaining the snappy pick-up levels that town traffic requires.
The catalysed Master engine on the Piaggio X8 400 ie responds to the most advanced environment protection standards: the electronic control system together with a catalytic converter ensures that emissions are reduced considerably. As a result, the engine already meets the upcoming Euro 3 emissions norms.
To sum up, the cycle parts on the Piaggio X8 together with the new Master 400 engine reduce noise while providing smoother running and greater comfort and manoeuvrability.
The 400 version features all the latest changes made to the Master series: the centrifugal clutch has been totally redesigned and the new clutch bell has five bob weights instead of three as on the previous versions, with a torque server during deceleration to maximise the effect of the engine brake.
The result is quieter, smoother running, especially when pulling away from idle in town traffic with its continual stop-and-go. The new technical set-up optimises running costs for the Piaggio X8 400 ie: in fact the standard service interval is now 10,000 km, cutting servicing costs.
New super-scooter styling
With the all-new 400cc engine, the Piaggio X8 takes comfort and performance levels even higher. The style has also been modified to suit the new size of the X8 flagship.
Specific design changes give the vehicle a more impressive look without modifying the sober elegance of this stylish town scooter.
The rear is now larger with a car-type look, not least because of the new rear boot lid and the elimination of the chrome trim, which contributes to a cleaner line.
Besides the style changes, the longer wheelbase required because of the new technical set-up (the new 400cc engine) modifies the rear, giving it GT proportions. The front, which bears the new Piaggio logo, includes all the changes made during the recent face-lift; in particular, much of the previously black surface is replaced by colour. The dynamism of the Piaggio X8 400 ie is enhanced by the totally new shape of the front splashguard. The painted plastics of the rider area use a new colour introduced on the 2006 model year and the seat has new upholstery. The new 400cc engine gives the X8 an even classier image while the overall design maintains the look of a two-wheel station wagon.
Cycle parts
The Piaggio X8 400 ie frame is the result of a project using the best CAD technology and computerised FEM analysis for optimal frame resistance and weight, tested from the initial phase of the project to check the suitability of every feature. The twin cradle frame is made of steel tubes and has a telescopic hydraulic fork with 35 mm shafts. At the rear, the engine/crankcase unit works as a singlearm with two dual-effect hydraulic shock absorbers with a coil spring and four-position preload. The front wheel, stopped by two 240 mm steel disks and a floating caliper with two pistons, measures 14” (120/70 tyre) to enhance stability and road grip. At the rear, the 14” wheel rim hosts a large tyre (140/70) to add space to the storage area, ensure excellent road behaviour and reduce the saddle height. The rear brake has a 240 mm steel disk.
X8 400 The Piaggio X8 400ie is the most agile vehicle in the maxi scooter category, with the dual advantages of manoeuvrability and superb storage capacity.
• Powerful and economical 400cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected four-valve four-stroke engine
• Electric start
• Anti-theft coded key immobiliser
• Wide comfortable seat for two-up touring or daily commuting
• Weather protection from windscreen
• Aerodynamic body
• Rear and underseat lockable storage space for carrying belongings
• Remote boot and seat release from key
• Analogue dash with speedo and clock
• Convenient shopping bag hook and lockable compartments for extra storage
• Front and rear disc brake for strong, predictable and safe stopping in all conditions
• Alloy wheels
• Low-emission, environmentally friendly Euro 3 compliant
• 2 Year unlimited Kilometre warranty
The specifications are subject to change without notice. Images for illustration purposes only.
published 23/05/2007 |