Bike
Test – Piaggio X9 Evolution 500.
460cc water cooled single cylinder fuel
injected engine with 4 valves per cylinder. 206kg dry weight. Electronic
ignition, catalytic convertor, 160kph quoted maximum speed.
Does
the bike look good.
Yes, very stylish without the hugeness of
the Burgman series.
Seat
Height.
780mm
Are
the seat and pegs comfortable for rider and pillion.
Yes, rider has multi foot positions from sport, tourer to cruiser.
Does
the bike suit all rider heights.
Because of the electric centre stand I’d say yes.
Heavy
or light clutch.
N.A.
Brake
lever operation.
Non adjustable easy to use, bit of a reach, might be problem for short fingered people.
Brake
operation good or bad in all conditions.
Twin disk front with dual piston Brembo
callipers and single disk rear with dual piston Brembo calliper. Also uses a
proportional linked brake system between front and back brakes.
How does the bike handle corners.
Doesn’t like to be leaned over too far as
the stand will drag, but quite reasonable for a scooter.
How does the bike handle carparks. Balance etc.
Superb.
Is the engine easily serviced.
Have to ask Graeme.
Does the frame look strong enough.
Yes.
Foot pegs for rider and pillion, are they comfortable.
Most definitely for rider.
Can the foot reach the levers.
N.A.
Is there adjustment for leavers.
N.A.
Gearbox shifting heavy or light.
Smooth as silk.
Ratios
matched well to engine and how many.
Constant Velocity Transmission appears well
matched to the engine.
Fairing – is it flimsy or strong, does it offer good protection.
Appears quite strong and has a 3 position
manual adjustment for the windscreen.
Mirror vibration.
Minimal
Instruments easily red.
I think they are quite good, the idiot light
bank could do with a “shader” over it as it is too exposed to the sunlight.
The bars may obstruct the lower sections of the instruments for a shorter
person.
Controls easy to use.
Once used to them, yes.
Engine
performance at road or traffic conditions.
Excellent, plenty of go away from lights.
Engine easy to start.
Yes
Can luggage be added for touring.
I guess the is room for a carry rack
Is there standard storage.
Under seat for one full face and one open
face helmet. Glove box for camera wallet keys purse and other such items. Storage
for mobile telephone with a “hands free” option.
Does
the bike do what it is designed to do.
Yes.
Is everything that requires rider attention easily accessible.
Yes.
Is there an adequate tool kit of good quality.
Yes.
Chain lubrication easy.
Belt drive to be changed every ??thousand
klicks at $85
Centre stand.
Yes, electric deployed by button with
ignition on.
Side stand cutouts.
Yes.
Easy of placing bike onto stands.
Very easy.
Is the horn loud enough.
Yes, very good indeed.
Are the blinkers easily seen by drivers.
Yes.
Is the headlight adequate.
Didn’t
get to try, but looks the business.
Is the suspension adjustable.
Yes twin rear shock rear, nil on front
telescopic forks.
Are the tyres any good.
Yes, offer good grip. Michelin “Gold
Standard”. I don’t know how easy it is to change the rear wheel?
What price are the tyres.
$?
What are the standard accessories.
Radio & intercom for rider &
pillion, remote seat lock release, electric deploy centrestand, wet weather seat
cover.
How does the fuel economy work out.
14.5 litre including a 2.5 litre reserve
What is the on road price.
something around $11,500
How does it stand up to it’s predecessors.
Unknown.
Fun
Factor.
Would I buy one.
Yes, it has it’s place.
Resale value.
Unknown.