PIaggio B 125

Make Model	Piaggio BV 125 (Beverly)
Year	2002
Engine	Four stroke, single cylinder
Capacity	124 cc / 7.6 cub in.
Bore x Stroke	57 x 48.6 mm
Compression Ratio	12.3:1
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Fuel System	Carburetor
Starting	Electric
Max Power	11.2 kW / 15 hp @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque	12.2 Nm / 1.24 kgf-m / 9 lb-ft @ 8 000 rpm
Clutch	Automatic centrifugal dry clutch
Transmission	CVT with torque server, 4-speed
Frame	tubular steel trellis frame
Front Suspension	Hydraulic telescopic fork, 35 mm
Rear Suspension	Shock with hydraulic dampers
Front Brakes	Disc, 260 mm
Rear Brakes	Disc, 260 mm
Dimensions	Length: 2110 mm / 83.1 in. Width: 760 mm / 29.9 in.
Wheelbase	1470 mm / 57.9 in.
Seat Height	800 mm / 31.5 in.
Dry Weight	159 kg / 351 lbs
Wet Weight	174 kg / 384 lbs
Fuel Capacity	10.0 L / 2.6 US gal
Reserve	2.2 L / 0.58 US gal
Consumption Average	3.0 L/100 km / 33.6 km/l / 79 US mpg
Top Speed	105 km/h / 65 mph
Review	The Telegraph

Big-wheeled scooters returned to favour in southern European markets several years ago, but still haven't made an impression here, which is a shame because they offer superior stability and potential ride quality, as Piaggio's new, upmarket B125 confirms. The deeply uncool image of gawky old Mobylettes is a big hurdle to overcome, but 16in wheel size aside, the slickly styled Piaggio is a world apart.

The downside is that the rear wheel eats into the underseat storage space and, sure enough, the B125 is only capable of stowing a couple of shallow, open-face crash helmets, above - if you wear a full-face lid (and you really should) you'll have to carry it around with you.

The suspension is surprisingly firm, which gives a harsh ride on poor surfaces, but it's another reason why the handling is especially good. The sportiness is further enhanced by disc brakes front and rear, although it's the rear that offers the most effective stopping power.

The engine is a four-stroke unit, which uses Piaggio's latest low-emissions technology and is capable of delivering more than 100mpg, although it's sluggish pulling away from a standstill compared with most two-stroke 125s - so much so that you think twice about nosing your way to the front of a queue of traffic in case you then hold it up when the lights change.

The B125 is well finished and equipped, with an adjustable screen, waterproof seat cover and phone-charging socket, and with road charges and yet more fuel tax looming, it doesn't seem so expensive after all.

Kevin Ash, 2002