It might not have the coolest name in the world, but the new Piaggio Beverly SportTouring 350 does stand out as the first scooter to ever have both ABS and Traction Control (ASR).
The Beverly is already successful, with over 300,000 sold around the world, and the new one includes an all-new four-stroke liquid-cooled 350cc single motor which uses continuously variable transmission (CVT) and other tricks to attempt to give you the speed of a 400cc bike, but the size, emissions and fuel use of a 300cc. In term os power, you get 33bhp at 8,250rpm, and it leads to a 10kg weight savings compared to a 400cc scooter. Plus you also get 12,000 mile service intervals, which is nice.
The traction control (ASR) can be turned on and off via the handlebars, and contact with the road comes via five-spoke alloy rims, a 150/70 rear tyre and a 16″ front wheel. As always with a scooter, you get decent practicality with two open-face helmets fitting into the underseat storage, and there’s a luggage rack with passenger grab handles, plus a glove compartment in the legshield with a 12v plug socket. It’s due to be unveiled at the Milan motorcycle show, but if you’re not quite excited enough to fly out there, you can always check out your local Piaggio dealer.
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