Thanks to Spanish website MotorPassionMoto.com we can show you what is believed to be Piaggio’s updated version of their three wheeled scooter the MP3 or the Fuoco (fire) which was caught testing on the roads near Girona in Spain.

Apparently the new model -which at the moment looks pretty fugly - is well ahead in the testing phase and could be ready to be released in time for this year’s EICMA show.

During the usual Dealer Meeting that took place in Montecarlo a few days ago - also attended by Aprilia’s WSB rider Max Biaggi - the Piaggio Group introduced two brand new models of its subsidiaries Aprilia and Moto Guzzi. It was not an official presentation as the press was not allowed in and both models are expected to hit the showrooms in the not-so-near future - which also explains the lack of info and specs - but nonetheless it was the first time that both these models were spotted around in their definitive form: meet the Aprilia Caponord 1200 and the Moto Guzzi California 1400.

The Caponord 1200 is not too different from the one we had spotted about a year ago. The chassis looks is similar to the one of the Dorsoduro model, if not exactly the same. Same goes for the engine - which should be a 130 hp twin - while the suspension is probably tweaked to make it more suitable for off-road use. 19″ rims and a front end that adopts the design language introduced by the RSV4 and then adopted by the whole Aprilia’s range complete the profile of the bike, for now. As for now there’s no word as for when the Caponord will eventually hit the market, but will be waiting for more info about this model.

As for the Moto Guzzi California 1400, the images of this model were collected by renowned Italian magazine Motociclismo, which got them from a dealer that was at the event. The model is equipped by a 1,400 cc engine that should deliver more power and torque of the current version. We also notice an oil-radiator, which would make us belief that the cooling system will be an oil-mixed-air one. The new Guzzi should be officially unveiled next fall, and more accurate info about it are expected to surface way before that: we will keep you posted.

pics | VisorDown

Piaggio Group confirmed in a statement that Italian Police force ‘Guardia di Finanza’ seized a three wheels scooter called YB 250 ZKT produced and marketed by Chinese company Kaitong Motor through its subsidiary Yiben. The Police carried out the operation at Yiben’s stand at the 2011 EICMA.

Guardia di Finanza says that the aforementioned model appears to be a little too similar to Piaggio ‘MP3′, whose design and production rights are obviously owned by the Italian group. Thereby, the model has been distrained over allegations of falsification and copyright infringment. Here are the pictures, you can see that for yourself.

The Piaggio Group showcases many models from all of its brands at the 2011 EICMA. We already introduced Piaggio X10, Aprilia SRV 850 and Vespa Quarantasei, now let’s have a quick look through the other most significant ones.

Moto Guzzi V7 now available in three models: the V7 (a classic motorcycle), the V7 Special (for upmarket tourism and speed enthusiasts) and the V7 Racer (the highly advanced racing version), all based on the fully re-engineered 90° V-twin engine. The new Moto Guzzi Nevada, powered by the new 750 two-cylinder, retains the characteristic custom design but features a less laid-back riding position for greater control.

Piaggio presents the Beverly SportTouring, a sporty version of the successful Beverly with a completely new 33 hp 350 cc engine, a 150/70 rear tyre and a new look, and is also first scooter in the world with ABS/ASR. Then there is the revamped Fly, which has undergone a full restyling and will go on sale worldwide. Initially available in a 50 cc, 4-stroke, 4V version, it will later be joined by 125 and 150 cc models as well. Click the “Continue Reading” link below to find out about Aprilia and Derbi.

View the full Piaggio Group line-up at the 2011 EICMA photo gallery

Aprilia’s most shining star at the 2011 EICMA is the SRV 850 maxi-scooter, but also quite interesting is the SR Motard, a Supermoto-inspired sporty scooter powered by either a 2-stroke 50cc or a robust 4-stroke 125cc. We bet it will become a best seller among young riders.

Derbi introduces the Variant Sport, a new sporty high wheel scooter delivering impressive performance and reliability at an affordable cost. It will come with 14” wheels and will be available with two engines: a 2-stroke 50cc and a 4-stroke 125cc.

Making a surprise appearance at the 2011 EICMA is Piaggio’s brand new X10, which went immediately in the spotlight because of its futuristic look. Piaggio dubbed the X10 as ‘the new flagship’ for the Italian manufacturer, and it is expected to hit the showrooms in Spring 2012. The model be available with three different engines – 125, 350 and 500 cc – to meet the most diverse needs.

The most remarkable highlights of the new range are the electronically adjustable rear suspension, dual ABS and ASR system, parking brake light integrated into the stand, on-board computer with LCD screen, backlit controls, large windshield, triple glove compartment and a quite generous boot.

Aesthetically, it is safe to say that Piaggio really put a lot of effort into making the X10 a very polished and elegant product: the front headlight assembly contains the poly-ellipsoidal element of the high-beam headlight, two complex surface parabolas of the low-beam lights and also turn indicators and that, crossing the front over the entire width, makes the “look” of the new Piaggio X10 unique. Click on the ‘Continue reading’ link below to find out more about Piaggio X10 and the full technical specs of the 3 versions.

View Piaggio X10 at the 2011 EICMA photo gallery

The entry level model uses a 4-stroke, 4 valve single-cylinder 125, with liquid cooling and electronic injection. Then there is the 350 cc engine, producing 34 hp and 32.3 Nm of torque, while the 500 cc unit has an output of 40 hp and a peak torque of 42 Nm.

The chassis adopt a double-cradle solution made of high strength steel. On the front there is a traditional type fork with a travel of 115 mm, while on the rear both 125 and 350 versions are fitted with a double-acting double hydraulic shock absorber with preloading adjustable to 4 positions and stroke of 100mm whereas the 500cc X10 uses a rear single shock absorber with electrically adjustable preloading, located on the right side of the vehicle, which receives the load of the wheel through a lever. The three models share a 15″ 5-spoke wheel rims on the front (tyre 120/70) and a 13” on the rear (tyre 150/70).

Piaggio X10 is equipped with a sophisticated braking system with dual disc of 280 mm on the front and single disc of 240 mm at the rear, standard equipped with the combined braking system, and, on option, the ABS/ ASR double system (Acceleration Slippery Regulation). As for now, no word on the price.

Piaggio X10 500 – Technical Specifications

Engine: Single-cylinder 4-stroke dual spark plug
Engine capacity: 492 cm³
Bore x Stroke: 94 x 71 mm
Timing: 4-valve single overhead camshaft (S.O.H.C.).
Cooling: Liquid
Lubrication: Wet sump
Starter: Electric
Gearbox: Speed CVT with torque server
Clutch: Automatic dry centrifugal clutch with vibration dampers
Chassis: Double-cradle chassis in high strength steel tube
Front suspension: Hydraulic telescopic fork, Ø41 (115 mm travel)
Rear suspension: Double-acting hydraulic single shock absorber with adjustable preloading, electronically controlled spring. Axial travel 89 mm - wheel vertical travel 114 mm
Front brake: Hydraulic with dual stainless steel disc Ø 280 mm and double piston floating calliper
Rear brake: Hydraulic with stainless steel disc Ø 240 mm and double piston floating calliper
Front tyre: Tubeless 120/70 – 15”
Rear tyre: Tubeless 150/70 - 13”
Length: 2250 mm
Width: 790 mm (without mirrors)
Saddle height: 760 mm
Wheelbase: 1633 mm
Tank: 15 litres (including 2 litre reserve)
Emissions: Euro 3

Piaggio X10 350 – Technical Specifications

Engine: Single-cylinder 4-stroke
Engine capacity: 330 cm³
Bore x Stroke: 78 mm x 69 mm
Timing: 4-valve single overhead camshaft (S.O.H.C.) roller rockers
Cooling: Liquid
Lubrication: Dry sump
Starter: Electric
Gearbox: Speed CVT with torque server
Clutch: Automatic centrifugal multi-disc oil bath
Chassis: Double-cradle chassis in high strength steel tube
Front suspension: Hydraulic telescopic fork, Ø35 (115 mm travel)
Rear suspension: 2 double-acting hydraulic shock absorbers with adjustable spring preloading in 4 positions. 100 mm vertical wheel travel
Front brake: Hydraulic with dual stainless steel disc Ø 280 mm and double piston floating calliper
Rear brake: Hydraulic with stainless steel disc Ø 240 mm and double piston floating calliper
Front tyre: Tubeless 120/70 – 15”
Rear tyre: Tubeless 150/70 - 13”
Length: 2250 mm
Width: 790 mm (without mirrors)
Saddle height: 760 mm
Wheelbase: 1621 mm
Tank: 15 litres (including 2 litre reserve)
Emissions: Euro 3

Piaggio X10 125 – Technical Specifications

Engine: Single-cylinder 4-stroke
Engine capacity: 124 cm³
Bore x Stroke: 57 x 48.6 mm
Timing: 4-valve single overhead camshaft (S.O.H.C.)
Cooling: Liquid
Lubrication: Wet sump
Starter: Electric
Gearbox: Speed CVT with torque server
Clutch: Automatic dry centrifugal clutch with vibration dampers
Chassis: Double-cradle chassis in high strength steel tube
Front suspension: Hydraulic telescopic fork, Ø35 (115 mm travel)
Rear suspension: 2 double-acting hydraulic shock absorbers with adjustable spring preloading in 4 positions. 100 mm vertical wheel travel
Front brake: Hydraulic with dual stainless steel disc Ø 280 mm and double piston floating calliper
Rear brake: Hydraulic with stainless steel disc Ø 240 mm and double piston floating calliper
Front tyre: Tubeless 120/70 – 15”
Rear tyre: Tubeless 150/70 - 13”
Length: 2250 mm
Width: 790 mm (without mirrors)
Saddle height: 760 mm
Wheelbase: 1621 mm
Tank: 15 litres (including 2 litre reserve)
Emissions: Euro 3

The Piaggio Group has released the first official images of two new production models that will be officially presented at 2011 EICMA and hit the showrooms shortly afterwards. The first one is a 850 cc 2 cylinder maxi-scooter that will come out with an Aprilia badge, called SVR850, and the other is a 350 cc Sport Touring version of the successful Piaggio Beverly.

The new SVR850 is basically an Aprilia-badged version of Gilera GP800, with considerably different aesthetics as its bodywork is very reminiscent of Aprilia’s most celebrated model of the past few years: the RSV-4. The engine is a 850 cc 90° V-twin with 4 valve per cylinder and electronic fuel injection, delivering 76 hp at 7.750 rpm and its maximum torque of 76,5 Nm at 6.000 rpm.

The Beverly Sport Touring 350 looks slightly more aggressive than the original model and wears an unusual 150/70 rear tyre. The bike uses a brand new engine producing 33 hp - which is not bad at all for a bike of this class - but its most peculiar feature is that it is going to be the first scooter in the world to be equipped with standard ABS/AS. The latest addition to the Beverly line is already on display at Piaggio’s showroom in Milan: the basic version will cost 4,900€ while the one with ABS/AS can be yours for 5,400€.

The new Piaggio MP3 Touring gets a 500cc motor and “Sport” or “Business” packages for the updated model. While it still looks like an awkward model to us, the MP3 Touring sticks to its safety, stability and comfortable ride in a touring bike that has sold more than 100,000 models around the world.

The style upgrades to the MP3 Touring include a freshly designed windshield which provides more protection and is adjustable for three different positions. It uses new airflow technology for a more comfortable ride. Up front we get new handles, silver tint on the wheels and seat, and the latter has been redesigned with contrasting stitching and new materials.

The engine range has been updated to include a wider choice of options. The MP3 Touring has the traditional 300 and 400 cc engines, and a new 500cc model has been added. It has range-topping performance with 40 hp at 7,250 rpm, and 44 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. The “Sport” package has a few racing features with aluminium foot pegs, silver stitching on the seat and reshaped rearview mirrors. A new opaque grey colour is available.

The “Business” package is a more elegant and sober offering with colours extending from pearl white, to bronze or grey. There is a brown seat, colour coorindated with the passenger grab handles, and a chrome exhaust. A black seat finish is also available, with the exterior colour of the scooter in Nero Cosmo.

The Piaggio MP3 Touring 300cc costs 6,190 euros, while the 400cc version comes in at 7,400 euros. The MP3 Touring 500cc version will be available in September and in Business package it costs €7,600. The Sport version costs €7,500.

The Piaggio Group will be bringing some new models to the 2010 EICMA although unfortunately we don’t expect anything that will knock our socks off quite like the Moto Guzzi concepts last year. In any case, we’ll get to see the Aprilia Tuono V4R on the floor which could steal the show from the Ducati Streetfighter. So far, we’ve got this 3/4 pic to show you and we think it will only be nastier in the flesh.

The Moto Guzzi Stelvio 8v gets a restyling with new sides, tank and front cover and a brand new set of wheels. It also gets a new colour scheme but at this stage we don’t know if there will be any changes regarding the engine and electronics. Meanwhile the RS125 will become the RS4 125 thanks to a new look taken from the current four-cylinder world champion.

For the 2010 EICMA Piaggio will present its new MP3 Yourban - a compact version of the world’s three-wheeler. It will continue the urban commuting philosophy but has a new, smaller front and is less powerful at the front wheels, designed for easier and lighter riding. Vespa will show off its GTV, S Sport and GTS Touring models, along with its new PX to compete with the success of the LML Star. More details to come from the show.

2011 Piaggio Group at 2010 EICMA

Tuono and Stelvio pics from IlSole24Ore

Moto Guzzi and Aprilia will have a new focus moving in to 2012 and 2013 as the Piaggio Group gets precise about what it wants from its two brands. According to Roberto Colannino, Moto Guzzi will take on the grand touring market and BMW as a competitor, while Aprilia will continue its work in the sports bike field, focusing on playing in the same superbike and sports bike sectors as Honda, Yamaha and Ducati.

The industrial plan for the Piaggio Group hinges on these two brands and a more specific view as to their development and place within the overall group. How successful they will be is difficult to say at this stage, especially for Moto Guzzi. The stated objective of competing with BMW is no small feat but there are some specific developments in the pipeline which should see an evolution in the Moto Guzzi brand over the next few years.

Firstly, a new three-valve engine will be developed which will join the brand new V4 in the line-up, and Guzzi fans will also get an updated California with 1200cc engine. Rumours that Guzzi was working on a big bore 1400cc engine have been put to rest by management. The purpose behind most of the changes is to streamline the brands of the Piaggio Group. The company says:

“The Piaggio group has many brands and we need to remove those that aren’t useful, or direct them towards other markets if it’s the case to do so. We’ve learned from Indian managers how to make money, avoiding production of useless products and producing only those that are aimed at a specific market.”

We could therefore see a reduction in the number of models that the Piaggio Group produces, especially in its very large scooter range. While some of the plans relate specifically to the European motorcycle market, Piaggio is also widening its horizons, looking at Africa (exporting only mini Ape truck models at this stage) and India. The latter country will be a key factor in Piaggio’s development as the company opens production facilities, while trying to reinforce its relationship with China. Luckily for Italy, Piaggio will be keeping European manufacturing local for the moment.

Piaggio has revealed that it will be investing about 137 million euros in the two-wheel market, while 100 million euros will be destined for investment in industrial facilities. About two-thirds will be invested in Italy as its advanced production facilities require maintenance and upgrades, and in research and development.

While most of this makes very good sense from an industrial and financial point of view, we can’t help but wonder what will happen to some of our favourite Guzzi models of late, especially the V12 Le Mans prototype, for example. Or for Aprilia, we’re thinking that the direction outlined above possibly excludes models like the Tuareg. Either that, or Piaggio intends things to be more flexible than indicated.

Aprilia has a sports tradition but not without innovation in offroad models, gaining a podium place in the last Dakar edition, for example. And while Guzzi might play in the niche of café racer and vintage-style models, they’re generally well-loved all the same (not to mention its long history in sports and racing models). Piaggio is definitely a company that needs to create a successful industrial plan over the next few years, but here’s hoping it’s not too narrow for fans of the brands involved.

Source | Motoblog.it

The latest rumor coming out of Italy is that Piaggio is thinking of reviving the iconic Laverda marque in 2011, that they quickly phased out after buying the Aprilia group in 2004.

Laverda had a long and difficult history especially when they were bought out by the Noale based company who failed miserably in bringing back the brand back to it’s previous prestige.

Will 2011 finally see the re-birth of Laverda and what type of motorcycle could we expect? A modern café racer with a “Shiver”engine? This is only hypothesis, but it would be nice to see the Laverda brand on the market again.

More rumors as we get them.

Source | pianetariders.it

It seems Piaggio operations and client service is further under fire in the North American motorcycle market, after the Italian company recently had to pledge to improve its Canadian dealer network and customer relations. Piaggio moved its Canadian distribution to the US last year, but apparently is still known for lack of customer service and dealership support.

According to A&R Piaggio sold just 1,100 bikes in North America in Q1 this year, compared to 6,400 in Q1 last year and with brands like Piaggio, Vespa, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi in its portfolio, it’s hardly lacking in products to sell. Comments though, indicate that a brand like Aprilia is just as good at replacement parts as any other brand on the market, and that overall customers would like better service from other Italian brands like Ducati and MV Agusta as well as the Japanese companies.

Whatever the case, it would be nice to see Piaggio set the benchmark rather than content itself with the middling standards of the rest of the market. We can only imagine that the company is in need of a good PR campaign and the service to then back it up. Piaggio worldwide CEO Paolo Timoni says: “About 50% of our dealers have stayed with us [since the move offices to the US] and the plan is to have 50 to 55 dealers total across Canada by the end of 2010.”

That statement doesn’t exactly admit there’s a problem beyond just dealership numbers, but it does indicate some plans are in place to address complaints. I’m not a salesperson, but I am a customer, and so I know that sales aren’t going to just come wandering in because they think Aprilia’s a great brand. It’s only ever going to be as good as the dealership and sales support network that gets you your bike.

Piaggio is re-entering the Indian scooter market with the Vespa LX 125, which will be produced in India itself at a rate of 150,000 units a year, from 2012. The Vespa is planned as a competitor to the Honda in India, with other popular brands being Suzuki and Mahindra. The Vespa always has that added age of vintage, Italian style, but we’ll have to wait and see if it appeals to the locals.

Piaggio already has a presence in India, selling more than 180,000 units of its trike models in 2009, produced at its Baramati plant. It hopes to cash in on India’s big motorcycle and scooter market - more than 8.4 million two wheel vehicles were purchased in India just last year, with 1.3 million being scooters.

To achieve its plans, Piaggio will invest about 30 million euros in India in 2010 and 2011. The Vespa LX 125 (Touring model in the pics) has a four-stroke, single cylinder engine with 10.7 hp. The Touring version is designed for both city riding and more adventurous surburban trips. There is also a 150 cc version, but Piaggio will do well to keep things smaller and cheaper at first in India.

Source | FasterandFaster