Piaggio Beverly Sport Touring 350ie ABS (2012-current): Combining mega-scooter performance with 300 c.c. external dimensions.
There are two versions available concerning Piaggio Beverly 350, the base model and the ABS which includes traction control (ASR). At the latter version the traction control may be deactivated, which is not the case for the ABS.Engine: The new single cylinder, water cooled 330 c.c. engine delivers 33.3 bhp/8250 rpm and 3.3 Kgm/6250 rpm (23.87 lbs ft) torque, claimed figures.
Actually in order to start the engine, the throttle has to be off. A light vibration is produced at idle. The transmission is direct, the motion of the rider¢s right hand is translated exactly to instant acceleration.
If the traction control is deactivated, under full throttle acceleration, the boost provided is superb up to the speed of 100 km/h (62 mph). The speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) is achieved moderately, the speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) slowly. Top indicated speed is 160 km/h (99 mph) which may be obtained even on minor uphill straight roads. The performance provided is decent for the scooter category. On deliberate starts with a 2007 Beverly 400, acceleration was virtually the same, which is a definite advantage for the new scooter.
If the traction control is activated, the power provided under full throttle acceleration is adequate to slide the rear wheel on slippery roads. Whenever the traction control is engaged, the engine seems to be coughing! This traction control is not the smoothest around, although it will get the job done, e.g. in case of slippery or wet roads.
Thus on high quality roads, during the initial acceleration of the scooter, the traction control will not be engaged. The traction control may be disengaged by pressing the ASR switch, an indicating light will be constantly on for the rider then. Whenever the engine is started again, the traction control will automatically be activated.
Riders favoring accelerations on average roads will definitely turn off the traction control, since precious time is lost on slippery tarmac.
An indicative average fuel consumption figure is 4.8 l/100 km, (67 mpg Imperial) which is quite improved compared with that of Beverly 400 (5.5 l/100 km) (51 mpg Imperial). Tank range is in the range of 300 km (186 miles). The service intervals are every 20000 Km (12000 miles) while every 10000 Km ( 6000 miles) an oil change will be adequate.
Riding position: The height of the saddle is relatively large, 795 mm (31.3 in), the width of the saddle is increased. Thus it will be adequate to riders with normal stature or higher. After the Aprilia SR Max 300, it¢s the second scooter of the Group which provides a tall riding position. The saddle is comfortable for the pillion also. The dimensions of the scooter are average for the 300 c.c. scooter class standards.
The weight of the scooter is increased, 177 nominal Kg full which shouldn¢t result to an issue even to female riders.
Rider is placed mostly in than over the scooter, riding position is almost neutral. Rider is seated relatively high, the handlebar is relatively low.
On the road: The 35 mm fork feels comparatively firm, the firmness of the two shocks at the rear feels average. The only possible adjustment for the rider is the spring preload at the rear in four increments.
OE tyres are Michelin City grip which are considered to be a superb choice. Their dimensions are 110/70-16 at the front and 150 (!)/70-14 at the rear.
In town the Beverly 350 ABS will tick all the boxes of the rider without asking for any compromises. Riding inspires confidence and familiarity right from the beginning. The tall riding position provides good road surveillance.
Engine performance is adequate for even the fastest riders on normal urban rides, while the traction control and the ABS are there to help the rider, whatever the situation is. The operation of these systems is not ideal, however with such power on tap, half of the riding problems are simply solved with the ABS and the traction control.
On downtown rides the Beverly 350 will be adequate to the rider, since it provides mega-scooter performance at a 300 c.c. package. This should be the strongest advantage for the Beverly. It will be a satisfying scooter to every rider wishing for a powerful scooter even at the centre of the town. The tunnel at the middle of the scooter is not helpful on short-frequent rides.
Steering lock is superb for this engine capacity, very good for the scooter standards.
Filtering is really good. Actually the handlebar is just higher than car mirrors, the mirrors of the scooter are marginally higher than SUV mirrors. Due to the normal for the 300 c.c. standards width, there will not be any problem to the rider.
Street imperfections are absorbed very well from the front end. The comfort from the two shock absorbers at the rear is average, due to the 14 inch wheel mainly.
On B-roads the Beverly provides confidence right from the beginning. Stability and agility are combined. Thus rider feels comfortable to charge. Up to a nimble pace, it will be satisfying to sport riders, providing a substitute to motorcycle riding!
At the fast pace, Beverly will be satisfying to any rider who has realized that he is riding actually …a scooter. Consecutively, while stability and confidence to the rider are very good, feedback to the rider is decreased as the pace gets faster. Thus, feedback to the rider is good for the scooter standards, its average though for the standards of motorcycles.
It has to be reminded that the tyres fitted from the factory are considered to be one of the few best choices around, enhancing handling.
At a very fast pace, vagueness to the rider is evident, which is not really important to the majority of the riders. At such a pace the engine feels relatively weak, to fast motorcycle riders. This could be an outcome of the superb tyres, which may tame the power provided!
On the highway, travelling speed will vary between 140-150 Km/h (87-93 mph). Air protection is really good at the speed of 140 Km/h, some oscillations at the helmet of the rider may be produced. Additionally the air flow may be felt on the rider¢s shoulders at 150 Km/h.
On paved roads or dirt roads, Beverly is comfortable, robust and agile. The tyres fitted do not provide sufficient grip or feedback to the rider.
Á single 300 mm disc brake is equipped at the front featuring a two-piston caliper at the ABS model, (a three piston caliper with combined brakes at the base model: applying the rear brake one out of three pots is activated at the front), and a 240 mm at the rear with a two piston caliper.
The ABS cannot be deactivated. These ABS brakes will get the job done at a routine basis: There is not any outstanding feature, feedback to the rider is average, the deceleration of the scooter will meet the expectations of the rider at any instant.
Quality build/versions/equipment: Quality build is good, its not equivalent with the best of the class though. Additionally in recent years scooter quality build is superb, even if the bike has not been manufactured in Japan.
Consequently Beverly¢s quality build could be improved, mainly in terms of plastic parts assembly. As an example, whenever the scooter tested was set on the centre stand and the engine was operating at idle, the screen was vibrating, making noise.
At the base model the Beverly 350 features combined brakes while at the ABS model a traction control is also featured, which is the first time for such a system installed to a scooter.
Under the seat a full face helmet may be accommodated leaving more free space which is adequate for two raincoats as an example. There is a button at the left grip which is used to open the seat and another switch inside the gloves compartment at the leg shield for the same use.
The gloves compartment may indicatively store two pairs of summer gloves, a 12 V plug is provided. A centre and a kick stand are standard equipment. The scooter is equipped with side valves at the tyres. The blue light at the clocks at night is beautiful, an external temperature indication is provided.
Comments: The feet rest isn¢t flat. The size of the key is that of a car¢s key. This was not really necessary since things were going fine, with the small motorcycle keys that could be hidden anywhere actually, inside the pockets, waist bags etc! Lights are average.
The perception of the ABS which is permanent and the traction control which may be deactivated, is right, in both cases scooters or street motorcycles, since the ABS is a must to all, while the traction control is useful mostly to new riders. The operation of the latter could be improved.
The only obvious difference with the base model or even the 300 c.c. Beverly is the discreet sticker at the front fender, which writes ABS-ASR. This feels quite nice to the Beverly 300 c.c. owners, although someone who paid the extra amount for the 350 c.c. version would prefer an upgraded or more sporty design. A plain indication of the engine capacity, 350, would not be criticized by anyone.
The character of the Piaggio Beverly 350 is close to the manufacturer¢s claim “sport touring”, within the scooter standards of course. Nevertheless, the fact that the Beverly 350 combines 300 c.c. external dimensions and 300-400 c.c. performance is far more important to the rider. Consecutively there are not any compromises asked on downtown commuting.
The 400 euros difference between the base and the ABS model is little for the future buyer, favoring the safer and more expensive model.
Price Sport Touring 350ie abs: 5.200 ¤
Price Sport Touring 350ie: 4800 ¤
+ Electronic systems – active safety
+ Decreased external dimensions, mega scooter performance
- Quality build is average for the scooter standards
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