Engine: The engine is a two stroke single cylinder air cooled 50 c.c. one. Actually the sound and the transmitted vibrations from the engine to the whole body of the bike, remind that this is a two-stroke engine. 

The acceleration is adequate up to 40 km/h, (25 mph), rather slow up to 60 km/h (37 mph), while the top speed is now  70 km/h (43.5 mph). Normally, without any engine modifications the top speed would be restricted to 50 km/h (31 mph). In case of an abrupt, full throttle acceleration, initially there was an instant hesitation which was not observed on normal riding conditions.

 

Riding position: The height of the saddle is moderate at 760 mm, (29.9 in), although due to the width of the saddle it feels increased for a 50 c.c. scooter. The rider is placed mostly in the scooter, the riding position is neutral providing some doses of alertness on urban rides. Specifically the rider is seated at the front, rider’s torso is upright and the arms are spread wide on the handlebar. The weight of the scooter feels very light, 97 kgs (214 lbs) nominal dry. 

                           

The dimensions of the scooter are increased compared to what someone expects from a 50 c.c. scooter. It could be a 150 c.c. scooter. The handlebar is somewhat wide. The pillion is seated at about the same level with the rider, the saddle is very roomy, the knees form a natural angle while the handlebars are very convenient. The saddle is rather firm for the rider and pillion. 

 

On the road: The suspensions feel soft, a 32 mm fork is equipped at the front. A single shock is featured at the rear, while a single sided swingarm is provided, which makes tyre changes really fast in case of endurance races! That was supposed to be a joke! The tyres fitted are Duro, with dimensions 120/70-12 front and rear. 

 

In town, the Fly is quite neutral despite the small engine capacity. Although it is light with small wheels, the scooter is very stable. This is perceived as neutral riding. 

 

On downtown rides the Fly will remind its engine displacement only because of the weak performance. The rides on the Fly remind of a bigger scooter. Steering lock is very good. Filtering is moderate given this engine capacity since the height of the scooter’s handlebar and mirrors is the same with cars’ and SUVs’ mirrors. Additionally the increased width of the handlebar is not helpful. 

 

The comfort provided is average. Actually rider feels every street imperfection, while on large potholes the shock travel gets close to its limits. The mirrors of the scooter are spread rather far from rider’s field of vision and they cannot be stabilized easily. 

 

On B-roads the Fly combines great agility with stability. On high friction-high quality roads rider will probably twist the throttle to the stop for an ordinary pace of riding. Concerning the specific scooter tested, any overtake above 50 km/h (31 mph) needs some prior programming. 

                                                   

On the straights stability is good even at the top speed (70 km/h- 43.5 mph). The Fly 50 gives the impression that it will handle comfortably even double the power of the engine. 

                                                   

On slippery roads due to the small wheels and the OE tires if rider wants to squeeze any power margin from this engine, cornering feedback is decreased as well as confidence to the rider. 

On downhill roads this results to vagueness and the scooter gets light mid-turn. 

 

In case of a dirt road, the Fly is adequate if there are no stones, otherwise rider gets a free…pneumatic hammer simulation. 

 

Τhe brakes consist of a 200mm disc brake at the front together with a two piston caliper and a 140 mm drum brake at the rear. 

The front brake is powerful, the initial bite is good, feedback to the rider is average. Thus on slippery streets rider has to be cautious in case of emergency braking. The rear is powerful, linear, providing average feedback, which makes it quite practical for any kind of road. 

 

Comments: Τhe feet floor is flat and somewhat narrow. At the storage space under the seat a large full face helmet will not be accommodated due to the height provided, although this space could be adequate for smaller helmets. The gloves compartment at the legshield is adequate for a pair of rain-suit. A kick starter is standard equipment, not a side stand though. 

 

The blue pearl tone on the white body color is very interesting, referring to Piaggio’s badge. There were four Fly variants, a two stroke and a four stroke at 50 c.c., a 125 c.c. and a 150 c.c.. A new model was introduced in 2013. The styling is quite elegant. 

 

+ Stability – neutral rides 

- Almost every rider is encouraged to go for a bigger engine variant.    

 

Thanks to the Karavados Beach Hotel and it's motorbike rental branch, Saferent, tel. +302671069180 , Kefalonia Greece, for the test ride.