After the X9 and the X8, Piaggio has now created the X7, unveiled at EICMA 2007 - the latest in the generation of super scooters, dubbed GTs, that have ruled the European markets in recent years. The Piaggio X7: agile and compact as a metropolitan scooter should be, yet with all the rider protection and stability of a maxi.

Piaggio’s countdown towards perfection continues. After the X9 and the X8 the Tuscan company has created the X7, the latest in the generation of super scooters called GT or Gran Turismo that have ruled the European markets in recent years. The new model was introduced at EICMA 2007 in Milan last week.

The key words created by Piaggio for the launch of the 125cc and 150cc scooters at EICMA 2007 is ‘urban energy’ and the scooters are aimed at giving urban transport a boost. The two machines are light and agile but also safe to use and spacious, with the under saddle space capable of holding a helmet and a laptop computer.

Piaggio X7 

The Piaggio X7: agile and compact as a metropolitan scooter should be, yet with all the rider protection and stability of a maxi. The X7 is the latest heir to Piaggio’s great GT scooter tradition and a brand new addition to the medium capacity commuter market. Great performance is guaranteed by a choice of 125 and 250 ie engines, both four stroke, 4 valve, liquid cooled power units. Large 14” and 13” wheels plus a chassis built to cope with the city completes the picture. The new X7 from Piaggio, Europe’s largest manufacturer of two-wheelers, is the perfect choice for urban and metropolitan mobility, combining as it does the best features of two different classes of scooter. The elegant and distinctively designed Piaggio X7 combines the light weight, dynamism and agility you need to tackle city centre traffic with the excellent stability, road holding and protection that were previously found only on far bigger GT tourers.

Style. Designed around the rider.

The Piaggio X7 has been designed around the rider. Elegant sport materials have been used to achieve perfect ergonomics and a sparkling ride that nevertheless offers all the comfort and ease of control necessary for hectic city centre traffic. The Piaggio X7 envelops the rider in eye-catching style, with a streamlined yet protective leg shield, handlebar mounted windshield, sensuously powerful sides, and reduced overhang at the rear. On an X7 you feel protected by an enveloping space and completely at one with your scooter.

The front of the Piaggio X7 is characterised by an aggressively styled mudguard protruding over the front wheel like an extension of the front shield. The guards at the sides of the mudguard form robust shoulders that provide effective protection for the paintwork. The windshield is mounted directly on the handlebars to emphasise the X7’s dynamic nature. Extending in a continuous line from the sleek front shield, the windshield affords maximum aerodynamic penetration and wind protection. The front of the X7 is dominated by twinned headlights with a clear family resemblance to those of the latest generation of Piaggio GT scooters, giving the X7 a decidedly aggressive look and a purposeful ‘frown’. The sides feature simple yet decisive lines and emphasise the scooter’s dynamic image. Seen from the side, the X7 transmits a clear sensation of compactness. Even the seat, designed to accommodate the rider in unrivalled comfort, blends in perfectly with the X7’s overall styling. Reduced seat height also makes the X7 beautifully easy to control.

The footplates and central tunnel are designed for maximum functionality and strength in the triangular area delimited by the handlebars at the front and seat at the rear, and also to enhance the ergonomics and ease of control of the Piaggio X7. Overhang at the rear is minimal, despite the X7’s  generous under-seat storage compartment (big enough to hold one full face and one jet helmet). The tail therefore boasts a sleek, compact design. Classical red tail lights dominate the rear, merging into one impressive cluster the two direction indicators and combining sporty design with prestige finish.

The same attention to detail extends to the instrumentation. Tilted towards the rider for ease of reading, the instruments feature elegantly sporting graphics and cover all important functions. The X7’s looks are also enhanced by elegant trim, with metallic strips on the sides and inside the leg shield, conferring an air of stylishness on even the smallest components.

Frame and engine. Sparkling performance and complete safety.

Complete safety plus thrilling performance under all riding conditions: that is the mission of the Piaggio X7. Stable and protective, the X7 is designed and built for all-year-round use, and guarantees excellent road holding and total control thanks to an advanced engine and chassis that bring you sparkling performance, compact size and reduced weight. The double cradle frame is made from steel. At the front it terminates in a robust hydraulic fork with 35 mm stanchions, while at the rear the swingarm, incorporating the transmission system, is damped by two hydraulic sock absorbers with adjustable spring preload. The Piaggio X7 is instantly identifiable for its large, light alloy, five spoke wheels (14” at the front and 13” at the rear) and for its impressive sports tyres (120/70 and 140/60). Active safety is maximised by a braking system with discs all round, 260 mm at the front and 240 mm at the rear. Front and rear discs are made from steel and are braked by twin piston floating calipers.

The Piaggio X7 is powered by a choice of two engines, 125 and 250 cc. Both are liquid cooled four strokes with advanced four valve cylinder heads. The 250 cc version is fitted with electronic fuel injection. As you would expect from Piaggio, both engines conform to Euro 3 emission standards while developing pace-setting power. The 125 delivers 11 kW. The Quasar 250 with electronic fuel injection is recognised as the scooter engine the others have to beat, for its exceptional power, low consumption and reliability. An impressive 16.2 kW (22 hp) and 20.2 Nm of torque give the Piaggio X7 an exceptionally smooth ride and a top speed at the peak of its category. The result is a scooter that is perfect for the city and great fun on country roads too.

Colour schemes and accessories.

The Piaggio X7 expresses itself as a highly characteristic every-day commuter through a range of colour schemes chosen to emphasise its elegant sporting nature. The X7 comes in a choice of three metallic finishes, Mars Red, Pulsar Grey and Midnight Blue plus a classical, decisive looking Shiny Black. A true inhabitant of the city, the comfortable, high performance Piaggio X7 can be tailored to your needs with a complete range of accessories including a matching finish, 44 litre top box that can be opened and locked using the scooter’s own ignition key, a 4 mm methacrylate windshield, Tom Tom satnav system, electronic anti-theft alarm, leg cover and scooter cover.