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2013 Piaggio X10 500 Review
2013 Piaggio X10 500
X10 500, UNIQUE STYLE…
X10 is the contemporary expression of Piaggio design. This evolution of the GT genre boasts equally innovative style: alternating concave and convex surfaces flow harmoniously into one another in a uniquely original wave motion, which is emphasised by the satin finish strip running the length of the body, giving the scooter a sense of dynamism and power. At the rear, the bodywork concludes in a short, coupé-inspired tail that continues seamlessly from the flank. The full-body paintwork – a unique feature in this class – enhances the fluidity of the forms and the continuity of the automobile-inspired surfacing, accentuating the compact, dynamic looks of the X10.
Modern, sleek and attractive lines, designed in a wind tunnel, a wealth of equipment and top notch performance. Piaggio X10 is an authentic flagship on two wheels, dedicated to those who want maximum comfort in a bike that is 100% Italian elegance.
Electric adjustment of the rear suspension, dual ABS and ASR system, parking brake built into the stand: every detail of Piaggio X10 was designed to ensure comfort, maximum functionality and total safety. And then there is the on board computer with LCD screen, backlit controls, the large windscreen, triple glove compartment and spacious luggage compartment. Three modern engines – 125, 350 and 500 – to meet the most diverse commuting needs.
With Piaggio X10 riding becomes a daily luxury.
Piaggio proves itself once again as a key player in the Gran Turismo segment with an offer that represents the maximum evolution of the Italian style “maxi” concept.
The X10 is the latest addition to the long tradition of Piaggio GT bikes which for decades have influenced the trends of this prestigious market segment. A success which can be measured by about 400,000 units sold in the various versions of authentic milestones such as Hexagon, the first Italian maxi, the luxurious X9, up to the X8 and XEvo family.
Piaggio X10 is a true two-wheeled flagship with a refined design, characterised by the alternation of complex surfaces and innovative volumes. A new generation vehicle designed to meet the needs of the most advanced mobility: standard-setting performance combined with great comfort and agility, in order to take on long trips in comfort, but also to move around easily in city traffic in total safety.
A proposal that evolves and enhances the “mobile living room” concept to the maximum: elegant, exclusive and equipped standard with a wealth of equipment and numerous details painstakingly designed to please the eye, but always in the spirit of maximum functionality.
A unique style.
Attractive and elegant lines for a design that is both modern and classic at the same time, that looks to the future, but maintains, while evolving it, the style which is so distinctive and authentically Italian of the Piaggio family. The X10 stands out for its look which knows how to be original, yet harmonious, and where the extreme attention to detail is pleasing to the eye, at the same time it ensures maximum functionality.
The headlight assembly will catch your eye, including the polyellipsoidal element of the high beam, the two complex surface dish shapes of the low beams and the turn indicators which, covering the entire width of the front, give the Piaggio X10 a unique “gaze”.
Inside it a lighted frame subliminally represents the famous “tie” which has characterised the Piaggio model front ends for years: an homage to tradition, but in modern tones. This effect is obtained by placing high efficiency LEDs behind a glazed surface the light of which generates a continuous beam which also acts as parking light.
Another detail which ties the X10 to the more recent models in the Piaggio range is the metallic effect insert that runs horizontally along the entire bike, creating a pleasant contrast with the painted parts of the bodywork; this is an element of style that combines with the “wave” type dominating pattern which marks the side view with a dynamic look, from the front mudguard to the tail.
Rounded surfaces alternate with harder and more decisive edges, generating a shift back and forth between concave and convex, fluid and sleek lines that conveys strength and a dynamic character.
The rear is characterised by the cut off tail, which clearly takes its inspiration from the motor vehicle world, where the two large handle stand out, flowing perfectly with the lines on the side of the bike. This is a choice that has the advantage of pairing the functionality of easily climbing on board for any size passenger with the beauty of the rear view, enhanced by the presence of the large 150/70 tyre and the horizontal dual light assembly, also inspired by the motor vehicle world – two thin lines of LED protected by clear glass – and completed by the glazed moulding where the word Piaggio is inscribed.
Once astride the Piaggio X10, the view is dominated by the rich and complete instrument panel: a summary of style and technology worthy of a luxurious gran turismo in shape and content.
Between the two large circular gauges which house the speedometer and rpm indicator – backlit in blue – the on board computer 4″ LCD screen is mounted, also backlit in blue.
A wealth of information can be viewed on the display including average and instantaneous fuel economy information, average and maximum speed, range, fuel level and cooling liquid temperature plus travel time, a clock, ambient temperature with ice alarm, engine CPU dual map indicator, shock absorber preloading electric adjustment level, odometer with two trip settings and battery voltage.
An upper lid includes the warning lights which indicate operation of the high beams, turn indicators, fuel reserve, oil pressure, warning (injection), immobilizer, ABS, ASR, hazard and starter inhibition.
A brand new feature for the scooter world is the backlit controls on the handlebar, a solution which ensures quick and efficient recognition of the controls on the blocks even at night, all to the advantage of safe riding.
On the right hand side we find the starter button, the mapping selection button (on the 350), the engine kill switch and the mode button which is used to navigate through the on board computer menus.
On the other hand, the left side has the horn button, the turn indicator switch and the high beam/low beam/flash control.
The dual up and down button used to adjust the shock absorber (for the 500) and the ASR and hazard buttons are located in the leg shield back plate, along with the saddle opening control and the fuel cap, which, being located on the central tunnel, provide easy access without having to dismount.
The large and comfortable saddle on the X10, set at just 760 mm off the ground, is the result of a careful ergonomic study aimed at providing the rider with an absolutely comfortable and stable seat.
The longitudinal adjustment of the lumbar cushion allows both to vary the space available to the passenger and to provide optimum support to the lumbar area of the rider. The height difference between the rider and passenger seats has been reduced to 109 mm, which works to the advantage of shielding the passenger from the oncoming air.
On the X10 maximum comfort is also ensured by the riding position – designed to allow the rider to stretch his legs out on the spacious side footrests which have an anti-slip covering that goes all the way up to cover the bottom part of the lateral leg shield back plate too – and the large windscreen which, thanks to the encircling double bend profile and the bottom anti-turbulence slot, optimizes the aerodynamics of the vehicle, effectively protecting the rider and passenger from the direct impact of air.
Protection is completed by the two transparent aerodynamic appendages which run along the side of the shield: designed in a wind tunnel, they efficiently deflect the air from the entire side.
Piaggio X10 also provides the maximum in terms of load capacity.
A central compartment was built into the leg shield back plate which is one of the largest in the category – where the convenient 12V electrical socket is housed – as well as two very convenient storage compartments, ideal for keeping your keys, wallet or motorway ticket within easy reach. The left hand compartment also has a USB port which can be used to power your mobile phone. Lifting the saddle, kept open by a practical piston system, we then find a more than generous compartment below: an authentic boot, equipped with anti-impact flocked mat and a courtesy light, easily able to accommodate two flip up helmets, thanks to its more than 52 litre capacity. On the X10 350 the helmet compartment can accommodate a flip up helmet and a demi-jet helmet.
DESIGN DETAILS
Superlative levels of finish express Piaggio technology and design and make the X10 a genuine status symbol: the elegant satin finish chrome details running the length of the flank are echoed in elements with the same attractive finish on the leg shield back plate and on the sophisticated handlebar. The high quality materials and elegant stitching of the saddle exude luxury and comfort. X10 boasts the most advanced lighting system on a scooter. At the front is a triple headlamp, with two complex surface reflectors for the low beam lights and a polyelliptical central high beam light flanked by an elegant LED strip daytime running light, for a total illuminating
power 10% better than an equivalently sized conventional headlight array. The LED technology strip – a first in the scooter world – serves as a daytime running light and produces a continuous beam of light. The horizontal taillight with its two slender strips of LEDs gives the tail of the X10 a unique and original character.
ABSOLUTE PLEASURE
X10 offers unparalleled comfort, space and ergonomics. The long wheelbase sets the X10 a step ahead of its rivals. The rider can choose to assume an upright, alert position for urban use, or to extend his or her legs for a touring riding style, yet still leave the passenger with plenty of space. The leg shield and windscreen were honed by aerodynamic testing in the wind tunnel and on the track and, together with the lateral wind deflectors, ensure total protection against the elements. The generous saddle, which even features adjustable lumbar support, offers total comfort. The saddle is designed to limit the step in height between the front
and rear occupants and allow the passenger to keep his or her knees closer together, while large, ergonomic grab handles also improve comfort for the passenger. At just 760 mm in height, the saddle facilitates access and allows the rider to reach the ground easily with his or her feet, for better vehicle control in traffic. At over a metre in length, the footrest platform for the rider and passenger is the largest in its class, while a rubber coating improves grip.
FUNCTIONAL SOLUTIONS FUSING DESIGN WITH HIGH TECHNOLOGY
Piaggio X10 combines unique design with class-beating functionality. The helmet compartment is on the X10 125 and 350 is large enough for two flip up helmets, while the compartment on the X10 500 can hold a flip up helmet and a demi-jet helmet. With a courtesy light, a damper assisting aperture and a flocked mat lining, the helmet compartment is as well-equipped and functional as the luggage compartment of a luxury sedan. The instrumentation is worthy of a premium car and consists of two large dials with blue backlighting and 10 indicator lamps, and a large 4 inch LCD screen with trip computer for displaying all the most important trip information. The backlit handlebar controls are an absolute first for a scooter and make night-time riding even safer. The leg shield
back plate boasts three different compartments – above the central compartment are two additional oddments storage compartments, one of which with a USB socket.
PIAGGIO TECHNOLOGY AT ITS BEST
The engine range offers a choice for all needs: from the affordable, sparkling 125 and innovative 350 to the powerful 500, all of which 4-valve injected units combining performance with fuel economy.
In particular, the 350 engine offers a perfect balance between the performance of a 400 and the running costs of a 300. State of the art technological solutions: dry sump lubrication, multi-plate free-wheel wet clutch and a two different user-selectable engine management maps. Choices geared to offer class-beating performance with affordable running costs. The suspension system uses shock absorbers with extra-long travel and is conceived to combine maximum comfort with riding pleasure. Additionally, the X10 500 features a progressive rear monoshock with continuously variable electric preload adjustment for optimising the vehicle setup in relation to load and riding style directly from two buttons on the leg shield back plate.
TOTAL SAFETY
Safety has always been a prerequisite for all Piaggio vehicles. X10 takes safety to new heights with a combined braking system actuating both the right hand 280 mm front disc and the 240 mm rear disc simultaneously for perfect vehicle control and the shortest stopping distances possible in all conditions.
With latest generation 3-channel ABS anti-lock brake system working in conjunction with the combined braking system, the X10 has the most advanced braking technology available today on a scooter. X10 is the only scooter in its class to offer ASR electronic traction control, which prevents the risk of wheelspin under acceleration on low grip surfaces. The parking brake activates automatically when the side stand is extended (on 350 and 500 versions), to simplify use and prevent the vehicle from falling when parked.
2013 Piaggio X10 500 Key Features
Three engines: an answer for any mobility requirement.
Elegant and comfortable, convenient and functional, but also safe, fun and powerful, Piaggio X10 is available with three different engines – 125, 350 and 500 cc – to cater to any type of use.
Younger riders can choose the version equipped with the single cylinder 125 4 stroke, 4 valve, liquid cooled and electronic injection engine: a unit that achieves power and maximum torque values which set new standards for the category and which translate into responsive and regular acceleration and pick up as well as an extremely smooth ride.
The more experienced and cunning scooter riders – always looking for the best combination of performance, compact size and high fuel economy – can take advantage of the new Piaggio 350 power train. From the very first design phases of this latest generation single cylinder, four stroke, four valve electronic injection engine, Piaggio engineers focused on sophisticated technical solutions – like the timing system with roller rockers and calibrated tablets for valve clearance adjustment, the dry cater lubrication system and a multi-disc centrifugal clutch in oil bath – which put it at the top of the technology in the field of engines for scooters.
The combination of these solutions has allowed to obtain a maximum power output comparable to that of a 400 cc (33.3 HP – 24.5 kW) and an excellent maximum torque (32.3 Nm – 3.3 jgm), while keeping the overall dimensions, weight and fuel economy of a 300 and with maintenance costs which are even lower: in fact, service is scheduled at intervals of 20,000 km, with only an oil and filter change at 10,000 km.
With this ultra modern engine the rider can choose from two different ECU mappings which can be selected directly from the handlebar to allow optimised engine management and to maximise travel.
The 500 engine is dedicated to high performance enthusiasts.
In fact, the Piaggio 493 cc engine is capable of producing 41 HP (30 kW) maximum power and maximum torque of 46 Nm (4.7 kgm), values which place it at the top of its category.
The introduction of a twin spark plug system also optimises combustion in the cylinder, reducing both noise and exhaust emissions.
The result is an elastic and high performance engine, even at low and medium rpm, but thanks to the “closed loop” injection system, it is equipped with a double oxygen sensor at the exhaust and a 3 way catalytic converter which reduce emissions levels to a minimum.
Chassis and braking system.
The Piaggio X10 uses top notch chassis solutions which cater to comfort and stability on long trips without compromising agility, handling and ease of riding. On the double-cradle chassis made of high strength steel, on the front there is a traditional type fork with a travel of 125 mm (one of the highest in the segment), for the benefit of better comfort on any type of road surface.
At the rear, the 125 and 350 versions mount a pair of dual action hydraulic shock absorbers with spring preloading adjustable to 4 positions and 120 mm of travel. For the 500 a fork with oversized 41 mm stanchions was chosen that maintains the same 125 mm travel of the other two versions and a single shock absorber with electrically adjustable preloading. This is located on the right side of the vehicle and secured to the frame through progressive linkage. The preloading, which optimizes the structure depending on the load and the desired type of riding, can be adjusted without dismounting from the vehicle by simply turning the up and down, control, located in the leg shield back plate and indicated on the instrument panel with a digital signal.
The magnificent 5 spoke wheel rims have different diameters and are shod with wide tyres: the 15″ front rim mounts a 120/70 tyre; the 13″ rear is shod with a 150/70 tyre.
Piaggio X10 is equipped with a sophisticated braking system with a 280 mm dual disc on the front and a 240 mm single disc at the rear. All of the versions are equipped standard with the combined braking system which can optionally be integrated with the dual ABS/ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation) system.
Thanks to the combined braking system, the right hand lever operates on only one of the front callipers, while the left hand lever operates the other front calliper and the rear one simultaneously. A divider valve calibrates the pressure of the front brake depending on the rear brake pressure in order to allow better braking performance while at the same time preventing locking the front wheel early on difficult surfaces.
In the version with ABS and ASR, each wheel is equipped with a speed detection system – a sensor and a tone wheel – which instantaneously measures its velocity and deceleration compared to that of the scooter.
The sensors communicate with a 3-channel hydraulic control unit that activates the ABS system (the most advanced in the category) if one of the two wheels decelerates sharply with respect to the scooter, preventing locking of the wheels and ensuring stable and efficient braking of the scooter even on surfaces with a low friction coefficient.
Piaggio X10 is the only scooter in its category with a rear wheel traction control system: the ASR system also uses the electronics and ABS sensors to compare the rotation speed of the two wheels. When the sensors sense an excessive speed of the rear wheel, the control unit intervenes (first on the advance and then, if needed, also on the injection) to prevent skidding and avoid losing control of the scooter.
The ASR system can also be disabled from a button on the leg shield back plate in order to guarantee that the rider can get clear even in particular conditions – uphill starts, gravel etc. – but it is enabled again automatically the next time the scooter is started.
Another safety element on the Piaggio X10 is the presence of the parking brake built into the side stand (on the X10 350 and 500): Each time the stand is lowered the brake engages automatically, keeping the X10 stable and safe even when parking on surfaces that aren’t flat.
A wide range of accessories, specifically designed for this model.
– Quick release big top box, colour coded with the body. Equipped with a backrest made of the same material and colour as the saddle, it can accommodate two flip up helmets. Inside it has a document pouch and an elastic luggage strap.
– Quick release medium top box, with the same features as the previous but this one can hold a full-face helmet.
– Piaggio Multimedia Platform, Piaggio’s innovative multimedia platform for the wireless connection to Smartphones, transforming them in to real multifunctional on-board computers.
– Multimedia support, designed to support Evotek 4 Lock (scooter iPhone holder), besides the latest generation of navigators Tom Tom and Garmin, is fixed in place on the handlebar and allows the supported devices to be charged.
– Leg cover, easy to install since it uses the fixing points which are already built into the scooter. Equipped with an anti-flap system, also tested at high speeds as well as an anti-theft system through a PVC covered metallic cable under the saddle, it is completed with a waterproof saddle cover and reflective safety inserts.
– Central tunnel bag. This bag can be easily fixed with convenient Velcro strips and has a 16 litre capacity. It can be carried by its handles or shoulder strap. Made in sized polyester and equipped with waterproof zippers, it is completely waterproof.
– Top box bag: technical design and innovative construction make this bag unique. Completely waterproof, it can be strapped to the passenger seat with special belts or inside the top box. Transporting it is facilitated by handles and a shoulder strap.
– Gel comfort saddle: thanks to an ergonomic gel insert, this saddle makes the ride even more comfortable.
– Passenger backrest: this is a practical accessory, useful for increasing on board comfort for the passenger.
– Electronic anti-theft system.
– Vehicle cover: with adjustable elastic edges, this is complete with sacks to cover any accessories such as the windscreen and the top box. It is made from black waterproof material with thermobonded seams, the Piaggio logo, reflective strips, clear window for the license plate and a PVC covered chain ring.
2013 Piaggio X10 500 – European Specifications/Technical Details
MSRP Price: See dealer for pricing.
Piaggio X10 500
Engine Single cylinder 4-stroke dual spark plug
Engine capacity 493 cu cm
Bore x Stroke 94 x 71 mm
Power 41 HP at 7,250 rpm.
Torque 46 Nm at 5,250 rpm
Timing system 4-valve single overheard cam (S.O.H.C.).
Fuel system: Electronic injection
Cooling Liquid
Lubrication Wet sump
Starter Electric with oil-bath free wheel
Six-gear CVT automatic variator
Clutch Automatic centrifugal dry clutch
Chassis Double-cradle chassis in high strength steel tube
Front suspension 41 mm hydraulic telescopic fork
Rear suspension Dual action single shock absorber with electronically adjustable spring preloading and progressive linkage
Front brake 280 mm diam. dual disc with dual piston floating calliper, combined braking system
Rear brake 240 mm diam. disc with dual piston floating calliper
ABS/ASR system Standard
Parking brake Built into the side stand
Front tyre Tubeless 120/70 – 15″
Rear tyre Tubeless 150/70 – 13″
Length 2,265 mm
Width 800 mm
Saddle height 760 mm
Wheelbase 1,640 mm
Tank 15.5 litres (including 2 litre reserve)
Emissions Euro 3
2013 Piaggio X10 500 – USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $NA
The 2013 Piaggio X10 is not available in the United States of America.
2013 Piaggio X10 – Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $NA
The 2013 Piaggio X10 is not available in Canada.
Specifications, features and prices to change by manufacturer without notice. All information correct as of posted date.
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