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G-SCOOTA
  - Joined on 10-17-2007
- Posts 314
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After owning 3 Bolwell scooters (Shark 50, GMax 150 & Firenze 250) and testing riding numerous scooters of varying capacities and brands and reading many reviews, I purchased a new black Piaggio X8 400ie on 1st April. This model has been around for a while and is now replaced with the new Piaggio XEvo 400, so I was lucky enough to get one of the last new X8 400’s still in Australia. This was obviously the reason I paid $7,500 ride away ($2,000 cheaper than the XEvo 400). The XEvo is basically identical as the X8 with the addition of a pillion back rest and front cosmetic changes (instrument display, headlights, and mudguard). The engine, dimensions, weight, power, etc, are still the same. Personally I think it looks unusual with such a large gap between the front mudguard and front tyre but the new headlight look is great. Unfortunately after riding the scooter for 3 days, the battery completely died and I had no power at all. I immediately contacted the dealer and vented my frustration and disappointment. To their credit they arrived at my front door within an hour with a brand new Suzuki DRZ 400 Super Motard loan bike for me to ride while the X8 was being repaired. Five days later and a new battery, I was back on my scooter. Apparently my X8 had been in the showroom for a few months with the battery connected. I can only assume the scooter was being demonstrated to customers (as it was for me) for this time and had no opportunity to charge as it would if it was being ridden. As I was impressed with the service provided by the dealer I sent them a courtesy letter stating same.
The Taiwanese/Bolwell scooters were great fun but the X8 400 is in a completely different league. The feel of the ride and overall quality of the European scooter is simply sensational (except for the battery). I had never really considered the X8, but after a closer look I was impressed with its clean, classy and elegant look. It is by no means an exotic sports scooter but still retains a sober elegance, modern and somewhat traditional look without looking like its trying too hard. It is beautifully made and really does feel like its going to last many years. The riding position is very comfortable but then again, I’m only 176cm tall and 83kg. There is ample of room when the steering is at full lock too. Instrumentation consists of four big, clear analogue dials nestled inside the fairing, offering all the data necessary for highway cruising and everyday commuting (engine temperature, speedo, clock & fuel gauges). There are also the standard warning lights. The fuel filler lid is slightly elevated and positioned between the riders lower part of the legs. It opens very easily by pressing the ignition key hole, with or without the key in it, but when the ignition is in the ‘locked’ position it will not open. This is far easier and more convenient than fiddling with the ignition key to the correct position. Luggage/storage facilities do not disappoint. The rear boot lid opens with the remote key-fob revealing a space that extends all the way under the comfortable twin seat. The seat also opens with a separate button on the key-fob. Unfortunately, what appears to be enough space for two helmets, does not even facilitate my new Nolan N102 flip. I tried to get it in for 30 mins without any luck, but an open face helmet would have no problems. As storage is a very important factor to me, I have ordered a Givi rack, 47lt top box with matching gloss black cover and a small backrest. There is currently none in stock in Australia and will be here in approximately 12 weeks. The top box will comfortably store 2 full face helmets. Despite its substantial 198kg presence on the road, the big X8 feels light. Around town, it feels surprisingly nimble and even two-up it glides through city traffic, while retaining the agility to weave and filter in heavy congestion (maybe because my wife is only 50kg). Although only travelled just under 400km, pickup is smooth and progressive from its 400cc liquid-cooled, electronic fuel injected, four valve, four stroke engine. Max power is listed at 34bhp (25kW) at 7,500rpm and max torque is 37.6 Nm at 5,500rpm. It has the muscle to take pole position at the lights, a feature that was very important for me – even on the steepest of hills. At 110km/h on the freeway, it feels sensational and much better than the Firenze. More stable and direct around higher speed corners than the Firenze also. I cannot wait to use its full power and really find out if it’s claimed 155-160km/h (higher maximum speed than any other 400cc) is correct. I rode the Suzuki Burgman 400 and was extremely disappointed with its acceleration from the lights. It was slow, sluggish and bulky but on the other hand, its top speed was awesome out on the open road.
Running costs on the X8 don’t seem too bad at all, especially the service intervals of every 10,000kms, although I will ensure the oil is changed every 5,000kms given the single cylinder. My Asian scooters required a service every 2,500kms. It’s too early to accurately gauge fuel consumption but from the first tank (12lt), I got just under 250kms. I can only assume this will eventually become better as the engine wears in and I do more miles.It has fantastic stopping power with two 240mm diameter discs up front and a 240mm rear disc and the 2 Year unlimited Kilometre warranty is standard I guess for Japanese and European scooters/bikes. I was seriously considering the Yamaha Majesty 400 or the TMax 500 but I could not justify the $9,400 and $13,000 (on road) respective price tags that matched - but truly awesome comfortable scooters with more than enough power. What was a concern (and possibly still is) were the rumours that parts can take up to four months from Europe. I have done some research into this and established that 95% of the parts will take approximately 4-6 weeks and even earlier if they are small enough to come by air. That is just something one must live with and wouldn’t be a sole factor not to buy what I wanted. After riding and owning many sports bikes (YZF 600, ZXR750, ZX9, CBR900), I will now only own and ride a scooter. The sheer convenience of the ‘twist & go’ set up, storage, comfort, insurance costs, etc. is just far too attractive. Pressures from traffic congestion and fuel costs have created growing demand for super scooters and I’m sure the demand for the once simple maxi scooter will just increase in the coming years. I am seeing more and more on the road and know quite a few families that have ditched a car only to replace it with a maxi scooter and become a one car household.
At this early stage I would recommend a Piaggio X8 400ie to anyone, but good luck in locating a new one as this review has been done a few years too late I’m afraid. I’d be interested to see how sales of the replacement model, the XEvo 400 goes. I have emailed some photos to ‘Dozer’ who is going to post them up, so thanks in advance mate.
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