piaggio bv 500 reviews

I love my scooter. My only complaint is the lack of underseat storage which is taken up by the motor. It has great accelaration, handles great, brakes great and looks great. I actually bought it online. Show less

Had some initial problems with a loose smog inspection port, loose ground wire, overtightened oil filter, and overtightened oil dipstick. Absolutely awesome scooter that is great at both freeway speed and through the City. I commute from the north bay, across the GG bridge and then across SF. This is the perfect ride. Show less

Well, so far so good. I've put over 500 miles on my BV 250. I've been all over the freeways in my area. I have to say that I am pleased with the performance. I have no problems staying at 70mph on the freeway. I haven't maxed out the speed yet, still have to get past the break in period. For city riding, it's great. I've been in the hills with no power problems. The handling is great. Show less

It didn't take me too long to appreciate the sporty design and sophisticated look of the BV-500, which reminded me of the Vespa, but took on new meaning with its technological improvements and with its more muscular body. Ironically, I bought it before I even knew how it runs, because I did not have an M-1 license. Thus, my decision was based on prior reviews, which were very positive, so I felt very comfortable. As soon as I got it on the street, I was a bit amazed by how powerful it was. I've driven motorbikes in countries like Thailand and Malaysia, but those were 50 cc's. The BV-500 has 460 cc's, so at a turn of the wrist and throttle it is ready to take-off and hit 50 mph, before most cars pass the light signal. Driving on the highway was smooth and it hugged the roads better than I could resist the wind --- it was such a rush to take it past 80 mph. Each day it gets better and better, as I get more comfortable and accustomed to the smooth ride. This bike by no means is a lightweight as it weighs over 450 lbs. and this is evident as it hugs the road and seems to be unaffected by wind drifts. The storage capacity under the seat is small by comparison to the other models; but I'm able to store my jacket, gloves, manuals and tools. The front compartments help me store my cell phone and any loose articles I don't want to keep in my pockets. In a next day or two, I'll hit my 500 mile mark, which means I'll have it serviced as part of the initial inspection to make sure everything is ok, as it seems. My next toy or project is to add satellite radio to my BV-500,..We'll see how that goes. Show less

I love the bv 500, I have a bv 250 in Italy, and it is also a very nice scooter, but for the wider streets, and longer rides to get everywhere the bv 500 is precision. I am a pretty big guy, and most people ask, "Why didn't you get a motorcycle?" Because compromising the agility of the BV500 with the power of a motorcycle was not an option for me... the comfort and agility on this scooter is superb. The agility allows you to easily swerve back and forth to move out of the way of any car or truck, and has the right amount of kick to speed right by them without struggle. I haven't maxed it out yet but I heard it hits 110 with ease, which is more than enough for safe, fun, responsible riding. Show less

I have owned my Piaggio BV200 since July 2004 and it has been an absolute jewel of a vehicle. My early experience with Motor Bikes was in 1965-68 with a Suzuki 250 cc two-stroker and I was a little aprehensive about re-learning to drive at 59. Well, I was so pleasantly surprised with the balance of this machine. It only took me a few hours to get totally comfortable and safe with the ride and performance of the powerful LEADER Engine and the balance of the BV200. I use my BV200 for errands around town and I feel totally at ease in the Freeways at speeds keeping up with the traffic and still getting 75+ MPG. I always look forward to going out in my beatiful Dragon Red Machine! Show less

I never had a motorcycle before, so I took a class where I learned on a Honda Rebel 250. This BV200 has nearly the same feel as that bike. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for something a bit more substantial than the usual "minibike" sized scooters you see most often. Prior to moving from the suburbs to Downtown Milwaukee, I commuted by bus. It meant I had plenty of time to observe regular motorcycles in stop and go traffic. I realized having an automatic scooter would be more practical in the city, since then I'd only have to worry about accelerating and braking. I bought the BV200 instead of a smaller bike because I knew I wanted to be able to ride on the freeway occasionally as this is my primary 3 season transportation. I've never topped out the bike, but I have gone about 67 mph with no stability problems whatsoever. I installed the optional tall windshield and the manufacturer suggests not riding as fast as the stock windshield allows. Top end is supposed to be 76 mph, which I have no doubt it can reach. I recently upgraded the variator to a Malossi performance version with lighter clutch weights to give me quicker acceleration at low speeds, but in doing so I took a bit off my top end speed. I've been told the performance exhaust system I plan to add next year will get back any top end speed I may have lost. Since I typically drive only a few miles to work each day through downtown rush hour streets, the top speed isn't a big deal. I only need to stay ahead of the city buses. My continuing disappointment is not being able to store my 3/4 helmet under the seat; despite having the emissions control equipment removed recently. My wife's 1/2 helmet fits fine, but I'd rather keep the extra protection of my helmet. I just have to keep the top case on so I can store my helmet in there. Show less

Just one month with my BV, and it's already been through 300 miles and 1 rally!ﾠ Previous ride was a kitted Aprilia Scarabeo 50, top speed a strained 55mph; this scoot will do 60mph without any effort. Despite the difference in price, the BV's engine is identical to the one that powers Vespa's new Gran Tourismo (GT).ﾠ The BV is a bit slower off the line too, but it has better overall balance than the GT.ﾠ The gas mileage is amazing, too -- 160 miles between two days of city riding on 1/4 tank. The only real complaint about this scoot is the underseat storage which, even though it goes the length of the saddle, is too small for a 3/4 or larger helmet.ﾠ Show less