2016 Piaggio Medley 150 iGET launch review

With a number of technological pillars, exceptional manners, comfort and plenty of cargo capacity, Piaggio Australia is calling the all-new Medley 150 iGET its "entry-level prestige scooter".

The scoot, which is now on sale in Australia for $5290 and $5390 (Medley S) respectively, is based on the larger capacity and agreeable lines of the BV350 Beverly. It not only has a Euro4-compliant i-GET (Green Engine Technology) powerplant but also modern touches such as digital instrumentation, LED daytime running lights, a USB jack for recharging devices, and an optional Piaggio multimedia platform.

PIAGGIO MEDLEY I-GET IN BIKE SHOWROOM

Start-stop technology makes its debut on the Medley 150 as well. The system jettisons the traditional starter motor, which is replaced by a brushless “direct mount” electrical unit. In other words, it's installed directly on the crankshaft which not only promotes a much quieter start-up but saves on weight as well.

And it is very discreet as well, as I found out after constantly coming to a standstill through Melbourne's increasingly exasperating peak-hour traffic.

I'd already sampled the start-stop technology on Honda's PCX150 so I knew what I was in for, but Piaggio has seemingly taken on another level of refinement. The Medley automatically switches off the engine three to seven seconds after the vehicle stops (depending on whether or not the engine has reached the correct operating temperature).

A slight twist of the throttle instantly restarts the engine, in almost complete silence given the absence of the traditional starter motor. So if you're at the head of the traffic at an intersection, there's no need to panic as the Medley gets off the line with plenty of poise and surety. If you’re the nerve-jangling type though, the start-stop function can be turned off via a switch on the handlebar. And if the sidestand is lowered or if the tilt sensor is activated – eg in the event of a fall – the ECU bypasses the start and stop function.

The good thing about the Medley is that it also has plenty of power, which places it in the top echelon of 150cc scooters in Australia. It puts out 11kW at 7750rpm and 14.4Nm at 6400rpm, which is more than handy for a congested urban environment and for some light highway work. I always tell people that 150cc is an ideal capacity for an urban scooter, and a 60-minute blast on the Medley has only reinforced that feeling.

As far as servicing is concerned, the Medley requires fresh fluids and filters every 10,000km, and valve clearance adjustment every 20,000km.

Fuel consumption, for those who really care, is around 2-3lt/100km…

The Medley has dual channel Bosch anti-lock braking, another key feature, mated to 260mm and 240mm discs with twin-piston calipers. The scoot has a 16-inch front wheel and 14-inch rear, so the 'rideability' factor is high. The whole package weighs in at 132kg.

Smaller capacity scooters all tend to have that 'flickability' about them, and if you can isolate major handling differences between most of them then you are a genius. The Medley is certainly agile, and Piaggio has definitely kept the weight low and improved distribution with the radiator 'built' into the engine and the repositioning of the fuel tank at the centre of the footboard.

That's also allowed Piaggio to increase cargo capacity as well – two medium-sized helmets will comfortably fit under the seat.

The Medley S differs from the Medley with its black and grey trim, as well as the 'S' badge and red stitching on the seat. The Medley S colour variants are Rosso Ibis and Nero Vulcano, while the Medley comes in Bianco Perla and Grigio Titanio.

Accessories for the Medleys include a windshield, top fairing, standard and maxi top boxes, electronic and mechanical anti-theft devices, a vehicle cover, leg cover and footrest protection mat.

There are also several more advanced items in the catalogue such as the 'bike finder' and the abovementioned Piaggio multimedia platform that lets you connect your smartphone via Bluetooth. That obtains even more information such as engine rpm, instantaneous power and torque values, the lean angle achieved on turns, instant and average fuel consumption and battery voltage. It also automatically provides directions to the closest petrol station when you are low on fuel, as well as indications on how to ride in order to achieve the best possible fuel consumption. All of the information displayed can then be analysed and downloaded to your computer later.

The Medleys hit the Aussie market with about five main competitors, the PCX150 ($4499) and Aprilia Scarabeo 200 ($6000) among them. The biggest spec advantage of the Medley over the Honda and Aprilia is that is has anti-lock braking, as well as the electronic seat open function. The former is all about safety, and the second about practicality – one of the major reasons why you buy a scooter in the first place.

I was already sold on the concept of a 150cc scooter before I rode the Medley, based on what they deliver in terms of agility, manoeuvrability and power. The Medley does stand out from the pack, though. A bit of quality and style never goes astray, and that's where the Medley holds the trump card.