2017 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards: Scooter
The 10th of 11 category winners as we begin the process to crown the overall winner at the Sydney Motorcycle Show in NovemberThe 2017 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards will recognise excellence across 11 separate categories, after which we'll shortlist three finalists and then announce the outright winner on Friday, November 24 at the Sydney Motorcycle Show.
This time out we announce the winner of the Supersport category, and that bike is the Vespa Primavera iGET 150 ABS.
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The three-valve Primavera iGET 150 ABS, also available in a 125cc configuration (and there are also 50, 125 and 125cc versions of the standard Primavera), has now become a well-established model in the Vespa line-up.
The Primavera became one of Vespa’s most enduring models after it was first released in 1968 and, modern advancements aside – brakes, etc – there’s no denying the new incarnation hasn’t eliminated the family DNA.
The Primavera was reintroduced locally in 2014, and brought with it a host of updates over the Vespa LX family it replaced, including an enhanced chrome-laced switchblock, better switches, LED daytime running lights, reduced vibration, new colours (which change every year), more storage, and nice little touches such as the spring-assisted saddle and revised glove department.
The iGET engine takes it to another level with smoother clutch and CVT operation and more oomph – and the 150cc version is the boss cocky with its wider spread of torque.
The Primavera iGET 150 ABS is priced at $6590 plus on-roads.
Congratulations Vespa.
Honourable mention: Honda PCX150 scooter
Bikesales first rode the PCX125 at the Aussie launch in 2012, completed with idle-stop technology. The technology operates with data input from seven separate sensors and switches, and only kicks in when engine temperature reaches a pre-determined level. The PCX125 morphed into a PCX150 a year later and, as a commuter, is just right: not too big, not too small, and it gets up to speed quite quickly with a nice hit of torque. Stability is assured with 14-inch wheels, the steering is light and responsive, and the suspension provides a decent amount of travel. Recent updates have included LED lighting, more storage, and a new instrument panel. Price is $4499 plus on-roads.
Honourable mention: BMW C 650 GT
Europeans love ’em, but there's just not the same level of affinity for maxi scooters in Australia. The level of ownership may be low, but what you get from maxi scooters are plenty of neat touches and an enourmous amount of composure – and BMW's C 650 GT touring-based maxi scooter is one of the finest exponents in the category. The machine has a 59hp (44kW) and 63Nm 647cc twin-cylinder engine and tracks on near ‘adult’ size 15-inch light-alloy wheels. The C 650 GT has a roomy cabin, broad fairing, and the seat has plenty of lumbar support with an integrated backrest. There are also expansive footwells.
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