Italjet Jet-Set Scooter

We're still trying to work out whether this is the poor person's Audi TT, or the ultimate accessory for anyone who owns one. In either case the Italjet Jet-Set is in no danger of being mistaken for anything else. There doesn't seem to be any official recognition of the Audi as a styling influence, but the relationship is far to close to be coincidental. Which is just fine, as it works.

So what have we got, apart from the funky styling? Essentially it follows Italjet practice of wrapping another maker's engine/transmission package into its own chassis and bodywork. In this case the donor engine is a four-stroke 150cc job from Piaggio - the unit which punts the latter's ET4.

The unit is a mildly-tuned air-cooled two-valve job, claiming 12ps at 7500rpm and 13Nm of torque at 6000rpm. Carburetion is by a 22mm Dell'Orto. This is backed up by the usual fully-auto constant velocity transmission (CVT).

Suspension is 30mm upside-down fork up front and single shock out back with preload adjustment. Braking is via a single-pot hydraulic disc and a mechanical drum rear. Fuel capacity is an adequate 10 litres, while there's storage for an open-face helmet under the seat. It also scores two minor but useful features: a shopping bag clip between the rider's knees, and a steel loop for a security lock under the footboards.

Saddle up
First impression you get with the Jet-Set is the tall seat - 780mm according to the maker, and a whopping 50mm higher than the pilot's seat on the company's 250 Jupiter. We suggest you sit on one before buying. Performance is fine for around town. It gets to 90kmh in respectable time and eventually makes its way to a 110 max (indicated). It will be fine on inner city freeways, but I'd be reluctant to take it anywhere the traffic is a doing a real 110-plus.

Initial throttle and clutch take-up is a little on the slow side - there's a slight delay between the throttle being turned and the scoot getting going - though acceleration off the line is good once it does grab.

Steering is about medium speed for a scooter. The tall seat con tributes to a slightly top-heavy feel going into turns, though you soon adapt. Suspension response is acceptable, the tyres are good, and the package corners well once you gain a little familiarity. The disc/drum brake combo is well matched, offering reasonable feel and good performance.

Seating for one person is good, though it will be cosy for two. Controls are all straight-forward, however the warning lights in the dash are very difficult to see in direct sunlight. All up it's a sexy-looking little monster that does its job well, so long as you can live with the seat height. Italjet Australia has priced it to compete head-to-head with the ET4 at $6494 plus ORC. That includes a one-year unlimited kay warranty.

Story: Guy Allen