X7 300 Evo to join the Piaggio fleet

The XEVO 250 scooter is to be replaced by the new X7 300 evo in Piaggio Australia's local model line-up, with the chageover to take place in the New Year.

The X7 was among a number of new models on the Piaggio stand at the recent EICMA show in Milan, which also included the less than subtle USB (Urban Sport Bike) prototype, which the company says is "designed to offer the convenience of a scooter and the comfort of a compact car, without giving up sporty and fun driving". And with 200Nm of torque, it's not too far behind a Rocket III Roadster…

More on that one in a moment, but let's first dwell on the here and now with the X7.

The 278cc machine - which is also available in 125cc configuration - plays to the beat of Piaggio's comtemporary tune, and should be the ideal mount to minimise fuss on the way to work, but burly enough to place it in the orbit of maxi scooters such as the Yamaha Tmax and some of the 400cc models from Piaggio.

Power is fairly modest though, with Piaggio claiming 22.4hp and maxiumm torque of 23.8Nm from the fuel injected liquid-cooled four-stroke Euro 3-compliant single, while the frame is double cradle made from high strength steel.

There are 35mm forks, and the rear-end is the traditional Piaggio meld - a swingarm which incorporates the CVT "twist and go" automotic transmission and is linked to a pair of hydraulic shock absorbers with adjustable spring preload.

There are five-spoke alloy wheels, and the front and rea discs re 260mm and 240mm respectively. Dry weight is 161kg.

A practical touch is the electric fuel filler release button, which is mounted on the handlebar to allow refuelling without getting off the vehicle - but only if you park close enough to the bowser. The instrument panel is also angled toward the rider for greater readability.

Accessories include a 45lt top box and a larger windshield, with a price still to be announced.

Meanwhile, the USB is a sight to behold with its bizarre, sinmewy shape, the product of an Italian styling house. The bike claims inspiration from a number of sources - no, not illegal substances - where "rationality and excitement merge into fluid and dynamic shapes".

The prototype can toggle between three different configurations: single-seater, like a sporty vehicle; two-seater like a coupé; or with a top-box for the highest load capacity.

Propulsion is via a two-stroke direct injection engine, coupled with an electric motor installed in the back wheel.

The hybrid configuration produces massive torque, and frugal consumption of around 1.5lt/100km.

And of course, in electric mode only, it's a zero pollutant.