Piaggio Carnaby 125By Thomas GroussinPiaggio is completing its high-wheel scooter range with the launch of the new Carnaby 125, tackling the European bestseller in this category, the Honda SH. The Piaggio scooter range is constantly expanding, which partly explains the Italian group's position as European leader (31% market share in 2006). Intended to fill the gap between the Liberty urban scooter and the Beverly GT scooter, this new high-wheel model, the Carnaby, was designed by skilfully making the most of the synergies between the brands belonging to Piaggio. The Carnaby is based on the engine and cycle parts of the Aprilia Sportcity, onto which have been grafted the 16-inch wheels of the Beverly and a 1970s-style neo-retro body, hence Piaggio's desire to present it as a "Pop" scooter. In terms of size, the Carnaby fully satisfies its requirements: bulkier than the Liberty or Honda SH - and therefore probably less advisable for female riders or beginners - it does, however, prove to be more accessible than the impressive Beverly. The seat is still relatively high (you have to be 1.80 m tall to put both feet flat on the ground), but the natural riding position and balance provided by the large wheels mean that you quickly gain confidence.  © Piaggio Average equipmentUnlike the Honda SH, the Carnaby does not have the combined braking system that is so reassuring for novices and pleasant for seasoned riders. However, the system adopted, with two sufficiently powerful but above all perfectly controllable discs, gives full satisfaction. On the other hand, the Carnaby seems rather poorly equipped compared to its Honda rival. Luggage capacity is not the speciality of these high-wheel scooters, since the wheels inevitably restrict the size of the underseat storage compartment. The Carnaby's has space for just one small helmet without a visor. However, the flat floor is very useful when used as a load platform (safety hook provided), whilst the little luggage rack at the rear will easily take a top box (optional). There is no glove box. But the instrumentation, above all, seems rudimentary: apart from the fuel and engine temperature gauges, the dashboard has just a milometer and a clock. Surprisingly, this Piaggio also dispenses with the electronic immobiliser with coded key available on all other 125 cc Piaggios. Versatility with a sporty touchThe well-balanced Carnaby is an agile scooter, perfectly at ease in the dense traffic of Rome, where it was officially launched. When you step up the pace on the expressway road holding remains very sound, an advantage directly attributable to the large wheels fitted with wide tyres, which are much more stable than small ones. On the other hand, our arms and lower backs took a battering from the stiff suspension on the appalling surfaces of Rome's streets. A flip side justified by this scooter's slightly sporty positioning.  © Piaggio Easy StartUnsurprisingly, the Carnaby is equipped with the 4-valve liquid-cooled Piaggio Leader engine, in its most recent Euro-3-compliant version. Still fed by carburettor, this engine proves a little higher on fuel consumption than those that have converted to electronic injection (around 4l/100 km), but develops 15 hp. This output is higher than the competition's and makes the Carnaby very easy to ride on expressways. With each upgrade, this engine has become increasingly flexible at low revs, without however completely overcoming a slight lack of zip, which means that the rider has to work the throttle hard to obtain good acceleration. Some riders also criticised its relative sluggishness when starting in the morning. Piaggio has therefore rethought the starting system and called the result "Easy Start". In practice we did not really notice any difference compared to the past, with the engine still needing a good blast of the throttle to start from cold at the first attempt. A considerable challengeAt £2,299 (UK price), the Piaggio Carnaby is a little more expensive than the Honda SH. This positioning is justified by a less "utilitarian" design and a high-performance engine, but could further complicate the Carnaby's task of putting the more sophisticated and comfortable SH in the shade.Technical dataEngine type: 4-valve 4-stroke liquid-cooled single cylinder Engine displacement: 124 cc Fuel supply: carburettor Starter system: electric Max. power output: 15 hp at 9,750 rpm Max. torque: 12 Nm at 8,000 rpm Front brake: 260 mm disc, 2-piston caliper; Rear: 260 mm disc Front tyre: 110/70 x 16; Rear: 130/70 x 16 Seat height: 790 mm Fuel tank capacity: 9 litres Dry weight: 146 kg PRACTICAL: Colours (UK): Excalibur Grey and Graphite Black Warranty: 2 years parts and labour, unlimited mileage Price (UK): £2,299 OTR Place of manufacture: Italy OUR MEASUREMENTS: Top speed: 104 kph (65 mph) Average fuel consumption: 4 l/100 km Average fuel range: 200 km (124 miles) before reserve |
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