2004 Piaggio X9 500
Summary:
Maintenance difficult and expensive
Faults:
12,000 rear brake broke and almost fell off.
15,000 seat material disintegrated.
16,500 instrument panel died preventing it from starting or doing anything. Headlights still worked, but that was all. The digital instrument panel controls everything else: brake lights, starter, turn signals.
20,000 transmission died completely. Too expensive to repair, and I wrote the whole thing off.
My low marks for dealer service apply only to my local dealer. In four years, they had 5 or 6 different mechanics. Dealer was not "into" scooters; it was only a business.
General Comments:
I liked the ride, the acceleration, the top speed (100mph) and other things.
Didn't like the leg room. I'm 6'-1" and wanted to stretch out more.
Didn't like the rear view mirrors. If you drop the bike, and everyone eventually does this, the mirror assembly is going to break off, no question. $450, or J-B Weld.
With the Piaggio top case installed, it takes 30 minutes of disassembly to get to the battery, tail lights, brake lights, and that's after you've learned how to do it. First time: 1 hour. Without the top case, it is still 25 minutes.
Cannot check the oil level without removing a panel that has one screw and several tabs.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 28th May, 2009