Memphis Vespa / Metro Moto

While the Vespa brand is known in the U.S. as much as the rest of the world, mention Piaggio to neophytes and they’ll scratch their head as they try to pronounce it.   During a trip over to London earlier in the year, it wasn’t Vespas that were swarming the street, but Piaggios.   In  fact it appeared there were armies of Piaggios.  

The Piaggio BV 250 occupies a great space between those that want more than a Fly 150, but also not the big, long distance mega-cc Maxi Scooter.    The BV 250 shares many motorcycle-like characteristics that cause many observers to do a double take.

The first thing noticed is the large 16 inch wheels.  If you’re traveling from Collierville to Downtown, the BV may be more suitable than the smaller wheeled, smaller engine and more compact scooter.   I often wonder why the MPD uses large gas guzzling Harley’s.   They don’t look that maneuverable, and what a nightmare if you happened to drop it.  You would never be able to pick up.  Maintenance must be higher, and they actually seem a bit clunky.   In fact, there are police departments using Piaggio products.   The Piaggio BV is the same scoter used in New York as the NYPD Police Scooter, running hundreds of these Scooters across the city!

The BV 250 uses the Quasar 250 four-stroke, four-valve electronic injection liquid cooled engine as seen in themore expensive Vespa GTS 250 and the MP3 250. The result is a 22 bhp shaft power output and torque of over 20 Nm at 6,500 rpm.  This makes the BV sit on top of the category of the mid-size large wheeled scooters.

With freeway power, and distance capability, the BV is a more obvious choice over a smaller scooter or small displacement motorcycle for a number of reasons.  It doesn’t weigh as much and the riding position is extremely tolerable.  I’ve seen a number of cruisers with monkey bars, but how far can you really go before your arms feel like they might fall off?    Motorcycles have chains, adjustments, and intensive maintenance.   Simply check the air pressure and oil levels on a Piaggio BV, then twist and go.    With 16 inch wheels and a 250 engine, the BV is an ideal choice for easy cruising on the highway.   With a big windscreen and the mild weather in Memphis, a trip on the BV is going to be downright enjoyable versus a big bore motorcycle.

One of the more interesting aspects of the BV 250 is the seat styling.  The seat has a double hump set up for a rear passenger, but this hump may also give taller riders a bit of a problem making them feel too hunched up near the front of the scooter.  I know there are tall people in Europe, because they seem to have professional basketball (although maybe they’re all ex-Memphis players??).

Two things we recommend to every customer of Metro Moto.   Get the top box, especially if you have a laptop, or plan quick trips to the grocery store.   The under seat case is roomy, but is not as convenient as a top box, and always seems to be the wrong size.    Second, don’t be fooled that the BV 250 is just a scooter.   If you fall off this thing, you are going to have the pavement take a bite out of your soft flesh.    A nice protective jacket, good gloves, competent shoes, and a full-face helmet are must haves.  The half helmets look cool, but a full face helmet is safer, much quieter, and warmer when it gets cold.