Piaggio X9 125 or 250

[sptzamtz]

Hello all, just a quick question.

I've seen two used X9s that I may consider buying. One is a 2005 125cc with about 9000 miles on the clock and the other one is a 2003 250cc with 16500 miles. Is the 125 engine sufficient for a scooter of this size?

[sptzamtz]

For in-London commuting that is...

[poldark]

Bigger is better (to a point), but more important perhaps is the quality of the service history with both bikes.

So if say the 125 has no evidence of decent servicing and regular oil changes (based on time and not mileage), but the 250 has loads of evidence, then that would steer me to the 250.

But either way although the 125 may be enough, the extra oomph from the 250 will always be useful, is the 250 an SL (think it has to be) not an Evo?

[sptzamtz]

Thanks poldark. No, the 250 is not an evo. Price-wise they are similar (just short of 1k), both claim to have the full service history and the 250 comes with a spare taller screen and a top-box. Was leaning more on the 125 in terms of age / milage, but the extra strorage and power of the 250 is tempting.

Any ideas in terms of X8 vs X9?

[MrGrumpy]

Well, as always, it depends on the use you want the scooter for. A 125 will only be able to reach a genuine 65-70 flat out (depending on the exact power output) - Yes, the speedo will probably say its doing 80 but they lie! In contrast, a 250 will be able to get to a real 75 or maybe 80, depending on power output. Acceleration above 50 be will significantly faster on a 250 than a 125. And in a strong headwind, you can knock 10mph off these top speeds.

So, if you are wanting to ride round town, a 125 - even a big 125, will be OK. However, if you are thinking of faster roads, a 250 will be much better. If your journey involves fast dual carriageways or M-ways, then I don't think a 125 will be very suitable, unless you are prepared to thrash it flat out. Even then, you might find life difficult.

[mottza]

The x9s struggle a little with a 125. I have a 250 an they are great in town.

[MrGrumpy]

The x9s struggle a little with a 125.

I seem to recall reading a review in T&G when they first came out to the effect that decent performance was possible, but required a brutal throttle hand!!

[johnp]

I had 2 X9 sl's and loved them, a great 250cc engine which is a Honda, the only down side is that it needs an oil change every 2000-3000 miles as there is no oil filters on them.

[spaceprobe]

Mr Grumpys advice is spot on, if you want to do more than popping around town or going to the station go for the bigger engine.

[sptzamtz]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I saw the X9 250cc but it looked quite dated and not in a brilliant condition so I'll give it a pass. As said, I will be using it for in-town commuting, so I'll probably go for a 125. I'm seeing tomorrow a 2007 XEvo 125 with 13k miles on the clock which looks promising.

On a side note, I've seen a 2007 Yamaha Xmax with 16k miles but in the photos it has scratches on the pillion handles and the exhaust which tells me that it has probable been dropped and / or skidded. Thougts?