piaggio X10

[perquagepete]

By the way, did not remove any body work. I got a Philips bit gripped in a small set of mole grips to remove those awkward screws to separate the grab rails. Just covered the bodywork where I was working.

Hi Frank, I didn't get any instructions but found a small Phillips screwdriver in an elongated 's' shape in B & Q screwdriver set to get to those awkward screws and just got on with it. Turned out to be a very quick and easy job.
Very pleased with the box and completely agree with your earlier post about it being the one to go for over a Givi or whatever, this one just 'belongs' as if it was a natural extension of the scoot instead of an 'add on'. I originally envisaged only having it on the X10 for trips away but it just looks so good and is obviously nicer for a pillion passenger because of the security of the matching backrest to lean against.
I've been looking out for a review from you about your new 500 and it's advantages over the 350 as you've had both. I assume you're a very happy chappy.

[frankiej1949]

Hi Pete
Yes and no. The 500 is not as smooth as the 350. The dry clutch as opposed to the multi wet plate is very noticeable. Depending on the weather anything under 2000/2500 revs is juddery on take off, not as bad as it used to be but irritating. Just when you think its all bedded in, the following day juddering again Otherwise the mid range and top end torque is awesome. Just recently back from a 900 mile round trip in France with Gerard C on his 650 Burgman and the 500 had no trouble matching acceleration or top speed. I had to change the tyres it came with SAVA tyres unlike the city grips on the 350. They were fantastic in the dry but any moisture and they were lethal, had too many slides so changed them to Michelin Power Pure SC's. The electronic adjustable rear suspension is good particularly if covering a mixture motorways, A and B roads. Just picked up the X10 sports screen on ebay for £4.16 (£80.00 new). Looks a beast with it on but wont make it a permanent feature til next summer.
You are right the X10 looks a more balanced scoot with the matching top box gives it a real presence on the road just wish they had incorporated some lights into it. £350.00 when I bought mine as Scootercrazy had forgotten to update their prices on the website so they honoured the old price.
Take care Pete and enjoy your great scoot

[luandablue]

Frankie, have you driven it with the short screen on? I had a test ride the other day. I enjoyed it apart from the buffeting from the standard screen - but that's something I've had to address with each of my bikes.

[michaelphillips]

Hi Pete
Yes and no. The 500 is not as smooth as the 350. The dry clutch as opposed to the multi wet plate is very noticeable. Depending on the weather anything under 2000/2500 revs is juddery on take off, not as bad as it used to be but irritating. Just when you think its all bedded in, the following day juddering again

time to change the rollers, do you know the size? if you went 2 grams lighter with dr pulleys then the judder would disappear as the variators extra revs, would then increase the clutch release springs by 500 rpm before engaging making it smooth if you get my drift

[frankiej1949]

Thanks Michael I will look into that and let you know.

[frankiej1949]

Not ridden it with the short screen as it is really short, not as high as the instrument cowling. I have also got a GIVI screen with the hand protection had to cut it down to enable seeing over the top. I do not like the look of it but it certainly makes a huge difference. Myself and Gerard C did a 900 mile trip in Northern France over two and a half days it rained on a couple of occasions, gloves never got wet and buffeting was dramatically reduced ( hands stayed warm too).

[rintintin]

I've also got the bigger GIVI screen on ( and also cut it down a couple of inches).....so much better protection (and aesthetically, I think it looks ok.....and there's an extra bit of temporary storage behind/under the screen, as it's taller than the standard one!)
Well worth it, unless you prefer the refreshing properties of driving rain and buffeting wind (or am I just a wimp? )