2016 Piaggio Fly 150 3V

A couple of additional items have come up since my last review. My bike is still under 400 miles.

1. The bike had to be towed at 300 miles. The bolts were coming out of the front brake assembly and striking the fork. Obviously not safe.

2. For the white bike, not only do ... most helmets not fit under the seat, but you cannot buy a color matched top case anywhere in the US and that is not expected to change anytime soon.

3. The gas tank opening is really bad. When you put the nozzle into the opening and try to pump, you can't because the opening is not deep enough. So you have to grab the rubber sleeve on the nozzle and pull it up with your hand while pumping. The opening is on the floor board, so this is awkward. And then of course, every time you pump the gas will fly out of the hole and cover your hands.

This is a really terrible bike overall. Stay away.

I had a Piaggio Fly 150 from 2006. It was a very good scooter -- reliable, fairly powerful for it's category, a smooth ride. I just sold it to buy a 2016 Fly 150 replacement. Here are my observations:

1. The advertised MPG is 100. I am getting less than 1/2 that driving easy ... in San Francisco.

2. The suspension is great -- better than the 2006.

3. The engine, a 3 stroke, is choppy compared to the 2006 4 stroke. Not surprising.

4. The handlebars are lower and swept back farther than the 2006. On a sharp turn at slow speed, they hit my knees (I'm 6'1"). Didn't happen on the 2006.

5. The helmet compartment under the seat is really stupid. Forget full face helmets fitting, or even 3/4. I had to downgrade to a 1/2 helmet before it would fit under the seat. That was really annoying.

6. There is less room for a shopping bag than on the 2006. Less floor space. But the hook is cooler, if less functional.

7. I bought a helmet case for the back. Once installed, it became apparent that the color did not match. This was so even though two Piaggio dealers confirmed the case was the correct model and color code. Will be replaced once Piaggio sorts out the problem.

8. The battery was easily accessible on the 2006 under the seat. On the 2016, there are parts to remove first.

Overall I like the ride, but the design features are really dumb. I think there is very little chance I will keep this bike 10 years as I did with the 2006.