QUIKSPIN: Piaggio Liberty 150IE - Freedom Maker
Contrary to my facial expression, Piaggio's updated Liberty is a commuter's dream. Once I got past its oh-so-sophisticated looks, it was a key I grabbed far too regularly considering the calibre of motorcycles parked deep in the bowels of Gassit HQ.
Because after a long day, the Liberty's twist n' go simplicity and all the other no-fuss attributes of a scoot had me home before I knew it. It's one of the skinniest scoots around and I was tackling gaps in traffic that I'd rarely contemplate squeezing through I'd throw my bag in the larger-than-last-year's under-seat storage - and anything else that would fit - and with its new-for-2012 fuel injection, the fuelling was crisp and predictable and had me zipping through gaps with perfect precision and a silly grin.
My favourite feature of the Liberty is its large-diameter wheels. Very bike-like in its handling characteristics, the wheels make light work of heavily deteriorated roads and, much to my surprise, I was scraping the centre-stand around roundabouts, such was my confidence in those big hoops.
The fold-away passenger pegs along the edge of the foot well can easily be used by the rider if the knees-together riding position grows tiresome, or if you make use of the shopping-bag hook and have limited room for your feet. The long, wide seat will easily accommodate a passenger and the engine is more than up for it. Its relatively low 150cc capacity matched with the addition of fuel injection means excellent fuel consumption, still with more than enough oomph to slingshot you away from the lights and to do 110km/h - flat out. Piaggio claims 11.2Nm of torque - decent for alt 112kg of it - and 8.6kW of power.
The Liberty feels solid compared to a lot of its contemporaries, the front end firm and the rear secure. The single-disc front end and the drum rear-end brakes are more than capable and have you waiting to the very last second to simultaneously yank both levers towards the bars, just 'cos you can.
Its ultra-suave styling isn't for everyone. Possibly emphasised by the gold, or Bronze Perseus as Piaggio calls it, it's very well finished with its curvy lines, integrated indicators and its chrome-surround grille. It was Europe's highest-selling scooter last year, so either I have a crook scooter eye or styling doesn't faze European scooterists - I'd go the former. Its no-fuss instruments give you a fuel gauge and a clock, and I was pleased to see both a side-stand and a centre-stand, giving me the chance to warm it up in the mornings while pulling on my gear.
The updated Liberty is a well-rounded scoot. With large-diameter wheels, fuel injection, more under-seat storage and all that chrome, it carries a recommended retail of $3490. And that surprised me almost as much as the scraping noises on a spirited ride. It's easy to see why it's Europe's favourite.
