2007 Piaggio BV Review

Since Piaggio introduced it in 2006, the Piaggio BV has always been one of the Italian automaker’s higher-level scooters. Unlike post-2011 BVs, when Piaggio stripped it down to one model, the early production era of the scooter usually yielded two or more versions. The 2007 BV, which marks the nameplate’s second model year, is no exception.

The models for the 2007 Piaggio BV are the BV 250 and the BV 500: named befittingly after their respective engine displacements. The four-stroke single-cylinder engine on the BV 250 displaces at 244 cubic centimeters (cc), which is rounded up to 250 cc; and the version on the BV 500 displaces at 460 cc, which is rounded up to 500 cc. The BV 250 is the less powerful of the two, with its engine producing 22 horsepower at 8,250 revolutions per minute (RPM) and 20.2 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque at 6,500 RPM; the one on the BV 500 generates 39 horsepower at 7,250 RPM and 31.1 lb-ft of torque at 6,250 RPM. The engine’s bore and stroke is 2.8 by 2.4 inches for the BV 250 and 3.6 by 2.7 inches for the BV 500. Using a single overhead camshaft configuration, the ‘07 BV engine has four valves on its single cylinder.

The 2007 Piaggio BV uses a Continuously Variable Transmission, which enables the engine to run more efficiently via multiple-gear shifting. Piaggio recommends premium fuel for the scooter, which has a gas tank that can hold up to 2.6 gallons (BV 250) or 3.5 gallons (BV 500). Each scooter has an electric starter and a Magneti Marelli-brand carburetor for facilitating a quick engine ignition.

Made of steel and using a suspension that consists of a front telescopic fork and rear twin-sided swing arm, the 2007 Piaggio BV is designed for sturdy and safe riding. The scooter is available in either Excalibur Gray or Graphite Black. For superior braking, each ‘07 Piaggio BV gets all-wheel disc brakes. The wheels are made of aluminum: with 16-inch ones on the BV 250; and front 16-inch and rear 14-inch ones on the BV 500. The standard digital instrumentation at the front consists of a clock, trip odometer, speedometer, temperature warning indicator and fuel level warning gauge. For seating, Piaggio provides a two-piece vinyl seat big enough for the driver and passenger. Also included are a halogen headlamp and side mirrors for enhanced visibility when driving; 12-volt power outlet for charging mobile devices; and helmet, glove box/dash and under-seat storage.

Piaggio set the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the 250cc and 500cc models of the ‘07 BV at $4,899 and $6,299, respectively. The BV 250 measures around 83.1 inches in length and 29.9 inches in width, with a wheelbase of 57.9 inches and a weight of 328 lbs. The BV 500 is the bigger and heavier model: with a length of around 87.3 inches, width of 30.3 inches, wheelbase of 61 inches and a weight of 436.5 lbs.