Two new maxi scooters are now on sale in Australia: the Gilera Nexus 500 and Piaggio X8 250ie.

The four-stroke, liquid-cooled Nexus 500, which was first introduced in 2003, has now received a comprehensive makeover. On the styling front, that equates to a sharper-looking, lower-set fairing, while the dashboard graphics are totally new and easier to read.

In addition, the turn signals have been repositioned, and are now located on the side panels, rather than in the mirror pods of the original incarnation.

Seat height is now 25mm lower (to 795mm), with a riding position that's struck a better balance between urban and sports use. The handlebars are also positioned slightly higher, while the suspension has been revised to provide more comfort on any type of road surface.

The dry weight of the Nexus 500 is 199kg, while the 460cc singe-cylinder engine, which meets Euro 3 emission standards, produces 40 horsepower (at 7500rpm) and 4.3kg-m (at 5750rpm) of torque. The scooter features a centrifugal clutch and automatic "twist and go" continuously variable transmission.

The Nexus 500, which can be personalised with a wide range of accessories, retails for $9990 (plus ORC), and is available in two metallic shades: Excalibur Grey and Graphite Black.

Meanwhile, the fuel-injected X8 250ie now delivers more power and performance with an exhilarating mix of style, comfort, performance and protection.

The X8's new Quaser 250cc four-valve engine is an environmental gem, and meets Euro 3 standards. Elsewhere, the seat height has been lowered to 785mm, and the rear boot and underseat storage have been combined to produce a massive 56lt "storeroom" - complete with remote key access. The scooter also features an easy-to-read analogue clock.

The X8 250ie's accessories catalogue includes a windscreen, rear rack with flip-down plate, 48lt top box, and remote-controlled anti-theft device.

It's now on sale at $7690 (plus ORC) in Grigio Excalibur (silver), Grigio Smoky (grey), Midnight Blue and Nero Grafite (black).

Links

• Vespa-Piaggi-Gilera - http://www.asia.piaggio.com/au/en/
• Australian Piaggio, Vespa and Gilera dealers - http://www.asia.piaggio.com/au/en/distributorList.php