'The BV500 is simplicity from the first twist of the wrist.'

By Alfonse Palaima

Comparatively, the Piaggio lines up to the current roster of maxi's scooters like the twin-cylinder Yamaha T-Max 500 ($7,999) and the Kymco Xciting 500 ($6,799). The remaining models on the market either fall short or pile higher on the cubic centimeter scale, as 200cc units and 650cc units are more common builds. Such middleweight (500cc) scoots make popular choices for new riders fearful of bigger machines yet allow them more power than what the flyweight class offers.

The BV500 is simplicity from the first twist of the wrist. Its twist-and-go CVT transmission is capable of flowing with the local traffic, and big enough to trek like its Tourer name implies. It has a large, comfy seat coupled with nearly 500cc of Gilera/Piaggio engineering. Introduced to the U.S. market in '06 as Piaggio's largest scooter, (the larger 800cc scooters are only available in Europe), the Beverly's 460cc water-cooled Single is fitted with EFI and uses a single overhead cam to actuate its four valves, revs to 7500 rpm, and is good for a claimed 40 horsepower. We were able to squeeze a top speed of 100 mph out of the big girl.

When Yossef tested the BV500, he called it "an ultimate commuting tool." Noting it can "make short work of a 30-mile jaunt that includes city traffic, highway work and some twists," he skillfully observed that the BV500 "treads the thinning borderline between motorcycle and scooter."

Titled as a "tourer," the 500 BV is capable of highway speeds and 55 miles to the gallon, and though it might not replace a desire for a Gold Wing, adopting a low-impact commuting vessel like this scooter will require less room in the garage and might help you save money for that Wing. After a short time on the big Piaggio you realize it easily dispels the common misconception of scooters being wimpy, as its high-revving engine is capable of destroying canyons and piling on the miles with ease. 

Living up to the Tourer part of its name, and typical of scooters in general, underseat storage can accommodate a pair of half-helmets, while the fairing-mounted glovebox can hold smaller items like your cellphone, camera and bottled water. Beyond the enclosed space, there's a (hand) bag hook from which you can dangle a sack of fruit between your legs for the short ride home from the market.

Overall capacity, however, leaves something to be desired. The contour of the BV's underseat storage is irregular enough that carrying groceries is more difficult than we found on the MP3. For truly long hauls on your Tourer, you'll want to consider the accessory hard-case trunk which mates to the BV's rear rack, or strap on a pair of soft-sided saddlebags to portage all the items necessary for any such overnighters.