Piaggio Typhoon returns as a 125 with TFT and CBS

In the 1990s the Typhoon was a familiar sight on city streets, and now Piaggio is relaunching the scooter from the ground up. The well-known name stays, as does the distinctive duck-bill front. Behind it sits a new city scooter that Piaggio has designed around low weight, robustness, ease of use and low running costs. Even so, the presentation doesn't quite manage without a nod to adventure history: the manufacturer recalls earlier Typhoon outings at the Baja Aragón and the Baja 1000 in Mexico. The new scooter, however, is meant to play to its strengths primarily in city traffic.

According to the spec sheet, the nominal 125 displaces exactly 124 cc. The four-stroke single meets Euro 5+ and produces 7.8 kW at 7,400 rpm, with maximum torque of 10.4 Nm at 6,200 rpm. Piaggio relies on forced-air cooling, electronic fuel injection and ignition, and wet-sump lubrication. A single overhead camshaft operates three valves, with bore and stroke of 52 and 58.6 mm respectively. A CVT transmission and an automatic clutch handle power delivery. The spec sheet lists the tank at 6 litres plus a 1.2-litre reserve.

Beneath the fairing sits a frame made of high-strength steel tubes with welded-on structural reinforcements. Up front there's a hydraulic telescopic fork with 68 mm of travel, at the rear a hydraulic shock with four-position adjustable spring preload. Both 14-inch wheels wear tubeless tyres sized 120/70-14 M/C 55 P. According to Piaggio, the combination of wheels and suspension should also cope with tram tracks, cobblestones and potholes. Despite the emphasis on lightweight design, the documentation gives no specific vehicle weight.

Braking at the front is handled by a 220 mm steel disc with a floating twin-piston caliper featuring two 26 mm pistons. At the rear, it sticks with a 140 mm drum. The hydraulic CBS, short for Combined Braking System, distributes braking force to both wheels. Piaggio expects this to deliver greater safety in the wet and on slippery surfaces.

The duck-bill front pays homage to the original Typhoon, complemented by a slim, protective leg shield and sporty-looking wheels. More practical in daily use than any design description is the large, completely flat floorboard. It's meant to make carrying a bag or backpack easier, helped by a safety hook on the inside of the leg shield. The new Typhoon measures 1,985 mm in length and 806 mm in width including mirrors. The wheelbase is 1,365 mm, and the seat height is 797 mm.

A new, fully digital TFT display handles the instrumentation. Anyone wanting to connect their smartphone needs the Piaggio MIA system, offered as an accessory. According to the manufacturer, this allows calls and music to be controlled via the TFT. Information on completed rides and the scooter's operating status can also be viewed on the smartphone. When the ignition is switched off, the platform saves the position, making it easier to find the parked Typhoon again. The app records the data and presents it on the smartphone as summary statistics.

Piaggio lists four colours for the new Typhoon: Nero Monsone, Bianco Boreale, Grigio Scirocco and Blu Oceano. The press release at hand gives no specific price, launch date or model year. For now, the promised value for money therefore remains just a manufacturer's promise.

How much power does the new Piaggio Typhoon have?

Piaggio quotes 7.8 kW at 7,400 rpm and 10.4 Nm at 6,200 rpm for the 124 cc single. Power is delivered via a CVT automatic.

What brakes and wheels does the Typhoon have?

It combines a 220 mm disc brake at the front and a 140 mm drum at the rear with hydraulic CBS. Both wheels measure 14 inches and wear tyres sized 120/70-14.

Is smartphone connectivity standard?

The TFT display is part of the described features. Smartphone connectivity is provided via the Piaggio MIA system, offered as an accessory.

How much does the new Piaggio Typhoon cost and when is it coming?

The press release provided names neither a price nor a specific launch date or model year.