This is my exact scooter! Love seeing this great review after I’ve had it for a year. I was able to go in and meet Robot today! I’m so grateful for their very cool shop and service expertise. Thank you.
I went in dealership last fall with intent to buy Vespa 150, but was disappointed with ride quality related to the small wheels. I test rode the Liberty and was very pleased. I walked out with a new Liberty, saving thousands. I immediately bought all the available accessories from Piaggio. My only disappointment has been the lack of custom parts. Nevertheless, The Liberty has been a solid and satisfying purchase!
@@Winterstick549 There are 13 million bikes/scooters in Taiwan of 23 million people, a tiny island densely populated. Local people prefer scooters with small wheels in crowded urban for better maneuver abilities while having much bigger foot floor space for purpose of workhorse such as carrying and delivery. Meanwhile, the small tires cost about half the price to replace as the large ones. Certainly, undeniably the scooters with large wheels are much more comfortable to ride in long trip outside urban. I wish that scooters with large wheels could have bigger foot floor space for riders with long legs while being able to do errands (carrying/delivering) for practical purposes without installing a top box.
Great video! I personally think the Liberty has captured the “spirit” of the original Vespas. Stylish and affordable transport that can be easily maintained.
Robot, after watching your review on the Liberty 150 and a test ride locally here in NH my wife and I purchased two Liberty 150’s. White for her, Black for me. As life long motorcyclists we have our Kawasaki Concours and Vulcan for the long rides but the Liberty other than long hauls on the interstate is becoming our go to bike. Although buying our scooters from the other side of the country would not make sense, we’ve supported Scooter West with purchases including top case, lowering kit, side stand, USB ports and RAM mounts. Keep the videos coming!
@victorlandau3742: I, too, am addicted to Robot's videos!!! I ride an Aprilia Sport City CUBE 250 which is somewhat similar to the Liberty 150 but with a Piaggio "Quasar" 250cc motor and dual front disc brakes. I love my Sport City's 15" wheels, especially given the horribly poor condition of the streets in my city. I was shocked to read that you ride a Kawasaki Concours. So do I!!! I'll let you in on a secret. As a "more mature rider", I enjoy my still-like-new Sport City much more than my 1000cc and 500cc bikes. Ride safely!!! JP
Robot, you are are the first person I’ve seen explain the gas tank “issues” on the Liberty 150 as being normal and expected! After purchasing my 2018 Liberty S 150, I noticed the low fuel light indicator come on after about 75 miles or so and then also noticed that only 1 gallon was required to fill it up. I explained the issue to my dealership and they replaced the fuel level sensor as they thought it was malfunctioning. Of course, the issue remained and you are now confirming that’s the expected behavior of this scooter. I totally agree on the fuel tank being very tricky to fully fill up. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Don't underestimate the flat floorboard. My Vespa 300 GTS HPE doesn't have that. But when hauling groceries, it's great. Things that won't fit under the seat or in a top box (case of beer, box of cat litter, 12 pack of soda, 2 gallon gas can, etc.) you can put between your feet if you have a flat floorboard. My SYM Fiddle III 200i has a flat floor, and that makes it a better grocery getter than my Vespa.
Thought we'd get outside for once as we normally film all the videos after hours. Not to mention the beautiful day and to show off our mural a bit. Thanks for watching!
Best explanations and its obvious they love what they do. If a person seriously desires to buy a bike i would suggest not showing up 15 minutes before a dealership closes and complain on Facebook about the service. If you want to buy a bike plan to spend time with people like Vespa Motorsports who want u to find a bike that suits u . Vespa Motorsport spent over 1 and a half hours with me on the phone the first time!. They love what they do. Give them time to figure out whats best suited for. you. 15 min befoe closing. .....lol .P.S after more than a few calls as well as a soft commitment to a 2015 primavera I found my bike via pics. ,videos and over 5 phone calls worth of 2 hours plus with vespa motorsport time. Their longevity alone speaks to their tone of quality. Can't wait to get on my 150cc RC 2020. Perfect for me i believe. Never would have thought to purchase it if it wasn't for" their " time they spent with me. I was planning to buy a 2015 150cc primavera. Safe . But what they reminded me of i should follow my heart. Don't be on a bike when wish u were on another one folks. Buying modern scooters is something we , as older scooter riders ,I have been riding since 85", should not be embarrassed or weird (i know) about . Enjoy it. It's tough during these times or any time to make a purchase that people may see as self induljgent. What people don't realize , scooters for people who love scooters makes you kinder. No? To me, in the scheme of life, if you love the scooter lifestyle , don't let the main thing that holds you back from enjoying it is a prejudice against modern style vespas or lamby"s. U owe it to urself to atleast check out ur local dealership. Or try vespa motorsport like me. Enjoy life. My life has always been better when i owned a scooter. Even when it was not my primary auto. If ur friends don't ride anymore or as much....well....that is not why I bought my first Vespa to begin with. .... Keeps on Burning.
You are incredible, Robot! I always trust your info, and order my parts from Scooterwest. Greetings from Western Massachusetts, where the scooting is fiiiine. - Steiner 🤘❤️
Great thorough review! I’ve been thinking about getting one of these. Also I agree with you about some of those big bulky adv bikes. Here in the northeast at least they don’t work so well off road in the tight technical terrain we mostly have. The Honda ADV 150 looks pretty cool but it doesn’t seem to have any more ground clearance than most other scooters unfortunately.
I keep trying to justify spending the extra money for a more "fancy" scooter to get back into riding, but the Primavera is costing $5,400 around here on a good day. All the points you make really make the practical side of my brain say "You are getting the SAME engine, and it is just over $3k (plus fees of course)" It isn't cutting edge tech, but you can't beat that Piaggio motor.
At 21:56 - I'm curious to understand why Sym and Lance are "...garbage...". I've owned Hondas, Vespas, and Piaggio's. I believe Sym and Lance are based in Taiwan. Are Taiwan scooter companies low quality? How does Kymco or Genuine scooters (based in Chicago) compare? I thought the Buddy was made in Taiwan.
I have a 2015 PCX. Love it. 113mpg. Go's into turns hot. Blast to ride. My rolling art is my GTS300. Love Love Love this scooter. Sits in my house. I also have. Triumph Bonneville. 2018 Street Twin with only 500 miles on her. PCX is my favorite though. Scoots4theWin. Good Video Robot. 👍👍
Agree about the PCX. I don't understand how Honda gets such high MPG out of this thing. Most in this class get 65-75MPG and my PCX easily gets 105-110 and 200 miles per fill.
hi, i have the 125cc version and I wanted to install a bar ends mirrors but i wasn't able because there is something inside the bar ends different than the vespa primavera. something stucked inside without thread to be able to extract. any help
Suspension travel: Liberty (F/R) = 3.00" / 2.90" Adv150 (F/R) = 5.12"/ 4.72" The Liberty may have the larger wheels, but the greater suspension travel would allow you to better set up the suspension on the AD150 for off road riding.
I had 125 Liberty model and it suffered with a slipping clutch from new, so i was put off Liberty's after that. I then bought a BV 300 which had a regulator problem, so on long distances or even short distances the battery would go flat, no dealers could fix either of the problems here in the UK
I believe you meant a tunnel-less design. A flat floorboard is something I would NOT like to miss, ever. It is the most practical solution for storage, e.g. the grocery. Place a big bag on the board, fix the handle to the hook ... and enjoy great handling despite a hefty weight! I will not sell my Sym HD2 until I find another good scoot with more cc and flat floorboard.
@@krollpeter I agree, I own both. For long distance I prefer a tunnel just because the extra legpostions. I'm not going to carry a grocery bag on a international tour. For short distance (ie post office) I do indeed prefer no tunnel.
Just FYI.. S max has a flat floor too.. I'd like to ride this one for a few months.. very interesting unit. Love the larger wheels for purposes mentioned
The UK/European 125cc Liberty's top speed is a bit more than the liquid-cooled Honda SH Mode 125, and both the 125 cc Honda PCX and Yamaha Nmax, which is an amazing achievement for an air cooled 11 hp engine. Its engine is extremely well tuned as it also trumps almost any other air cooled 125 cc engines on other scooters. If it wasn't for the limited under-seat storage and extremely small fuel tank this would be the perfect scooter, and as you say it can actually be taken on highways with reasonable safety. Add a top box and a screen and you still have a bargain scooter. Thanks for the excellent review.
What ever happened to the Scarabeo? I looked at those about 15 years ago and they seemed to disappeared here in the USA. Still available in Europe? Did it become the Liberty? Little confusing since I can't read Italian on their web site! BTW, I greatly prefer the analog speedometer. You can gauge speed a glance or even out of your peripheral vision. Can't do that so easily with digital, and much easier to read in bright sunlight!
Scarabeo was from Aprilia, which is owned by Piaggio. I guess they decided to badge all the scooters as Piaggio and all the motorcycles as Aprilia, for better brand differentiation, but that's just my guess
@@AntonioBarba_TheKaneB It appears that there is still a Scarabeo on the Italian language web site. Is it the same bike as the Liberty? Just a different badge? You know, like how a Chevrolet and a Buick are often the exact same car underneath, just different badges and bodywork?
@@caoimhin7122 I don't know much, but it's been discontinued since 2020 and they were totally different from the Liberty, they used Rotax or Aprilia engines, depending on the model, and the frame was different. They were quite similar though, at least functionally
Bought a 2020 here in 2023. The scooter had only 900 miles ! It replaced my 2014 FLY 150. Same exact 3 valve fuel-injected motor. I had replaced the fuel pump on the FLY , and I noticed the Liberty even has the same pump. I even think there is a huge family resemblance, with only the wheels making the Liberty "so new, so different". LOl.. The best thing I have experienced changing from the FLY 12" wheels to the Liberty : definitely rides gravel covered dirt roads better, although i would never call the Liberty an "off-road" machine. On the normal asphalt or concrete city or rural two-lane or even four-lane, I feel less stressed at 55-60 mph on the Liberty - it is almost as smooth as the vaunted Vespas with their solid bodies. I have friends with a Lance Cabo, two with Zuma 125s, and one with a Super 8. The Lance is more a Vespa clone, the Zumas are weird, and the Super 8 is okay but not stylish - more a motorcycle look and clumsy at that. My Liberty hits the sweet spot for a small commuter / errand runner / weekend joy ride of 50 miles round trip fun machine. Short windscreen and a GIVI top box or simple milk crate highly recommended.
Ease of maintenance is very important the lance products are very easy to work on I had the Lance 2021 Cali classic 200 169 cc engine put 8500 miles on it since no and it was pretty much bulletproof except for chipping around the drain hole- no leaking the crush ring prevents thT but still annoying
Is there a removable panel on this scooter to allow easy access to do a valve adjustment? Honda's PCX looks like it would be a nightmare to perform this service on.
Hello there!! I really enjoy watching your videos and your professional work and these piaggio scooters! But maybe you could recommend a RUclipsr who's fixing honda scooters?? Thx!!
I would be curious about a race between a stock Honda Grom and a Liberty 150. The Grom has manual gears which might give it an edge, but the Liberty has 3 more HP. I'd like to see a valve check and plug change video. It will take a little longer than a Primavera. It would also be interesting to see a valve check--compared to a PCX 150, which takes hours--just to get down to the engine. I checked a Liberty 150 out at a dealer. It seems like a fine scooter. My only gripe was that the legshield is a little narrow. I wonder if the tires could be a wider, too. Like many bikes, they would look good with a tail tidy of some kind.
I dont think you cant really compare a grom to a scooter. Just really apples to oranges. A scooter has much much more utility than most/any motorcycle. I would buy this over a grom everyday of the week though just my opinion. Japanese bikes arent as reliable as people make them out to be. Evrything mechanical has issues eventually in my experience. Dont get me wrong i think the grom is cool, but i would buy a scooter over a grom everyday. I wouldnt be too worried about the piaggio maintenance. All they do is scooters.
Thanks for these great videos. I noticed you didn't mention the Vespa Primavera 150 as a scooter that competes directly with the Liberty. I'm trying to decide between the Vespa Primavera 150 and the Piaggio Liberty 150. Any suggestions?
We kind of put Vespa in it's own class since it's a premium on price and the aesthetics play a major role in the decision. It also has the smaller wheel size which is unique. Basically the same motor on both the Primavera and the Liberty 150. It'll come down to personal preference at that point. Give 'em both a test drive and see which one feels right...
Around here, the Primavera is over $2k more! I love a steel body scooter, but at that price... and you are getting the SAME engine, it really is a tough sell.
As a long time subscriber i respect your opinion and experience on scooters, but on a side note I've been using for the past 5 months a SYM Symphony ST50 (that's 50cc) for delivery work, around 100 miles a day, it's currently almost at 8000 miles on the clock and runs like a champ, also it has a disk brake on the rear (on a 50cc scooter) and a 2 gallon fuel tank. Yea i know it's a copy of the liberty but when i put them side by side it's just as well built, more features, and a lot cheaper for all engine sizes. I agree that the Liberty is a great scooter but after i am getting my full licences i will be jumping on a Symphony ST200 which here in Europe costs 2600 euro (2800$) and comes with a color matched top case as standard. They may not be perfect but shit they are not i shit you not! :D. But yea still enjoy the content and keep making it, just easy on calling others shit until you really got to try one out for an extended period of time.
Well, I think he was just pointing to the fact that many SYM and some Kymco in the US are made in China now and they are not up to the same standard as the bike you have which is built in Taiwan. When it comes to scooter made in China generally means nasty plastic toy, some 50cc Honda scooters are made in China and there's no question about the quality, but as far as I know that's the only decent made in China scooter out there as far as I'm aware of, the Chinese government is very anti scooter in general (because scooters are not superpower-ish) so it's not hard to understand why.
@@annashealthylifeeverything8583 Piaggio is made in Vietnam as Vespa LX125. Piaggio is available in China with rather low popularity for being not so reliable as Japanese scooters thus hard to find service in rural areas. SYM is making 300 c.c. scooters for Royal Enfield similar to Lambretta while Kymco is making 650 c.c. engines for BMW. Even Vietnam people prefer Japanese scooters to locally made Piaggio for less trouble prone.
@@holmiumh The main difference between SYM and Kymco scooters that are made in Taiwan and those made in China is not on the quality, but on the components, carburettor versus fuel injection, no ABS versus ABS etc. to fit into the price segments of scooter market. Quality wise, SYM and Kymco scooters are just as good as Japanese ones. Kawasaki 300 c.c. Scooter "J300" is made by Kymco through joint development.
Yep, we carried a few extra jerry cans of gas amongst the group. The saying goes "never pass gas in Mexico" 😆. Gas stations can be few and far between and sometimes stations will be closed all together. Occasionally you will find individuals selling gas out of a barrel on the road side, but don't plan on it. Best to be prepared!
I wish I could find one of these in this color combination but they stopped making them in this Tan & Black. What’s the best site for buying used/pre owned scooters?? I’d prefer new but to find one in this color combo new is like finding a needle in a haystack!
Hi there ROBOT. Great job as always with your high profile and detail videos. I greatly appreciate them as well as your passion and dedication. I had a silly question how complex would it be to convert a 60’s model Vespa to a full electric motor ( hopefully a motor and battery combo that could achieve 80-85 MPH and a Range of 80 miles.
Hey Robot, thanks for everything and your expertise! I have a quick question... I like the Vespa GTV 250's, would you recommend that I put the $3000 towards an awesome used Vespa GTV or buy a Piaggio Liberty with the $3000 and modify it with extras with the money I would have spent on the used Vespa GTV?
You should be ok. Especially for a smaller frame scooter, the Liberty has quite a tall seating stance, and it's very comfy with the flat floorboard. However, you should try to test ride a few and compare before you commit. Thanks!
my friend that I admire a lot, I here in Brazil am a great adimirador and I also have my PX 86 now I got a new wasp LX 150 year 2008 I am having difficulties to get the pineu rear because it is 120 / 70-10 ... will it be that the 3.50 10 would give serto?
As always another very good review! I must disagree with your comments on a FOB. I personally cannot stand them. Where is the convenience when I have to carry this heavy battery-operated device in a pocket as opposed to a single very lightweight key that is always in the same spot, the ignition? Not to mention the waste.. another plastic case and battery which will eventually need to be discarded. How environmentally friendly is that? So when I get out of my car, I need to search for the FOB to lock the car;, is it in my pocket, my backpack,, my left pocket...where do I put my cell phone? To me, FOBs were someone's idea of a problem that DID NOT EXIST. Having to carry my mobile phone and now a FOB in my pocket is ridiculous. Just my opinion but shared by many!
i really need your help man, thnx to your review i brought the liberty 150, its so fun to ride it, then got my U-lock stuck in the rear wheel because i forgot to take it off before using thottle, the lock damaged the mud guard completely, the bike is running fine tho, i was wondering if you have the rear mudguard in stock, not the one u have listed in the website, its the one directly attached above rear wheel, my dealer doesnt have it and he is saying it can take months to arrive
Re. the Medley question - it has a liquid cooled engine (available in 125 or 150cc), ABS disc brakes front and rear, marginally larger (mid-way between a Liberty and a BV/Beverly, hence the name - a 'Medley' of the two), more comprehensive instrumentation, fuel tank in a tunnel between the feet, and consequently a HUGE underseat storage compartment (2 helmets), plus some other little niceties. I have one (125), and I'm really happy with it. Great quality, great efficiency, and very very stable at all speeds (i.e. both super slow, and at 100kph +). Robot - if you find yourself in Europe again, or if you travel to Asia, I highly recommend that you check one out - I think it would be an interesting scooter for you. Thanks for the video! 👍
My medley s 125 weren't that slow even when it was stock. It would clock 70mph flat out. Would cruise happily at 60 to 63mph. But now it does over 70 due to having a polini variator fitted, 9 gram rollers, contraspring and tighter clutch springs. The liberty is slow regardless it struggles once over 50mph. Probably why my sister hates my medley so much😂
Robot, I bought a liberty 150 and love it ... except for the gas cap. It is tight and sticky. one time i needed a channel locks to get it off. the local mechanic says it is just that way. do you or anyone else have any ideas.
It does an OK job around town, shorter trips etc. Although it doesn't compare to a larger scooter when it comes to comfort and power. You will lose some top speed and torque, but it'll still get the job done...
I would like to offer my take to it. Occasional stretches on the highway are fine, 2-up is all right if it is for trip like 20 - 30 minutes one way. Like all 150 cc scoots it feels a bit strained during long stretches of highway, and even more so 2-up. These things are optimized for low to medium speed acceleration, not for big touring. 20 hp would be the minimum for better comfort.
Hi there thanks for the video. Hello from MN- I met you when I visited your store in 2019, you likely won’t remember me. Anyway, my question. Between this and the Genuine Hooligan, which do you think is a better buy? Thanks
Can you lower this scooter? I am 5’1” and need to lower seat height…do they have low profile seat ? I actually like the larger wheels and think they might be more stable in Mexico, with cobblestone roads. Do you think it’s gutsy enough for hilly roads in San Miguel.
You can only adjust the pre load on the rear shock. You'll need an aftermarket rear shock. What would of been better is try out the bike before purchasing it.
It says in your booklet what you have with the scooter. No open throttle. 1/3 throttle for the first 600miles. Max 40 mph. Occasional burst to 45mph. Try not to stay at a constant speed. After 600miles. You can do half throttle until 1000miles.. then you can full throttle. After 2nd service its good for full throttle.
Radar is a true RUclips personality. But he is correct about the Honda ATV. The Honda 150 PCX has been out for a while and is getting a little outdated so they wanted a new look to attract younger customers that's all.
Of all the scooters you name to compare this too, you seem to purposely leave out the Buddy 170i. What's up with that? That seems like an obvious competitor... I just searched and you don't have any videos about the Buddy, why not?
I'm surprised you didn't mention the Honda SH300i which I used to own and was an amazing scooter if a bit ugly. I think the Liberty or Beverley is the closest looking to it, although I would say Piaggio is the better looking. I have also ridden the Honda PCX in Spain which I did enjoy and ride to a few towns and villages. Just had a look at the price of a new SH300i here in the U.K. and it's almost £5000, that's motorcycle prices. :)
Medley is better. Although I'm in the UK and own the 125 version. The medley is miles faster, alot more storage under the seat. I have the medley s. I've had 74mph out of mine but my medley s 125 has polini variator with lighter rollers, contraspring and tighter clutch springs. Even when it was stock it would leave the liberty standing. My sister has the liberty. Its alright but it suffers after 50mph.
@@JDMz great, I'm happy with the medley 150. Very solid. Fuel consumption is 140km/gal. Although there are more accessories for liberty than for medley here. Still ok, thanks for your time responding!
Robot. You keep calling the Yamaha SMAX a TMAX. The SMAX does have a flat floor board and no tunnel. I do like your very competent reviews and the price on the Liberty is amazing. You did not state where it is manufactured. Italy ?
Vietnam. That's probably why he didn't mention it. Truthfully, I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. My Honda CB500X was built in Thailand and I've had zero problems in 4 years and 12,000 miles. As long as the manufacturer keeps on top of the quality control it doesn't really matter where the factory is located.
I own both a piaggio MP3 and 2 50cc SYM scooters. All pizza delivery guys over here drive SYM or Kymco, they can do 80.000km with higher maintainance intervals. They are just cheaper to ride and the quality is better then peugot and other eqaul priced brands.
Peugeot scooters like the new speedfight 4 witch is now discontinued. Use sym parts. They have the same motor as what the sym jet 14 has. The 125s only first service is at 300miles. They have very short service intervals compared to yamaha, honda and piaggio.
This is my exact scooter! Love seeing this great review after I’ve had it for a year. I was able to go in and meet Robot today! I’m so grateful for their very cool shop and service expertise. Thank you.
I went in dealership last fall with intent to buy Vespa 150, but was disappointed with ride quality related to the small wheels. I test rode the Liberty and was very pleased. I walked out with a new Liberty, saving thousands. I immediately bought all the available accessories from Piaggio. My only disappointment has been the lack of custom parts. Nevertheless, The Liberty has been a solid and satisfying purchase!
Great to hear! Thanks for letting us know your experience with the Liberty. Thanks for tuning in.
How many miles so far??
I agree.
I hate those tiny, Vespa type wheels.
@@Winterstick549
There are 13 million bikes/scooters in Taiwan of 23 million people, a tiny island densely populated. Local people prefer scooters with small wheels in crowded urban for better maneuver abilities while having much bigger foot floor space for purpose of workhorse such as carrying and delivery. Meanwhile, the small tires cost about half the price to replace as the large ones. Certainly, undeniably the scooters with large wheels are much more comfortable to ride in long trip outside urban.
I wish that scooters with large wheels could have bigger foot floor space for riders with long legs while being able to do errands (carrying/delivering) for practical purposes without installing a top box.
Motorcycle license needed??? I'm a noob 👍🏻✌️
Great video! I personally think the Liberty has captured the “spirit” of the original Vespas. Stylish and affordable transport that can be easily maintained.
I seriously love all your scooter-related videos and scooter reviews.
Robot, after watching your review on the Liberty 150 and a test ride locally here in NH my wife and I purchased two Liberty 150’s. White for her, Black for me. As life long motorcyclists we have our Kawasaki Concours and Vulcan for the long rides but the Liberty other than long hauls on the interstate is becoming our go to bike. Although buying our scooters from the other side of the country would not make sense, we’ve supported Scooter West with purchases including top case, lowering kit, side stand, USB ports and RAM mounts. Keep the videos coming!
Awesome! Glad we could help you make your decision. Thanks for your support and enjoy your new rides!
@victorlandau3742: I, too, am addicted to Robot's videos!!! I ride an Aprilia Sport City CUBE 250 which is somewhat similar to the Liberty 150 but with a Piaggio "Quasar" 250cc motor and dual front disc brakes. I love my Sport City's 15" wheels, especially given the horribly poor condition of the streets in my city. I was shocked to read that you ride a Kawasaki Concours. So do I!!! I'll let you in on a secret. As a "more mature rider", I enjoy my still-like-new Sport City much more than my 1000cc and 500cc bikes. Ride safely!!! JP
Robot, you are are the first person I’ve seen explain the gas tank “issues” on the Liberty 150 as being normal and expected! After purchasing my 2018 Liberty S 150, I noticed the low fuel light indicator come on after about 75 miles or so and then also noticed that only 1 gallon was required to fill it up. I explained the issue to my dealership and they replaced the fuel level sensor as they thought it was malfunctioning. Of course, the issue remained and you are now confirming that’s the expected behavior of this scooter. I totally agree on the fuel tank being very tricky to fully fill up. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Two-year warranty and 70mph and bigger wheels Piaggio quality and value all for $3k is very impressive
Very comprehensive review. Never would think about off roading on a scoot, but looks like good sport. The Liberty really is up to date with kit.
Thank you for the breakdown! I was on the fence about getting this vs. a Vespa, and I think you've swayed me.
Hope you enjoy it!
@@VespaMotorsport I am enjoying it, thanks!
proud owner of the piaggio liberty since 2017 model never had an issue 👌
How far have you been going mate and what is your fuel economy :)? speed?
@@addeade231 I'm almost 34,000 km now and for fuel economy I can't really tell 🤔 I don't focus on it much.
Thanks again Robot. Fountain of info and experience as always
In the SF Bay Area, the S costs about $4300, out the door. I know people have to make a profit, but $1300 is a lot of prep for a $3000 scooter.
Thats how they rob you 🤣🤣
Not your dealer - Piaggio USA does that to the buyer. Same here, in Ohio.
Don't underestimate the flat floorboard. My Vespa 300 GTS HPE doesn't have that. But when hauling groceries, it's great. Things that won't fit under the seat or in a top box (case of beer, box of cat litter, 12 pack of soda, 2 gallon gas can, etc.) you can put between your feet if you have a flat floorboard. My SYM Fiddle III 200i has a flat floor, and that makes it a better grocery getter than my Vespa.
Another solid video guys. Appreciate the outdoor location, background, framing and b-roll edit.
This video is Designer approved ❤️🛵🤖
Thought we'd get outside for once as we normally film all the videos after hours. Not to mention the beautiful day and to show off our mural a bit. Thanks for watching!
Best explanations and its obvious they love what they do. If a person seriously desires to buy a bike i would suggest not showing up 15 minutes before a dealership closes and complain on Facebook about the service. If you want to buy a bike plan to spend time with people like Vespa Motorsports who want u to find a bike that suits u . Vespa Motorsport spent over 1 and a half hours with me on the phone the first time!. They love what they do. Give them time to figure out whats best suited for. you. 15 min befoe closing. .....lol .P.S after more than a few calls as well as a soft commitment to a 2015 primavera I found my bike via pics. ,videos and over 5 phone
calls worth of 2 hours plus with vespa motorsport time. Their longevity alone speaks to their tone of quality. Can't wait to get on my 150cc RC 2020. Perfect for me i believe. Never would have thought to purchase it if it wasn't for" their " time they spent with me. I was planning to buy a 2015 150cc primavera. Safe . But what they reminded me of i should follow my heart. Don't be on a bike when wish u were on another one folks. Buying modern scooters is something we , as older scooter riders ,I have been riding since 85", should not be embarrassed or weird (i know) about . Enjoy it. It's tough during these times or any time to make a purchase that people may see as self induljgent. What people don't realize , scooters for people who love scooters makes you kinder. No? To me, in the scheme of life, if you love the scooter lifestyle , don't let the main thing that holds you back from enjoying it is a prejudice against modern style vespas or lamby"s. U owe it to urself to atleast check out ur local dealership. Or try vespa motorsport like me. Enjoy life. My life has always been better when i owned a scooter. Even when it was not my primary auto. If ur friends don't ride anymore or as much....well....that is not why I bought my first Vespa to begin with.
.... Keeps on Burning.
Thank you sir ! Very honest man ! You say things as they are . Cheers from Canada, snow country.
You are incredible, Robot! I always trust your info, and order my parts from Scooterwest. Greetings from Western Massachusetts, where the scooting is fiiiine. - Steiner 🤘❤️
Much appreciated! Thanks for the support...
Still looking for a complete service video for the Liberty. I have a BV 400 and use your video for that scoot.
Great review. Thank you! Considering buying one and this helped a lot
Awesome, glad it was helpful!
Great thorough review! I’ve been thinking about getting one of these. Also I agree with you about some of those big bulky adv bikes. Here in the northeast at least they don’t work so well off road in the tight technical terrain we mostly have. The Honda ADV 150 looks pretty cool but it doesn’t seem to have any more ground clearance than most other scooters unfortunately.
Glad it was helpful!
For better ground clearance you need to look on Aprilia SR GT (not sure if available in USA) and Honda ADV 350 seems to be quite capable
I think the ground clearance of Honda ADV 150 is 13 centimeters only, about 5.1 inches.
I keep trying to justify spending the extra money for a more "fancy" scooter to get back into riding, but the Primavera is costing $5,400 around here on a good day. All the points you make really make the practical side of my brain say "You are getting the SAME engine, and it is just over $3k (plus fees of course)" It isn't cutting edge tech, but you can't beat that Piaggio motor.
At 21:56 - I'm curious to understand why Sym and Lance are "...garbage...". I've owned Hondas, Vespas, and Piaggio's. I believe Sym and Lance are based in Taiwan. Are Taiwan scooter companies low quality? How does Kymco or Genuine scooters (based in Chicago) compare? I thought the Buddy was made in Taiwan.
Great review and you just sold me on it. Considering the PCX and Vespa but this was very convincing... thank you for this.
I have a 2015 PCX. Love it. 113mpg. Go's into turns hot. Blast to ride.
My rolling art is my GTS300. Love Love Love this scooter. Sits in my house.
I also have. Triumph Bonneville.
2018 Street Twin with only 500 miles on her.
PCX is my favorite though.
Scoots4theWin.
Good Video Robot. 👍👍
Agree about the PCX. I don't understand how Honda gets such high MPG out of this thing. Most in this class get 65-75MPG and my PCX easily gets 105-110 and 200 miles per fill.
I think about buying a Liberty 125 because in Germany we don't get the 150. So thank you for the nice review
Did you buy it? how do you like it. In Sweden we only have 50 and 150cc
Hi Robot
Thank you for your video
Very informative.. I watch your videos from the United Kingdom and I really like Vespa Scooters...stay safe
Stuart
Wish my LX150 had those taller wheels. I live in New England, where even small potholes can be deadly
hi, i have the 125cc version and I wanted to install a bar ends mirrors but i wasn't able because there is something inside the bar ends different than the vespa primavera. something stucked inside without thread to be able to extract. any help
Question! Did you say no to SYM? Looking at cabo 200i. please reply =)
Thank you for sharing this video about Piaggio Liberty 150cc! Mr. Robot
How are engine vibrations?
Suspension travel:
Liberty (F/R) = 3.00" / 2.90"
Adv150 (F/R) = 5.12"/ 4.72"
The Liberty may have the larger wheels, but the greater suspension travel would allow you to better set up the suspension on the AD150 for off road riding.
I had 125 Liberty model and it suffered with a slipping clutch from new, so i was put off Liberty's after that. I then bought a BV 300 which had a regulator problem, so on long distances or even short distances the battery would go flat, no dealers could fix either of the problems here in the UK
this is a 150 so it might not have the same problems u had with the 125.
A tunnel is great during tours on long stretched roads. You can cruise cross-legged on them. It feels like your sitting on a flying carpet.
I believe you meant a tunnel-less design.
A flat floorboard is something I would NOT like to miss, ever. It is the most practical solution for storage, e.g. the grocery. Place a big bag on the board, fix the handle to the hook ... and enjoy great handling despite a hefty weight!
I will not sell my Sym HD2 until I find another good scoot with more cc and flat floorboard.
@@krollpeter I agree, I own both. For long distance I prefer a tunnel just because the extra legpostions. I'm not going to carry a grocery bag on a international tour. For short distance (ie post office) I do indeed prefer no tunnel.
I would love to see a good instruction video on how to remove all the panels and in what order. I can´t find anyone who did this yet.
Good morning Sir please can you advise me if i can replace the front tyre from 90/80/16 to 90/80/17 thank you very much
Just FYI.. S max has a flat floor too.. I'd like to ride this one for a few months.. very interesting unit. Love the larger wheels for purposes mentioned
Love my '19 Smax.. has the flat floor too. To each their own. Envious of the larger wheels
The UK/European 125cc Liberty's top speed is a bit more than the liquid-cooled Honda SH Mode 125, and both the 125 cc Honda PCX and Yamaha Nmax, which is an amazing achievement for an air cooled 11 hp engine. Its engine is extremely well tuned as it also trumps almost any other air cooled 125 cc engines on other scooters. If it wasn't for the limited under-seat storage and extremely small fuel tank this would be the perfect scooter, and as you say it can actually be taken on highways with reasonable safety. Add a top box and a screen and you still have a bargain scooter. Thanks for the excellent review.
The liberty is slow compared to the pcx and nmax. The faster piaggio is the medley/medley s. Witch is what I have. I've had 70 out of mine.
Can i change the 30/35w headlight bulb to a 50/55 w bulb?
Are they sold in the USA. I couldn’t find a dealership in Texas
What ever happened to the Scarabeo? I looked at those about 15 years ago and they seemed to disappeared here in the USA. Still available in Europe? Did it become the Liberty? Little confusing since I can't read Italian on their web site!
BTW, I greatly prefer the analog speedometer. You can gauge speed a glance or even out of your peripheral vision. Can't do that so easily with digital, and much easier to read in bright sunlight!
Scarabeo was from Aprilia, which is owned by Piaggio. I guess they decided to badge all the scooters as Piaggio and all the motorcycles as Aprilia, for better brand differentiation, but that's just my guess
@@AntonioBarba_TheKaneB It appears that there is still a Scarabeo on the Italian language web site. Is it the same bike as the Liberty? Just a different badge? You know, like how a Chevrolet and a Buick are often the exact same car underneath, just different badges and bodywork?
@@caoimhin7122 I don't know much, but it's been discontinued since 2020 and they were totally different from the Liberty, they used Rotax or Aprilia engines, depending on the model, and the frame was different. They were quite similar though, at least functionally
Bought a 2020 here in 2023. The scooter had only 900 miles ! It replaced my 2014 FLY 150. Same exact 3 valve fuel-injected motor. I had replaced the fuel pump on the FLY , and I noticed the Liberty even has the same pump. I even think there is a huge family resemblance, with only the wheels making the Liberty "so new, so different". LOl..
The best thing I have experienced changing from the FLY 12" wheels to the Liberty : definitely rides gravel covered dirt roads better, although i would never call the Liberty an "off-road" machine. On the normal asphalt or concrete city or rural two-lane or even four-lane, I feel less stressed at 55-60 mph on the Liberty - it is almost as smooth as the vaunted Vespas with their solid bodies.
I have friends with a Lance Cabo, two with Zuma 125s, and one with a Super 8. The Lance is more a Vespa clone, the Zumas are weird, and the Super 8 is okay but not stylish - more a motorcycle look and clumsy at that. My Liberty hits the sweet spot for a small commuter / errand runner / weekend joy ride of 50 miles round trip fun machine. Short windscreen and a GIVI top box or simple milk crate highly recommended.
Ease of maintenance is very important the lance products are very easy to work on I had the Lance 2021 Cali classic 200 169 cc engine put 8500 miles on it since no and it was pretty much bulletproof except for chipping around the drain hole- no leaking the crush ring prevents thT but still annoying
I really want to install the USB port for my phone. Is there a vid that hows how? Thx Robot! Great vids
Which lever controls the front brake?
Is there a removable panel on this scooter to allow easy access to do a valve adjustment? Honda's PCX looks like it would be a nightmare to perform this service on.
I have a 2010 Honda sh150i. It seems it is much like this one. Your thoughts. Would some accessories work? Thank you!
Please how about Piaggio Liberty 50 ,I want to buy please give me your feedback
Hello there!! I really enjoy watching your videos and your professional work and these piaggio scooters! But maybe you could recommend a RUclipsr who's fixing honda scooters?? Thx!!
I would be curious about a race between a stock Honda Grom and a Liberty 150. The Grom has manual gears which might give it an edge, but the Liberty has 3 more HP.
I'd like to see a valve check and plug change video. It will take a little longer than a Primavera. It would also be interesting to see a valve check--compared to a PCX 150, which takes hours--just to get down to the engine.
I checked a Liberty 150 out at a dealer. It seems like a fine scooter. My only gripe was that the legshield is a little narrow. I wonder if the tires could be a wider, too. Like many bikes, they would look good with a tail tidy of some kind.
I dont think you cant really compare a grom to a scooter. Just really apples to oranges. A scooter has much much more utility than most/any motorcycle. I would buy this over a grom everyday of the week though just my opinion. Japanese bikes arent as reliable as people make them out to be. Evrything mechanical has issues eventually in my experience. Dont get me wrong i think the grom is cool, but i would buy a scooter over a grom everyday. I wouldnt be too worried about the piaggio maintenance. All they do is scooters.
@@DoodMang7 , Surely they can be compared. I strongly disagree. : )
@@DoodMang7 , well, I want to see them race more than looking at them comparing them at a standstill. I should think it would be interesting.
Hope we get a 2021 review soon
Do you export to Ontario, Canada? Looking for a 2021 Liberty “S” 155cc....
Thx for another great vid! Can you do a video how to install the Malossi CDI on the LIberty?
Thanks for these great videos. I noticed you didn't mention the Vespa Primavera 150 as a scooter that competes directly with the Liberty. I'm trying to decide between the Vespa Primavera 150 and the Piaggio Liberty 150. Any suggestions?
We kind of put Vespa in it's own class since it's a premium on price and the aesthetics play a major role in the decision. It also has the smaller wheel size which is unique. Basically the same motor on both the Primavera and the Liberty 150. It'll come down to personal preference at that point. Give 'em both a test drive and see which one feels right...
Around here, the Primavera is over $2k more! I love a steel body scooter, but at that price... and you are getting the SAME engine, it really is a tough sell.
As a long time subscriber i respect your opinion and experience on scooters, but on a side note I've been using for the past 5 months a SYM Symphony ST50 (that's 50cc) for delivery work, around 100 miles a day, it's currently almost at 8000 miles on the clock and runs like a champ, also it has a disk brake on the rear (on a 50cc scooter) and a 2 gallon fuel tank. Yea i know it's a copy of the liberty but when i put them side by side it's just as well built, more features, and a lot cheaper for all engine sizes. I agree that the Liberty is a great scooter but after i am getting my full licences i will be jumping on a Symphony ST200 which here in Europe costs 2600 euro (2800$) and comes with a color matched top case as standard. They may not be perfect but shit they are not i shit you not! :D. But yea still enjoy the content and keep making it, just easy on calling others shit until you really got to try one out for an extended period of time.
Well, I think he was just pointing to the fact that many SYM and some Kymco in the US are made in China now and they are not up to the same standard as the bike you have which is built in Taiwan.
When it comes to scooter made in China generally means nasty plastic toy, some 50cc Honda scooters are made in China and there's no question about the quality, but as far as I know that's the only decent made in China scooter out there as far as I'm aware of, the Chinese government is very anti scooter in general (because scooters are not superpower-ish) so it's not hard to understand why.
@@holmiumhI've heard that piaggio scooters are also made in China. (for some markets)
@@annashealthylifeeverything8583
Piaggio is made in Vietnam as Vespa LX125. Piaggio is available in China with rather low popularity for being not so reliable as Japanese scooters thus hard to find service in rural areas.
SYM is making 300 c.c. scooters for Royal Enfield similar to Lambretta while Kymco is making 650 c.c. engines for BMW.
Even Vietnam people prefer Japanese scooters to locally made Piaggio for less trouble prone.
@@holmiumh
The main difference between SYM and Kymco scooters that are made in Taiwan and those made in China is not on the quality, but on the components, carburettor versus fuel injection, no ABS versus ABS etc. to fit into the price segments of scooter market.
Quality wise, SYM and Kymco scooters are just as good as Japanese ones. Kawasaki 300 c.c. Scooter "J300" is made by Kymco through joint development.
Did I see one of your videos when you're with your buddies down in Mexico and somebody was carrying gas with them is it hard to get gas in Mexico?
Yep, we carried a few extra jerry cans of gas amongst the group. The saying goes "never pass gas in Mexico" 😆. Gas stations can be few and far between and sometimes stations will be closed all together. Occasionally you will find individuals selling gas out of a barrel on the road side, but don't plan on it. Best to be prepared!
Better than the Genuine Buddy Kick 125?
Enough room for 12 1/2 size boots ?
Very aerodynamic Scooter that’s for sure nice design
The rear wheel should be as tall as the front wheel so that it could absorb the road defects as much as the front wheel
I wish I could find one of these in this color combination but they stopped making them in this Tan & Black. What’s the best site for buying used/pre owned scooters?? I’d prefer new but to find one in this color combo new is like finding a needle in a haystack!
Good video. Just curious why sym is junk?
Great review! Many thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi there ROBOT. Great job as always with your high profile and detail videos. I greatly appreciate them as well as your passion and dedication. I had a silly question how complex would it be to convert a 60’s model Vespa to a full electric motor ( hopefully a motor and battery combo that could achieve 80-85 MPH and a Range of 80 miles.
Hey Robot, thanks for everything and your expertise! I have a quick question... I like the Vespa GTV 250's, would you recommend that I put the $3000 towards an awesome used Vespa GTV or buy a Piaggio Liberty with the $3000 and modify it with extras with the money I would have spent on the used Vespa GTV?
Great video, very informative, looking to buy one, I am 6'2" and was wondering how comfortable is the scooter for someone of my height?
You should be ok. Especially for a smaller frame scooter, the Liberty has quite a tall seating stance, and it's very comfy with the flat floorboard. However, you should try to test ride a few and compare before you commit. Thanks!
my friend that I admire a lot, I here in Brazil am a great adimirador and I also have my PX 86 now I got a new wasp LX 150 year 2008 I am having difficulties to get the pineu rear because it is 120 / 70-10 ... will it be that the 3.50 10 would give serto?
What's a low feel?
Hi Robot, can you make a video on the Royal Alloy - saw an add on Craigslist. Thank you!!
We’ve actually got one in the works. Stay tuned!
As always another very good review! I must disagree with your comments on a FOB. I personally cannot stand them. Where is the convenience when I have to carry this heavy battery-operated device in a pocket as opposed to a single very lightweight key that is always in the same spot, the ignition? Not to mention the waste.. another plastic case and battery which will eventually need to be discarded. How environmentally friendly is that? So when I get out of my car, I need to search for the FOB to lock the car;, is it in my pocket, my backpack,, my left pocket...where do I put my cell phone? To me, FOBs were someone's idea of a problem that DID NOT EXIST. Having to carry my mobile phone and now a FOB in my pocket is ridiculous. Just my opinion but shared by many!
You said something about Kymco AK 550, was it negative?
i really need your help man, thnx to your review i brought the liberty 150, its so fun to ride it, then got my U-lock stuck in the rear wheel because i forgot to take it off before using thottle, the lock damaged the mud guard completely, the bike is running fine tho, i was wondering if you have the rear mudguard in stock, not the one u have listed in the website, its the one directly attached above rear wheel, my dealer doesnt have it and he is saying it can take months to arrive
Re. the Medley question - it has a liquid cooled engine (available in 125 or 150cc), ABS disc brakes front and rear, marginally larger (mid-way between a Liberty and a BV/Beverly, hence the name - a 'Medley' of the two), more comprehensive instrumentation, fuel tank in a tunnel between the feet, and consequently a HUGE underseat storage compartment (2 helmets), plus some other little niceties. I have one (125), and I'm really happy with it. Great quality, great efficiency, and very very stable at all speeds (i.e. both super slow, and at 100kph +). Robot - if you find yourself in Europe again, or if you travel to Asia, I highly recommend that you check one out - I think it would be an interesting scooter for you. Thanks for the video! 👍
Thankyou :)
My medley s 125 weren't that slow even when it was stock. It would clock 70mph flat out. Would cruise happily at 60 to 63mph. But now it does over 70 due to having a polini variator fitted, 9 gram rollers, contraspring and tighter clutch springs. The liberty is slow regardless it struggles once over 50mph. Probably why my sister hates my medley so much😂
Robot, I bought a liberty 150 and love it ... except for the gas cap. It is tight and sticky. one time i needed a channel locks to get it off. the local mechanic says it is just that way. do you or anyone else have any ideas.
Replacement after market gas cap
Thank you for the video. How does it handle two-up riding? Does it loose power on the highway or up a steep hill?
It does an OK job around town, shorter trips etc. Although it doesn't compare to a larger scooter when it comes to comfort and power. You will lose some top speed and torque, but it'll still get the job done...
I would like to offer my take to it.
Occasional stretches on the highway are fine, 2-up is all right if it is for trip like 20 - 30 minutes one way.
Like all 150 cc scoots it feels a bit strained during long stretches of highway, and even more so 2-up. These things are optimized for low to medium speed acceleration, not for big touring. 20 hp would be the minimum for better comfort.
Great review! Thank you.
is 70mph with body tucked or body upright? also, is the speedometer accurate?
No speedo is accurate. They're about 3 to 5mph off
Even generally auto Speedometer readings are optimistic.
Is there no USB port on Liberty?
No.
What country is the Liberty made in? Thanks
Indonesia/Vietnam/Italy.
Hi there thanks for the video. Hello from MN- I met you when I visited your store in 2019, you likely won’t remember me. Anyway, my question. Between this and the Genuine Hooligan, which do you think is a better buy? Thanks
fuel economy is one of the main reasons to buy a big wheel scooter along with ride quality. sixty five mpg on highway not good enough.
If u could make a bv 350 pov vid it would be great
Can you lower this scooter? I am 5’1” and need to lower seat height…do they have low profile seat ? I actually like the larger wheels and think they might be more stable in Mexico, with cobblestone roads. Do you think it’s gutsy enough for hilly roads in San Miguel.
You can only adjust the pre load on the rear shock. You'll need an aftermarket rear shock. What would of been better is try out the bike before purchasing it.
Just bought a new piaggio 150. Can I use it normally or do I have to use it lightly for certain number of miles? Or until first service?
Thanks
It says in your booklet what you have with the scooter. No open throttle. 1/3 throttle for the first 600miles. Max 40 mph. Occasional burst to 45mph. Try not to stay at a constant speed. After 600miles. You can do half throttle until 1000miles.. then you can full throttle. After 2nd service its good for full throttle.
@@JDMz thanks
It's too bad we can't get a 125 in Canada as it's the 2nd licesnse and insurance class. That Liberty does look beautiful and I love the camel colour!
Radar is a true RUclips personality. But he is correct about the Honda ATV. The Honda 150 PCX has been out for a while and is getting a little outdated so they wanted a new look to attract younger customers that's all.
Of all the scooters you name to compare this too, you seem to purposely leave out the Buddy 170i. What's up with that? That seems like an obvious competitor... I just searched and you don't have any videos about the Buddy, why not?
George Hess or the new (to America) Royal Alloy
does it have a side stand
I'm surprised you didn't mention the Honda SH300i which I used to own and was an amazing scooter if a bit ugly. I think the Liberty or Beverley is the closest looking to it, although I would say Piaggio is the better looking. I have also ridden the Honda PCX in Spain which I did enjoy and ride to a few towns and villages.
Just had a look at the price of a new SH300i here in the U.K. and it's almost £5000, that's motorcycle prices. :)
Excellent and exceptional value well made
Do you recommend the Piaggio Zip or only the Piaggio liberty?
Piaggo zip but don’t buy a new one they’ve been making the same one for 20+ years. Only thing changed is a worse engine
Do you have the Medley 150 in the US? and if you do what is your opinion vs the Liberty? Thanks! Great vids
Medley is better. Although I'm in the UK and own the 125 version. The medley is miles faster, alot more storage under the seat. I have the medley s. I've had 74mph out of mine but my medley s 125 has polini variator with lighter rollers, contraspring and tighter clutch springs. Even when it was stock it would leave the liberty standing. My sister has the liberty. Its alright but it suffers after 50mph.
@@JDMz great, I'm happy with the medley 150. Very solid. Fuel consumption is 140km/gal. Although there are more accessories for liberty than for medley here. Still ok, thanks for your time responding!
Robot. You keep calling the Yamaha SMAX a TMAX. The SMAX does have a flat floor board and no tunnel. I do like your very competent reviews and the price on the Liberty is amazing. You did not state where it is manufactured. Italy ?
Vietnam. That's probably why he didn't mention it. Truthfully, I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. My Honda CB500X was built in Thailand and I've had zero problems in 4 years and 12,000 miles. As long as the manufacturer keeps on top of the quality control it doesn't really matter where the factory is located.
How much do you weigh? How would this do with a 220 pound rider?
Great review !
You should compare it with Honda SH150, not PCX :)
What do you think of the Lambretta scooters ?
Where's the turn signals on the Piaggio Liberty 50 ?
On the left hand side lol. You literally can't miss the switch.
I own both a piaggio MP3 and 2 50cc SYM scooters. All pizza delivery guys over here drive SYM or Kymco, they can do 80.000km with higher maintainance intervals. They are just cheaper to ride and the quality is better then peugot and other eqaul priced brands.
Peugeot scooters like the new speedfight 4 witch is now discontinued. Use sym parts. They have the same motor as what the sym jet 14 has. The 125s only first service is at 300miles. They have very short service intervals compared to yamaha, honda and piaggio.
How about Suzuki's like the Address & Access or the Burgman 200 ?
They don't sell suzukis. They promote only what they sell....surprise!
You cannot get Suzuki Scooters in the US. At least not right now