The Gilera Fuoco 500ie, which shares the same technological platform as the revolutionary Piaggio MP3, is now on sale in Australia at $12,990 (plus ORC).
The 492cc four-valve fuel-injected single remains true the sporting principles of Gilera, with show-stopping looks, incredible performance and the X factor that makes it stand out from other anonymous maxi scooters. Riding has never been this exhilarating, while maintaining the easy, enjoyable and secure characteristics first introduced on the MP3.
The Fuoco 500ie streaks away from traffic lights and handles variable road conditions with aplomb, thanks to its extraordinary parallelogram front suspension. This radical technical set-up ensures impeccable road holding in all riding conditions, with stability and braking power that no conventional scooter can provide. The Fuoco takes on cobblestone streets, patchy asphalt and tram tracks with the greatest of ease.
The Fuoco 500ie is particularly in its element on twisty roads, where the razor-sharp handling is complemented by a superb three-disc braking system and double ignition "Master" engine, which produces a heady 40 horsepower at 7250rpm, and maximum torque of 42Nm at 5500rpm. Like the 250cc and 400cc MP3s, the Fuoco 500ie meets Europe's tough Euro3 emissions standards.
As well as sublime performance, innovative styling is also a trump card for the Fuoco 500ie. The attention-grabbing front end sets the tone, and flows into the tapered, aggressive bodywork. Other nice touches include the 'naked' handlebars, black 10-spoke rims, five-lamp headlight (with shockproof covers), and the minimalist tail design. The seat offers a wide and comfortable ride for both rider and pillion.
Parking is ridiculously easy on the Fuoco 500ie. An electro-hydraulic tilt-locking system means there is no need to put the vehicle on its stand, although one is provided for ease of servicing. Simply flick the lean-locking button and apply the parking brake. The system will operate at any angle, so you don't need to find a level parking area.
The tilt-locking system also means you don't have to put your feet down at traffic lights, or worrying about maintaining your balance if you're 'vertically challenged'.
"In just a short period of time, the MP3 has made a huge impact in Australia, and the interest from consumers has been phenomenal," said Piaggio Brand Manager, Simon Gloyne. "Now we have the Fuoco 500ie, which maintains all the attributes of the MP3, but in a sleek package which sticks to Gilera's sporting platform. This is the archetypal go-anywhere scooter - all with a minimum of fuss and with superb handling and performance."
A large range of accessories is also available for the Fuoco 500ie, including a 42-litre top box, adjustable windshield, hand guards, navigational system (with installation kit), leg cover, bike cover, electronic alarm and soft tail bag for luggage.
The Fuoco 500ie is type-approved as a standard two-wheeled motorcycle. This means licensing and registration requirements are the same as for a motorcycle. With its strong personality, aggressive design and cutting-edge technology, the Fuoco 500ie is ready to ride into uncharted territory.
Fuoco 500ie features:
- Powerful and economical 492cc fuel-injected liquid-cooled four-stroke, double ignition engine
- Electric start
- Front assembly with dual independent tilting wheels providing a lean angle of up to 40 degrees
- Electro-hydraulic front suspension locking system that keeps vehicle upright without using the centrestand
- Analogue dash with speedo and large clock
- Three-disc braking system
- No wider than comparable two-wheel maxi scooters
- Handbrake for parking
- Low-emission, environmentally friendly Euro 3 compliant
- Two-year unlimited kilometre warranty
Available Colours
Metallic Emotion Red
Metallic Excalibur Grey
Matt Metallic Demon Black
About Piaggio
The Piaggio company, nestled in the Tuscan countryside between Florence and Pisa, first invented scooters in 1946 when it produced the first-ever Vespa and helped liberate a war-torn Italy. Vespa remains the iconic scooter brand with its unique metal-bodied design. Today, Piaggio continues to produce scooters under the classic Vespa brand, the sporty Gilera brand and the contemporary Piaggio brand. In Australia, PS Importers is the sole importer of this iconic and popular range.
View Technical Specifications
For more information, or copies of hi-res images, please contact:
Mark Fattore
Marketing Manager
Piaggio Australia
20 Stubbs Street
Kensington, Vic 3031
Tel:+ 61 (0)3 9381 9733
Mobile: + 61 (0)417 557 204
Fax: + 61 (0)3 9381 9798
Email: mark@psimporters.com.au
www.piaggio.com.au/
www.gilera.com.au/
www.vespa.com.au/