Piaggio's new super-sport scooter is a concentrate of
new technical features. Cutting-edge sport performance combines
with the functionality of a vehicle for everyday use to create the
perfect mix of passion and practicality, all packed into a mere
50cc.
The sportiest Piaggio scooter ever gets a complete makeover with
the NRG Power. Three different 50cc engines and 13" wheels with
outstanding tyres (including tread size of 140 on the rear tyre),
an avant-garde, completely reworked frame and extra-large brakes
are all meant to offer unstinting top performance while maintaining
the practical aspects that make the NRG Power suitable for everyday
use.
The Piaggio NRG Power is the latest chapter of a real success
story. With over 360,000 units sold over a decade, the Piaggio NRG
has taken the extremely competitive 50cc sport scooter segment head
on and won. The NRG has offered unmatchable performance ever since
it was first launched in 1994, without once compromising on ease of
use the way other sport scooters often do. The Piaggio NRG has
always been the perfect scooter for everyday use while offering
high performance and cutting-edge technology.
The new Piaggio NRG Power strengthens this concept, with
turbo-charged performance that does not affect this 50cc scooter's
ease of use on a daily basis.
Design
The Piaggio NRG Power has a completely new design. Its racy look
highlights the dynamicity of the NRG Power and emphasises the force
of Piaggio's new super-sport scooter. The front shield has been
redesigned to make it more aerodynamic and protective. The shield
holds headlamps with separate high and low beam reflectors. The
shape of the headlamps and the central air intake give the NRG
Power a markedly sporty look. The two-part shape of the lower
shield strengthens this effect, with the direction indicators right
under the headlamps on the sides. All these elements reflect the
latest trends in super-sport design. The handlebar has a small,
elegant tinted front fairing to shield the instrument panel. The
latter, made of semi-transparent material, has red background
lighting and includes a complete set of analogue and digital
instrumentation - analogue rev counter, LCD display with a
speedometer, total and partial mileage, fuel level, radiator liquid
temperature and clock.
The indicators include fuel reserve, direction indicators, high
beam, oil level and, in the PJ version, an injection check. Each
version of the new NRG Power has two rear view mirrors, a sport
feature that also guarantees safer riding.
The large, flat footrest panel has a rough rather than a slick
finish so that the rider's feet are securely placed, a practical
aspect that enhances everyday use. The upper part of the footrest
panel holds an immediately visible, aircraft-style fuel tank cap
that is easily accessed when refuelling. The sport-comfort
philosophy of this scooter is emphasised once again with the
aluminium-painted central part of the footrest panel. This
sport-style feature also serves to connect to the under-seat space
and draws attention to the angular design of the rear section of
the Piaggio NRG Power. The comfortable, well-moulded seat gets
slimmer and lower as it approaches the rear, with the tapered-off
rear and LED rear lamp emphasising the sporty look. The NRG Power
is the only 50cc scooter to be equipped with a LED lamp, which not
only resembles those on sport motorcycles but also substantially
increases safety on the NRG Power, as the light is a lot stronger
than that of a normal lamp. The rear mudguard, a single element
linked to the transmission crankcase, also highlights the NRG
Power's racy, aggressive look while protecting against sprays.
Comfort and practicality
Keeping to the concept of offering the greatest possible comfort
on an ultra-sport vehicle with superb performance, the NRG Power
features several improvements to its NRG series predecessors. The
seat has been lowered to 795 mm from the ground to make it
comfortable for riders of all sizes and offer more fluid, stable
riding, as the centre is closer to the ground. The placement of the
fuel tank under the footrest panel also contributes to this.
The seat opens by simply pressing on the ignition area, so there
is no need to get the key out every time you start the scooter. The
NRG Power's sport appeal does not influence load capacity: the
under seat space holds a full-face helmet, and a practical bag hook
on the inside front shield can hold a large rucksack or sports bag,
with the shape and size of the footrest panel offering ample space
to place the bag.
The Piaggio NRG Power has its lights always on in accordance
with current norms.
The new NRG Power is built to make it easy to access the
battery, spark plug and other mechanicals for quick
maintenance.
Frame and cycle parts
Under the elegant, racy design of the new Piaggio NRG Power is
some very advanced technology, particularly the frame of this new
super-sport 50cc, which goes well beyond anything seen so far on
small displacement scooters. The twin frame cradle made entirely of
high tensile steel tubes has a unique build to give it exceptional
torsional rigidity and ability to handle sustained use. The result
is extremely precise, safe riding. The new frame was structured to
keep the vehicle centre low, slotting the fuel tank under the
footrest panel.
The cycle parts were designed just as carefully. The fork with
upside down shafts is clearly sport-inspired and has 30 mm shafts
with pegs of die-cast light alloy, offering a ready, progressive
response to the demands of different types of road surface. The
rear has a single shock absorber with 60 mm travel.
The 13", six-spoke wheel rims in light alloy have a unique
design and are both light and rigid to reduce the gyroscopic effect
and make the scooter easier to handle without losing running
stability. The rims hold good-sized sport-tread tyres, 120/70 in
front and an extra-large 140/60 at the rear - the perfect size for
optimal road grip on the deepest bends.
The brakes match the high level of the other components, with a
220m disk in front featuring a floating calliper with a single
piston. This high-power brake with excellent modulation ensures
reduced stopping distances and is backed up by a 175mm disk with a
calliper and opposed pistons on the rear wheel. The DT version is
the only one to use a 100mm drum brake at the rear, an excellent
mix of performance and build simplicity.
Engines
With superb cycle parts and engines, the Piaggio NRG Power aims
to become the new benchmark in the crowded 50cc sector, in terms of
road grip as well as pure engine performance.
Available in three environmentally friendly 50cc versions, the
Piaggio NRG Power reaches its technological apex with the PJ, a
version powered by the Piaggio Hi-Per2 Pro PureJet. This electronic
injection, liquid-cooled engine offers the best performance of its
category. It offers sharp, progressive acceleration as well as low
consumption (50 km/litre on the ECE 47 cycle). The DD is also
liquid-cooled, but uses a carburettor. This modern engine easily
takes first place for performance among traditional 50cc
engines.
With an air-cooled Hi-Per2 engine, the Piaggio NRG Power DT
offers high performance and quality at a good price.
The PJ and DD versions use an upside-down 'snakebite' muffler to
provide extra performance. This muffler, as well as the more
traditional exhaust on the DT, has a two-way catalytic converter to
bring it well within strict Euro2 norms.
Accessories and colours
The Piaggio NRG Power offers a wide range of accessories that
emphasise both its performance-based concept and its everyday
aspects. The high windshield with hand covers offers total
protection even in winter. The rear rack and 28 litre top case
increase the scooter's load capacity. The side stand is the perfect
design-plus-practicality element for this super-sport scooter.Al
three versions of the NRG Power share a colour range that
discreetly highlights the scooter's sport appeal. The three-colour
combinations are metal blue/optic white/shiny black, dragon
red/optic white/shiny black and stone grey/optic white/shiny black,
with a strong two-colour alternative in shiny black/iguana
green.