Piaggio NRG Review (2005)
What Is It?
The Piaggio NRG is a budget modern scooter which can be ridden on the AM licence and is powered by a restricted 49 cc single cylinder engine, producing around 4 bhp.
Specs
- Seat Height: Low (795 mm / 31.3 inches)
- Weight: Light (99 kg / 218 lbs)
- Economy: Good (65 mpg / 4.3 l/100km / 23.0 km/l)
- Range: Low (90 miles / 145 km)
- Power to Weight: Low (0.040 bhp/kg / 0.030 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: Low (30 mph / 48 km/h)
Pros
- Build quality
- Reliability
- Economy
- Light
- Looks
Cons
- Rear suspension
- Brakes
What Is It Like?
Piaggio NRG DT
About me
I'm a 52 year old male, 5 foot 10 inches, 13 stone. Over 35 years riding on the road, bike tech for nearly 30 years and owned over 100 bikes.
Why did you choose it?
I bought it from my wife after a nasty bike accident.
What is good about it?
- Built well
- Reliable
- Looks good
- Goes well for what it is
What could be improved?
The rear suspension.
What is the economy like?
Around 65 miles to a tank full riden flat out everywhere.
Any mods or upgrades?
- Leo Vinci pipe
- Derestricted and up-jetted carb
- Different rollers
- Powder coated wheels and transmission cover
- Wrapped forks.
How is the engine?
The engine is fantastic for what it is, still running original 50 cc bore and it doesn’t loose any power with heat.
How does it handle?
Okay for all standard running gear.
What are the brakes like?
The front hydraulic operated caliper and disk are very good, rear drum is okay but the cable could do with replacing.
Is it comfortable?
Yes, it's comfortable one up but a little cramped with two adults.
How reliable have you found it?
The NRG is very reliable, including all the electrics.
What's the servicing frequency and cost like?
I do all my own maintenance and shop about.
How would you sum up the model?
The NRG is one of the best scooters I have ever owned. It still looks fresh for 13 years old.
- Andrew F, 2020
Price Guide
Add Your Review
Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.