2017 Piaggio Liberty
The new 2017 Piaggio Liberty has been revealed, boasting the latest i-Get engine
The Piaggio Liberty is a milestone in two-wheeled mobility development. It is synonymous with independence and freedom. Introduced in its first version in 1997, Liberty is one of those rare products that, model after model, has managed to remain faithful to itself and its name, continuously modernising and meeting the needs of new generations of customers.
After 19 years of successful sales to the tune of over 900 thousand units, the Piaggio Liberty has been completely revamped in line with the values that inspired the original project. And with the goal of meeting the demand for a vehicle characterised by superior quality, lightweight and sturdy, easy to use, with impeccable performance and with high technological safety.
New Euro 4 engines and new active safety systems are found on the 125 and 150cc versions, along with new ergonomics and elegant lines to go with the large diameter wheels which, from the very first Liberty, gave a compact scooter all the dynamic safety of superior class vehicles.
The dimensions have increased and, along with them, so has comfort in the saddle. The new technological engine is here with front wheel diameter increased and consequently the active safety margins.
The light weight, user friendliness and natural charm of the product remain unchanged, confirming Liberty as a scooter capable of satisfying the widest variety of customers.
The family of Piaggio i-Get Euro 4 air-cooled engine is introduced for the first time on the Liberty, a unit that represents the cutting-edge of the respective engine capacity segments.
The new powerplants are the result of a design philosophy that sets new and more advanced quality and reliability levels – along with low consumption and emissions – as its primary objectives.
More than one million kilometres ridden during the testing phase of the first Piaggio i-Get engines are a testament to the attention to quality and reliability in the development process of the i-Get engines which, thanks to the modular nature of the project, can be provided in liquid or air cooled versions with three or four-valve timing.
The Piaggio Liberty comes in three different engine versions – 50, 125 and 150cc – to meet any mobility needs, with such points in common as brilliant performance in the respective engine capacity categories, the quality and reliability of the powerplants, low operating costs and the contained emissions.
All of the Liberty engines are ultra-modern four-stroke, air-cooled and electronically fuel injected. Each and every detail, from the exhaust to the internal design of the gearbox cover, all the way to the new air filter, has been redesigned to make the ride smoother, quieter and more comfortable.
The 50cc four-stroke engine is a true jewel, with an entirely new thermal part. Characterised by the three-valve timing system that distinguishes the i-Get family, the fifty is the result of a design that aims to maximise quality, reliability and implement an extraordinary reduction in consumption and harmful emissions. It is the perfect drivetrain for a very young person’s first ride.
The engines that equip the Liberty are characterised by a new injection system with improved efficiency and boast superior performance, both in terms of power and torque, all to the advantage of acceleration from low rpm which translates into a quickness and responsiveness in typical stop and go city riding.
A new eight-hole injector delivers the fuel in a fine spray for optimum combustion. In particular, the new Piaggio125 cc engine is more than 10 per cent more powerful than the engine in the previous Liberty version, with a 16 per cent drop in fuel consumption.
The 150 stands out for its 9.6kW at 7,750rpm and torque of 13Nm at 5,250rpm, to guarantee plenty of torque at any rpm and make the Liberty ABS particularly lively both in city traffic conditions and on the open road. All while maintaining extraordinarily low fuel consumption, up to 57 km/l at a constant speed of 40 km/h.
The Piaggio i-Get 125cc and 150cc are single cylinder engines, completely new both in terms of mechanical components and electronic parts. Some of the brand new components worth a mention are:
- The crankshaft, 24% increased inertia for a decisive reduction in vibrations.
- The new starter motor, 70% quieter
- The gearbox cover, to reduce the noise even more and increase stiffness.
- The air filter with automotive style paper filter, which improves filtering action to reduce intake noise.
- The barometric sensor, so that combustion is always optimised.
Particular care was dedicated to defining the scooter’s new clutch, designed and developed to maximise riding satisfaction. More specifically, attention was focused on power management both in phases of slight acceleration and in “stop and go” riding which is so typical of the big city and traffic jams.
The exhaust is also entirely new. The new unit makes the engine quieter and at the same time ensures a more full and pleasant timbre.
The Piaggio Liberty frame, completely new, is a sturdy single cradle structure in tubular steel with pressed sheet metal elements. The new torsional rigidity (+15%) and longitudinal stiffness (increased by 17%) mean decidedly better handling and riding stability for the user.
On the front end a hydraulic telescopic fork operates with renewed geometry, whereas a double arm connects the engine crankcase to the frame at the rear, guaranteeing optimum damping of the engine’s alternating forces. A single, dual-action shock absorber, adjustable in spring preload, allows the Liberty to adapt perfectly to the weight of the rider or rider and passenger.
Liberty has always been a prominent player in the “high wheel” scooter segment andcontinues in this direction with an increase in front wheel diameter which goes from 15” to 16”, guaranteeing even better stability at faster speeds. Both rims are characterised by their attractive seven split spoke design at the centre and are made from aluminium alloy.
The rear 14” rim mounts a generous 100/80 tyre which ensures grip and stability without compromising Piaggio Liberty’s legendary agility.
The ABS that equips Liberty 125 and 150cc was developed by Piaggio with Bosch, the largest automotive parts manufacturer in the world. The braking system, even on the 50 cc version, is made up of a 240mm front disc, gripped by a Nissin caliper and a reliable and tireless 140mm rear drum.
Where safety is concerned, nothing was left to chance: the new Piaggio Liberty has high quality parts such as the double gas cable that always guarantees the possibility of mechanically closing the throttle body, the tilt sensor which switches off the engine immediately in the event of a fall and the sensor that prevents riding with the side stand down (available as optional equipment).
Seeing and being seen are fundamental when riding on two wheels. Contributing to the active safety that the new Piaggio Liberty guarantees are the new front LED lights that make the scooter highly visible during the day and at night.
The latest version of the Liberty embodies and advances all of the style that has characterised its heritage, beginning from a basic harmonic and fluid design that emphasises characteristics such as handling and practicality, combined with a precious Italian style.
The new front expresses a richer and more technological image. In the 125 and 150cc versions the daylight running lights are now LED and, taking advantage of light guide technology, they work together with the main headlight source placed on the handlebar.
The handlebar is also new. To correspond with the new headlight unit on the front, there are new controls for easy control of all the new features which are displayed and managed on the new on board panel.
The instrumentation is a definite leap forward compared with the previous Liberty version. The modern LCD display has button controls on the right side of the handlebar and provides all the information you need to manage the vehicle.
Space is practically doubled for the glove-box which goes from 2L on the previous Liberty to almost 4L on the new model. As optional equipment the space is installation-ready for a convenient USB socket to recharge your smartphone.
The storage space for cargo or helmet storage in the compartment under the seat also increases from 12.5 to 17 litres, 30% more than before.
Greater on board comfort was the factor that guided design and development of the new Piaggio Liberty. The central part of the vehicle is now more comfortable and the footboard more convenient, both for the rider’s feet and, thanks to the foldaway footpegs, the passenger’s as well.
The saddle, completely remodelled and particularly large, has been lengthened for greater comfort even when riding two-up. It is covered in high quality look “eco leather” and enhanced by stitching that highlights its sinuous shape.
A wireless remote control built into the key with a “bike finder” is available as optional equipment that activates the turn indicators. This is a convenient device to help you locate your vehicle in a crowded car park.
The new Piaggio Liberty comes in two configurations: the classic standard and the more sporty S.
The Standard version is an interpretation of the classic and elegant spirit that has always characterised Liberty, naturally dedicated to the more mature rider. It comes in classic Bianco Perla and Blu Midnight, as well as the new Marrone Etna colour scheme.
Piaggio Liberty S stands out for its bold colour schemes (Rosso Ibis and Grigio Opaco). Thanks to the dedicated graphics and details such as black wheel rims with polished channel, black luggage rack and mirrors, black heat shields and the red stitching on the saddle, the S package is intended for younger and more dynamic riders.
The new generation of Piaggio Liberty is accompanied by a range of accessories worthy of a best-seller and, just like the vehicle, completely revamped in light of the new quality standards, new technologies and increasingly advanced needs of metropolitan riders. The range designed and developed for Liberty is not “only” the widest available for a scooter in its class, but it is also the most innovative.
