Piaggio BV400 - The Perfect 2 Person Scooter? In-Depth Walk Around Review

The Piaggio BV400 is an underrated scooter that actually excels as a smaller displacement motorcycle for two! Check out my review to see if it's right for you, and see it in person by connecting with the amazing team at Jim Gilbert's Wheels and Deals: powersports.wheelsanddeals.ca...

[@Core-Truth]

You are absolutely right! This scooter is perfect for riding two-up on country roads. My wife and I travel the USA in our 25ft Motorhome, and we take our BV 350 with us in an enclosed 5x8 trailer. The BV can do highway riding all day long. However, we avoid the busy roads and stick mainly to the country backroads. We enjoy seeing the sights and taking in the views. We love the top case too. It's amazing the amount of gear and groceries the compartments can hold (a big reason we did not go for a motorcycle). Even with two people, it's got the power to spare (incl. up-hills), is fun to ride on those sweeping curves and has been a super-reliable motorbike. Even when we are not traveling, I'll use it when I can for local errands.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks so much for sharing your real world experiences! I'd love to have you as a subscriber! I'm hoping to build a community here for people who are looking, and with people who have vehicles like this!

[@davestvwatching2408]

Automatic motorcycles and scooters can be a solution to the 100s of millions who now no longer can afford to buy cars.

[@PeterLoweOne]

They're fun. They're practical. They definitely use less gas. I think more people should consider them for sure!

[@jgeph2.4]

That’s my situation. My Hondas CRV lease was up so I turned it in and took the equity and banked it and bought a Honda Navi for cheap for getting around on .

[@SuperQueenV.]

I'm really liking this scooter. And the tire size is great! Thank you for this video

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks so much for watching! I really like this scooter too! I think it's SO practical for a lot of people's use!

[@fjvixen87]

I have the '09 bv 250 . I'm hoping I can get her going as it has been sitting for a while . I absolutely loved it when I rode it last . Such a comfy little scooty !

[@PeterLoweOne]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing! Feel free to subscribe! I have a lot more content coming!

[@robcutter9792]

Nice job on the walk around. I love those scooters as well as the GTS. The new orange GTS Super with the black trim and the new updates for 2023 have me leaning towards the Vespa. Merry Christmas!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah. I haven't seen the orange and black one in person yet, but it looks great in the pictures that I've seen! I'm looking forward to reviewing the 2023 GTS models when they arrive here. Thanks for watching. Feel free to subscribe for more!

[@atelerix969]

Great review, thank you! Only ever had motorcycles but I'm tempted to go for a scooter; where I'm at we just don't have a lot of fun twisties to enjoy on a motorcycle. A scooter seems great for urban riding, and these larger ones give the option of hopping on the highway for a bit.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! I agree, these bigger scooters are really underrated.

[@stimsonromano2258]

Awesome review thanks for sharing from Australia

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching! Feel free to subscribe! I plan to continue to review the 2023 units as they come in!

[@donausmus4281]

Bought a BV 400 for my wife and I and a Liberty 150 for her solely. The performance of the 400 is outstanding however the key fob is somewhat odd. Very happy with both and as gas prices go up I will be even more thankful I have them.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for sharing your experiences! I love hearing from owners!

[@12345sics]

You can keep the remote in your pocket and start. Also, if the remote battery goes down, in the remote it has a sensor. You put the remote where you indicated on the video to start and the scooter starts. It gives you the time to change the battery. I have owned the scooter for the last year and it's brilliant

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for your comments! That does make much more sense to me! It's the same as pushbutton starts on a car. It's great to have owners contributing here, so I appreciate it!

[@alanlundberg4534]

Great review!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for watching!

[@desmcd1515]

Excellent overview Peter. I have done 10000kms on my BV400 (known as Beverly here in Australia). Hands down the best scooter I have ridden. Strong engine but also great suspension (I believe they are fitted with Showa). Not sure why your key fob needs to come out. The fob works within a couple of meters of the bike, unless the fob battery is flat - only then does it need to be placed close to the sensor. Also, range of the BV is around 300kms. My bike returns 4.0 L/100kms from a 12L tank. The DTE indicator is not particularly accurate after filling up. But overall this is a great touring bike. Could not be happier with it.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Awesome! Thanks for watching, and thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@garyvandersluis2368]

I absolutely concur, my Bev now has 11500ks on the clock. I use it mainly for day trips and so far one 2500 k trip to Warwick in Queensland. It is brilliant on country roads and touring on the freeway easily capable of 110 to 120k sustained speed with plenty more available for overtaking

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@garyvandersluis2368 Awesome! Thanks for sharing your experiences! I really appreciate it! Feel free to subscribe!

[@dib85]

@@garyvandersluis2368 mate you sem to have a lot of experiencee with the BV400, i intend to buy one and i plan a 1500 km trip. Would you recommend it and do you have any aftermarket side bags? Also in my country the Highway speed limit is 130 km/h, can the scooter hold that without too much effort? Thank you for sharing.

[@garyvandersluis2368]

@@dib85 Gday, I can’t recommend the BV400hpe too much. It’s a great machine for most purposes. I recently had the 20000kl service carried out and it still performs like a new machine. To answer your specific questions, the BV will easily handle a consistent 130kph and do so in comfort. I have never tested top speed but I believe it to be in excess of 150kph. My bike has a Shad 39litre top box and on trips I use Corazzo brand throwover soft panniers. They are not particularly waterproof and you will need some kind of waterproof liner bag if you buy them. The straps go under the seat which locks them in place. I also have a Shad tunnel bag but rarely use it as I can carry enough clothing etc with the panniers top box and under seat storage my longest trip so far was over 2200ks and was problem free.I hope this helps.

[@OntarioAndrews415]

This is a very good review, thanks. I owned a 2017 BV350 once. Kept it for 2 years and then got rid of it; back issues. I now sorta kinda wish I'd kept it. Oh well. :(

[@PeterLoweOne]

Oh man... I'm sorry about that. Thanks for watching though, and thanks for the kind words!

[@BruceFawcett]

I own a 2015 BV350 - bought it used and it has brought many smiles from this owner and "spectators" alike - especially when I drive by the local biker bar. lol. The BV is in the sweet spot between weight and power! I want to buy a new one and am wondering if you've heard any rumours about the 2024 BV400? Does your store have the 2023 in stock?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I don't know much about future BV's yet. We only have the 2022 in stock so far. As the newest models arrive, I'll continue to make videos. Honestly I haven't looked up the info on the latest models yet. So I'll have to do some more research and get back to you in future videos.

[@andygreyriderGRN]

Are you sure the main stand is mounted to the frame and not the engine as per every other Piaggio?

[@FJWH]

Thank you very much for this review. loved it. I live in the Netherlands and (now) i am seriously doubting. I wanted to buyt the new Vespa GTS 300 2023 but leaning more towards the BV S 400 HPE now. Like the looks of the vespa but that's about it....Really think i should get this one (deep black color 2023). Do you happen to know if there are larger windscreen available? I hate the wind (ofc i wear hearing protection but still...)

[@PeterLoweOne]

I haven't spent a lot of time looking into accessories for these, but you're giving me some ideas for future videos!

[@puffybodie5282]

You will be way better with that new GTS. They changed and improved a lot of things there and even before it was better then BV. Especially if you are taller and don't mind less storage room.

[@marcokato8495]

There is an original Piaggio larger windscreen available which is named the "Urban big comfort" windscreen. Good luck with choosing the Vespa or the Beverly.

[@caf613]

Do you remember the size of the top box? 28L ? 32L?Thanks for the review. I am about to take plunge next month!

[@PeterLoweOne]

I just checked with the parts department. I'm told this is a 36 litre case.

[@chinwakebhai]

I have one question: How do you lower the seat height to fit a 28" inseam? I want to get one but the seat is intimidating. I have scooter experience with Burgie 400, Honda Silverwings and Helix. All great scooters with manageable seat heights. Italian scooters seem to require a step ladder for people like myself. Thanks, great review, although not for me if I can't sit on it and ride comfortably.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Have you tried this scooter? I feel like it might still be manageable for shorter riders, but I can't be sure.

[@twistedgreymatter]

You'll be fine with it.. I also have a 28" inseam and I usually only put one foot down at stop lights on any bike I ride anyway. Also, he explained how to use the seat, @ 10:22 this method works well for short riders.

[@hamira1696]

is the wind screen removable?

[@danidriver4438]

Hello Peter, where can I buy those amber reflectors that I see on the sides of the fork?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm guessing that those are required by Canadian law. They all come standard here. I'm not sure if you're from somewhere else, and if so, I'm not sure if other markets can supply them.

[@dickswartz]

When you push the turn signal button, does it indicate a left side and a right side blinking light on the dash?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'll have to double check. I believe the BV 400 has individual signal lights in the dash, but I could be wrong. The Liberty scooters only have one indicator for signal lights, so the dash looks the same regardless of whether the right or left signal is used on those.

[@oussamamostefaoui1122]

hey peter i noticed you havent made any awesome reviews on the Piaggio Medley S 125, if you could make that happen it would be great

[@PeterLoweOne]

I spoke with the dealer about making some new Vespa and Piaggio videos soon, and I will, but we don't have the Medley in Canada.

[@shortyp]

Yes I have a question for you can you please 🙏 have a comparison with the Wolf Blaze 2 150cc scooter against that one 😀

[@PeterLoweOne]

I don't have access to that scooter here, so I probably won't do that on this channel.

[@sgtshak2806]

@@PeterLoweOne I've had a Wolf Rugby 2 and I've also has a Piaggio BV 350. The Wolfs are nice scooters for their price. There is no comparison between these two scooters. Farther apart than apples and oranges. You can buy 4 Wolfs for the price of the Piaggio. Hope Shorty sees this as I see I replied to you by accident.

[@sgtshak2806]

I've had a '19 BV 350. I loved it but at 6'4", leg room was a bit cramped. I wish they had worked on the seat positioning a little on the BV400. If so, I would buy one tomorrow. It's a great performing scooter.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I've heard a lot from taller riders lately. Being able to try the scooters out is really the best way to know if it fits you. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@casey360360]

At 6'3" I ride my Buddy 125 on the back of the seat.

[@puffybodie5282]

I tested this newer version and seat is a problem for us taller (6'4" too) is that back rest for the driver. If it could be removed it will be better, but then will look strange 🙂 Shield was problem too sending turbulences to helmet, rear suspension was crap compared to Vespa GTS (maybe there was something wrong with it or I don't know had it for hour max). Keyless system was quite crappy and that is shared among owners of this new version.

[@buffobuffopallo]

So, what scooter should we buy if we re very tall?@@puffybodie5282

[@zatoich1st]

Hello Peter, I have a 2022 bv400 and would like to have a spare key. I have the original key fob and a key. Besides going to a dealer do you have any ideas on how to get that key cloned.

[@PeterLoweOne]

The only way I would know how to do that is to work with a dealer.

[@craigfryer7167]

Is this OK for people over 6ft?

[@davestvwatching2408]

I'm a bit bugged that they don't call it the Beverly in North America.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Must be a Beverly working in accounting at the North American head office that nobody wanted to tick off! 🤣

[@johnnicholls7879]

You don’t need to take the fob out and touch it to the bike , I have mine around my neck on a boot lace ,if you are at lest one point 5 near your bike it will pick up the key and start it .

[@burns985]

I own BV350 and im really in dilema should i sell it to get bv400?

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha! Oh man! I know that feeling! I'm not the guy to ask!

[@RosuCristinel-iw5jo]

Felicitări

[@diyardiyar7310]

Thank you for this nice program.... It is not possible to stretch the feet forward like the Honda PCX, which has high fuel consumption... It is a scooter with uncomfortable legroom.

[@adamgaribaldi5686]

Question ❓ can the dash go from kmh to mph and c° to f°?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm almost positive that it can.

[@Floridawoodsbanshee]

I was going to ask the same question. In Florida mph is what we have for speed limits.

[@Floridawoodsbanshee]

What is the top speed ( mph )? What is the average fuel consumption driving around town ( mpg )? What is a comfortable speed that this scooter can travel on the interstate, without blowing up the engine? I live in FL. In town the liberty 150 would be good commuting around town, but not good going 70 mph down the interstate.

[@giannisnagos1506]

Hello from Athens Greece I have B V 400 the scuter is gun in city road

[@herrtomas6729]

See many like that when we go to south Italy, often carrying mum and three kids to the shops…. Don’t seem to bother about rules down there.

[@PeterLoweOne]

It's funny. In North America we have this idea that you need a massive motorcycle to carry two people, while the rest of the world looks at something like this to carry their family! Thanks for watching!

[@casey360360]

Honda stopped selling the Silverwing in the US. The Yamaha X-max styling is gross, like its trying to be a Ninja. The Kymco is... a Kymco. I'll stick to Genuine for chinese scoots. (Love my Buddy 125, especially after throwing some money at it in performance parts.) The BMW is classy but this, this is perfect.

[@shielacaruana9073]

There is a setting to change so you can leave it in your pocket!

[@pyromancer49]

What is the top speed of this bike?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I believe its about 140 km/h or about 90 mph

[@farouckdasmanu5348]

How much does it cost please

[@PeterLoweOne]

Up to date pricing can be found using the link in the description.

[@armandojc]

A good bike passenger know hows to put his weight and how to not fell behind while accelerating

[@armandojc]

12:40

[@darcychu9652]

The direction of grooves on front tire is wrong.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Except it's not. This is a common thing that people think, certain treads appear to be backwards, but they're not. Spend time looking at a variety of tire treads on scooters and motorcycles and you'll see what I mean.

[@12345sics]

You are wrong about the remote. See manual.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, to be fair, I hadn't used that remote before, or spent a lot of time with the scooter. You seem to be familiar with the scooter, how do you like it?

[@herrtomas6729]

Hi

[@rainkingatx]

WHATS A “KILOMETER” ? Is that like a caterpillar 🐛

[@PeterLoweOne]

Oh look the Americans showed up. 🙂

[@knzw25]

14-inch rear wheel (rim) is just plain silly. A 15-inch rear wheel would at least make the front and back wheels equal diameter in rubber.

[@PeterLoweOne]

But why would that matter? Would the average person feel any difference? A smaller diameter wheel is easy to move and will also contribute to quicker off the line acceleration. I'm not saying that you're wrong, I'm just wondering why you think it would matter?

[@knzw25]

@@PeterLoweOne Glad you asked. The whole reason for the small wheel is to maximize storage space under the seat. This space is almost unusable for any perishable article (eg, cell phone, groceries) because of heat due to proximity to the cylinder head. There's no firewall between the cylinder head and the bottom of the seat bucket. I think the precious space under the seat would be better utilized to increase the pathetic fuel capacity on most scooters. Some of my objection has to do with appearance. The scooter stops looking like a motorcycle when there's a 14-inch donut on the rear. In my opinion, that little wheel on the back of the Piaggio is right on the verge of looking weird, and being noticeable as such. You can't see daylight (through the spokes) on that rear wheel! I want a scooter that looks and rides like a motorcycle. There aren't many full-size motorcycles that have a 14-inch rim. (BTW, an older Beverly 250 has a 16-inch rim on the rear.) Have you ever tried to put air in a 14-inch rear wheel on a scooter using standard commercial air pumps. GLWT. You have an airfilter and transmission covering one side of the wheel, a large (hot) silencer blocking the other side, and a fender covering the top 65% of the wheel's circumference. Look, there's already a top box on it. The top box should have minimum storage of 40 liters to be practical. If you're going to put a top box on it, forget the heated space under the seat. It's almost useless anyway. Get a 50L top box if you need more space. One more thing, with a power to weight ratio like the Piaggio has, you don't need more acceleration. My scooter was jumping off the line like a rocket, so I increased the variator weight by 2 oz to slow it down, smooth out the initial acceleration. I also put some spacers inside the plates so the belt would ride lower in the groove. At that horsepower, the scooter has plenty of acceleration.

[@PeterLoweOne]

@@knzw25 I appreciate your feedback on this. A lot of what you're saying makes good sense! Thanks for taking the time!

[@brunothepug8807]

It is shame the North Americans are driven by ego and so many people won't give this platform a chance. You get so much versitility on a super scooter than a motorcycle. Buy a comparable motorcycle and then you must buy a windscreen and then panniers just to bring it to the level of BV400. By then you have spent way more money. I owned a great super scooter, an Aprilia Atlantic 500. I loved riding that scooter and it was amazing on the highway enveloping me in a bubble. Only problem was lack of a dealer network back then and that it had a habit of frying regulators/rectifiers. You had to keep the battery in perfect charge or else. Still, now that I am older I wish I had it back. Aprilia no longer imports it large scooters to the US. Kawasaki and Honda have great super scooters but only to Europe and other markets. Why they don't bring the 350 ADV or the 750 to North America I don't know. I think they believe they will not sell, but high fuel prices and an aging baby boomer class has changed the market I think. Thanks Peter for your reviews. I am thinking of the Burgman 400 simply because I have a dealer in my town. Piaggio dealer is 230 miles away. A bit too far. For around town I have a Kymko 150i and I enjoy it along with it's park anywhere and built in storage for grocery runs. Wake up people, we can help the planet, enjoy ourselves and save money on fuel and insurance by riding scooters. I am older now and handicapped but as long as I can ride I will and scooters are helping me do that.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm North American, and I'm not driven by ego... I don't think... 🤓

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

2nd

[@PeterLoweOne]

He squeaked out a win on you today! Have a great weekend!

[@slavaa2]

Лучше купить 2 Либерти ))

[@jansing327]

I can leave my key in my pocket and start the engine..

[@U.s-epa]

I hate the design on that key fob.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha. I did figure it out a little better after this video was filmed, but it still seems like they took something that works well and made it work a little less well. It adds a minor annoyance where there doesn't need to be one.

[@U.s-epa]

@@PeterLoweOne piaggio isn't known for great electronics so I see that as a failure point.

[@greghaff229]

Boy, am I tired of hearing: "because they give me full access to the"

[@PeterLoweOne]

This might not be the channel for you. 🤷‍♂️

[@Sunz-me5mo]

You kidding me mate? That looks like a child's scoot compared to a Burgman. You look comical on it, let alone take a second person with you. It might have the 400cc engine, but surely that bodywork is tiny mate...what kinda weather protection? You make me laugh with the 'this big windshield' comment

[@PeterLoweOne]

Sounds like you don't want to buy this. That's fine. I stand by my comments in this video.