Motorcycles

Piaggio Medley 200 (model year 2026), now also on ring roads and motorways

The new 174cc engine opens up the possibility of country rides for Piaggio’s high-wheel model

by Gianluigi Guiotto

3' min read

Translated by AI
Versione italiana

3' min read

Translated by AI
Versione italiana

In the world of high-wheel scooters, the Medley has been one of Piaggio’s most successful models for years. With the 2026 model year, however, the Pontedera-based manufacturer is taking a decisive step: the Medley is getting a bigger engine and debuts in the new 200cc version (€4,000), a move aimed at satisfying those users who have always found the 125cc model too limited and the Beverly 300 excessive in terms of size, weight and running costs.

Il Piaggio Medley cresce di cilindrata per affrontare tangenziali e autostrade

Photogallery5 foto

A healthier heart

Loading...

The main new feature, in fact, is the new 174 cc liquid-cooled i-get single-cylinder engine, capable of producing 17.7 hp and 16.5 Nm of torque: figures that might seem modest on paper, but which, in everyday riding, profoundly transform the scooter’s character. The increased power available allows for more lively acceleration and significantly better pick-up compared to previous versions, whilst the maximum torque ensures a prompt response right from low revs, a feature particularly appreciated in city traffic with its constant stop-and-go. The engine is well supported by the CVT transmission, which allows for smooth, jerk-free starts, whilst the engine’s greater elasticity really comes into its own during acceleration between 50 and 80 km/h. In practice, where the old 150 began to show its limitations, the new 200 continues to accelerate decisively. This translates into safer overtaking and greater peace of mind on out-of-town journeys.

The under-seat storage offers excellent capacity – the largest in its class: when travelling around town, you’ll appreciate being able to fit two full-face helmets (or even a flip-up helmet, with a bit of care); and there is also the (almost) flat footboard with a hook for securing a shopping bag. The fuel cap is also located on the footboard; this is convenient: you can refuel whilst sitting on the seat.

How it drives: light and nimble in town

The extra cubic centimetres have not compromised the qualities that made the Medley famous. With a kerb weight of 144 kg, a seat height of 799 mm and 16-inch front and 14-inch rear wheels, handling remains extremely agile, especially in town: the Medley weaves through traffic with surprising ease; the handlebars offer a good steering angle and the low centre of gravity makes manoeuvring simple even for less experienced riders. It is precisely in urban settings that one of the project’s greatest strengths emerges: the ability to combine the manoeuvrability of a lightweight high-wheel scooter with the feeling of solidity typical of higher-end scooters.

On slippery tarmac caused by leaves or rain, the ASR traction control system comes into its own, working in conjunction with the Bosch dual-channel ABS. There is also the Riss Start&Stop system, a proprietary Piaggio solution that eliminates the traditional starter motor and ensures quick, silent restarts, helping to reduce fuel consumption (the only downside is that almost imperceptible moment of delay, except during frantic starts at Milanese traffic lights worthy of MotoGP). The suspension handles most of the city’s potholes well; only the rear struggles a little to absorb the trickier ones. On the other hand, stability in fast corners is excellent: the front end inspires a great deal of confidence.

Outside the city, the new 200 handles ring roads and A-roads with ease, maintaining more than respectable cruising speeds (up to 125 km/h on the speedometer) with a power reserve that was lacking in previous versions; with the throttle wide open, the stated fuel consumption is 21 km/l, whilst on A-roads it averages around 40 km/l which, given the 7-litre tank capacity, translates to a range of 280 km.

There are a few drawbacks, especially when you compare the Medley 200’s spec with the lavish offerings from Chinese manufacturers: the ubiquitous keyless system is missing (although the underseat compartment can be accessed via a handy button on the handlebars) and you have to pay extra for the Piaggio Mia smartphone integration with the on-board instrumentation (it comes as standard only on the S version).

Copyright reserved ©
Loading...

Brand connect

Loading...

Newsletter

Notizie e approfondimenti sugli avvenimenti politici, economici e finanziari.

Iscriviti