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Piaggio Fly
Piaggio Fly
Piaggio Fly
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Piaggio Fly
2009 Piaggio Fly 125
ManufacturerPiaggio
Also calledPiaggio City Fly
Derbi Boulevard
Production2004–2017
2005-present (China)
AssemblyPontedera, Italy
Foshan, China
Vĩnh Phúc, Vietnam
PredecessorPiaggio Sfera
ClassScooter
Engine50 cc (3.1 cu in)
100 cc (6.1 cu in)
125 cc (7.6 cu in)
150 cc (9.2 cu in)
Ignition typeCapacitor discharge electronic ignition (CDI)
TransmissionCVT automatic; gear final drive
Frame typeTubular steel spine
BrakesFront; disc
Rear; expanding drum

The Piaggio Fly is a scooter produced by italian motorcycle manufacturer Piaggio from 2004 to 2017 to replace the Sfera and Skipper models.

It was also sold by the Spanish company Derbi (controlled by the Piaggio Group) under the name Derbi Boulevard.

In the Chinese market it was introduced in 2005 and is currently in production renamed Piaggio City Fly equipped with a 150 four-stroke Piaggio Leader engine.[1]

First series (2004–2012)

[edit]

Launched on the market in November 2004, the Fly is a compact low-wheeled scooter developed by Piaggio to be sold globally: production takes place in the Pontedera plants for the European and North American market, while the following year the production in China at the Zongshen-Piaggio Foshan plant to be sold on the Asian market.

Extremely compact, it has a length of 1870 mm and is positioned in terms of prices between the small Zip and the larger Beverly.[2]

Aesthetically it has a style inspired by the Zip but with the large light on the handlebar and the arrows taken from the Beverly. It has a 795 mm high saddle from the ground and 12” wheels with a large compartment under the saddle. The frame is of the single cradle type in steel with a 32 mm diameter fork, at the rear there is a single shock absorber with spring preload adjustment on four positions. The braking system consists of a 200 mm front disc with two-piston caliper and a 140 mm rear drum.[3]

At its debut it was available in four displacements, 50, 100, 125 and 150 cm3, all homologated Euro 2: the 50 was available both with two-stroke Hi-PER2 air-cooled and equipped with a two-stage catalytic converter with Secondary Air System (SAS), both with four-stroke Hi-PER4, the 125 and 150 were fitted with the Piaggio Leader four-stroke engine.

The twin Derbi Boulevard

In April 2006 the whole range was re-homologated Euro 3 and the 100 cm3 four-stroke engine with forced air cooling also entered in production.[4]

Since 2009 it has also been marketed by the Spanish company Derbi renamed Derbi Boulevard; this version is aesthetically the same as the Fly and the only differences are concentrated in the front shield with the air intake in raw plastic instead of painted and in the specific color range. The engine range of the Boulevard consists of the 50 cm3 two-stroke air-cooled and 125 cm3 four-stroke air-cooled engine.[5]

Also in 2009 the Fly with 100 engine went out of production due to low requests. In Asia, the Fly proves to be a great success and Piaggio also starts production in Vietnam at the Vinh Phuc plant to meet demand.

The production of the first series ends in 2012 both in Italy and in Vietnam while in China it will continue to be produced at the Zongshen Piaggio Foshan Motorcycle Co. Ltd joint venture in the 150 version (chassis code BYQ150T-3V). In November 2019 it underwent a slight aesthetic update and the name was changed to Piaggio City Fly.[6]

Second series (2012–2017)

[edit]

The second series debuted in March 2012 and presents a totally renewed style with a more streamlined and aerodynamic design, new headlights and a new grille that recalls the contemporary Liberty and Beverly models in style. In addition to the Italian production, the renewed Fly is also produced in Vietnam in the Vinh Phuc plant for the South East Asian markets where the first series was produced since 2009.[7]

The frame has been redesigned, it always has the single cradle layout with hydraulic telescopic fork with 32 mm stems and at the rear there is the motor that acts as a swingarm, but the tank has been repositioned under the footboard to offer a wider and more usable compartment under the saddle. which can accommodate 2 demi-jet helmets with visors. The saddle is 760 mm high from the ground. The wheels are 12”. The braking system remains the same as in the first series.

At its debut, the only engine available in Europe is the 50 four-stroke and four-valve which delivers 3.2 kW at 8250 rpm.[8] The following year the three-valve 125 engine was also introduced in Europe.[9] In Asia, the models produced in Vietnam will also receive the 150 three-valve engine.

The second series went out of production in 2017 without any heir, concentrating the production of the low wheel scooter segment for Vespa brand vehicles.

References

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Piaggio Fly

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Piaggio Fly is a line of compact scooters manufactured by the Italian company Piaggio from 2004 to 2017, available in 50 cc, 100 cc, 125 cc, and 150 cc displacements and designed primarily for urban mobility with its lightweight frame, automatic transmission, and practical storage options. Introduced as a modern evolution of Piaggio's entry-level scooter offerings, the Fly succeeded earlier models in the compact segment and was produced across two generations, emphasizing affordability, ease of use, and Italian styling for everyday riders. The first generation (2004–2012) featured a straightforward design with a single headlight, alloy wheels, and basic instrumentation, while the second generation (2012–2017) introduced updated aesthetics including a streamlined fairing, repositioned fuel tank, and enhanced safety elements like improved braking systems. Both versions utilized air-cooled single-cylinder engines (two-stroke or four-stroke for the 50 cc models)—producing up to 3.2 kW (4 hp) for the 50 cc model and 9 kW (12 hp) for the 150 cc—paired with CVT gearboxes for smooth, low-maintenance operation, achieving top speeds of around 45–60 km/h for the smaller engine and 90–100 km/h for the larger one. Notable features across the lineup included 12-inch tubeless tires, a spacious under-seat compartment for helmets, telescopic front forks, and disc/drum braking, making it a popular choice for beginners and city commuters seeking reliability without complexity. Discontinued after 2017, the Fly remains appreciated in the used market for its durable build and fuel efficiency, reflecting Piaggio's long-standing legacy in scooter innovation since the company's founding in 1884.

Overview

Introduction

The Piaggio Fly is a compact low-wheel scooter designed for urban commuting, offered in 50cc and 150cc displacements to cater to both restricted-license riders and those seeking more power for city travel. Launched in 2004 as a replacement for earlier models like the Sfera and Skipper, it was produced through two generations until 2017 globally, with sales of remaining stock available in some markets into 2020. At its core, the Fly embodies a philosophy centered on affordability, practicality, and distinctive Italian styling, blending functional with elegant lines to appeal to novice riders and everyday commuters. This approach prioritizes ease of handling in congested streets, ample storage for daily essentials, and low maintenance costs, making it an accessible entry into motorized two-wheeled transport. Positioned as Piaggio's entry-level offering, the Fly provides a more budget-friendly alternative to the premium lineup, focusing on reliable performance and user-friendly features rather than high-end aesthetics or advanced technology. It evolved across two generations, incorporating refinements in and efficiency while maintaining its urban-focused ethos.

Development History

The Fly was developed in the early as part of Piaggio's strategy to broaden its scooter portfolio beyond the premium brand, aiming to capture the growing demand for affordable urban mobility solutions. Following Vespa's established dominance in the high-end segment, Piaggio sought to introduce more accessible models to appeal to a wider audience in city environments. Initial development focused on creating a compact, practical scooter suitable for global distribution, with production initially centered at Piaggio's historic facility in , , and later expanded to sites in and , emphasizing efficient processes to keep costs low. The project incorporated elements, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal to differentiate it from competitors. Key goals included ensuring compliance with emerging European emissions regulations, with the initial models meeting Euro 2 standards upon their 2004 launch. Internally, prioritized markets in and expanding regions of to support the company's international growth ambitions during this period.

Design and Features

Engine and Drivetrain

The Piaggio Fly scooter lineup features single-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled engines designed for urban mobility and reliability. The 50cc variant employs a 49cc engine producing 3.2 kW (4.3 hp), while the 150cc model uses a 150cc displacement engine delivering around 12 horsepower. Power is transmitted via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a belt drive system, providing seamless acceleration suitable for city commuting without manual gear shifting. Fuel delivery evolved from carbureted systems in earlier models to electronic (EFI) with the 3V i-get technology in later iterations, enhancing throttle response and reducing consumption for improved efficiency. includes top speeds of 45–60 km/h for the 50cc and 95 km/h for the 150cc, with fuel economy ranging from 3 to 4 L/100 km depending on conditions and model year. Later models comply with Euro 3 emissions standards, though the lineup was discontinued before updates to Euro 4 or 5 requirements.

Chassis and Suspension

The Piaggio Fly features a tubular frame designed for lightweight durability and structural integrity, contributing to a dry weight of approximately 100-110 kg across its variants. This open single-cradle construction with pressed reinforcements provides resistance to bending and torsion, ensuring stability during urban commuting while keeping the overall low for easy handling. The suspension system prioritizes comfort and maneuverability on streets, with a telescopic front offering 76 mm of travel for smooth absorption of road imperfections. At the rear, a single hydraulic with adjustable preload allows riders to customize damping based on load or preference, typically providing around 73-76 mm of travel to maintain balance under varying conditions. The serves as the oscillating element for the rear suspension, integrating propulsion with ride dynamics in a compact setup. Wheels and tires are optimized for urban stability, utilizing 12-inch rims front and rear fitted with tubeless 120/70-12 tires that enhance grip and puncture resistance on paved surfaces. This configuration supports agile cornering and quick stops without compromising load capacity for a single rider and passenger. Braking relies on a 220 mm front disc with a dual-piston floating caliper for progressive stopping power, paired with a 140 mm rear for reliable low-speed control; notably, no (ABS) was available in any Piaggio Fly variant. Key dimensions include a wheelbase of 1,330 mm (approximate, varying by model) and a seat height of 760–790 mm, depending on the model generation, which facilitate easy maneuvering in traffic and accessibility for riders of average stature. These proportions, combined with the low center of gravity from the tubular frame, promote confident handling in congested environments.

Model Generations

First Generation (2004–2012)

The first generation of the Piaggio Fly was introduced in 2004, featuring launch variants including the Fly 50, Fly 125, and Fly 150, all powered by carbureted single-cylinder engines with 2-valve heads for reliable urban commuting. The Fly 50 utilized a 49 cc air-cooled unit producing around 4 hp, while the Fly 150 employed a 150 cc engine delivering approximately 11.6 hp, enabling top speeds of up to 62 mph. These models shared a lightweight design with full fairing, a single headlight, a one-piece dual seat, and five-spoke alloy wheels, emphasizing practicality and ease of use in city environments. The Fly 125 featured a similar setup with a 124 cc engine producing around 10 hp. In 2006, the lineup received a minor styling refresh with updated plastics for a more modern appearance, alongside re-homologation to Euro 3 emissions standards across the range, including the introduction of a 100 cc four-stroke variant with forced air cooling. By 2009, additional tweaks ensured continued Euro 3 compliance, with no major mechanical overhauls but refinements to meet evolving regulatory demands while maintaining the original carbureted setup. Production during this period focused primarily on European and Asian markets, where the scooter's simple, robust construction appealed to entry-level riders seeking affordable mobility. Unique to this era were basic analog instrumentation for straightforward readability and non-folding passenger footpegs, prioritizing durability over advanced ergonomics in the base platform derived from Piaggio's LEADER engine family. Common issues reported in high-mileage units involved drive belt wear, leading to reduced performance and necessitating regular inspections and replacements as outlined in service manuals. These concerns were addressed through dedicated service bulletins, enhancing long-term reliability for owners. Overall, the first-generation Fly solidified Piaggio's position in the compact scooter segment with its no-frills approach.

Second Generation (2012–2017)

The second generation of the Piaggio Fly, launched in 2012, featured a refreshed design that emphasized improved and urban practicality. The bodywork was updated with a more streamlined profile, including a new headlight assembly, sharper turn signals, and a revised front grille, while the frame was redesigned for enhanced rigidity and the relocated under the footboard to optimize space. These changes maintained core continuity from the first generation, such as the telescopic front fork and single rear shock, but offered better handling in city environments. Engine upgrades focused on efficiency and refinement, with the Fly 150 adopting an overhauled 149cc LEADER featuring and three valves for smoother power delivery and reduced emissions. This configuration delivered 12 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and improved fuel economy to approximately 75 miles per , representing a notable enhancement over prior models. The Fly 50 variant received a corresponding 49cc four-stroke, four-valve producing 4 horsepower, also with electronic for reliable low-speed performance in restricted markets. The lineup also included a 125 cc variant with a similar 3-valve, producing around 10 hp. In 2013, Piaggio expanded the lineup with the introduction of the Fly 50 4V, a four-valve version tailored for select European and markets, emphasizing at low revs for urban . Available in standard 50cc, 125cc, and 150cc displacements, the second-generation models were produced until 2017, when they were phased out in to make way for newer scooter lines, though limited assembly continued in into the late . Color options typically included classic shades like black and white, with some markets offering metallic accents for broader appeal.

Reception and Legacy

Market Performance

The Piaggio Fly scooter achieved notable in the European and Asian markets during its production from 2004 to 2017, contributing to Group's leadership in the scooter segment, where the company maintained approximately 25-30% market share in . Sales were particularly strong in , , and , where the model was manufactured and distributed, benefiting from Piaggio's established presence in urban mobility solutions. Overall group sales hovered around 300,000 to 400,000 units annually in the late , with the Fly playing a key role in the affordable scooter category amid growing demand for city commuting vehicles. Critical reception highlighted the Fly's value and reliability, with reviewers commending its blend of technology, safety features, and elegant at an accessible . The model's MSRP typically ranged from €2,000 to €3,000, making it competitive for budget-conscious buyers seeking practical urban transport. In tests, it earned praise for exceeding 80 and straightforward handling, appealing to everyday riders. User feedback and indicated the Fly's popularity among urban commuters, who accounted for a significant portion of its buyers, as well as women and novice riders drawn to its lightweight and ease of use. Reliability assessments praised its durability in real-world conditions. Post-2010, the Fly faced intensifying competition from models like the , which eroded some market share in emerging regions through aggressive pricing and widespread availability, though the Fly retained a loyal following for its European styling and build quality.

Discontinuation and Successors

Production of the Fly ceased in core European markets in 2017, coinciding with the implementation of Euro 4 emissions standards, which required significant updates that opted not to apply to this model, focusing instead on other urban scooters like the . Globally, sales and availability halted by 2020 as remaining markets enforced similar regulatory changes. Several factors contributed to the discontinuation, including Piaggio's strategic shift toward electric and hybrid propulsion systems, as demonstrated by the 2016 announcement of the Elettrica project, and ongoing lineup consolidation outlined in the company's 2014-2017 to streamline offerings around high-volume models. The progression to even stricter Euro 5 standards in 2020 further accelerated the phase-out of non-compliant legacy models like the Fly. Elements of the Fly's practical influenced successors within Piaggio's portfolio, with the inheriting its straightforward styling and affordability for everyday commuting, updated to meet contemporary emissions and safety requirements. The Medley, positioned as a more premium option, incorporated advanced features such as optional ABS braking and enhanced storage, building on the Fly's compact chassis for city mobility. The Fly played a key role in bolstering 's dominance in the urban scooter segment during the , contributing to the company's approximately 22% share of the European scooter market. provides ongoing official parts support for the Fly through authorized dealers and online catalogs, ensuring long-term maintainability, while active enthusiast groups preserve its legacy through restorations and events.

References

  1. https://www.autoevolution.com/moto/piaggio/fly-50150/
  2. https://www.piaggiogroup.com/en/archive/press-releases/new-piaggio-fly
  3. https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/piaggio-fly-50-150/
  4. https://www.scootercentral.com.au/news/say-goodbye-to-piaggios-fly-150/
  5. https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/piaggio-scooters/
  6. https://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2010models/2010-Piaggio-FLY150/
  7. https://www.scooter-center.com/en/fly-stroke-2004-zapc44200/fz-3183.html
  8. https://www.piaggiogroup.com/sites/default/files/documents/2012_Financial_Statements.pdf
  9. https://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2009models/2009-Piaggio-FLY50/
  10. https://www.autoevolution.com/moto/piaggio-fly-50-2010.html
  11. https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic110109
  12. https://en.50factory.com/content/1114-technical-sheet-of-the-piaggio-fly-scooter-4t-2v-50cc-2013-2017
  13. https://www.autoevolution.com/moto/piaggio-fly-50-2009.html
  14. https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/piaggio-fly-150-review/
  15. https://www.autoevolution.com/moto/piaggio-fly-50-2008.html
  16. https://modernbuddy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8699
  17. https://www.autoevolution.com/moto/piaggio-fly-150-2009.html
  18. https://www.scribd.com/document/58158433/Piaggio-Fly150-Service-Manual-150ccm
  19. https://www.motorcycledaily.com/2013/05/piaggio-launches-new-2014-fly-150-3v-and-fly-50-4v-motor-scooters/
  20. https://www.piaggiogroup.com/sites/default/files/documents/Piaggio_Group_Profile_11-2012_doc_Eng.pdf
  21. https://www.piaggiogroup.com/en/archive/press-releases/piaggio-group-official-opening-new-vietnam-factory
  22. https://www.statista.com/statistics/252600/piaggios-motorcycle-sales/
  23. https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/2007-piaggio-fly-review/
  24. https://www.motoroids.com/news/piaggio-fly-125-scooter-imported-into-india-for-rd-testing-and-evaluation-purpose/
  25. https://www.piaggiogroup.com/sites/default/files/documents/csr_2017_eng_23_marzo.pdf
  26. https://www.piaggiogroup.com/en/archive/press-releases/piaggio-group-introduces-vespa-elettrica-project-and-all-2017-news-eicma
  27. https://www.piaggiogroup.com/en/archive/press-releases/piaggio-group-2014-2017-business-plan
  28. https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/euro-emissions-standards/
  29. https://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcycles/2017/2017-Piaggio-Liberty-125-ABS-IGET/
  30. https://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcycles/2018/2018-piaggio-medley-150-specialedition-review/
  31. https://www.totalmotorcycle.com/piaggio-sold-436300-two-wheelers-worldwide-in-2023/
  32. https://www.easyparts.com/models/Piaggio-Fly-m875
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