Italian manufacturer Piaggio Group, represented in the U.S. by its subsidiary Piaggio Group Americas (PGA), recently introduced three new models to the North American market – the Aprilia Tuono V4 naked sportbike, the Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 NTX sport tourer and the Piaggio BV 350 maxi scooter. All three new models will arrive at dealerships later this spring.
The Aprilia Tuono V4 shed 22 lbs. and gained 41 hp over its V-Twin predecessor and now produces 167 hp, making it the machine to beat in the naked sportbike category. The Tuono′s compact V4 engine is as slim as a twin-cylinder and seamlessly integrated in the Tuono’s ultra-compact chassis.
Now delivering 167.3 peak hp at 11,500 rpm and equally impressive torque of 82 ft. lbs. at 9,500 rpm, the V4′s power is expertly modulated by an advanced engine management system, including rev limits of 12,300 rpms in all gears.
The Tuono V4 is available in Competition Black and Sunlit Yellow and has a Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $14,999 in the U.S. and $15,695 (CAD) in Canada. The company says it will arrive in showrooms by the end of March.
The Moto Guzzi Stelvio 1200 NTX is named after the famous Alpine pass that connects Valtelline Valley to Vinschgau Valley (with 84 memorable S-curves in between), and is built for adventure touring. For 2012, the 105-hp 8V 1200 NXT hasn’t just gained displacement and power; it has also been redesigned for a more streamlined profile and upgraded with numerous technical and functional changes that improve every area of the Moto Guzzi riding experience, such as a 8.5 gallons gas tank with gallons of reserve.
The NTX comes standard with key adventure touring features such as switchable ABS and Automatic Traction Control, roomy aluminum side bags, hand guards, heated grips and adjustable wind screen, saddle height, handlebar, clutch levers and foot pegs.
In addition to improving riding range and overall design and aerodynamics, the NTX now offers even more protection for both bike and rider. New aluminum crash bars protect the oil sump, engine, and cylinder heads while hand-guards and a generous windshield with additional wind deflectors guard the rider from road and trail hidden debris and chilly breezes.
The Piaggio BV 350 Scooter has earned a parking spot in more than 300,000 households since its debut. For 2012, the 350cc Piaggio BV 350 arrives in North America with numerous performance and convenience upgrades, including an all new engine, frame and body work. Designed to easily accommodate two, the BV 350 is also a visual standout, from its smoked windshield to its sporty gray/flat black sporty exhaust and doubled five-spoke wheels with glossy black rims.
The BV 350 is the first Piaggio scooter equipped with a brand-new, single-cylinder 4-stroke, 4-valve 350cc electronic injection and water cooled engine that thinks and acts big – while offering the weight savings, more efficient fuel consumption and lower emissions of a smaller 300cc model but made to obtain the power of a 400cc. With a peak 33.3 hp and strong torque, the BV350 has sporty acceleration for passing and a top speed 90 mph.
The touring spirit of this scooter shines through with a two-up saddle, stepped for maximum comfort. A spacious helmet compartment, large enough to hold documents and up to two helmets. In addition, a practical luggage rack, with integrated passenger grab handles is incorporated in the leg shield back plate with a retractable bag hook.
The Piaggio BV 350 is available in two colors: Shiny Black and Matte Silver and has a MSRP of $5,499. It arrives in U.S. showrooms in May.
For more information about Piaggio Group Americas, visit www.piaggiousa.com.
