The Piaggio Carnaby is a high-wheeled scooter produced by Piaggio in Pontedera from 2007 to 2013. Larger than the Liberty but more compact than the Beverly, it was built on the platform of the Aprilia Sportcity.
Piaggio Carnaby at a glance
| Production | 2007–2013 |
|---|---|
| Debut | EICMA, November 2006 |
| On sale | from March 2007 |
| Class | high-wheeled scooter |
| Platform | Aprilia Sportcity |
| Engines | L.E.A.D.E.R. 125 and 200 cc, QUASAR 250 cc |
| Emissions | Euro 3 |
| Cruiser version | Piaggio 300 engine of 278 cc |
| Last version | the Cruiser, out of production in 2013 |
The article is based on a single source, the Italian Wikipedia page on the Carnaby, and is shorter than usual for that reason.
History of the Piaggio Carnaby
The Carnaby was a new model for Piaggio itself but not for the group, because it was built on the base of the Aprilia Sportcity. It made its debut at the EICMA show in November 2006 and went on sale from March 2007. Larger than the Liberty but more compact than the Beverly, it aimed at a fresh and original image, with pleasant materials and careful finish as well as a competitive price. Its stance was solid, and the flowing line did not lack aggression.
Engines
The scooter was sold with L.E.A.D.E.R. engines of 125 cm3 and 200 cm3 and with the QUASAR engine of 250 cm3, all homologated to Euro 3.
The Cruiser
The Carnaby also appeared in a Cruiser version, which differed visually from the others and used the Piaggio engine of 300 cm3, actually 278 cubic centimetres. This was the last version to leave production, in 2013.
A short life in a crowded range
The Carnaby filled the gap between the Liberty and the Beverly in a range that already offered several high-wheeled scooters, and it stayed on the market for six years. Its Aprilia Sportcity base and its 250 and 278 cc engines place it in the middle of the Piaggio group’s large-wheeled scooters of the late 2000s.
Design and features
- High wheels: large-diameter wheels for stability on uneven town streets.
- Group platform: the same base as the Aprilia Sportcity.
- Three engines: L.E.A.D.E.R. 125 and 200 and QUASAR 250, all Euro 3.
- Cruiser finish: a distinct look and the larger 278 cc engine in the final version.
Piaggio Carnaby versions
- Carnaby 125: the entry model with the L.E.A.D.E.R. engine.
- Carnaby 200: the larger L.E.A.D.E.R. unit.
- Carnaby 250: the QUASAR-engined version.
- Carnaby Cruiser 300: the final version with the 278 cc Piaggio engine.
The Carnaby sat between the Liberty and the Beverly, and its Aprilia sister is remembered alongside the other high-wheeled scooters of the group. More models are in the Piaggio collection.
Video: Piaggio Carnaby 125 ScooterGiant review
Video by Alex Castagnetti on YouTube.
Sources
- Piaggio Carnaby, Italian Wikipedia: dates, platform, engines, Cruiser version
