2003 Piaggio Skipper ST125 review from United Kingdom

The headlight switch has failed twice, first replaced under warranty while the second at cost (about £5). Given the bike is kept outside, the electrics have held up well.

The throttle return stuck, requiring manual shutting off the throttle. This was fixed at the first service (I actually preferred this 'feature' as it meant I didn't have to hold the throttle open on long runs).

The centre stand needed re-greasing after 3 years.

This was my first scooter and the Skipper had a good balance of size against cost. It's light enough to move round the car park - I'd dropped the previous bike 3 times.

It's slim with good low speed stability and handling, making it easy to place on the road and filter through traffic. Keeping the tire pressures on spec helps to reduce the white lining characteristic of small wheeled bikes.

The 125 engine is slightly under the UK learner limit and this tells once outside town. It's happy to cruise in the low 50s and can reach 65 on the throttle stop, but then the handling is quite scary (for me - a friend who's into scooters has no problem). Front end feel is almost non-existent, particularly on poor road surfaces, and the rebound unsettles the bike so braking in the last few feet at junctions is best done using the rear only.

Luggage carrying is good - it came with a top-box and the under-seat storage holds a full face helmet, plus there's a bag hook for keeping a small bag between the knees and a tiny storage box in the centre of the (not flat) floor board. The exhaust is low and so throw over panniers can be used on long trips. I miss the tank bag option on a motorbike as a place to put a map.

Fuel economy is about 60mpg (4 l/100km) which is a little disappointing, but my commute is 5 miles so mostly on a cold engine. It will do nearer 75mpg on a long run at 55mph. Insurance and servicing costs are similar to a small car, but parking, R.F.L., and congestion charge are a lot less.

I fitted the optional side stand, which is useful for short stops, but has no cut-out. This is not a big issue as the design means that the stand springs up the moment the bike is stood upright.