A tale of two Piaggio Beverly scooters

My new 2021 Piaggio Beverly 400hpe now 2 weeks old sits in my garage alongside my 2016 Beverly 350. I thought that a comparison might be useful to anyone contemplating purchasing a new 400 or for that matter maybe even a second hand 350 model. 

Both are fine machines. But first a few things to consider: My 400 now has 514 kilometres on the Speedo whilst the 350 has 19100. The comparison cannot be exact because whilst the 400 is stock standard, the 350 has been modified by replacing the standard exhaust system with an Akrapovic exhaust which is several kilos lighter, and a Malossi Variator. 

So to begin, both machines are very good looking. Which one is the better is very much a matter of personal preference. I do like the looks of the 400 which are a bit more angular than the 350, but truly there isn’t much in it. The front view is really very similar, but the LED headlight on the 400 is an improvement and the running lights are brighter. 

The instrument panel on the 350 is simple and easy to understand with its analog dials whilst that on the 400 is completely digital and at least initially confusing to use. It does provide the rider with much more information which can be very useful once the rider has worked it out. I particularly like the tachometer and the left and right indicator lights missing on the 350. I don’t like the fact that in the harsh Australian sun in certain circumstances the digital screen can be very hard to see.

The keyless start system is brilliant especially for someone like me who habitually leaves my keys in my pocket only remembering once I am on the bike with my gloves on. I suspect it is a bit more complicated to use than it needs to be, but it does work.

Once again it may be subjective, but I found the seat and ride on the 400 to be more comfortable than that on the 350 and that may be partially because of the new Showa front and rear suspension, the rear with 5 settings compared to the 3 on the 350. 

The storage space on both bikes is similar and very good and I have no trouble storing an open face helmet, gloves, rain gear and and a puncture kit with electric pump under both seats. 

So, to performance, remember the 400 is not yet run in and the 350 has been modified. The 400 motor is nearly 70 cc’s bigger than the 350 (really 330) and the 350 with the lightweight Akrapovic exhaust probably 15 kilos lighter than the 400. That being said I think that the 350 is faster than the 400 and from what I have read has a slightly higher top speed, 155 kph compared to a suggested 151 kph for the 400. I truly believe that most riders wouldn’t notice the difference, both machines accelerate very quickly for their size and both have the same excellent braking system. 

Each machine handles very well, not to superbike standards, but very well indeed. I think that the 400 with its slightly larger ratio wheels and tyres is the better handling of the two, but the 350 also inspires confidence. I have come to love my 350 during the 2 years I have owned it. I have done day trips of up to 200 kms and longer trips of up to 400 km’s a day and it has never been anything, but excellent. I look forward to a long and enjoyable ownership of the 400