Piaggio tests 850cc twist-and-go bike

THE world’s first full-size twist-and-go bike is now being tested in Italy.

Piaggio’s850cc V-twin prototype has a fuel-injected sohc engine which originally designed for a big-bore scooter. But the massive popularity of naked bikes in Italy has prompted Piaggio to explore its potential in a ” proper ” bike.

The engine is effectively two cylinders from Piaggio’s X9 scooter bolted together.

It makes 85bhp, but will be restricted to 50 on the twist-and-go bike because the transmission can’t cope with more power.