Classic scooter with a racehorse heart: Piper Moto J1!

Thomas Wachsmuth July 17, 2023 Motorcycle / Scooter News & Tuning

Reading time 5 Min.

In England, the former Formula 1 engineer John Piper set the challenge to reinvent a classic scooter. Out came the "Super Scooter" J1, which under its elegant carbon shell is a genuine Sports equipment turns out. A small series of the desirable two-wheeler is planned. John Piper has successfully demonstrated his technical skills in motorsport for decades and has already worked with Formula 1 racing teams such as Williams, Benetton and Jaguar. And he was also involved in the development of the Suzuki GSX-R 600 and the Petronas Superbike. In 2013, the British inventor decided to name his expertise Piper Moto to expand further in his hometown of London. His goal: precise engineering and careful craftsmanship down to the smallest detail, with a focus on two-wheelers.

2023 Piper Moto J1

The first model to emerge from this new venture is the J1 from the so-called J Series - no ordinary scooter, but a "great scooter“ in a retro look, built with motorcycle technology and with motorcycle-like handling. The scooter hidden under his carbon shell with retro style, a sporty heart that is not to be expected at first glance: A water-cooled single cylinder from KTM with proud 70 PS. And on the streets, the Piper Moto J1 doesn't just impress with its looks, but with its driving behavior aware of oneself.

Classic scooter with a racehorse heart: Piper Moto J1!

Thanks to an automated 6-speed gearbox the scooter changes gears with just a push of the thumb on the handlebar switch - completely without Foot on the shift lever and hand on the clutch lever. Thanks great motorcycle wheels and a weight-optimized construction Spaceframe and an Upside down telescopic fork the J1 reaches speeds of up to 200 km/h and a considerable lean angle of 52 degree. And despite its impressive capability, the J1 is anything but a heavyweight. With a dry weight of only 160 kg and a fully fueled weight of approx. 170 kg, the J1 offers an unrivaled driving experience.

Small series production only on order

However, there is also a hurdle: The Small batch production of the J1 is only available to order and after personal configuration, and the exact price is not yet known. However, it is certain that lovers will have to dig deep into their pockets - at the very least 35.000 EUR plus the cost of the KTM base will be due. And although ABS is not standard equipment at the moment, it is possible to equip the J1 with the safety function.

The Piper Moto J1 is undoubtedly a technical and aesthetic masterpiece by engineer John Piper. With the sporty motorcycle engine and the high-quality bike technology under the elegant retro carbon shell, it is a dream for every two-wheeler enthusiast who is ready a little more to pay for an exceptional driving experience. If we get more information, there is of course an update for this report. You will be informed about this if you simply use our Feed subscribe to. Have fun watching the pictures and stay true to us!

the main features of the 2023 Piper Moto J1:

Developer: Engineer John Piper, formerly active in motor sports and two-wheeler development (including Formula 1, long-distance racing, rallying, Suzuki).
Development company: Piper Moto, founded in 2013 in Greater London.
Product name: Piper Moto J1, part of the J Series, offered as a customizable small series vehicle.
Design: Retro scooter look, molded fairing, main material carbon fiber and epoxy resin (carbon).
Drive: Water-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder engine from KTM with 690 cc and approx. 70 hp.
Adjustments: Intake area with air filter and outlet area with compact stainless steel exhaust system, integrated catalytic converter.
Transmission: 6-speed, semi-automatic, shifting by thumb pressure on the handlebar switch.
rear wheel drive: open chain
Loom: Trellis frame made of chrome-molybdenum steel, produced by Piper Moto.
Suspension: Adjustable 43 mm upside-down front forks by WP Suspension (150 mm travel), machined aluminum double-sided swingarm and adjustable rear shock absorber by ExeTC (120 mm travel).
Bikes: Motorcycle wheels (wire spokes) with 17-inch aluminum rims, tire size 120/70-17 at the front and 160/70-17 at the rear.
brakes: Brembo brakes, front with 320 disc and radially mounted four-piston caliper, rear with 240 disc and single-piston caliper.
Suspension Geometry: 1.500 mm wheelbase, 65 degree steering head angle and 100 mm trail.
Power: Acceleration up to 200 km/h, 0-100 km/h in approx. 4 seconds.
Weight: Dry weight 160 kg, fully fueled (14 liters) approx. 170 kg.
weight distribution: 50% per wheel axle.
lean angle: Maximum 52 degrees on both sides.
Price: Not finally known, but probably at least EUR 35.000 plus KTM basis.
street legal: ABS is currently missing, therefore no approval in the EU. Approval possible with KTM base and ABS.

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