What happens when you mount a retro-looking scooter body over a custom frame and then give it a heart that terrifies bikers around the world?
Well, in the case of British firm Pipermoto, you get the Series J, a build-to-order super scooter that is described by the firm’s founder John Piper as a hybrid of contemporary motorcycle engineering performance with classic scooter looks and styling.
The Series J is the first-ever project from PiperMoto, and unlike other custom jobs, it is not limited to just a single unit. And while it looks like perhaps the curviest maxi scooter we’ve seen in a while, the impossible beauty is not just skin deep.
Giving the Series J the strength it needs is a bespoke TIG welded chrome-molybdenum tubular steel space frame that is suspended up front by upside down 43mm forks offering 150mm of travel from WP, which is a subsidiary of KTM.
At the rear, the suspension setup becomes even more intricate and beautiful to look at. The Series J features a concentric spring and ExeTC remote 2-way damper reservoir operated by a push rod and rocker. The rear wheel travel on offer is 120mm.
The rear section of the Series J is where you find the other donation from KTM. However, this donation breathes a whole load more fire and comes in the form of one of the most powerful single-cylinder engines ever fitted to a KTM.
The 690cc engine is from the 4th-gen 690 Duke and the 690 Duke R, and it seems to be slightly detuned in the Series J so that it produces 65.5bhp. This is transmitted to the rear wheel via a 6 Speed electronically shifted by software and a handlebar finger paddle switch.
This allows the PiperMoto Series J to sprint from 0-60 mi/h (0-96.5km/h) in just 4 seconds and hit a top speed of 193km/h. The Piper J has a 14-litre fuel tank to keep the dino juice safe.
Helping keep the Series J glued to the roads is a set of 17-inch spoked wheels that come shod with Bridgestone Battlax BT090 tires. The front tyre is a 120/70 unit, while the rear is a 160/60 section contact patch.
Bringing this 160kg (dry weight) maxi scooter to a halt is a 320mm front disc and a 240mm unit at the rear. While the front brake is clamped down by Brembo 4-piston callipers, the rear uses a single-piston calliper from the same supplier.
The body of the PiperMoto Series J is made from woven carbon composite material, while the headlights housings, turn signals, rear bracket for the registration plate and taillight look like something out of the factory and make use of CNC parts.
Thoughts About The PiperMoto Series J
The PiperMoto Series J provides the perfect mix of retro styling genius, a beautiful and strong frame and an insane engine in a package that will leave you bedazzled.
