Limited edition with military paint and gold: see why this 400cc machine is a collector’s artifact for daily use.

Forget the outdated image of the scooter as a secondary vehicle—that “non-player character” (NPC) that merely fills the background scenery of large metropolises. The game has changed. Today, those dominating the concrete jungle aren’t trapped in a two-ton SUV, but are tearing up the asphalt with agility, style, and a surprisingly potent surge of power. At the core of this silent revolution is the PIAGGIO BEVERLY, a machine that for 25 years has been teaching the world that practicality does not mean sacrificing performance. The new commemorative edition, the BV 400 S 25th Anniversary, is not just a tribute to the past; it’s a manifesto of mechanical and aesthetic superiority proving once and for all that scooters have taken center stage in modern mobility. (Scooter Performance US Market, Piaggio Beverly History, 400cc Scooter Review)
From Supporting Role to Protagonist: The Rise of Maxi-Scooters
There was a time when riding a scooter was a purely rational choice, almost devoid of passion. They were tools for daily commuting: cheap, economical, and frankly, a bit dull. However, the global perception underwent a drastic metamorphosis in the last two decades. The modern motorcyclist realized that freedom isn’t just traveling at 125 mph on a deserted highway, but transforming the daily route—the hellish “commute”—into a moment of genuine pleasure. Factors like lightness, ease of riding, and low operational costs ceased to be mere “bonuses” and became essential features. (Maxi-Scooter Trend, Urban Mobility Solutions)
It was in this context that the maxi-scooter segment was born. Piaggio, with its unmatched Italian heritage, understood early on that there was a market gap for a vehicle combining the agility of a 50cc with the performance of a compact motorcycle and the comfort of a luxury car. While the new YAMAHA JOG-E scooter promises to end range anxiety with electric solutions, it was the refined combustion engine and robust chassis of the Beverly, originally launched in 2001, that set the gold standard for what we now call a “high-wheel scooter.” (Piaggio Heritage, High-Wheel Scooter Definition)
The Beverly didn’t just fill urban space; it redefined it. With a design innovative for its time, it introduced a sharp, modern look, abandoning the rounded and “soft” lines of 90s scooters in favor of a more aggressive and mature aesthetic. But the real revolution was under the fairing: superior handling and a chassis capable of providing stability at cruising speeds—something unthinkable for small scooters of that era. This engineering allowed the Beverly to stop being a vehicle restricted to European historic centers and confidently invade expressways and rural roads. (Beverly Handling, Urban/Highway Scooter)

Design and Exclusivity: The Weight of History in the BV 400 S
To celebrate a quarter-century of leadership, Piaggio couldn’t simply slap on a new sticker and call it a special edition. The BV 400 S 25th Anniversary is a lesson in Italian industrial design. The first thing that captures attention is the exclusive “Grigio 25th Anniversary” paint job. It’s not just gray; it’s a deep matte metallic finish that gives the bike an almost military presence, yet remains sophisticated. It’s the color of someone who doesn’t need to shout to be noticed. (Piaggio Special Edition Design, Motorcycle Paint Finishes)
The magic lies in the details. Piaggio incorporated subtle retro graphics, with a lighter gray stripe running from the rear fairings to the front fender—an elegant homage to the early 2000s models. To break the sobriety of the gray, the brand applied glossy black finishes on the passenger grab handle and the headlight frame, creating a modern, aggressive contrast. But the masterstroke is in the golden accents. Gold is not overdone; it appears sparingly in the graphics, the central grille finish, and the “Beverly” emblem, evoking a trophy or victory feeling. (Beverly Gold Accents, Italian Motorcycle Aesthetics)
The stylized wheels follow this theme, with spokes in glossy black and highlights in gold and gray around the rim, spinning like jewels on the asphalt. The customized seat, made with two different materials and double stitching in black, gray, and gold, offers not only ergonomic comfort but superior tactile pleasure. And of course, safety and comfort were not overlooked—crucial in any vehicle, as neglecting basic component maintenance can be fatal, as with the worn suspension components that are a financial and deadly trap in any vehicle, especially two-wheelers where balance is everything. (Scooter Ergonomics, Motorcycle Safety Maintenance)
“The 25th-anniversary edition isn’t just a scooter; it’s a collector’s artifact you can use every day to outshine stagnant traffic.”
On the inner leg shield, a “25th Anniversary” emblem placed above the Italian tricolor flag reminds the rider, every time they mount the bike, that they are piloting a piece of European automotive history. Completing the look, a smoked flyscreen directly references the original model, protecting the dashboard and adding a touch of mystery to the front silhouette. (Beverly Collector’s Item, European Scooter Design)

Athlete’s Heart: 400 HPE Engine and Real Performance
Beauty without performance is mere decoration, and Piaggio understands this. The beating heart of this special edition aimed at the North American market is the acclaimed 400 HPE (High Performance Engine). This engine proves that scooter engineering has reached a level of sophistication comparable to mid-range sport bikes. We aren’t discussing a weak motor struggling up a hill; we’re talking about brute torque and linear power delivery. (Piaggio 400 HPE Engine Review, Scooter Power Comparison)
The 400 HPE was engineered to deliver the best of both worlds: immediate response in stop-and-go city traffic and plenty of reserve for weekend trips. Capable of maintaining comfortable cruising speeds between 60 and 70 mph (96 and 112 km/h), the Beverly 400 S allows for safe overtaking on highways, eliminating the common fear of being “swallowed” by fast trucks or SUVs. This cruising capability elevates it to a level few scooters can match, approaching the riding experience of more aggressive machines, like the MV Agusta Brutale 2026, the wildest Italian naked, in category terms, of course. (Beverly Cruising Speed, Sport Scooter Performance)
The technology embedded in this engine also focuses on reducing vibration and noise, ensuring the luxury experience isn’t interrupted by mechanical harshness. Fuel efficiency and optimized maintenance intervals are also strong points, though any owner must remain vigilant regarding wear items. A common concern, for instance, is brake maintenance: replacing all four brake pads or just the front ones? For a 400cc scooter reaching high speeds, brake system integrity is non-negotiable. (Scooter Engine Refinement, Motorcycle Brake Maintenance US)

The initial price of $7,549 USD in the United States positions the Beverly 25th Anniversary as a premium yet accessible option compared to the cost of maintaining a second car or even a high-displacement motorcycle. It delivers a complete package of style, history, and functionality. Looking forward, Piaggio has already signaled that evolution won’t stop, with the introduction of the Blu Lapis color in 2026, joining the options of Jungle Green and Meteora Black, showing the brand continues to set visual trends in the market. (Piaggio Beverly Price US, 2026 Scooter Color Trends)
While the Asian market experiments with revolutionary hybrid models, such as the BENDA P51, the 250cc hybrid motorcycle promising 62hp, Piaggio bets on the perfection of the internal combustion engine optimized for current realities. The Beverly 400 S 25th Anniversary confirms that urban scooters have triumphed. It solves the practical problems of daily mobility simply, without requiring the rider to sacrifice their image or driving pleasure. After 25 years, Beverly isn’t aging; it’s simply reaching its peak. (Scooter Market Analysis, Piaggio vs Hybrid Trends)

