The 125cc Medley may seem to be an unlikely candidate for tuning. However, thanks to our friends at Polini, we can prove that that this workhorse is capable of being transformed into a real thoroughbred.
Part One – Leaving the Workshop
The racing department at Polini’s HQ in Northern Italy makes most home mechanics feel a little uneasy. Everything is clean and perfectly organised, but you can immediately sense that engines are loved here, and the staff live by the principle that Polini Motori has followed for years: “To make the best even better.” Behind us, there’s a faint aroma of good oil, and in the distance, you can hear the mechanics chatting. In front of us, a Piaggio Medley that looks as we’ve come to expect; elegant and understated in its role as a high-wheeled urban commuter. However, as soon as you hop on, you immediately realise there’s a different rhythm pulsing beneath this machine’s bodywork.
It all starts with the Polini metal oil filter. A silent, often overlooked component that makes a difference over time. The engine feels cleaner, running effortlessly even after battling heavy traffic. The peace of mind coming from knowing there’s a part truly protecting your scooter’s longevity translates into the desire to take the long way home and enjoy the city with no worries.
The city, indeed, is the perfect setting to discover how braking can change with Polini brake pads. Two options are available, but in both cases, the sense of control increases dramatically. The ‘original’ pads are soft and predictable; ideal for those navigating the urban jungle, dealing with rain, slippery asphalt, and last-second stops. For those who demand more, there are sintered pads: grippier, always responsive, even as temperatures rise and the roads get tougher. Stopping at a red light is no longer just a routine; it becomes a confident, almost satisfying act, thanks to a lever that responds like one on a sport scooter.
But the real magic comes from the Polini Maxi Hi-Speed variator. A twist of the right wrist, and the Medley transforms. Acceleration is immediate, the throttle response more rewarding, and the power output captivates you. This is where the technology is felt: DLC-treated pin to reduce friction, an 8% stiffer compression spring, and custom rollers matched to each engine size. Traffic melts away, and even on ring roads the Medley never seems to become tired, instead, it encourages you to go beyond the usual route, to chase curves, roundabouts, and little switchbacks just outside the city.
Every component finds its value in real-world riding: smoother take-offs, better braking control, increased safety and reliability. Even daily riders rediscover the joy of riding, that urge to go for another tour, no destination needed, just to return home in a better mood.
Part Two – The Racing Medley
With basic tools, a couple of hours’ work, and the willingness to push boundaries, the rules of the game change once again. The dream kit arrives at the workshop, the one that transforms the Medley from a commuter to a track-day star: cylinder, exhaust, and ECU, all by Polini and all available by special order from our spares department.
The first component that changes its character is the Ø 61 mm cylinder kit. Carefully installed, it increases displacement to nearly 172 cc, and the difference is instantly noticeable: the Medley wakes up, ready to leap forward like never before. According to Polini’s test bench, acceleration improves by 40% and corner exit thrust becomes much more aggressive. Every burst of speed is a thrill, every overtake child’s play. The aluminium cylinder, cast iron liner, ultra-light piston; every part speaks the language of racing. And nothing is left to chance: the dedicated ECU perfectly manages fuel injection, allowing the engine to perform at its best, both with the stock exhaust and (where the real fun begins) with the racing one.
Here it is, the Polini ‘Black Collection’ exhaust. A modern design, solid construction, meticulous finishing. It’s lighter than the original one, and the moment the engine starts, it makes itself heard: a bold, deep but never excessive sound, the classic “racing tone” that makes you want to twist the throttle. But it’s not just for show: the engine responds with full power both on top-end stretches and during tight, slow corners. The sound-absorbing materials do their job, keeping decibels within homologation limits without stripping away personality. Whether on country roads or in the paddock, all it takes is a twist of the throttle to feel like a racer.
Everything in tune
What’s the best part of this setup? Everything works in harmony: the cylinder kit delivers power, the ECU orchestrates it, the exhaust releases energy, and the rest of the CVT; variator, clutch, gears, follows every change of rhythm with ease. At that point, the Medley fully sheds its commuter role and embraces its new identity as a true sport machine.
The moral of the story? Whether you're looking to inject some fun into your daily routine or feel the rush of a racing-level upgrade, the Medley by Polini is a scooter that never stops surprising. With every upgrade, you’ll want to see how far you can go.
For more information, or to order any of the components mentioned above, follow the links. If you've any queries, or want make a special order, send our sales team a message at info@rondaleyscooters.co.uk or give them a call on: 01226 203377
