Piaggio Item number: BASISGP843519
Piaggio
1 Rating
  • Genuine Piaggio piston for liquid-cooled 250cc Quasar four-stroke engines
  • Suitable for Vespa GTS, GTV, GT and numerous Piaggio, Aprilia, Gilera and Derbi models
  • Available in four size categories: A, B, C, D or 1, 2, 3, 4
  • Piaggio original part numbers: 8435190001, 8435190002, 8435190003, 8435190004
  • For 244cc single-cylinder engines with a nominal bore of 72mm and liquid cooling
  • Piston design with shaped crown recess, compression rings and oil control ring
  • Important: select the piston category according to the cylinder identification and measured cylinder dimensions
Category (1/A)
119,00 €*
available immediately
Shipping weight 0,3 kg
Category (2/B)
119,00 €*
available immediately
Shipping weight 0,3 kg
Category (3/C)
119,00 €*
This item will be available again soon.
Category (4/D)
119,00 €*
available immediately
Shipping weight 0,295 kg

Piston Piaggio Original – 250cc Quasar LC – Vespa GTS, GTV, GT – Categories A, B, C, D

The piston is one of the components subjected to the highest mechanical and thermal stresses in a combustion engine. These genuine Piaggio pistons are designed for the liquid-cooled 250cc four-stroke engines of the Quasar series, as used in the Vespa GTS, GTV and GT, as well as numerous models from Piaggio, Aprilia, Gilera and Derbi.

The pistons are available in four size categories, designated A, B, C and D or 1, 2, 3 and 4. These classifications allow the piston to be matched precisely to the corresponding cylinder size class. Selecting the correct category is particularly important when overhauling an engine or replacing a damaged piston.

What does Quasar mean in Piaggio engines?

Quasar refers to an engine family developed by the Piaggio Group. The name identifies a series of modern four-stroke engines produced in different displacement versions and used in numerous scooter models.

The 250cc Quasar engines covered here are liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engines with four valves, an overhead camshaft and an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT). These engines have an actual displacement of 244cc, with a cylinder bore of 72mm and a piston stroke of 60mm.

The designation LC stands for Liquid Cooled. Unlike air-cooled engines, the heat generated during operation is dissipated through a coolant circuit.

The Quasar engine family was used across several brands within the Piaggio Group. As a result, technically related engines can be found not only in Vespa models but also in scooters from Piaggio, Aprilia, Gilera and Derbi.

Four piston categories for correct cylinder matching

Piaggio distinguishes between four size categories for these pistons. The categories account for the dimensional variations specified during the manufacturing process of pistons and cylinders.

The available versions are:

  • Category A / 1 – Piaggio original part number 8435190001
  • Category B / 2 – Piaggio original part number 8435190002
  • Category C / 3 – Piaggio original part number 8435190003
  • Category D / 4 – Piaggio original part number 8435190004

These categories are intended to ensure precise matching between the piston and its corresponding cylinder. They should not be confused with conventional repair oversizes, which require a cylinder to be rebored to a significantly larger diameter.

When replacing a piston, the existing cylinder identification should be checked first. The condition of the cylinder bore, its actual measured diameter and the required piston-to-cylinder clearance must also be inspected.

A piston should never be selected solely on the basis of the vehicle model or stated engine displacement. Choosing the correct size category is essential for a technically sound repair.

Piston construction for the 250cc four-stroke engine

The piston features a bright metallic surface and a distinctly shaped recess in the piston crown. The crown geometry is designed to match the combustion chamber of the corresponding Quasar engine.

The upper section contains the grooves for the piston rings. These rings perform different functions within the four-stroke engine.

The compression rings seal the combustion chamber against the crankcase and help transfer heat from the piston to the cylinder wall. The oil control ring regulates the oil film on the cylinder bore and limits the amount of engine oil entering the combustion chamber.

The piston pin bores are located on the sides of the piston. The piston is connected to the connecting rod by means of the piston pin. The corresponding retaining clips prevent axial movement of the piston pin.

The construction visible in the product images corresponds to the typical design of a four-stroke piston for a liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine.

Piston rings and retaining clips

In addition to the piston, the product images show the corresponding piston rings and two piston pin retaining clips.

The ring arrangement consists of two compression rings and a multi-piece oil control ring. The different ring designs each perform a specific function in sealing the combustion chamber and regulating the lubricating oil film.

During installation, the correct orientation of the piston rings, the ring end gaps and the positioning of the ring gaps must be observed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

After disassembly, the piston pin retaining clips must always be checked for secure seating. The use of new retaining clips is recommended when carrying out a professional engine overhaul.

Technical specifications

  • Manufacturer: Piaggio
  • Product: genuine piston for four-stroke engines
  • Engine family: Piaggio Quasar
  • Displacement class: 250cc
  • Actual engine displacement: 244cc
  • Engine type: single-cylinder, four-stroke, four valves
  • Cooling: liquid cooling (LC)
  • Nominal engine bore: 72mm
  • Engine piston stroke: 60mm
  • Available size categories: A, B, C, D or 1, 2, 3, 4
  • Piaggio original part numbers: 8435190001, 8435190002, 8435190003, 8435190004
  • Design: piston with a shaped recess in the crown
  • Piston ring arrangement: two compression rings and a multi-piece oil control ring
  • Application: repair and overhaul of compatible 250cc Quasar engines

Suitable for Vespa

  • Vespa GT 250 (2006)
  • Vespa GTS 250 (2005–2016)
  • Vespa GTV 250 (2006–2009)

Suitable for Piaggio models

  • Piaggio Beverly 250 (2004–2009)
  • Piaggio Carnaby 250 (2008)
  • Piaggio MP3 250 (2006–2009)
  • Piaggio X7 250 (2008–2009)
  • Piaggio X8 250 (2006–2007)
  • Piaggio X9 Evo 250 (2004–2006)
  • Piaggio XEvo 250 (2007–2016)

Suitable for other models

  • Gilera Nexus 250 (2006–2008)
  • Aprilia Atlantic 250 (2004–2008)
  • Aprilia Scarabeo 250 (2004–2008)
  • Aprilia Sport City 250 (2007–2012)
  • Derbi GP1 250 (2006–2008)
  • Derbi Rambla 250 (2008–2009)

Vehicle compatibility refers to the corresponding models equipped with the Piaggio 250cc Quasar LC engine. Before ordering, the engine version, original part number and, in particular, the required piston category should be verified.

Selection and installation instructions

Before replacing the piston, the cylinder must be inspected for wear, damage and dimensional accuracy. This includes checking the condition of the cylinder bore and measuring its diameter.

The piston category must be selected according to the manufacturer's specifications and the actual measured dimensions. Categories A to D or 1 to 4 are not freely interchangeable sizes.

During installation, the specified piston-to-cylinder clearance, piston ring end gaps, correct piston orientation and proper securing of the piston pin must be observed.

The condition of the connecting rod, piston pin bearing arrangement and cylinder should also be checked as part of the engine overhaul.

A correctly selected and professionally installed piston is essential for reliable combustion chamber sealing, controlled heat transfer and proper engine operation.

Genuine Piaggio replacement part for professional engine overhauls

With piston categories A, B, C and D, Piaggio offers four coordinated size versions for its 250cc Quasar engines.

Matching the piston precisely to the cylinder is more important than simply identifying the correct vehicle model. For a durable and technically sound repair, the appropriate size category and specified installation tolerances must therefore always be observed.

A suitable replacement part for the professional overhaul of liquid-cooled Piaggio 250cc four-stroke engines used in Vespa, Piaggio, Aprilia, Gilera and Derbi scooters.

This is how we ensure, that reviews come from real consumers.
Matthias M. 12/08/2025