by Mark
The Vespa PX is dead, long live the Vespa PX.
Once the staple of Italian students, riding round shouting “ciao” to the gorgeous Italian women, it has now been updated, but not too much, for 2011.
Since 1946 17 million Vespas have been sold around the world and is a large part of history and popular culture, mods and rockers anyone?
2010 is the thirty-third anniversary of the launch of the Vespa PX, a milestone that very few vehicles - let alone a two wheeler - can claim to have achieved.
The new Vespa PX keeps the four gear transmission on the handlebar, the design is inkeeping with the original right down to the ability to fit a spare wheel should you feel the need.
The taillight has always been a signature feature of each and every Vespa model. From the small, round taillight of the legendary 1946 98cc to the headlight in two distinct elements and chrome parts which embellished the 1962 125cc, to the Primavera ET3′s boxy design which was so typically “70′s”. Vespa PX rediscovers soft lines for the taillight which combine with a classic and elegant chrome edge. The component, with a red lens, also includes the brake light and license plate light.
The new hand grips in black rubber are elegantly branded with the Vespa logo and complemented by the chrome taillight.
The classic Vespa logo also enhances the new central tunnel cover, now refined by an elegant edge in glazed material.
The new grille cites the style of some of the greatest classics in Vespa history.
The Vespa has always been distinguished by a unibody construction - an exclusive feature that has always set the Vespa apart from any other scooter. The PX remains true to this construction solution which, in addition to giving the scooter a classic flavour, also ensures superior stiffness and precision.
The link arm front suspension - a technical solution that is an intrinsic part of the Vespa character - works in conjunction with a coil spring and a dual action hydraulic shock absorber.
At the rear, the suspension components are linked to the engine-transmission case, which also does duty as the swingarm. The 10″ wheels are shod with 3.50” tyres.
The 200 mm stainless steel front disc brake is complemented by a 150 mm drum brake at the rear.
The 125 and 150 cc single-cylinder, two-stroke engines with forced air cooling feature CDI electronic injection and both electric and kick starters. After all, how can anyone think of the most classic of the Vespa models without the fantastic kick start pedal crank?
Thanks to the use of a new catalytic converter designed to lower polluting emissions, both of the Vespa PX models comply with the most severe and modern Euro3 standards.
The PX comes with a four speed manual gearbox: choosing the PX means choosing total riding pleasure.
Vespa PX 125/150: Technical specifications
| Engine | 2-stroke single cylinder |
| Engine capacity | PX 125: 123 cc PX 150: 150 cc |
| Bore | PX 125: 52.5 mm PX 150: 57.8 mm |
| Stroke | 57 mm |
| Fuel | Unleaded petrol, min 95 RON |
| Induction | Rotary valve induction in crankcase |
| Ignition | CDI electronic ignition |
| Starter | Electrical and kick starter |
| Lubrication | Automatic mixer |
| Cooling system | Forced air |
| Gearbox | Four speed manual |
| Load bearing structure | Steel body |
| Front suspension | Link arm with coil spring and dual action hydraulic shock absorber |
| Rear suspension | Engine-transmission case serving as swingarm, dual action shock absorber |
| Front brake | 200 mm stainless steel disc |
| Rear brake | 150 mm drum |
| Front wheel rim | 2.10 - 10” |
| Rear wheel rim | 2.10 – 10” |
| Front tyre | 3.50” - 10” |
| Rear tyre | 3.50” - 10” |
| Length | 1,810 mm |
| Width | 740 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,260 mm |
| Seat height | 810 mm |
| Dry weight | 97 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 8 litres |
| Emissions compliance | Euro 3 |
