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Vespa 150 Cosa

Make Model	Vespa 150 Cosa and Cosa Elestart
Year	1988 - 98
Engine	Two stroke, single cylinder
Capacity	150 cc / 9.2 cub in
Bore x Stroke	57.8 x 57 mm
Compression	9.2:1
Carburetor	Dell'Orto SHBC 20/20L
Cooling	Air cooled, centrifugal fan
Fuel Mixture	1:50
Ignition	Electronic
Starting	Kick start
Spark Plug	NGK BR7HS
Battery	12V AC
Clutch	Wet, multiplate
Max Power	6.25 kW / 8.5 hp @ 5700 rpm
Max Torque	12.75 Nm / 1.27 kgf-m / 9.4 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Transmission	4 Speed, grip-shift, constant mesh
Final Drive	Direct drive
Frame	Pressed sheet steel, streamlined monocoque structure
Front Brakes	150 mm drum
Rear Brakes	150 mm drum
Wheels	Interchangeable
Front Tyre	3.0 x 10"
Rear Tyre	3.0 x 10"
Dry Weight	85 kg / 187 lbs
Fuel Capacity	7.7 L / 2 US gal
Reserve	1.2 L / 0.3 US gal
Consumption average	2.1 L/100 km / 48 km/l / 111 US mpg
Top Speed	95 km/h / 59 mph

The Vespa Cosa was initially to be called the Vespa R (standing for Rinnovata, meaning "revised"). It was unveiled at the Milan Motorcycle Show in 1987. The Cosa is a direct successor to the Vespa PX series, and although the internal workings are largely similar, it came with newly developed gearbox that was a significant improvement upon the gearbox that had previously been used in the PX series. The PX series was still in production at the time, however, and has continued production even after Cosa production was discontinued. Other improvements upon the PX series included storage space beneath the seat and anti-lock brakes on the front wheel. More controversially, it was also the first Vespa to utilise a significant amount of plastic parts in addition to the traditional monocoque pressed steel frame.

The series is broadly divided into two generations. The first generation was built from 1988 to 1991, while the second generation (sometimes referred to as the Cosa FL) was in production from 1992 onwards. Both version are fundamentally the same, with some minor differences. Firstly, the clutch was modified so that it would be easier to pull in and release. Secondly, minor design alterations were made: the tail light was slightly different and moved to a new position, the seat lock was installed on the side of the saddle, and the saddle was widened for extra comfort.

Drawing by the designer Paolo Martin

While the engine is virtually identical to that of the Vespa PX series of the time, there are three major differences in the design:

The swingarm pivot on the Cosa is wider than that of the PX.
The rear spring strut on the engine housing is shaped differently. This is because the rear suspension of Cosa is longer than that of the PX.
The mounting for the rear brake is different due to the hydraulic rear brake.

In addition, the carburetor on the Vespa Cosa came stock fitted with an electronic fuel valve and automatic choke. It also had a digital tachometer (similar to that on later versions of the Vespa T5).