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Vespa PK50

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Make Model

Vespa PK 50, PK50S, PK50 Elestart, PK50XL,  PK50XLS, PK50

Year

1982 - 93

Engine

Two stroke, single cylinder

Capacity

49.8 cc / 3.0 cub in
Bore x Stroke 38.4 x 43 mm
Compression Ratio 9.1:1
Mixture 1:50

Carburettor

Dell'Orto SHB 16/10
Cooling Air cooled with centrifugal fan
Battery 1 x 6V - 9.5 Ah batteries
Induction Rotary valve
Ignition Flywheel magneto
Starting Kick start
Spark Plug Bosch W225 T1
Clutch Oil bath, multi plate

Max Power

2.7 kW / 3.7 Hp @ 7000 rpm

Transmission 

4 Speed,  grip shift

Gear Ratios

1st 26.88 / 2nd 17.74 / 3rd 12.78 / 4th 9.62:1
Final Drive Direct drive
Frame Pressed sheet steel with streamlined monocoque structure

Front Suspension

Trailing arm, coil spring, damper

Rear Suspension

Coil spring, damper

Front Brakes

150 mm drum

Rear Brakes

150 mm drum
Wheels Pressed steel flanges, interchangeable

Front Tyre

3 x 10"

Rear Tyre

3 x 10"

Dimensions

Length: 1675 mm / 65.9 in

Width:     700 mm / 27.6 in

Height:  1070 mm / 42.0 in

Wheelbase

1175 mm / 46.5 in

Ground clearance

252 mm / 9.9 in

Dry Weight

77 kg / 169.7 lbs

Fuel Capacity 

6.2 L / 1.6 US gal

Reserve

1.2 L / 0.32 US gal

Consumption Average

3.5 L/100 km / 29 km/l / 68 US mpg

Top Speed

70 km/h / 43.5 mph

The Vespa 50 was launched in 1963 in response to regulatory changes in Italy. By 2002, the Vespa 50 and its variants  had sold roughly 1.42 million units across the world. This is a remarkable success for a vehicle which was launched to escape the regulatory constraints more than anything else. The popularity of ‘small body’ Vespa has grown through the decades.

With the introduction of ‘Highway code’ in 1962, vehicles larger than 50cc were required to have a license plate. 14 years and above were allowed to ride scooters under 50cc without a license. Young riders who till then was a small share was rapidly becoming mobile and affluent. Vespa 50 circumvented the regulatory challenge and opened a hew world for the youngsters.

The marketing campaign revolved around this.

“Giovane, moderna e…senza documenti” or “Young, modern and… without papers”

The 50SS (or 50 Super Sprint from 1971) was a 50cc version of the 90SS with an elongated chrome exhaust and spare wheel located vertically on the platform with a glovebox fitted on top of the wheel.