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Vespa PX125

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Make Model

Vespa PX125

Year

1998 - 02

Engine

Single cylinder, 2 stroke

Capacity

123.4 cc 7.5 cub in
Bore x Stroke 52.5 x 57 mm
Cooling Air cooled, centrifugal fan

Fuel Mixture

1:50

Ignition 

CDI
Starting Kick start
Clutch Wet, multiplate

Max Power

8.8 kW / 12 hp @ 6600 rpm

Max Torque

9.6 Nm / 1.0 kgf-m / 7.1 ft/lb @ 6000 rpm

Transmission 

4 Speed, grip-shift, constant mesh
Final Drive Direct drive
Frame Pressed sheet steel, streamlined monocoque structure

Front Suspension

Link arm with coil spring and dual action hydraulic shock absorber

Rear Suspension

Engine and transmission serve as swingarm, dual action shock absorber

Front Brakes

200 mm single disc

Rear Brakes

150 mm expanding drum
Wheels Alloy

Front Tyre

110/70-11

Rear Tyre

120/70-11

Dimensions

Length:  1810 mm / 71.5 in

Width:      740 mm / 29.1 in

Wheelbase 1260 mm / 49.7 in
Seat Height 810 mm / 31.9 in

Dry Weight

95 kg / 209 lbs

Fuel Capacity 

8 L / 2.1 US gal

Reserve 

2.5 L / 0.66 US gal

Consumption  average

2.7 L/100 km / 37 km/l / 87 US mpg

Top Speed

90 km/h / 56 mph

The Vespa PX125 has essentially remained unchanged since its introduction in 1977, but it doesn't feel 35 years old. Subtle changes to keep the Vespa up to date and to get it through Euro 3 emissions regulations mean it feels similar to a modern scooter, only with a two-stroke, manual engine. It doesn't handle like a sportsbike - but a Vespa is all about looking cool, not going fast. Remember that and it can be great fun.

A two-stroke engine is a rare thing for any bike or scooter over 50cc today, so the 123cc two-stroke powering the PX125 is a welcome change of pace. It needs to be revved to get the best from it - trying to accelerate in too high a gear results in the motor bogging down. But keep the motor spinning and the PX will whisk happily along on a cloud of blue smoke.

Weighing in at a featherlight 95kg, bumps upset the little Vespa, especially mid-corner - it feels less like a motorcycle and more akin to a hardtail bicycle at times. But you've got to remember the Vespa isn't designed to be a sweet-handling sportsbike. Settle in to a more relaxed pace and it makes sense. Low speed handling is a doddle due to the weight and size.

Equipment-wise the PX is basic. A speedo and fuel gauge are all you get at the front, along with old-styled switchgear which feels clunky to operate. There's no underseat storage as you'd expect, instead there is a storage compartment in the leg shield under the dash - enough for a small-ish rucksack. There's also a bag hook in the footwell. The twist-shift for the four gears takes a little getting used, but a few minutes of riding soon sees you shifting easily. Because of the twist-shift on the left handlebar, the rear brake is in the right hand footwell which is extremely awkward.