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Vespa Primavera 50

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Make Model

Vespa Primavera 50

Year

2015 - 17

Engine

Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4  valve, catalytic converter

Capacity

49 cc / 3 cub in

Bore x Stroke

39 x 41.8 mm mm

Cooling System

Air cooled, forced

Compression Ratio

10.5:1

Fuel system

Fuel injection

Exhaust

Single

Ignition 

Electronic

Starting

Electric

Max Power

3.0 kW / 4.1 hp

Max Torque

3.5 Nm / 0.36 kgf-m / 2.6 ft-lbs

Clutch

Automatic, dry centrifugal with vibration dampers

Transmission 

CVT

Final Drive

Belt

Frame

Sheet metal body with welded reinforcements

Front Suspension

Single arm with coil spring and dual action mono shock absorber

Front Wheel Travel

78 mm / 3.1 in.

Rear Suspension

Hydraulic monoshock

Rear Wheel Travel

70 mm / 2.8 in.

Front Brakes

Stainless steel disc, 200 mm, hydraulically operated

Rear Brakes

Drum, 140 mm, mechanically operated

Wheels

Die-cast aluminium alloy

Front Rim

2.50 x 11 in.

Rear Rim

3.00 x 11 in.

Front Tyre

110/70-11 in., tubeless

Rear Tyre

20/70-11 in., tubeless

Dimensions

Length:  1860 mm / 73.2 in.

Width:      735 mm / 28.9 in.

Wheelbase

1340 mm / 52.7 in.

Seat Height

780 mm / 30.7 in.

Dry Weight

115 kg / 254 lbs

Fuel Capacity 

7 Litres  / 1.8 US gal

Average Consumption 

3.1 L/100 km / 32 km/l / 75 US mpg

Top Speed

64 km/h / 40 mph

As Vespa’s third generation of modern small frame scooters, the Primavera design continues to mark new ground. In the same way that the GT200 served as a stylistic inspiration for the LX series, Vespa’s new 946 design is the clear inspiration for the Primavera. It could easily be argued that the Primavera is a 946 for the masses, as it foregoes frills like ABS, traction control and hand stitching in exchange for an MSRP around half.

The front end of the scooter is also all new. The legshield is more angled back - especially in comparison to the tilted floorboard - which makes the design look sleek. Also present is the stylish triple vent above the front fender which is a clear tie to the 946. A neat touch up front is the inclusion of LED running lights into the front signals. Similarly, Vespa has added LEDs to the rear lamp which saves a few watts and looks pretty neat. Two other nice changes are the new 5 spoke rims and the more angular shaped exhaust. Also new is the gauge setup, which is now a more even mixture of analog and digital instrumentation. The speedometer is central and analog, with the smaller details like fuel level, time and odometer now found in the larger digital screen. The overall setup is simpler and more congruous than the previous LX and S series instrumentation. It also adds a helpful trip odometer and an oil warning light.

North American’s are being offered only the 4-stroke 50, which is similar to the strategy Vespa took with the LX. Indeed, the 50cc 4-stroke motor offering is the same Hi-PER4 motor that is also found in the LX and S 50. This motor makes a decent 4.35 HP which translates to a reasonable 40mph top speed. The use of this older motor saves quite a bit on the MSRP (about $1000), but it also doesn’t take full advantage of this scooters’ design (i.e. high end frame, suspension, brakes etc). If finances or road rules are constraining you to a 50cc then you’ll still have a great machine, but the 155cc is where this scooter will really come alive. The 2-stroke 50cc motor option isn’t coming to North America, although this 2-stroke engine has been offered here in other models.
 

The Primavera 50 2-stroke uses Piaggio’s long running Hi-PER2 motor which was used in the ET2 50 as well as other Piaggio Group products (Piaggio Typhoon 50, 2007 Piaggio Fly 50, Aprilia SR50). The Hi-PER2 is a more powerful motor than the Hi-PER4 (5.1 HP vs. 4.35 HP) but the Hi-PER4 is the better choice for most because it’s a longer lasting motor with lower emissions, quieter performance and better fuel economy.