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Vespa 125

Make Model	Vespa 125
Year	1951 - 52
Production	144 724 units
Engine	Two stroke, single cylinder
Capacity	124.8 cc 7.6 cub in
Bore x Stroke	56.5 x 49.8 mm
Carburetor	Dellorto TA 17B .
Compression Ratio	6.3:1
Cooling	Air cooled
Fuel Mixture	1:20
Induction	Deflector piston
Ignition	Contact breaker & coil
Battery	6V AC
Starting	Kick start
Clutch	Oil bath, 2 cork plate
Max Power	2.9 kW / 4 hp @ 4500 rpm
Transmission	3 Speed, grip-shift, constant mesh
Gears	1st 12 / 2nd 7.5 / 3rd 4.78:1
Final Drive	Direct drive
Front Suspension	Elastic with coil spring and hydraulic shock absorber
Rear Suspension	Elastic with coil spring and hydraulic shock absorber
Front Brakes	Drum, 125 mm
Rear Brakes	Drum, 125 mm
Wheels	Interchangeable
Front Tyre	3.5 x 8"
Rear Tyre	3.5 x 8"
Dimensions	Length: 1655 mm / 65.2 in Width: 790 mm / 31.1 in
Wheelbase	1130 mm / 44.5 in
Seat Height	790 mm / 31.1 in
Dry Weight	85 kg / 187 lbs
Fuel Capacity	5 L / 1.3 US gal
Consumption average	2 L/100 km / 50 km/L / 118 US mpg
Top Speed	70 km/h / 43.5 mph

During 1951, many improvements were made on Vespa's. Old type of push-rod linkage (Bowden) was replaced by a new type of soft control cables for the shifter. Rear suspension was now fitted with an hydraulic shock absorber. The old style front coil spring type shock absorber was now supported by a new hydraulic absorber. The footboard is now longer for passenger and more comfort.

It was easily distinguished by the exposed gear cables and the running boards. IIt was fitted with a Dellorto carburetor TA 17B . The rear brake was enhanced by increasing the width and diameter. The front wheel had a aluminium hubcap.

Another difference was the gear change, with soft control cables replacing the earlier push-rod linkage. The fuel-oil mixture tap with its filter and key to open and lock the fuel reserve was particularly useful. From an aesthetical point of view, the rear lamp, round in the earlier models, was now rectangular; the saddle had a new colour and design – it was closed in front to hide the suspension movement. Very popular in those years, the 1951 model was the Vespa on which Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant made their romantic escapade in the unforgettable film Roman Holiday.