Vespa PK125 ETS

The final incarnation of the “high performance Small Frame” theme that had started with the 90SS, and evolved via the 90 Racer and 125 ET3, the ETS was essentially the power unit of the latter installed in a PK frame. Please note that this Vespa was only ever marketed as a P125 ETS, and definitely not as a “PK 125ETS”. The frequency with which the latter incorrect designation appears in books is probably another indication of the general lack of interest in some of these later Vespa models.

The engine (complete with three transfer ports) produced about 2 bhp more as compared to its installation in an ET3 – presumably this was accomplished by the increased compression ratio and slightly bigger carb size. The electronic ignition was not publicised this time around since this feature could already be found on some of the PK range, with the rest soon to follow. As with its predecessors, a large expansion box type silencer was fitted as standard – these being the only Vespas to feature such an item. An unfortunate consequence of one being fitted on this model was that there was no room for the side-mounted spare wheel found on other variants.

Compared to other PKs, there were quite a few body changes. There was an entirely new headset, horncasting and. back light. The legshield-mounted toolbox was now much deeper and had the horn located within it. Grills for the latter were cut into the frame to the right of what was technically no longer actually the horncasting. These changes initially rather set this model apart, but they soon found their way onto the rest of the PK range. Apart from the silencer, the only things that really identify an ETS now are the seat and the rather tacky side stripes.

The ETS was only on sale for a year or so before being dropped in favour of the new T5 – a very different concept. This is another largely forgotten Vespa, yet it is probably the best-performing Small Frame of them all.