VESPA LX AND VESPA S 3V
Vespa is one of the symbols of Italian style and elegance. In more than 66 years of history Vespa has gone beyond its commuting function, identifying itself with a style of life that has its roots in values such as freedom, beauty, respect for the world around it.
Vespa has become a citizen of the world, distributed on five continents in more than seventeen million units.
Vespa, in the various eras it has seen, has always represented the cutting-edge of technology. Characterised by an extremely advanced bearing body concept, built entirely out of steel, Vespa marked the evolution of individual mobility.
Vespa LX and Vespa S are the best selling two wheeled vehicles in Europe and, at the same time, the best selling European vehicle in the USA, renewing a technological first today with the adoption of new, highly advanced 125 and 150 cc engines which set a new global benchmark for high fuel economy and low emissions levels.
From 1946, its birth year, Vespa has been able to change the habits of city transportation, introducing for the first time a simple, practical and dynamic way to move about, combined with a trend setting elegance which immediately became a classic, popular with users from all over the world and from every generation.
A genuine icon of metropolitan transportation, the Made in Italy representative in the world for style and refinement, the most beloved urban pleasure vehicle for its sturdiness and reliability and distributed over sixty-six years of history in more than seventeen million units on streets all over the world.
Vespa's most obvious capability has always been that of continuously redefining its technical and stylistic characteristics, without ever betraying the distinctive spirit of an easy, accessible, but singularly classic vehicle. This is a fortunate habit that the current LX and S models follow.
THE NEW ENGINES: 3 VALVES STATE OF THE ART
The evolution of Vespa has always maintained the concept of form/function as a core element. Development over time has taken place in observance of some indispensable and consolidated technical and stylistic choices, constantly innovating its content. A new engine makes its début on the Vespa LX and Vespa S, rightfully considering the cutting-edge in this segment and destined to last over time with its excellent performance and minimum consumption and emissions levels. With the new and highly technologically advanced 125-150 4Stroke 3 Valve power train, Piaggio once again opens a window to the future of motoring technology.
It is a single cylinder 4 stroke air cooled engine with 3 valves (2 intake and 1 exhaust) single overhead cam and electronic fuel injection. It was designed and built in the Pontedera plant, in some of the most advanced research & development centres in the world, with the goal of increasing performance and fuel economy and lowering polluting emissions. In order to obtain greater performance a scrupulous study to decrease friction and improve fluid dynamics was conducted.
The new crankshaft, with reduced button and bench capacity, the pivoted cam axle on the bearings and roller rockers have made a significant improvement in operating friction, all to the benefit of performance and fuel economy. The bore and stroke values are new (respectively reduced and increased), to the benefit of torque and acceleration response. In the search for the best performance/fuel consumption ratio, the 3 valve timing solution is the most effective because it improves intake, increasing engine efficiency compared to conventional 2 valve engines. The innovative timing system thereby lets us improve the fuel mixture loading movements in the cylinder; the combustion process is further refined by the new spark plug position which simultaneously ensures improved cooling of the components in the head, as well as simplified maintenance.
The cooling system was the object of careful analysis, even through thermo fluid dynamic simulations, in order to further improve performance and thereby obtaining a significant reduction in mechanical noise and absorbed power. The fuel injection system is extremely advanced, with a continuous cycle automatic idle management and continuous cycle fuel mixture management with the introduction of an efficient Lambda probe. A latest generation ECU takes care of managing advance mapping, fuel mixture and timing.
The new free wheel electric starter, more quiet and efficient, goes perfectly with an engine so rich with technological content. Also, the automatic dry centrifugal clutch has been calibrated with the goal of maximizing performance and fuel economy at low speeds. The 3V also has the important advantage of weighing less than its 2V predecessor.
The 3 valve technology in the Vespa LX and Vespa S 125 and 150 cc engines provides clear improvement of performance compared to the previous generation engines: maximum power of the 125 is improved by 7.1%, and maximum torque by 10.3%; acceleration time from 0 to 60 metres drops 2%, and top speed increases by 2.2%. The same is true of the Vespa LX 3V 150 cc: maximum power and torque increase respectively by 6.3 and 7.8%, with a decrease in the time it takes to go from 0 to 60 metres to the tune of 5% and a 3% increase in top speed.
Despite the significant performance enhancements, fuel economy is drastically improved from the previous 55 km/l to 50 km/h (about 30% better compared to previous generation engines), while service intervals are now extended to every 10,000 km. The new 3V engine allows for extremely contained operating costs: in one year of use (during which the Vespa customer rides an average of 4,000 km), this allows a savings of about 34 litres of fuel which corresponds to an extra 1,500 km.
VESPA LX 125/150 3V – A TIMELESS CLASSIC
Design
Vespa is attractive not only for its refinement in technological choices, but also for the passion and excitement that it conveys. On the new Vespa LX 3V the shape of the body favours pleasantly sober sections, definitely elegant and unquestionably “Vespa”. Vespa LX is reminiscent of the stylistic themes established by modern lines, moulded into the most classic Vespa tradition, enriched with new design ideas that highlight the heritage of the brand. The Piaggio Style Centre focused particularly on the “tie”, that is, the central, embossed cover that runs from the handlebar until it grazes the mudguard, which has by now become the Vespa's refined distinguishing feature. This gives the front a modern look, at the same time abandoning a few of the rounded shapes from the predecessor, all to the advantage of decisively more modern lines. In this context the chromium mask that conceals the horn is the final touch of class, confirmed by the ever present crest, also chromium plated, fixed on the mudguard, elements that are explicitly inspired by the historic Vespa models.
The front mudguard follows more decisive lines and covers the 11 inch tyres, which shod an elegant 5 spoke aluminium wheel rim. The upper part of the shield, large and protective, is characterised by the mask that englobes the round headlight, another feature which is clearly reminiscent of the history making Vespa models. On the side, the steel mirrors were designed to give the rider the best possible view, but without spoiling style and finish. Another touch of class is provided by the handgrips which bear the Vespa logo. The numerous chromium parts which adorn the front of the vehicle are taken from others on the rear, such as the headlight frame and the stylish passenger handgrips.
Particular attention to detail was given to the finishings in the instrument panel with its revamped graphics which provide higher visibility in any lighting conditions. The large Vespa LX 125 and 150 3V instrument panel includes a speedometer and odometer, the fuel level indicator, digital clock and a series of service warning lights such as direction indicators, low and high beams, fuel reserve and engine oil level, as well as lubricant. The Vespa LX 125 and 150 3V come standard with the immobilizer anti-theft system which is indicated by the LED in the instrument panel.
In the Vespa LX leg shield back plate there is a functional glove box, extremely handy for daily use to store small objects like rain gear, sunglasses or gloves. The load capacity is also ensured by the large helmet compartment which can accommodate a helmet, as well as the bag hook, indispensable for taking full advantage of the large footboard. Another distinctive feature of the new Vespa LX lies precisely here - in the footboard: the centre protection in plastic has been embellished by the Vespa logo, a widely followed custom in the four wheel world.
The success of Vespa has also been determined by the perfect balance between the front and rear volumes, where the large footboard plays a deciding role as a joining element between the shield and the body panels that conceal the engine. Particular care was given to the realisation of the saddle, with respect both to style and practicality. From the first point of view, the popular material used for the covering and the particular stitching make it a true and proper design article. The foam selected for the padding and the anti-slip covering combine with one of the lowest heights off the ground (775 mm for the LX 50 and 785 mm for the LX 125 and 150), a feature that relaunch the on board comfort of a vehicle which is famous for perfect ergonomics for a rider and passenger of any stature.
Chassis architecture: the only solution of its kind in the world
A peculiar and indispensable characteristic of the Vespa has always been the steel support structure, which acts as a solid and sturdy chassis. This is a construction tradition which is unique, precious and refined, realised with cutting-edge industrial process. It is a high quality technical choice which has the privilege of making the Vespa sturdy, practically indestructible, at the same time providing stability and riding precision.
The front suspension is one of Vespa's most original elements. Although boasting aeronautic origins, it was initially introduced to make changing the front tyre immediate in case of a flat. Thanks to the numerous and constant advancements over time, the single side arm equipped with a dual action shock absorber has become an effective solution to make the ride even more comfortable. On the Vespa LX 3V the movement of the swinging arm is structured on roller boxes that reduce operating friction to a minimum.
In the most classic of traditions, the rear suspension on the Vespa LX 3V is made up of a dual action spring shock absorber with 4-setting adjustable preload in order to better adapt the dampening characteristics depending on the load and the rider's preferences.
The wheel rims are made from aluminium and boast a refined, five spoke design: the 11” front is shod with an 110/70 tyre, while the 10” rear takes a 120/70, both tubeless. To make the Vespa LX 3V safe in any conditions, the braking system uses a 200 metre diameter disc on the front and a 110 mm drum on the rear, which is both powerful and can be modulated, also well suited for entry level riders.
The new Vespa LX range consists in 4 models: the 125 3V, the 150 3V and two 50 cc engines, one 2-stroke and the other a 4 valve 4-stroke, both air cooled.
A rich dedicated range of accessories
· Top box: colour coded to match the vehicle and bearing an embossed Vespa logo.
· Top box internal bag: made from high quality leather and heavy weaved cotton.
· Top box backrest: a useful accessory to guarantee maximum comfort for the passenger. Available to match the standard saddle and the optional leather saddle.
· Windscreen: made from 4 mm thick anti-theft and scratch proof methacrylate.
· Chromium plating: various chromium plated accessories such as the front and rear luggage rack, perimeter body guards and front mudguard protectors. All embellished with a laser inscribed Vespa logo.
· Top fairing: an extra touch of elegance and sportiness, with transparent or tinted glass.
· Floor mat: useful to protect the footboard and to ensure maximum grip in any conditions.
· Vehicle cover: an indispensable accessory to protect your Vespa when it is not in use.
· Genuine leather saddle: hand made from high quality materials, it is available in dark red or tobacco.
· Handgrips: made from billet aluminium and covered in eco-leather, they are available in red, black and brown.
· Leg cover: practical and quick to install, this provides excellent protection from cold temperatures and inclement weather. It comes with a saddle cover and built in anti-theft.
· Electronic anti-theft system: the maximum in theft prevention. It has dedicated cabling.
· Mechanical anti-theft system: a practical system that locks the handlebar, convenient because it does not require the rider to bend over in order to activate it and clean because it is not inserted in the wheels. when not in use, it remains between the saddle and the footrest (it does not take up space under the saddle).
VESPA S 125 3V – THE LEGEND OF THE SPORTY “VESPINO”
Vespa S embodies the heritage of legendary models from the 70's, such as the Vespa 50 Special and the Vespa Primavera, offering a trip down a charming memory lane. It is the most sporty and youthful Vespa “small body” available. The lines express dynamic character and youth, with their clean and essential, but definitely spirited, sections. It is a Vespa that makes minimalist design its distinguishing feature in order to definitively win the approval of the youngest enthusiasts. The square headlight, the more decisive design of the mudguards and the profile of the saddle are the unmistakeable key features of the Vespa S, which go extremely well with the red colour of the shock absorbers and the brand new instrument panel graphics.