Vespa PX125
| File:Vespa-px125-99-02.jpg | |
| Vespa PX | |
| Manufacturer | |
|---|---|
| Also called | PX125, PX 125, PX150, PX 150 |
| Production | 1998 - 02 |
| Engine | Single cylinder, 2 stroke |
| Top Speed | 90 km/h / 56 mph |
| Ignition | CDI |
| Transmission | 4 Speed, grip-shift, constant mesh |
| Frame | Pressed sheet steel, streamlined monocoque structure |
| Suspension | Front: Link arm with coil spring and dual action hydraulic shock absorber Rear: Engine and transmission serve as swingarm, dual action shock absorber |
| Brakes | Front: 200 mm single disc Rear: 150 mm expanding drum |
| Front Tire | 110/70-11 |
| Rear Tire | 120/70-11 |
| Wheelbase | 1260 mm / 49.7 in |
| Seat Height | 810 mm / 31.9 in |
| Weight | 95 kg / 209 lbs (dry), |
| Fuel Capacity | 8 L / 2.1 US gal |
| Manuals | Service Manual |
It could reach a top speed of 90 km/h / 56 mph.
Engine[edit | edit source]
The engine was a Air cooled, centrifugal fan cooled Single cylinder, 2 stroke.
Drive[edit | edit source]
Power was moderated via the Wet, multiplate.
Chassis[edit | edit source]
It came with a 110/70-11 front tire and a 120/70-11 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via 200 mm single disc in the front and a 150 mm expanding drum in the rear. The front suspension was a Link arm with coil spring and dual action hydraulic shock absorber while the rear was equipped with a Engine and transmission serve as swingarm, dual action shock absorber. The PX125 was fitted with a 8 L / 2.1 US gal fuel tank. The bike weighed just 95 kg / 209 lbs. The wheelbase was 1260 mm / 49.7 in long.
Photos[edit | edit source]
Overview[edit | edit source]
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.
| Make Model | Vespa PX125 |
|---|---|
| Year | 1998 - 02 |
| Engine Type | Single cylinder, 2 stroke |
| Displacement | 123.4 cc 7.5 cub in |
| Bore X Stroke | 52.5 x 57 mm |
| Cooling System | 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 Tire | 110/70-11 |
| Rear Tire | 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 |
| Colours | Midnight blue, Excalibur silver, Black |