Need to find your local Vespa dealer? We suggest you finish reading this article and then head to Vespa India Store Locator.
Piaggio Vehicles Private Ltd., (PVPL) launched the iconic Vespa in India on the 26th of April 2012. While the model is clearly the LX 125, PVPL clearly prefers to call it ‘the Vespa’ probably a move to build upon the popularity of the brand in India.
Piaggio will not compete with existing players, but will tap the potential premium scooter market. To this effect the product Piaggio Vehicles Private Ltd., announced that the Vespa will be sold at a price of Rs.66,661/- ex showroom in Maharashtra. You can expect pricing to be higher in other places due to the various taxes and octroi and dealer handling charges. Clearly the product is being positioned as a premium life style scooter.
Mr. Ravi Chopra also announced that the Vespa in India will be powered by a new engine that is a single cylinder 125cc four stroke featuring a 3 valve head and putting out 10.06PS of power at 7500 RPM and torque output of 10.6 NM at 6000rpm. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel through a CVT transmission. The primary motivation to develop a new engine for India has been the requirement of the Indian consumer for the best mileage. Piaggio claims a 60 kpl figure as per test conditions.
It will come in eight colours such as Monte Bianco (Mountain White), Nero Volcano (Volcano Black), Giallo Lime (Lime Yellow), Rosso Dragon (Dragon Red), Rosso Chianti (Tuscany Wine Red ) and Midnight Blue have been mentioned.
The scooter will also come with specially designed central stand, art leather seats with special stitch patterns and an optional auto return side stand. It will use MRF’s Nylogrip tyres and its fuel efficiency has been claimed at 60kpl in standard test/riding conditions. The scooter will be available with 50 dealers spread across 35 cities and PVPL aims to hit a peak production capability of 12500 vehicles per month by September. There are currently no plans to export Vespas from the Baramati plant. The new generation global engine will also be manufactured in various other Piaggio plants in Europe and Asia.
Details
This beautifully crafted steel monocoque is the basis for a Vespa’s longevity, balance, rigidity and stability says Vespa. While we have to wait until we ride the scooter to verify that fact, we cannot deny how beautiful the shell looks even unpainted.
Much has been discussed about the new generation global engine with three valves, but that shouldn’t stop us from elaborating more. Variable Spark Timing Management, Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensing (MAP) a compression ratio of 10.6:1 and a high efficiency media air-intake filter are the factors delivering the 10.06PS power with a claimed fuel efficiency of 60kpl.
I have to admit, I needed the help of a gentleman in one of the finest Italian suits to help me figure out how to open the glovebox up front. Seems you press the chunky key into the slot and the glove box lid pops open.
Single sided trailing arm front suspension with antidive characteristics.
Vespa’s specially designed central stand.
Signature Vespa Chrome Grill and the Piaggio Badge.
Beautiful Vespa key on the art leather seats
Handlebar Grips on the Vespa, the switchgear.
Pop out hook for the luggage.
The Vespa will have both the electric and kick start options.
Choke Knob on the Vespa in India, and the clear lens 35W halogen headlamp.
Vespa in Monte Bianco (Mountain White) colours.