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Vespa S 125 Review: A Scooter Lovers Delight
What comes to your mind when Simon says... scooter? For most of us, the word "scooter" is synonymous with Vespa, an Italian brand manufactured by Piaggio. Infact, Vespa was the first globally popular scooter that was introduced in 1946.
The company's latest offering for India is the Vespa S 125cc, which now joins the LX and VX 125 models. With this new model in the stable, Piaggio hopes to regain its lost ground in India.
Vespa scooters transport you into a time you wish you were a part of. Do you believe that retro-styled scooters give you character or are they just not your thing? While you mull over this thought, we scrutinize the 2014 Vespa 125cc for the Indian soil.
Model Tested
- 2014 Piaggio Vespa S 125cc
- Launch date: March 5th, 2014
- Price at launch: INR 76,495 (ex-showroom, Mumbai)
- Kilometres tested: 100+kms, Bandra, Mumbai
- Scooter tested by: Ajinkya Paralikar
- Waiting period: As per bookings
- Highs - Mid-range power is good
- Lows - Sluggish off the line when compared to Yamaha Ray
- Positive ride comfort
- Tip-top fit and build quality
- Superior MRF tyres for grip
- Pleasing mid-range acceleration
- Vibrant colors for a retro-chic ride
- Small pillion seat
- Vibrations at low speed
- Awkwardly positioned footpegs
- Grab rail not offered as standard
- Braking lacks bite at high speeds
- No brake lock for parking on inclines
- Retro ride with a modern engine
Vespa S Mileage & Engine Specs
The Vespa S will feature a 125cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled and carburetted, three-valve engine that will generate 9.92 bhp @ 7500 rpm and maximum torque of 10.59 Nm @ 6000 rpm.
The manufacturer claims a fuel economy of 60+ kmpl. In real world test conditions, it should return a mileage of around 45 to 50 kmpl.
Vespa S Color Options
Piaggio will offer the Vespa S in various paint schemes such as Nero Matt (matt black) and Arancio Taormina (bright orange), as seen in the image. Other colors on offer are Rosso Dragon (red) and Monte Bianco (white).
Design
The Vespa S wears a retro look with a contrasting 2014 look of cutting-edge modernity and fashion. The Vespa design has stood the test of time.The first Vespa was launched 68 years ago and is still one of the trendiest scooters around.
The new Vespa S looks stunning and stylish from every angle. Minor detailing like chrome accent in certain areas with black alloy wheels add to the retro charm of the Vespa.
The Vespa S is stylishly designed and draped. You will notice no cheap vinyl. Instead, a simple Vespa logo on the sides. For a premium feel, the silencer muffler gets a chrome plated heat shield. Overall, the Vespa S design stays true to its design roots.
The duck style shape is visible from the sides, a trademark Piaggio scooter design. The Vespa S design speaks volumes of Italian designers at work. Notice well-sculpted seat, looks marvellous no doubt. However, we thought it to be a bit uncomfortable sitting pillion due to the awkwardly placed footrests.
If the design is not enough to get heads turning, we are sure the bright orange complexion will announce your arrival.
Vespa S Ride Impression
The Vespa S is comfortable to ride on uneven and potholed roads. The handle bars have been well positioned to suit even tall riders. However, the scooter suffers while riding slow and there is vibration felt and that is a bit unsettling. Overall, the ride comfort is great.
Manoeuvrability & Braking
The Vespa S is light to handle and easily manoeuvrable. We strong-armed it through some corners and the MRF Zapper tubeless tyres gripped well.
Braking on this Vespa is carried out by a single caliper disc brake in the front, with a drum brake at the rear, which is good enough for a scooter. However, it lacked sharpness from the front disc brake.
Vespa S Features
To give it that all-round vintage retro touch, the Vespa S sheds the normal round headlight for a more retro square design. The headlight, brake levers and mirrors have been given a chrome treatment.
Does this design evoke a retro ride in you?
A minimalistic design has been adopted by the designers. The design approach is subtle yet stylish. As seen in the image, the Vespa S branding has been stamped above the tail lamp. Adding to its sporty design are chrome tail lamp accents and turn indicators, which has been integrated into the body.
The instrument cluster has been revamped to reflect a black base with red and white detailing. Drawing attention to the unique styling and appeal of the Vespa S, the Italian manufacturer offers up a mixed bag of yays and nays. For instance, we would have preferred a better time piece as the present one looks a tad bit cheap. The dual dials look really nice and are easily visible.
The switches on Vespa S are top notch, even though it was a bit difficult to find the turn switches while riding. It is unique and you won't see it in other manufacturer's scooter models.
The under-seat storage compartment has just enough room for a half-face helmet.
Therefore, if additional storage space is on your priority list, we suggest that you look at some accessories such as a Givi top box etc.
Vespa S 125 Verdict
Pros:
Cons:
X-Factor:
Value for money: 3 / 5
Vespa ‘Fashion Unchanged’
Vespa previously entered India via ventures with Bajaj Auto and later with LML. Both partnerships did not do wonders for the brand.
Piaggio's re-entry into India with its iconic Vespa scooter and new brand ambassador, Bollywood star, Imran Khan is closely being watched by rivals Honda, Yamaha, TVS and Mahindra. What are your thoughts. Are the Italians here to stay?
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