Vespa PK50

Make Model	Vespa 98 Corsa
Year	1947
Engine	Four stroke, single cylinder
Capacity	98 cc / 6 cub in
Bore and Stroke	50 x 50 mm
Mixture	1:50
Compression Ratio	8.7:1
Carburettor	Dell'Orto T2 17
Cooling	Air cooled, forced
Battery	6V
Induction	Rotary valve
Ignition	Flywheel magneto coil
Starting	Kick start
Spark Plug	Bosch W340 T1/T or /U, Champion L86
Clutch	Multiplate steel discs in oil bath
Max Power	4.4 kW / 6 hp @ 6000rpm
Transmission	3 speed
Final Drive	Direct drive
Frame	Pressed sheet steel with streamlined monocoque structure
Front Suspension	Coil springs and caplipers shock absorber
Rear Suspension	Leaf spring
Front Brakes	Drum
Rear Brakes	Drum
Wheels	Pressed steel flanges, interchangeable, split rims
Front Tyre	3.5 x 8"
Rear Tyre	3.5 x 8"
Dry Weight	73 kg / 161 lbs
Fuel Capacity	5.2 L / 1.3 US gal
Top Speed	100 km/h / 62 mph

The Vespa 98 Corsa was built specifically to show the world the capacity of the small scooter to be competitive in races. The great swarm of Vespa which was growing in the streets and squares of Italy, fuelled Enrico Piaggio to produce an aggressive vehicle, which could be an on track winner. The first to ride the Vespa 98 on circuit was Joseph Cau who triumphed in Monte Mario Hill Climb in 1947. The Vespa 98 Corsa (Circuit) was built for speed and represented innovation.

This first fabulous race Vespa was conceived for participation in various circuit races. With it, Piaggio dealers could enter their participation in speed contests. The Vespa in fact took part in several gradient and track races, with many victories in the scooter category, among which the Naples Grand Prix in 1947 and the chronograph climb at Rocca di Papa (Rome).

The Vespa 98 Corsa's form derived from the standard production model, but it had a much smaller, bubble-shaped shield and small handlebars. The horn was taken off the steering column cover and the seat is placed far back, so that the rider had to stretch to reach the handlebars. The rear brakes were also retracted to suit the rider's elongated, aerodynamic position.

The engine casing, a fundamental aspect of the vehicle, had small openings for better ventilation. The front mudguard was very small. The steering column was strengthened. The suspension had two coil springs. The rear suspension was directly above the engine support arm. The engine had no starter switch and the crankcase was cut at the point at which the engine start lever would have been placed to give the scooter more incline on curves.

It had a three-speed change, the 17-mm carburettor was the sport type with an intake cornet, and there was a direct "megaphone" exhaust.