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 Tyre
110/70-11
Rear Tyre
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
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.