Vespa Primavera
Every true scooter connoisseur will say that Vespa is the best creation of mankind. At one time, this brand of scooters became the personification of freedom and independence.
Vespa Primavera appeared back in 1968 and was produced until 1982. In 2014, they decided to revive the Primavera model. The result is a modern city scooter, which has several modifications, but the main thing is its original appearance.
The scooter boasts laconic classic forms, complemented by modern solutions that do not look alien. For example, steel alloy wheels and large turn signals calmly coexist with a classic headlight, round metal mirrors and a swollen rear wing, on which there is a minimalist lamp.
On the dashboard you can see an analogue speedometer, next to which there is an LCD display. Despite the abundance of modern details, the Vespa Primavera looks like a scooter from the eighties, which makes it attractive to retro lovers.
autotune
Introduced in 1946 as a cheap form of transportation for the poor, the Vespa scooter has become a symbol of quality over the years. Over 66 years, 17 million scooters were sold. The Piaggio concern is constantly improving engines, so American journalists received the latest versions of scooters models S and LX with new three-valve engines for a test drive in Rome.
When you mention Rome and Vespa, images from the movie “Roman Holiday” immediately come to mind. A walk along the Tiber River, a trip to the Old Town, exploring the Colosseum from a Vespa and even photographing it on the go - you can only dream of this. But when you have Vespa LX and S scooters with 125 and 150 cc engines at your disposal, and Rome is under your feet, dreams become reality.
The first to be tested was the Vespa LX 150 . And what immediately struck my eye was how small this scooter was. Both the LX and S are small in size and weight (about 110 kg), which gives them many advantages on the road. In addition, the scooter has enough power to adequately carry a person weighing 90 kg at a good speed.
The LX's brown leather seat is spacious for driver and passenger and has two levels. The S version also has a comfortable seat with elegant white leather stitching all around. Another difference between the models is in the dashboard. The LX has a modern one, while the S makes do with two old-fashioned analog round gauges with gauges and gauges.
The LX 125/150 3V also has a large, lockable glove compartment under the steering wheel, while the S 125/150 3V comes with two open pockets. Both versions have a hook under the saddle for attaching a bag. Under the seat there is space for an open helmet and a few things such as a case, tools and a small handbag if you are a lady.
The LX 125/150 3V Touring has additional chrome-plated front and rear luggage racks that allow you to store a large bag or attach a small tent and sleeping bags. In touring trim, the LX looks like a custom build, but the Vespa style is also felt in this practical version.
the LX 150 3V Touring lacks is power (I would like more horsepower) and, accordingly, agility given the expected load.
The LX and S 125/150 3V scooters are equipped with a new 4-stroke, 3-valve, air-cooled engine. Hidden under a steel body is a 124 (or 155) cc engine. cm produces 11.6 (or 12.9) hp. respectively. Despite the slight differences in power, according to the test results, the 150 cc version was preferable: more torque allowed the engine to respond faster to the driver’s requests. Although both versions are worthy creations of the Piaggio plant in Tuscany.
The second to test in Rome was the S 150 3V. It showed a top speed of 112.6 km/h. This is not as fast as we would like, since the 125 cc was not far behind. But given the weight ratio of the scooter and the scooter rider, it is possible that a scooter with a 125 cc engine will suit a 60 kg girl as well as a 150 cc model for a 90 kg man. At least they will accelerate at the same speed. That's what it seemed to the tester.
The scooter's stability both at speed and over uneven roads is amazing for such a tiny vehicle. Wheels with a diameter of 11 (front) and 10 (rear) inches with universal Michelin Pilot City tires, which hold the road well even in rainy weather thanks to the deep grooves in the tread. Front tire – 110/70, rear – 120/70. The front suspension is a coil spring and single-acting double-acting shock absorber, with an adjustable shock absorber at the rear (for preload). The S model has red spirals, the LX has black ones.
The suspension worked great at full throttle, both on cobbled streets and on roads with potholes and uneven surfaces. The reinforced steel body along with the engine and front suspension worked smoothly as a chassis.
Since the Vespa does not have the plastic that is traditional for Chinese scooters, when riding on uneven roads there was nothing distracting from the smooth sound of the running engine, there was no creaking, knocking or rattling that accompanies the bouncing of cheaper mopeds. The feeling of confidence and durability of a small scooter, its reliability on any trip is worth a lot.
A ride in the S 150 3V with a passenger showed that for a Vespa with its inherently good engine, having a second person on board is not a problem. It was convenient for both of us on the road.
Externally, the S 125/150 is easily distinguished from the LX. The S version has a square headlight and chrome mirrors, the LX has round headlights and mirrors, and the chrome trim is also different.
Both models have an 8.3 liter fuel tank and Vespa claims fuel consumption of 65 km per liter at a constant speed of 50 km/h, which is ideal for inner city driving. Maintenance should be carried out every 10 thousand km.
Conclusion
Having ridden the legendary scooter, you understand why Piaggio sold 115 thousand Vespa scooters in 2011 alone. People value quality.
These scooters are cheap and practical, you don't have to know anything about motorcycles to ride them.
Initially, Vespa was designed for people of average height and size, but even a large and tall person feels comfortable driving such a small scooter.
The preferences for the 150 version are obvious, but the 125 has its advantages (in a number of countries they do not require rights). Being small and light, the scooters are easy to maneuver in the city, quickly find a parking space and are easily placed on the center stand. Finally, the Vespa LX and S 3V are elegant and practical city scooters. And that's what's good about them.
Honda Giorno AF24
Honda Giorno AF24 is one of the most popular retro scooters on the Russian market. It is reliable and simple, has a low cost and an unusual appearance. It was the Giorno AF24 that marked the beginning of the production of Japanese classic scooters that have modern features, but externally resemble models of the mid-20th century.
Like all classic scooters, it is similar to Vespa scooters, although its design is unique and well thought out. Wide fenders reliably protect from dirt that flies from under the wheels, a small backpack can easily fit into the trunk, and the spherical headlight illuminates the road well. Due to its modest dimensions, the Honda Giorno AF24 looks like a toy, so it stands out on the road and brings constant smiles.
Description and equipment
The appearance of the scooter is completely classic with no unnecessary details. The manufacturer’s main emphasis is not on the variety of models, but on their safety and reliability.
As for the configuration, the model range is equipped with engines with different powers.
The wide, comfortable seat will appeal not only to the driver, but also to the passenger. A convenient luggage compartment is hidden behind the seat. Reliable footrests are also installed for the passenger, thanks to which the romantic trip will be comfortable and safe.
Yamaha Vino
Vino was created in the same way as Giorno. This nineties scooter, modern in characteristics, has been endowed with a classic design. The round headlight, streamlined shapes, smooth lines and analog instruments did their job - the Yamaha Vino turned out to be beautiful and fast.
Its maximum speed can reach 80-85 km/h, and this has made the single-seater “baby”, similar to a scooter from the past, a real king of the roads.
Performance indicators
Vespa scooter models are distinguished by high performance indicators. All models are equipped with a reinforced metal body, as well as high-quality brakes. The tank holds enough gasoline for several days of intense city driving and is very economical.
Engine
Vespa scooter models are constantly updated with better and more reliable engines. Depending on the model, the vehicle is equipped with a single-cylinder 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine with an electric injection system. In the production of Vespa scooters, engines have different displacements - from 100 cm³ to 300 cm³.
This variety allows you to choose the most optimal option for personal use.
Chassis and brakes
Most often, Italian scooter models are equipped with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. For better safety, the most powerful scooter models are equipped with an ABS system. A distinctive feature of the Vespa is the monoshock absorber at the front, which adds to the smooth ride.
Aprilia Habana
Aprilia is known primarily as a manufacturer of racing motorcycles, but it began its long history with scooters. The Aprilia Habana scooter, also known as the Aprilia Mojito, appeared relatively recently - in 2000.
Despite this, in appearance it looks like a scooter of the last century: an abundance of chrome, rounded massive fenders, a seat that looks more like a sofa, a round headlight and even a huge windshield, which is included in the additional package.
The retro-style dashboard is also striking - the analogue speedometer and fuel consumption indicator are decorated with several colored lights.
Controllability
Clearing traffic jams on a scooter is a special pleasure, especially if it brakes, accelerates and steers well. Thanks to 12-inch wheels and a wheelbase of 137 cm, it is extremely nimble and steers with the power of your mind. For example, if the row in front of me is too narrow, I easily dive in front of the car and occupy another row in order to drive beyond the stop line.
But Vespa steers not only in traffic jams: on good asphalt it drives just fine. The steel monocoque of the new Vespas provides excellent cornering rigidity and allows you to confidently scrape the center stand. But on large bumps or holes, the front suspension with a one-way cantilever (borrowed from World War II aircraft and which became the hallmark of Vespa) and small wheels do not feel very good and can give some slack in the tilt. In a completely vertical position, however, the suspension works quite well.
The 2021 Vespa GTS 300 comes with dual-channel ABS and traction control , which can be switched off if desired. The 220mm discs are sufficient for its weight, and the two-piston caliper at the front and single-piston at the rear provide decent modulation of braking force.
Even before the Roman Holidays with the charming young Audrey and the equally charming Vespochka hit the screens in 1953, the brand had already established itself not only in the transport market, but also in the fashion industry. And after the release of the film, Vespa became synonymous with good taste.
Not much has changed since then - the GTS, despite a more modern approach to design, is still beautiful, and at the same time absolutely modern: equipped with LED lighting, cleverly hidden radiators under honeycomb inserts, electronic (in some versions) instrument panels. By the way, there are eight versions available - for every taste and in a number of funny configurations, including with a front trunk, some seeming somewhat bourgeois, while others admire their practicality. Motorcycle tourists especially appreciate it for the opportunity to wrap light but bulky sleeping bags, mats, tents there and thereby provide additional protection from the wind. However, windshields of different sizes, available in different configurations as standard or as an option, cope well with this task. Of course, Vespa continues to collaborate with the high fashion industry - RED, shoe designer Sean Wotherspoon (who worked on the custom Primavera), and let's not forget the exclusive version of the 946 created with the Fashion House of Dior.
Suzuki Verde
Suzuki Verde is a fairly inexpensive Japanese scooter that can be purchased for only 25-30 thousand rubles. It looks like a classic single-seater scooter. Lovers of everything vintage will certainly appreciate its laconic, classically finished design.
A round headlight in a chrome ring, classic turn signals and a flashlight, rounded fenders and a fairing - all this allows you to almost tangibly touch a bygone era. Scooter fans can enjoy not only riding the Verde, but also simply contemplating the model's elegant shape.
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- Author: Diman Petrov
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HPE
One of the hints is the rather modest inscription HPE (High Performance Engine, high-performance engine). Piaggio is proud of its new series of engines and is systematically equipping already proven models with them. The cubic capacity remained the same as in the previous version of the GTS 300 - 278 cubes - but the inside of the single-barrel gun has changed significantly. The redesigned head is better cooled, the four valves are slightly larger, and the combustion chamber has a new shape for improved combustion efficiency. Moreover, in the new engine they even changed a seemingly unshakable thing - the number and order of operation of the spark plugs. Yes, yes, studies have shown that two spark plugs increase the efficiency of fuel combustion even in a single-cylinder engine, and a similar scheme, previously implemented in the company’s larger cubic engines (in which the volume of the combustion chamber is higher), was also implemented in Vespa engines. A new camshaft optimizes valve timing, while high-pressure injectors inject fuel into a new, larger cross-section intake tract. Thanks to all this, maximum power increased by 12% - to 23.8 hp. at 8250 rpm. But it’s not power that helps you break away from the traffic at a traffic light, but traction—torque—and it has increased by 18%, to 26 Nm at 5250 rpm. The engine is traditionally controlled by the latest ECU manufactured by Magneti Marelli, and the exhaust purity complies with Euro 5 econorms.
The transmission has also been updated: the CVT has a new geometry, is equipped with a new belt, and new materials are used in it, and all this is installed in a new housing with sound-insulating material that reduces mechanical noise. In addition, the new model uses a new, more durable clutch bell.
The new engine is more than enough to easily leave the traffic light first. I rode a GTS 300 Sport at the beginning of 1919, and I must say, sometimes I managed to get away even from motorcyclists. True, provided that the variator is correctly configured (usually the stock rollers are a little heavy, so the engine spins up to the maximum torque more slowly than we would like), and at full throttle. But constantly keeping full throttle on the GTS is akin to suicide, because... You get to the next traffic light in about a hundred.
On the highway, speed and dynamics are quite enough. There is, however, a nuance: it was in the HPE version that the company for some reason implemented a speed cutoff (in the previous version of the ECU the cutoff was based on revolutions). But fortunately, this can be solved with the help of an ABS tuning modulator disc: the speed is determined by it, and by replacing it you can increase the maximum speed by about 8%. In stock, the scooter stubbornly refuses to reach 130 km/h (according to the speedometer), starting to twitch and slightly reducing traction as it approaches this figure.
