Comments on: New Ape, VespaS and Hybrids from Piaggio

By: rakuchina

rakuchina — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 01:14:06 +0000

(11/3/07) The Vespa S on display at the Cycle World Int’l. Motorcycle Show (Houston) was clearly a 125; however, the adjacent sign indicated that by the time we get it in January 2008, it would be a 150. The Piaggio rep confirmed that to be the plan.

By: Big Al

Big Al — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 03:15:29 +0000

Oh, and that Ape is dead sexy. Al should tart up some Bajaj autorickshaws like that. I bet he could sell a few.

By: Big Al

Big Al — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 03:14:19 +0000

I bet they sell it as the 50s in an attempt to actually sell some 50cc bikes. It’s about the only way I see some poor sucker (sorry, collector) actually buying one of the slow-ass things.

By: scootervillain

scootervillain — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:12:45 +0000

Once a particular engine class is homologated, (ie the 150 leader, any 250 Kymco,etc) the only requirements for the Mfg. or distributor are to meet DOT requirements for headlight illumination, turn signal location, etc.

By: Bryce

Bryce — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:16:13 +0000

Look at the LXV, it’s basically the LX150 but with a different headlight and headset and some other minor detail changes. The Vespa S is no different. So far as I can tell, there isn’t anything radically different about the S that would make US market LX150 mechanical systems a problem. If you look at the thing, none of the metal has changed, it’s all just the plastic details. A rather clever way to expand the line without changing the hard points. Even if they had to call it a different bike, they would still use the 150. It has been certified, which does make the process faster because they then should only have to certify the evaporative emissions system. From a parts perspective, having one engine size would cut the number of parts they have to stock and distribute here. It would be more expensive for them in a monetary way and in terms of distribution speed of parts.

Regarding DOT, they don’t actually certify any bike. They set forth the requirements, and manufacturers agree to comply with them, and make sworn statements to that effect. There doesn’t seem to be any formalized inspection process to verify compliance. My guess is that Vespa set up the headlight to satisfy international regulations from the get go. We will likely see the same front turn signals that we do on the LX and LXV.

By: Brooke

Brooke — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 03:08:00 +0000

Bryce, you know it goes by bike, not engine class. So they don’t just get a pass based on using the same engine. Or am I wrong or would this just be a slight variation on the LX so it wouldn’t be considered a different model? I bet it will have to have different DOT certification due to the change in lights and controls. I agree that if it’s a 125 that the upgrades will be happening just a hair bit sooner.

By: Bryce

Bryce — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 00:20:38 +0000

If we do get it in America, I’ve got no doubt that we’ll get the 150. Emissions certification isn’t free, and it’s a pain. Even then, your dreams of speed are only a 190 kit and Polini variator away.

That Ape is seriously cool. If only I had somewhere to drive a thing like that.