This time, it looks like the Vespa PX really is on the verge of bowing out. A well-deserved retirement, 30 years after its launch in 1978. To commemorate the end of production, Piaggio is offering a final numbered special series, limited to 1,000 units.
Launched in 1978, in the tradition of the dynasty founded in 1946, the Vespa PX has achieved the incredible feat of staying in the catalogue until today, still notching up highly enviable sales figures despite a particularly high price (£2,349). In 30 years, over one million PX scooters have been sold throughout the world, making it the most well-known scooter, and even a symbol of the scooter in itself.
Timeless lines The key to this success lies first and foremost in the history of the Vespa marque, which was born in the post-war period to offer new, inexpensive little two-wheelers, and then very quickly became the symbol of Italian dolce vita. The lines of the PX remain particularly true to its unmistakable origins: a steel body acting as a frame flanked by two side wings concealing the engine on the right and the spare wheel on the left, the round headlamp set into the handlebar unit, the large mudguard… A whole other world! This last 30th anniversary special series comes dressed in white, with retro white-walled tyres, a small windscreen and a rear rack in chrome steel. A plaque attached to the glove box emphasises the rarity of the model and shows the number of the unit.
The electric starter is, along with the front disc brakes and exhaust catalyser, one of the only concessions to modernity. Assisted by the manual starter, the 2-stroke engine sputters to life, but it is not enough to turn the right-hand grip to move forwards – that would be too easy. The PX is actually equipped with a 4-speed manual gearbox, controlled via the left-hand grip: the lever operates the clutch and a twist of the wrist allows you to select the gear.
As soon as the little 10-inch diameter wheels start turning, it becomes apparent that the handling of the PX requires very close attention. Road holding is very slack, even at slow speeds, and the chassis balance is really something from another age. With very responsive steering, the PX feels all the bumps and imposes an anticipatory riding style. The old-style suspension very quickly reveals its limits in terms of both performance and comfort, particularly since the upholstery is very firm. Talking of which, passenger footrests are not fitted as standard! Even more so than the road holding, the brake system requires constant cautiousness. The front disc proves to have too much bite for the grip of the little wheel, causing the risk of untimely wheel lock, whilst the rear drum is controlled by the right foot, with a very rough feel.
Old style practicality Thirty years ago, scooters were perhaps economical, but they were not as practical as today… Devoid of underseat storage compartment, the only storage space offered by the PX is a steel glove box and the flat floor ridged with rubber strips, where bulky items can be carried. The rear rack gives an interesting aesthetic touch, but bungee cords are required to use it.
The spare wheel concealed beneath the left wing can be accessed in 2 seconds and bolts directly onto one of the two rims (the PX is not, of course, equipped with tubeless tyres). The instrumentation and handlebar controls are very basic: petrol gauge, fuel reserve warning light, mileage counter, indicators without automatic return, horn on the right hand side… As for the central kickstand, a lug would make it easier to use.
Catalysed 2-stroke engine The PX is powered by an old 2-stroke engine, recently equipped with a catalyser that does, however, enable it to meet Euro 2 standards. This engine proves inevitably noisier than the engines of today and regularly requires topping up with oil. Performance is very modest, with output of only 7.6 hp, but masterful handling of the gearbox will allow you to get the best out of it. Engine pick-up is sufficient in the city, whilst the top speed (90 km/h/56 mph) has the merit of sparing the venerable chassis on expressways. Of very simple design, this engine has the reputation of being indestructible. The 254,000 km (almost 158,000 miles) ridden by Italian traveller and writer Georgio Bettinelli on his PX, including four round-the-world trips, somewhat prove the point!
Immortal! Although it is quite difficult to go back 30 years when you have tasted the efficiency, safe handling and comfort of modern scooters, the Vespa PX undeniably continues to work its charm. This is confirmed by its sales figures for 2007, despite a price on a par with the most sophisticated models of the moment. Let’s just remind you that the PX of 1978 – the people’s vehicle par excellence – sold for around £260! So the PX is now bowing out, but will continue to live on in the second-hand market. As for Vespa, its story is far from ending since a brand new range is now on a par with the best modern scooters. The Vespa GTS 250 is even equipped with ABS! The PX can rest in peace…
Technical dataEngine: air-cooled catalysed 2-stroke single cylinder Capacity: 123 ccFuel supply: carburettorStarter: electric and kickMax. output: 7.6 hp at 6,250 rpmMax. torque: not communicatedFront brake: 200 mm disc, 1-piston caliper; Rear: 150 mm drumFront tyre: 3.50 x 10; Rear: 3.50 x 10Seat height: 805 mmFuel tank capacity: 8 litresDry weight: 106 kg PracticalColours: Vespa PX 125: black, silver or blueVespa P 125 X “Ultima Serie”: whiteWarranty: 2 years parts and labour, unlimited mileage Price: Vespa PX 125: £2,349Vespa P 125 X “Ultima Serie”: £2,999Place of manufacture: ItalyWeb site: www.piaggio.com
