Vespa LX125 review, test ride

Can Baramati’s best, the Vespa LX125, successfully recreate some Italian magic in India?

Published on Apr 26, 2012 04:51:00 PM

55,561 Views

Make : Vespa
Model : LX125

There’s something special about a Vespa scooter, and this Italian flavour just picked up some Indian seasoning. No newcomer in India, Vespa played this market years ago with LML. And now, its decision to jump back into our giant, increasingly important market is playing out with a new factory going live at Baramati, from where the first manufactured-in-India LX125 scooter is all-set to make a big splash. We take this famous new scooter for a short spin.

The compact LX125 has timeless, classic styling that is just as seductive today as when first seen in the 1940’s. It’s a scooter with unisex appeal.

Watch video review here

The handlebar shroud flows smoothly into nice palm grips, and the LX employs a rounded instruments cluster. There are meaty-feeling buffed alloy levers. You also receive a larger-than-expected front storage bay, which opens neatly with a push of the ignition key into its slot. Below, the ridged floorboard isn’t as accommodating as most modern scooter’s flat units, a sacrifice made to preserve the Vespa’s undiluted retro theme.

A bag hook sits neatly recessed in the comfortable seat. Likewise, another plus is the ease with which you can prop an LX125 onto its mainstand. A voluminous, lockable underseat storage bay is available.

The Indian-built Vespa LX125 comes with a 125cc, carburetted, 3-valve engine. Peak power output is 10.06bhp at 7500rpm. The button-started LX125 engine works flawlessly, with a smooth, refined and built-to-last feel.    

Checkout more images of the new Vespa LX 125 here

The Indo-Italian LX125 uses a single-sided, hydraulic shock absorber in front and hydraulic monoshock at rear. The riding position is spot on, comfortable and certain to encourage intercity commuting. We were surprised at how good the LX125’s suspension is, pampering its riders with excellent ride quality. Light handling and acceptable cornering manners are also offered. A feeble front brake however proves to be the LX125’s Achilles heel, providing inadequate stopping power and posing a major problem we hope Vespa steps in to quickly address. No such trouble with the rear brake however, as this boasts adequate stopping power.

The Vespa LX125 is priced at a hefty Rs 66,661 (ex-showroom, Pune), a significant premium over what several established Indian scooter rivals cost. The iconic, snazzy LX 125 could pull off a fair premium over its competition, yes, but Vespa may find the going tough justifying this wide a difference. Indian scooter buyers could question purchasing the LX125 at this price solely to make a bold lifestyle statement, more so because retro scooters like the Bajaj Chetak only just ended their colossal production lifecycles here, and are still available dime a dozen for a pittance on the used market.

Don’t miss the full ride story in Autocar India’s May 2012 issue, on stands now. 

Vespa Bikes

Vespa 946

₹ 1.59 lakh

Vespa Elegante 125

₹ 1.32 lakh

Vespa Elegante 150

₹ 1.61 lakh

Vespa LX

₹ 93,732

Vespa LX 125

₹ 1.15 lakh

Vespa Notte

₹ 1.11 lakh

Vespa RED

₹ 1.09 lakh

Vespa S

₹ 92,008

Vespa SXL 125

₹ 1.35 - 1.37 lakh

Vespa SXL 150

₹ 1.50 - 1.52 lakh

Vespa Urban Club

₹ 1.11 lakh

Vespa VX 125

₹ 1.33 lakh

Vespa VXL 125

₹ 1.31 - 1.33 lakh

Vespa VXL 150

₹ 1.45 - 1.46 lakh

Vespa ZX 125

₹ 1.20 lakh

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Tech Specs
Dimensions & ChassisPetrol
Length (mm)1770mm
Width (mm)690mm
Height (mm)1140mm
Wheel base (mm)1290mm
PricePetrol
Price Range Ex-showroom - DelhiRs 66,000 (ex-Maharashtra)
EnginePetrol
Fuel TypePetrol
Type125cc Single-cylinder, 3-valve air-cooled, four-stroke
Max Power (hp @ rpm)10.06bhp at 7500rpm
Max Torque (nm @ rpm)1.08kgm at 6000rpm
Power to Weight Ratio (hp/tonne)88.2bhp per tonne
TransmissionPetrol
No of GearsCVT
BodyPetrol
Weight114kg
Wheels3-spoke alloy
Tyres90x100x10 inches (Front and rear)
SuspensionPetrol
Front SuspensionSingle-side shock, trailing arm
Rear SuspensionMonoshock, stressed engine
BrakesPetrol
Front Brake Type150mm drum
Rear Brake Type140mm drum

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