The retro-styled Vespa S has a sporty and masculine air to it; we hop on for a first hand on-road feel.
The Baramati-built Vespa S comes with a four-stroke, 125cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled and carburetted, three-valve engine that always runs vibe-free with a refined and smooth feel. Power output on the S is 10.06bhp at 7500rpm, while maximum torque is 1.08kgm at 6000rpm. The CVT transmission system works well. Power delivery is prompt, the thumb-started scooter lunging off from a standing start, thanks to good performance on offer low down in the powerband. Mid range acceleration is seamless and good enough for a scooter.
The S is built around a Vespa signature monocoque steel chassis, tailor-made to excel in urban India, while running your daily errands and also feeling apt for a regular office or college commute run. The S comes with handlebars that are appropriately placed for even taller riders, and riders sit on a high and roomy saddle, complete with a strap for the pillion to hold on to. The Indo-Italian S uses a single-sided, Vespa trademark hydraulic shock absorber with red coiled-spring in front and a hydraulic monoshock at the rear. The suspension imparts good feel, pampering passengers reasonably well over poor road conditions. Scooter-typical light handling and decent cornering manners are on offer. The S runs MRF tyres on 10-inch rims front and rear, with a 200mm front disc brake and 140mm rear drum brake. Both cable applied brakes pack strong enough bite, and stop the scooter easily when required, with progressive feel coming through at their control levers. A brake lock clamp was, however, missed by us during our ride, and prevented easy parking of the gearless scooter on any inclined or uneven surfaces.
The S, like all its stablemates is priced at a premium, for Rs 74,414 (ex-showroom, in Pune). So, don’t expect Vespa to clock big sales numbers with the S, but that’s not its aim at all. For the S does make a smart, distinctive looking and sturdily constructed scooter with a nice masculine air to it, relative to the LX125 and VX. It’s a good choice of steed for Indian buyers looking to make a style statement, while also buying into solid reliability and all the unmatched convenience that comes with riding a scooter.
Rishad Cooper