Review of the new Piaggio Vespa S 125
Are you planning to buy the new Piaggio Vespa S 125? The Indo-Italian scooter was launched this month by actor Imran Khan in Mumbai. Read the article to know the features, ride quality and review of the Vespa S 125.
Vespa, the Italian scooter manufacturer brand was founded in 1946 by Piaggio. The brand came to India in 1960s in association with Bajaj Auto and in 1983, in a joint venture with LML Motors. Its product portfolio was last seen at the 2012 Auto Expo and since then, Vespa fans have been waiting for its new collection. The speciality of Vespa scooters is their design which is always very retro-styled. Like other foreign brands, Piaggio can't overlook the strong potential of the Indian scooter market. So, now that Piaggio is back in India with its Vespa range starting from Rs. 67,500, it is all set to introduce new and advanced scooters in the coming years. After the Vespa LX125 and VX, the company has introduced Piaggio Vespa S 125. Vespa S was first showcased at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo and then recently launched by actor Imran Khan on 4th March 2014 in Mumbai.
Style & design
The first time I saw Vespa S on its product launch, I decided that I have to buy this one. If you have seen this scooter closely, you already know why. However, on hearing its premium price, all my dreams got shattered. The new Vespa S 125 has a very contemporary styling and though, it is available in orange, white, red and matte black options, trust me the orange one is a real heartthrob. All paint lusters are excellent. The company claims that no other scooter can come close to Vespa Sport. The rectangular seventies-style head lamp gives it a retro look and the white border on the riding saddle makes it look really upmarket. There is a very boxy and stylish set of chrome mirrors. The rear view mirrors which offer ample, vibe-free rear view are square shaped and the monocoque steel chasis present is a part of Vespa's signature style. The chasis is tailor-made for urban India, making it more suitable for running daily errands and commuting. The instrument cluster (which matches the retro theme perfectly) gets a piano black treatment for sportiness and comprises a digital-clock, an analogue speedometer and a fuel-gauge with other warning lights. The glove box in front is open, without a lid. There is also a solitary bag hook between the lockable cubby holes in front apron so that you can store your things. However, the floorboard isn't as comfortable and accommodating as most scooters' flat units are these days. This was a little compromise the company made to maintain the retro look. While the alloy wheels are coated in black, the front suspension's coil has a red finishing. The color schemes and geometry make this scooter look very appealing.
The only complaint is that like in other Vespa scooters, the switches are not very ergonomic in the S 125. If you have to operate the horn, you will be nearly taking your hand off the handlebar.
If you are wondering how Piaggio Vespa S 125 is different from the less expensive Vespa LX125 and VX, then let me tell you that the S 125 differs only cosmetically. Rectangular headlamp, ORVMs and chrome faux air-intake on the front apron (other than round), new chrome garnish above this intake, new handlebar cover, tail lamp, seat & instrument cluster designs are some of the cosmetic changes. Grab rails are optional accessories and should cost you around Rs. 3500. The new S 125 continues with the signature-retro look of Vespa, though with a tinge of sportiness. There are no mechanical changes. Ride quality
Like the LX125 and VX, the new Vespa S 125 is powered by a 125cc engine which gives a maximum power of 10.06bhp @ 7500rpm and a maximum torque of 1.08kgm @ 6000rpm. The four-stroke, carbureted, single-cylinder, air cooled and three-valve engine which is the only Vespa engine we have known, gives refined performance. Power delivery is prompt and the seamless mid-range acceleration is good enough. Beyond 80kmph, the acceleration slows a bit. The CVT transmission system for hassle-free city drive is well in place. With 200mm front disc and 140mm rear drum brake, the braking system is good. Like its siblings, front disc brake is offered as standard on the S125. For suspension, there is a single-side hydraulic front shock absorber and a rear monoshock. Suspension is soft and makes the passengers feel pampered even over poor road conditions. Handling is light and even at sharp corners, the scooter swifts confidently. The 90/100x10 MRF tyres are tubeless. Putting it on main stand is also easy as it doesn't involve excessive pressure. 
Availability & price
Vespa S 125 is available for sale at all the major Piaggio dealerships in India. It is priced at Rs. 75,424 (ex-showroom price, Delhi), almost Rs.4000 more than the Vespa VX.Verdict
If we see, there are not many players in the premium scooter market in India. The first scooter that we saw in this segment was the Kinetic Blaze but it failed to appeal due to its old design and the 165cc engine. Later, the Italian scooters from Vespa arrived in 2011 but there are no direct competitors. This gives Vespa a great competitive advantage but how big the sales figure of new Vespa S 125 can grow is doubtful. Simple reason for this is its premium price which is roughly 40 per cent higher than other scooters. Indian customers are price sensitive. But, Vespa S 125 is not even targeting for high sales. It is just a stylish sports scooter meant for brand-building. Ravi Chopra, MD of Piaggio Vehicles Private Limited, clearly stated, "It is more for the influential youth". A similar approach is followed in designing Vespa 946 (priced at Rs.2 lakh) which is next to be launched. The previous models of Vespa are same on mechanical front, it is just the new look that makes Vespa S 125 so expensive. If only functionality matters to you, you can buy any other Vespa scooter also but if design is your criteria, Vespa S 125 is a bike that you would love to buy.
Read TVS Graphite Scooter review, specifications, features and price
A year ago, we bought a scooter from Mehar Motors Chandigarh. Sadly, a mechanical problem caused the scooter to tumble onto the road.
Now it looks that we need to fix a part, and poor petrol quality is the root of the problem as per a person called Mr Arjun who works in Mehar Motors Chandigarh. I'm not sure who to complain to about the subpar petrol—the Indian government or Vespa, which ought to make its motor parts to survive Indian petrol of that calibre.
Finally, we visited a roadside technician in the Chandigarh Motor Market, and they informed us that the issue with the BS6 Vespa scooter was fairly prevalent.