Vespa LX 125 first ride

Published On: 23 March 2017 | 1022 Views

Is this chic and sexy, but exorbitantly priced scooter from Italy’s iconic Vespa brand worth the extra money?

  • No denying that this is one of the most attractive scooters around.
  • Styling is very smooth, and the scooter looks light and petite.
  • The front brake is a touch weak, but the MRF tyres are quite grippy.
  • The chromed-out mirrors and accents make the scooter look expensive.
  • the instrument console has basic functionality, but gels well with the overall retro theme of the bike.
  • Handy storage up front.
  • Settling into the comfy seat is easy
  • The under-seat carriage is quite spacious.
  • The CVT gearbox works smoothly.
  • The power delivery from the engine is creamy smooth and the scooter itself feels vibration-free.
  • This is quite a peppy scooter. You can hit 60kph in just over 10 seconds.

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, but at its price, this model is significantly more expensive than other 125cc scooters. So, is it worth the money? We take this famous new scooter for a short spin to find out.

On the outside
The characteristic style of the Vespa works very well. This distinctive look is complimented by new smooth and clean lines. The Vespa has top-quality, elegantly formed switches that incorporate push-to-cancel indicators, comfortable palm grips and machined alloy brake levers. Not to mention, the spacious storage section earns the two-wheeler some serious brownie points. The bright hues available for the scooter do not take away from the fact that serious attention to detail has been paid right from the conception. The LX can be easily propped onto its main stand, and the side-stand even has an auto return feature.

Power torque
The petite frame houses a four-stroke, single-cylinder engine that displaces 125cc. Maximum power is 10.2hp made at 7500rpm, and peak torque, 10.6kgm, delivered at 6000rpm. The LX’s CVT automatic transmission smoothens the experience for riders, sparing them the necessity of a vigorously working a clutch and gearshift. The new engine’s power delivery is creamy smooth with a refined, vibe-free feel. Performance is adequate, the 0-60kph dash takes 10.07 seconds.

From the saddle
The scooter is built to ride smoothly, so comfort is an important factor. The seats allow enough room to settle comfortably, even the driving handle has been set at an appropriate height. The front brake might be a little weaker than it should be, so this is something the auto-giant needs to look into immediately. The LX125 comes shod with grippy MRF rubber front and rear.

The LX125 returns 40.7kpl in Indian city riding conditions, this improving a bit when tested on the highway, where it gave us 42.1kpl.  

Is it worth the money?
So, is this scooter worth its high price? It is one of the few scooters in the market that mixes design and tech so well and, excluding the weak front brake, it is a joy to ride. It’s a chic urban commuter that is guaranteed to stand out in a parking lot, if you’re willing to pay the premium for it that is.

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