Kids and big kids’ toy company Lego has added the original 1960s Vespa 125 model to its range of motorcycle scale models.
It joins the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, Ducati Panigale V4 R, BMW R 1200 GS and BMW boxer motorcycle engine in their two-wheeled range.
The 1106-piece pastel pale blue scooter pays tribute to the original Vespa of the 1960s with a classic Italian number plate and even a bunch of flowers in the rear basket.
Other original details include a spare wheel and removable brick-built engine cover.
The wheels, sidestand and handlebars are moving parts.
Lego Group Senior Designer Florian Muller says the model “offered me a chance to step back in time and let my imagination flow”.
The LEGO Vespa 125 is now available online, from Lego Stores and other retailers at $A169.95.
It’s no “toy” either, standing at 22cm, 12cm wide and 35cm long.
This follows other motorcycle icons in the Lego world.
A Lego fan has built a life-size Ducati Panigale V4 R to celebrate the European launch of the scale model version.
While the scale model is 32cm long, 16cm high and 8cm wide, this Lego model is the same size and almost the same weight at 180kg compared with 192kg for the V4 R.
The model is available for €59.99 (about $A102) but you can’t buy the life-size version.
It was built by “Lego certified professional” Riccardo Zangelmi in 400 hours using 15,000 bricks and no glue!
Life-size model
Riccardo says the life-size model build was “the most exciting professional challenge I’d ever faced”.
“It pushed me well beyond any limit and I succeeded by crossing the finishing line as part of a team,” he says.
“I approached the project as an official pilot of the Borgo Panigale Company, giving it my all on the track, looking for and overcoming new challenges.
“I was the first to look at the two motorbikes side by side, and I am happy to have captured the DNA that characterises both Lego Technic and Ducati, recreating with bricks the motorbike that is symbolic of Italian excellence.”
Lego bike models
Ducati joins Harley-Davidson and BMW as the only motorcycle companies with Lego models.
Big boys’ toys!
The LegoDucati Panigale V4 R is the first Lego motorcycle model to include a gearbox.
Ducati has joined Harley-Davidson and BMW as the only motorcycle companies with Lego models.
Big boys’ toys!
The LegoDucati Panigale V4 R is the first Lego motorcycle model to include a gearbox.
It sits 32cm long, 16cm high and 8cm wide and will be available for €59.99 (about $A102) from June – possibly a bit too late to keep you occupied during the pandemic lockdown!
“You may not have the skills and knowledge, money or time to build the real thing but Lego of recent times have released a number of licensed motorbike construction kits based on the real thing,” he says.
Todd has been spending quite a few hours lately at the workbench in his garage building the licensed Lego motorcycles.
Todd’s complete Lego bikes
“They are quite large in scale being around a foot long fully built and in the region of 1000 pieces in the Harley case,” he says.
“It means several hours or even days to put together — Milwaukee could build one of the real things quicker but we get the enjoyment of being able to do it ourselves.”
He says the instruction booklets contain more than 150 pages of in-depth instructional steps.
“Lego has always specialised in easy-to-read and explicit instructions,” he says.
“The bonus of the licensed kits is that within the instructional manual are several feature articles of the company and the motorcycle it is based on making it quite the collector item.”
Anyone can do it
Half way there!
Todd says anyone able to follow directions, sort shapes and colours and some Lego experience can manage it with “patience”.
“I needed some of that as there were a couple of times I missed a brick here or a subtle fit there and several pages and instructions later went oops and had to backtrack,” he says.
“Building the intricacies of the bike such as the primary drive gears, oil tank, a creatively constructed finned air cleaner and even the 43-piece chain assembly make this quite the satisfying build.”
Todd says another downside is the “chunkiness” that comes with building with bricks.
“Technology and design advances have been at work though and curves are becoming a stronger feature of a Lego creation kit, ensuring that the finished build is as realistic as possible,” he says.
“The brick building company has surged in popularity from its low a couple of decades ago.
“Part of that has been by catering for the older collector generation through licensed kits such as the Mustang, Porsche, even earth movers from the CAT range.
Mecanno gets into the act
Meccano has also joined the action with its licensed and generic motorcycle kits featuring the Ducati Monster 1200S and GP Desmo.
Christmas isn’t just for kids, Todd says.
“Next time the big kid in you wants to come out and play or your real steed is grounded, pull up a stool at your work bench, crack open the box and build a kit like this,” he says.
As if there already isn’t enough Harley-Davidson merchandise, now Danish toy company Lego has produced a scale-model Fat Boy model.
It stands 20cm high, 18cm wide and 33cm long and is made of 1023 pieces.
Several new pieces had to be made to create the moving model including a new rear rim with a super-wide tyre, plus two dark red 2×4 tiles sporting the Fat Boy logo.
The Lego Creator Expert Fat Boy costs $A159.99 and will be available from August 2019 at Lego stores at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast and Bondi Junction in Sydney, plus Legoland Discovery Centre in Melbourne.
It will also be available online at shop.LEGO.com with VIP members getting early access to buy one from July 17.
Moving Lego model
The model comes complete with solid-disc wheels, teardrop fuel tank, integrated speedometer, and dual exhaust pipes.
There are several moveable parts such as the rear tyre, handlebars, brake and gear levers and kickstand.
The Milwaukee-Eight V-twin engine also has moving pistons.
It comes in an authentic Harley-Davidson colour scheme of “Wicked Red” and black.
Harley styling and design VP Brad Richards says they worked closely with the Lego team to ensure faithful details.
He says the project also celebrates a brand “that inspired the imagination and creativity of many of us at Harley-Davidson from a young age, including myself”.
We can understand Harley’s interest in being involved in this project as they are keen to attract younger followers.
Big boys’ toys!
Lego Harley and BMW
Lego Harley and BMW
