Tag Archives: Vespa

Vespa GTS Super Sport 300 HPE lands in Australia

2020 Vespa GTS Super Sport

Vespa is an iconic brand that captures the essence of history while successfully marrying their heritage with modern technology and sophistication.

2020 Vespa GTS Super Sport in ‘Yellow Sole’

The big body Vespa, in its modern shape with automatic transmission, was born in 2003, with the first arrival of the Vespa GT 125 and 200. The family of large Vespas then evolved with the arrival of the GTS 250 version, followed by engine capacities of up to 300 cc. Later on, the Vespa GTS benefits from the family of I-get engines, offering 125 and 150 cc capacity.

2020 Vespa GTS Super Sport in White Innocenza

After a major re-design in 2019 of the whole GTS range more changes have been made with the Vespa GTS Super Sport 300 now being equipped with Vespa’s new HPE (High Performance Engine) for the 2020 model year.

2020 Vespa GTS Super Sport in Black Opaco

The GTS carries on the all-steel bodywork tradition and with the HPE power-plant is now powered by the most powerful engine ever installed in a Vespa, the 23-horsepower HPE powerplant is a four-stroke single that combines a smooth torque delivery with great economy.

2020 Vespa GTS Super Sport in Black Opaco

A new cylinder-head with improved port shaping utilises a SOHC to operate larger valves that are opened for a longer duration via roller rockers.

2020 Vespa GTS Super Sport in Yellow Sole

The new HPE  engine is controlled by a latest-generation Magneti Marelli MIUG4 ECU, which already conforms with the future Euro 5 standard: equipped with greater calculation capacity, it contributes to improving overall engine efficiency and allows for the engine to be started practically instantaneously, after just two rotations of the crankshaft.

2020 Vespa GTS Super Sport in White Innocenza

Service intervals have been extended to 10,000 kilometres and the CVT drivetrain has been strengthened to offer further durability.

2020 Vespa GTS Super Sport in Yellow Sole

The Vespa GTS Supersport rolls on 12-inch rims and has a 220 mm brake disc at each end backed up with ABS.

2020 Vespa GTS Super Sport in White Innocenze

Generous under-seat storage can swallow two open-face helmets or a decent swag of groceries.

2020 Vespa GTS Super Sport in Black Opaco

There are also optional chrome front and rear luggage racks or a top-box complete with passenger back-rest are available as part of an extensive accessories range. A bluetooth kit is also available to increase the capabilities of the standard instrumentation.

2020 Vespa GTS Super Sport in Yellow Sole

2020 Vespa GTS Super Sport HPE Specifications

  • Engine – 278 cc, HPE four-stroke, single-cylinder
  • Bore x Stroke – 75 x 63 mm
  • Max. Power – 23 hp (17 kW) at 8500 rpm
  • Max. Torque – 25.6 Nm at 5500 rpm
  • Induction – EFI
  • Transmission – CVT
  • Front Suspension – Single sided swing-arm and sprung hydraulic shock
  • Rear Suspension – Twin shock, four-step pre-load adjustment
  • Tyres – 120/70-12 (F), 130/70-12 (R)
  • Front Brake – 220 mm disc, ABS
  • Rear Brake – 22 mm disc, ABS
  • Length – 1930 mm
  • Width – 755 mm
  • Wheelbase – 1375 mm
  • Fuel Capacity – 8.5 Litres
  • Available – Late June 2020
  • RRP – $11,840 Ride Away

2020 Vespa GTS Super Sport in Black Opaco
Source: MCNews.com.au

Piaggio wins Chinese copycat case

Last year Italian motorcycle and scooter company Piaggio lost a landmark case against a Chinese company over a copycat scooter, but now it has won a similar case.

The first case against Zhejiang Zhongneng began in 2014 over a copy of their Vespa LX scooter which has been around since the end of World War II. 

But it wasn’t China that made the decision.

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) ruled that the designs were significantly different and Zhejiang had not stolen any intellectual property.

Click here to read the ruling

Piaggio loses Chinese copycat casePiaggio left and Chinese copy right

Second copycat case

This time the EUIPO has ruled against Chinese scooter companies Motolux and Dayi Motor for their copycat design of the Vespa Primavera, registered in 2013.

The ruling says the EUIPO was “unable to elicit a general impression different from the registered design” of the Primavera. 

2018 Vespa Primavera 50 4T moped mopedsVespa Primavera

It’s a strategically important case, given the current trade wars with both the USA and Australia and political rhetoric over China.

The Communist Party of China has imposed hefty tariffs and threatened other measures on some Australian exports after Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for an independent inquiry into the origin of the coronavirus outbreak.

Other Chinese copycats

There are many other cases where the Chinese have quite blatantly ripped off the designs of other models.

Check out some of our articles on this topic at the end of this article.

As an example, how about this BMW G 310 GS knockoff from Chinese company Everest.

Everest Kaiyue 400X knockoffEverest Kaiyue 400X

The Vietnamese are also in on the knockoff act with “Ducati” Monsters made by Quang Phuong Motor.

Trademark action

We are surprised that companies such as BMW and Ducati have not filed intellectual copyright breaches.

Honda and Yamaha have tried to fight Chinese manufacturers in the courts over breach of copyright.

However, it is a long process as there are hundreds of knockoff manufacturers.

Italian company Lambretta has also taken “strict” action against several companies for “free riding on the repute of Lambretta”.

They claim the global market is flooded with replicas of their classic scooters from China, India and Thailand.

The Chinese seem immune to international trade laws that bind other countries and their latest blatant ripoff is an electric Honda Goldwing.

We all know the Chinese make cheap copies of well-known brands and many of us probably have a Gucci belt made of plastic in a sweatshop in China.

However, they have also made a lot of copies of bigger and more expensive products such as cars.

Some of the cars these manufacturers have copied include the Range Rover Evoque, Smart ForTwo, Hummer, Porsche Cayman, Audi A6, Jeep Cherokee, BMW X1, Rolls-Royce Phantom and MINI Cooper.

Land Wind knockoff of the land Rover EvoqueLand Wind knockoff of the land Rover Evoque

Some car manufacturers tried to stop them copying their cars, but failed in an obstructive and partisan legal system, so they formed alliances with Chinese companies to make their products for the local market.

Like the car makers, Honda has formed an allegiance with one of the knockoff companies in China to make their bikes for the local market.

The pandemic has caused a severe setback to globalised manufacturers because of the al-pervasive Chinese element in their supply chain.

We wonder how many manufacturers will now source components from other countries other than China.

Japan is even given tax breaks to companies that remove Chinese components from their supply chain.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Coronavirus panic hits motorcycling

As panic buying sets in over the coronavirus, bans are placed on large gatherings and northern Italy goes into lockdown, motorcycling looks set to be one of the victims.

Despite all the doom and gloom, there is no need for riders to panic and stay at home.

After all, we wear a face mask of sorts, protective gloves and riding a bike puts us in a type of isolation.

We also usually ride out in the country where there is less chance of big group gatherings.

If you are concerned, use your credit card instead of cash when buying fuel and food and make sure to wash your hands thoroughly. And maybe pack your own toilet paper!

Pandemic panic

Meanwhile, the world of motorcycle racing is starting to feel the impact of the coming pandemic.

The first two rounds of the MotoGP in Qatar and Thailand have been abandoned and now the third round in Austin, Texas, on 3-5 April 2020 is under threat as the city moves to prevent crowds of more than 2500.

World Superbikes also cancelled their first round this weekend in Qatar and even the Isle of Man TT, from 30 May to 12 June, could be under threat.

Some of these events may still go ahead for TV only, with no on-site crowds as F1 is considering.

Meanwhile, the Daytona Bike Week festivities are going ahead in Florida as planned.

Bike production

Ducati factoryDucati factory

The spreading contagion in Italy — now the worst affected country outside China — also looks likely to affect production of Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and MV Agusta motorcycles and many motorcycle components.

Their factories are near Milan which is an epicentre of the virus in the Lombardi region which is in virtual shutdown.

There are also factories in the region that make automotive components.

Ducati is in Bologna which is just outside the northern contagion regions of Lombardy and Veneto.

Ducati, Moto Guzzi and Vespa have already closed their museum and factory tours.

While the affects of these shutdowns won’t be felt here for some time, we expect there could be some shortage of parts in coming months.

But that doesn’t mean you panic and start clearing the shelves of oil filters!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Covid-19 could impact bike manufacture

Ducati and Piaggio (Aprilia, Vespa, Moto Guzzi) have closed their museums due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus (coronavirus) in Italy, but their factories are still operating.

Chinese motorcycle factories were closed for a prolonged period over the Chinese Lunar New Year, but many, including Honda and CFMoto, have now restarted.

In the case of CFMoto, the factory is at around 80% due to workers still returning from extended new year celebrations with 100% production capacity expected over the next two weeks.

CFmoto factory coronavirusCFMoto factory

Supply chain

However, many component factories that supply automakers around the world have not reopened.

And now the virus has moved from a Chinese emergency to one that involves South Korea, Japan and Italy, three major manufacturers of motorcycles, cars and automotive parts.

The impact on motorcycle manufacture and supply of components could now be affected with Fiat-Chrysler the first to warn it could halt production at a European plant in weeks.

Data and analytics company GlobalData automotive editor David Leggett says this is an “inevitable consequence” on the automotive supply chain.

“Many factories in the Wuhan and Hubei province have been on lockdown since the start of the Chinese New Year holidays,” he says.

“The emerging problems for FCA outside of China are likely to be mirrored by other vehicle manufacturers and reflect both the long-run internationalisation of parts supply-chains and the predominance of ‘just-in-time’ lean manufacturing processes that keep inventory low.

“The next few weeks will be critical for automakers. The typical car is made up of 20,000 parts, and there is an elongated supply-chain of parts and sub-assemblies put together in complex sequence to create the finished vehicle.

“Korean manufacturers were the first to show up as impacted by China supply-chain disruption reflecting shorter shipment distances between China and Korea, but the FCA news indicates that impacts across the world are now coming over the horizon on shipment transit schedules.”

Museums close

moto guzzi factory museum V85Moto Guzzi museum’s big red doors will remain closed

As of yesterday, Italy had 374 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 12 deaths.

The epicentres of Covid-19 contagion in Italy are in Lombardy and Veneto regions where most of the auto factories are located.

Ducati’s factory in Bologna is just outside these central regions.

Public institutions and venues in these regions have been closed and mass meetings cancelled, including Ducati and Piaggio museum and factory tours.

The companies have notified the public that they have closed their museums for several weeks, but both confirm their factories are still operating.

We have not heard from MV Agusta which is near Milan in Lombardy, but their Facebook page has no reference to any closures.

Meanwhile, the organisers of the Geneva Motor Show, one of Europe’s premier motoring events, have confirmed the event is still due to take place as scheduled next week despite the first case of coronavirus in Switzerland.

The Covid-19 virus has already had some impact on Australian consumer confidence and our January motorcycle sales.

Now it could have a longer-term impact on motorcycle production and the supply of parts.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Piaggio loses Chinese copycat case

Italian motorcycle and scooter company Piaggio has lost a landmark battle with Chinese scooter manufacturer Zhejiang Zhongneng over copycat designs.

The case began in 2014 and has just been concluded with Piaggio over their Vespa LX scooter which has been around since the end of World War II.

China didn’t decided the winner, either. It was the European Union Intellectual Property Office.

They ruled that the designs were significantly different and Zhejiang had not stolen any intellectual property.

Click here to read the ruling

It’s a strategically important case to have lost, given the current trade wars and political rhetoric over China.

Piaggio loses Chinese copycat case
Piaggio (left) and Zhejiang (right)

Other Chinese copycats

Perhaps Piaggio didn’t have a case with this model. There are probably many others they could have pursued with more success.

But there have been many other examples of blatant copycat ripoffs such as this BMW G 310 GS knockoff from Chinese company Everest.

Everest Kaiyue 400X knockoff
Everest Kaiyue 400X

The Vietnamese are also in on the knockoff act with “Ducati” Monsters made by Quang Phuong Motor.

Trademark action

We are surprised that companies such as BMW and Ducati have not filed intellectual copyright breaches.

Honda and Yamaha have tried to fight Chinese manufacturers in the courts over breach of copyright.

However, it is a long process as there are hundreds of knockoff manufacturers.

Italian company Lambretta has also taken “strict” action against several companies for “free riding on the repute of Lambretta”.

They claim the global market is flooded with replicas of their classic scooters from China, India and Thailand.

The Chinese seem immune to international trade laws that bind other countries and their latest blatant ripoff is an electric Honda Goldwing.

We all know the Chinese make cheap copies of well-known brands and many of us probably have a Gucci belt made of plastic in a sweatshop in China.

However, they have also made a lot of copies of bigger and more expensive products such as cars.

Some of the cars these manufacturers have copied include the Range Rover Evoque, Smart ForTwo, Hummer, Porsche Cayman, Audi A6, Jeep Cherokee, BMW X1, Rolls-Royce Phantom and MINI Cooper.

Land Wind knockoff of the land Rover Evoque
Land Wind knockoff of the land Rover Evoque

Some car manufacturers tried to stop them copying their cars, but failed in an obstructive and partisan legal system, so they formed alliances with Chinese companies to make their products for the local market.

Like the car makers, Honda has formed an allegiance with one of the knockoff companies in China to make their bikes for the local market.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Vespa GTS Super Tech 300 HPE | Most powerful Vespa ever

Vespa GTS Super Tech 300 HPE


In 2019 the Vespa GTS range has evolved further with significant upgrades in styling which now form the basis for the all new GTS Super Tech 300 HPE, which will be available in Nero Volcano (Matt Black) and Grigio Materia (Gloss Grey). This new high-tech Vespa scooter lands in Australia this October at $11,790 ride away. 

The Vespa GTS Super Tech takes the flagship role in the Vespa range through new technology not seen previously on Vespa models. Plus this is the first Vespa model in the Australian market to feature the new 300 HPE engine platform.

Vespa GTS Super Tech HPE
Vespa GTS Super Tech 300 HPE

Style & Design

Aesthetically the Vespa GTS Super Tech 300 HPE is characterised by wheel rims finished in gloss black with yellow highlights. The yellow finish extends to the front shock spring and compliment with the new Matt Black Volcano and Gloss Grey Materia colours. The seat features new fabric surface cover with dual-colour stitching.

Vespa GTS SuperTech Dash
Vespa GTS Super Tech 300 HPE 4.3″ TFT Display

The new GTS Super Tech 300 HPE takes the lead as the Vespa “tech setter” through a fully digital instrument cluster with 4.3″ full colour TFT display. The new TFT panel, in brilliant colour, features speed, tripmeter functions, ambient temperature and fuel level. The TFT also extends to a new smart phone connectivity system called Vespa MIA (MY VESPA) .

At the rear, the Super Tech styling also features a new transmission cover and newly designed silencer cover.

Vespa GTS Super Tech HPE
Vespa GTS Super Tech 300 HPE

Improved Comfort

The ergonomics and natural seat position have always contributed to making every Vespa comfortable and pleasant to ride. The new Vespa GTS Super Tech further highlights the ethos of travelling which large Vespas have always embodied, offering a new saddle for greater comfort for both rider and passenger.

Vespa GTS Super Tech HPE D
The Vespa GTS Super Tech 300 HPE features a new and improved seat

The under-seat compartment makes optimal use of the available space and can accommodate two demi-jet helmets and more. Additional load capacity is granted by the glove box with USB port located inside.


Technology

Vespa GTS Super Tech HPE
Vespa GTS Super Tech 300 HPE

As is the case for every Vespa produced between 1946 and today, the body of the Vespa GTS is made of steel and offers unrivalled robust strength.

The GTS Super Tech 300 HPE rides on wide section tyres fitted on 12-inch rims.

The double-disc braking system ensures prompt deceleration backed by the electronic safety systems on the Super Tech with ASR and ABS.

Vespa GTS Super Tech HPE
Vespa GTS Super Tech 300 HPE

300 HPE Engine

The new GTS Super Tech is equipped with the latest evolution of the 300cc four-stroke, four-valve single-cylinder engine, liquid-cooled and with electronic injection now designated HPE.

The HPE benefits from numerous improvements increasing performance and rideability, while reducing fuel consumption and noise levels. HPE is the most powerful engine ever fitted to a Vespa with optimised thermodynamic performance and reduced friction; all without impacting on visible size, which is contained to similar dimensions to the previous unit.

Vespa GTS Super Tech HPE D
Vespa GTS Super Tech 300 HPE powerplant

The cylinder head is an all new casting, with totally redesigned internal components, the ports feature new geometry and larger diameter as do the intake and exhaust valves with diameter increasing by 3mm. The adoption of new piston technology, particularly in terms of its head shape, has resulted in a highly efficient combustion chamber.

The single camshaft system with overhead valves is all new, rockers are now equipped with roller tappets rather than sliders for increased fluidity and durability, reducing mechanical loss. Camshaft profiles have also been reshaped to obtain optimum valve lift profiles, which in turn reduces engine noise.

The introduction of a new high-pressure multi-jet injector matched to optimised intake lengths improves combustion thereby delivering higher torque at lower RPM to ensure smoother, faster speed transitions to suit any traffic condition. The new iridium spark plug ensures greater durability to maintain optimised combustion.

Vespa GTS Super Tech HPE D
Vespa GTS Super Tech 300 HPE

In the transmission the HPE engine features improvements to match the performance through a higher durability design CVT belt and new materials used in the transmission design to reduce friction and noise. A new cover features sound absorbing material for a reduction in mechanical noise. The transmission is also aided by a new and more rigid clutch drum.

The engine is controlled by latest-generation Magneti Marelli MIUG4 ECU, equipped with greater calculation capacity, it contributes to improving overall engine efficiency and allows for the engine to be started practically instantaneously after just two rotations of the crankshaft. These advancements mean the HPE already conforms with future Euro 5 standards.


Vespa MIA (MY Vespa)

The Vespa MIA connectivity system allows you to connect your smartphone to the on-board electronic system of the Vespa GTS via Bluetooth.

Vespa GTS Super Tech HPE
Vespa GTS Super Tech 300 HPE

Vespa MIA and the new Vespa App are specifically designed to connect iOS or Android mobile devices. Once a smartphone is connected to the Vespa GTS Super Tech, associating the phone via the dedicated Vespa App available for download in the App Store or Google Play, the TFT display will show all notifications regarding incoming calls and messages in the centre of the screen. The system also allows for the management of calls, thanks to the practical joystick located on the left-hand control block and the use of smartphone voice commands when making calls or reproducing music with the activation of a playlist.

Vespa GTS SuperTech Dash
Vespa GTS Super Tech 300 HPE 4.3″ TFT Display

The display also serves as a navigation tool, accompanying the rider on a pre-set route set up on the Vespa App, with directions and pictograms. The app is an exceptional source of useful information regarding vehicle status, riding parameters and travel statistics which can be viewed on the smartphone. The VESPA MIA technology optimises Vespa GTS usage whether riding in an urban or non-urban environment, thus enhancing the travel experience.


Accessories

In line with Vespa tradition, the new GTS Super Tech features a wide range of accessories with which to personalise the vehicle and increase comfort and functionality are available at as optional extras.

Vespa GTS Super Tech HPE
Vespa GTS Super Tech 300 HPE

The top case, which can accommodate a full-face helmet or two jet helmets, is colour matched to two Vespa HPE bike colours, Matt Back Volcano and Gloss Grigio Materia. The top box kit comes complete with a padded back rest to optimise passenger comfort.

Wind and weather protection for rider and pillion can be enhanced with a range of screens finished in methacrylate impact and splinter resistant methacrylate featuring high-quality transparent or tinted design. A thermal leg cover is to install and offers year-round riding comfort. An anti-slip, waterproof footboard mat, outdoor and indoor vehicle covers, a mechanical anti-theft system, inner top box bag, luggage straps and a smartphone bracket are also available through authorised dealers at additional cost.


2019 Vespa GTS Super Tech 300 Specifications

Specifications
 Engine type HPE single cylinder, 4 stroke, 4 valve
 Fueling New Electronic Injection
 Displacement  278.3 cc
Bore & Stroke 75 mm x 63 mm
 Max. Power 17.5 kW @ 8,250 rpm (23.5hp)
 Max. Torque 26 Nm @ 5,250 rpm
 Cooling system Liquid cooling
 Transmission CVT with torque server
 Front suspension Single-arm with coil spring and single shock absorber
 Rear suspension Double hydraulic shock absorber with preload adjustable on 4 positions
Front Wheel  Die-cast aluminum alloy 3.00×12″ – Tubeless 120/70-12″
Rear Wheel  Die-cast aluminum alloy 3.00×12″ – Tubeless 130/70-12″
Brake system ABS  2 channels + ASR
 Front brake Stainless steel disc, Ø 220 mm with hydraulic control – ABS
 Rear brake Stainless steel disc, Ø 220 mm with hydraulic control – ABS
 Length  1,950 mm
 Width  755 mm
Wheel base 1,375 mm
Fuel capacity  8.5 (± 0.5) liter
RRP $11,790 ride away

Source: MCNews.com.au

Vespa World Days 2019 hit Hungary

Zanka, Hungary


The thirteenth edition of Vespa World Days has come to a close in Zanka, Hungary, where on the shores of Balaton Lake, it was three days of friendship, adventure and love for one of the most famous scooter brands in the world, a true symbol of Italy.

Vespa World Days Zanka Hungary
Vespa World Days 2019 – Hungary

More than 3,500 Vespa paraded through the streets of Zanka in every version and from every era, in attendance thanks to the 5,000 “Vespisti” who came from 40 different nations to represent as many National Vespa Clubs, obviously from all over Europe, but also from Hong Kong, Canada, Israel, Japan, The Philippines, Australia and Indonesia.

In 2020, there will be two Vespa World Days events – in Guimarães, Portugal, from July 2-5, and in Bali, Indonesia, from July 23-25.


The Vespa World Days are held every year under the auspices of the Vespa World Club, established in 2006, successor to what was once Vespa Club d’Europe and later the Fédération Internationale des Vespa Clubs.

Vespa World Days Zanka Hungary
Vespa World Days 2019 – Hungary

Today Vespa World Days represents the celebration of the legendary Vespa, the unique scooter capable of transcending its function as an easy to ride and elegant vehicle, ideal for any daily commute, to become an internationally recognised brand.

Built entirely in steel from the beginning, all Vespa models – from the legendary first 1946 98cc, up to the current Vespa Primavera and Vespa GTS – have weathered the test of time, with millions still on the road all over the world, inspiring the phenomenon of Vespa Clubs and various associations. Restored, cared for and pampered, millions of Vespas have become beloved objects today, often passed down from father to son.

In almost seventy years of life, more than 18 million Vespas have been sold on the five continents, and the brand has also established itself as a cultural phenomenon, uniting generations from countries and continents far from one another in a common passion.

Vespa World Days Zanka Hungary
Vespa World Days 2019 – Hungary

There are now no less than 49 National Vespa Clubs associated with the Vespa World Club, which bring together thousands of members in every nation.

Source: MCNews.com.au

2019 Vespa Elettrica Scooter First Ride Review

There was a time, not too long ago, when seemingly every review of an electric vehicle included a sidebar on the relevance of electric vehicles. This is no longer necessary. The concept is valid. In five years or so, electrics will be ubiquitous enough to be seen as just another part of the two-wheel landscape—some folks like inline-fours, others are fans of triples, and others like a torquey electric. But just because the concept is valid, that doesn’t mean every application makes sense. Step forward the new Vespa Elettrica.

Piaggio introduced the Elettrica at EICMA 2017, declaring in typically Italian hyperbole that it was not simply an electric scooter but “a contemporary work of art with a technological heart.” Powered by a 4.2-kWh battery, the little scooter claims a peak power output of 4 kilowatts (about 5.3 hp for those of you playing along in the old school), and a range of up to 100 kilometers (62 miles). As with all manufacturer figures, be they for electric or internal combustion machines, it’s probably best to take those numbers with a grain of salt.

Certainly the Elettrica’s most impressive number was hard to believe when being ridden in the streets of Milan recently. The scooter’s manufacturer claims a stunning 200 Nm of torque at the wheel, or 147.5 pound-feet. It does not feel like that. The Elettrica is downright kid-friendly in its power delivery and as such sparks questions about its ability to deliver on one of the key advantages of a scooter.

In most parts of the world, scooters are the ideal weapon for finding one’s way through snarled traffic. Nimble, light, and small enough to fit through the tiniest of gaps between vehicles, they’re generally pretty good at lurching ahead at stoplights. Sure, the smallest of scoots will start to run out of puff halfway across an intersection but at least you got that head start.

The Elettrica scores top marks in its ability to dance through traffic, and, although it’s heavier than an internal combustion equivalent, its heft is entirely manageable—especially thanks to the presence of a reverse gear. It does feel a little tiny to a rider who is 6-foot-1, but there can be no questioning that it’s a lot of fun to ride. However, crack the throttle to the stop on the Elettrica and the gradual journey to its top speed of 48 km/h (or 29.8 mph) is far too gentle. It will leave many commuters fearing the impatience of fellow road users.

Piaggio says it has built the Elettrica to serve as the equivalent of a 50cc scooter, pointing out that roughly half the scooters sold in the United States are of that capacity or less. In most US states, a 50cc machine officially classifies as a moped or “motorized bicycle” and licensing requirements are more relaxed. In the state of New Mexico, for example, a 13-year-old could throw a leg over the new Elettrica with no need for license, registration, insurance, or helmet.

One wonders, however, how many 13-year-olds there are in the Land of Enchantment who have $7,499 to meet the Elettrica’s asking price. Normally, one of the selling points of a 50cc scooter is that it’s cheap.

Perhaps paper routes pay really well these days. And certainly the Elettrica is designed to serve a more connected generation. Owners are encouraged to download an app that connects the scooter with a mobile phone. This means you get a wealth of information about the scooter—trip time, remaining battery range, statistics based on past journeys, and more. You can also get this information by clicking through the menu on the Elettrica’s easy-to-read TFT display. But connecting means you can control some of your phone’s features (such as selecting music) via handlebar switches. You’ll also get notifications of texts and incoming calls on the TFT display.

Charge time for the Elettrica is roughly four hours via a 220-volt plug of the sort used in washers and dryers in the United States. Considering the hyper-urban/short-distance purpose of this vehicle that’s perfectly acceptable; most users will be charging this thing overnight. Piaggio says the battery is good for 1,000 full charging cycles before it begins to suffer reduced capacity. The Italian manufacturer reckons that works out to about 10 years of use before capacity dips to 80 percent.

The Vespa Elettrica is good looking and enjoyable to ride, but when weighing its price and performance one can’t help but wonder who it’s for. Costing thousands of dollars more than a standard 50cc scooter, it fails to deliver obvious advantages beyond the ability to be smug about using electric. It’s a solid first effort, with Vespa having nailed the elements of handling and styling one expects of a scooter, but too-soft power delivery disappoints. History suggests it’s well within Piaggio’s capacity to deliver a more thrilling experience, however, so here’s hoping for an Elettrica 2.0.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Vespa debuts Elettrica electric scooter

The best thing about the Vespa Elettrica electric scooter is that it is almost a complete mirror of the iconic petrol-powered retro model.

And, of course, just like the standard Vespa, it is twist-and-go-throttle so there is one less hurdle among scooter riders crossing over from an internal combustion model to an electric.

Vespa Elettrica

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From the above video it appears to have a top speed — in power mode — of 50km/h, so it would be legally limited to 60km/h roads in Australia. It also features reverse gear to make parking easier.i

Elettrica has 100km of urban range and the x version will almost reach 200km which is plenty for the weekly commute.

Vespa says it is not just quiet but “totally silent”. We doubt that. Tyres make noise on the road. But the rest of it should be pretty quiet, allowing riders to safely concentrate on the sounds around them.

The battery under the under-seat compartment still allows riders enough room to store a “purpose-built helmet” which is an open-face design, with and without a visor.

Its recharge cable will plug into a normal socket and will charge in about four hours on our 240V power.

Elettrica’s 4.3-inch full-colour TFT dashboard includes important information to help with maintaining battery charge.

It will connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth and an app to display selected features from your phone.

You can access these features via buttons on the bars so you don’t have to touch the screen or your phone.

And if you’ve forgotten where you parked your Vespa, the app saves its position.

Elettrica comes with an electric blue accent (of course) as well as three other colour accents.

Vespa price

Vespa Australia brand manager Gavan Moody says the Elletrica has “generated a lot of interest overseas” since it was launched in concept form at the 2016 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.

The production version was released last week at the same show to even greater interest.Vespa Elettrica electric scooter

It goes into production this year for European markets.

“Piaggio Asia Pacific advise there is no plan for this region until after 2019, if it was to be introduced here,” Gavan says.

“Price has not been discussed however the indication is it would be at the upper end of the current premium Vespa range.”

Current Vespas range in price from the GTS 250 ie at $7890 (plus on-road costs) to the $12,490 946 Belissima.

Vespa unveils Sei Giorni special edition motorcycle sales elettrica
2018 Vespa Sei Giorni

Would Aussie scooterists be prepared to pay around that amount for an electric scooter?

We think so and here’s why.

Scooter trends

Scooters have been on a dramatic slide in recent years but are slightly bouncing back.

However, the slide has not affected the quality Vespa Italian brand.

In 2011, Vespa sold 1042 scooters in Australia and last year sold 977, down just 6.2% while the whole scooter market plummeted by two-thirds to just 3852 last year.

(Note: Those figures are slightly skewed by the absence of some cheap scooter brands from the official figures, but you get the idea.)

It goes to show that scooterists appreciate top quality and are prepared to pay.

Vespa Elettrica tech specs

  • Continuous power: 3.5kW
  • Maximum power: 4kW
  • Torque: 200Nm (at the wheel)
  • Battery: 48v, 86Ah, 4.2kW/h, by LG Chem
  • Recharge: 4 hours
  • Battery life: 1000 cycles (residual capacity 80%)
  • Battery weight: 25kg
  • Energy recovery: Yes
  • Tyres: 110/70 – 12”; 120/70 – 11”
  • Brake: 200mm single disc; 140mm rear drum
  • Wheelbase: 1350mm
  • Length: 1870mm
  • Width: 735mm
  • Height: 1150mm
  • Seat: 790mm
  • Weight (with battery): 130kg

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com