Vespa Primavera 150, innovation, dynamism and style made in Italy [ROAD TEST]

Photo shoot: Alessandra Gandelli

Vespa Primavera 150 – Before starting the road test, allow me a personal reflection. Thirty-eight years, a good part spent in the saddle and just under a million kilometers covered everywhere, but I missed this test. To tell the truth, I spent many moments on a scooter as a kid, but I had never tried a Vespa like this. Its clean and tidy shapes were designed to be appreciated by a wide variety of both female and male audiences. Here, let's get on the Vespa Primavera 150 for my long city test and off we go! We also remind you that in recent weeks we have also tested the "small body" Vespa in the Sprint 125 version (here is the link to the full test)

Aesthetics and finishes:

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Richer setup with the addition of the standard ABS braking system

The “Vespino” which has set entire generations in motion since the 60s and made many young people fall in love with it all over the world, once again confirms its technological cutting edge, which has always distinguished it and marked its history. It is distinguished by thericher setup, with the braking system ABS now standard on all versions and a very useful one USB socket located inside the drawer in the dashboard. As for the ABS braking system, we must recognize the leap in quality in terms of safety that Piaggio does not underestimate and for this reason it has introduced it as a standard system on all its models.

The Vespa Primavera is also equipped with a speed detection system - a sensor and a tone wheel - which instantly measures its speed and deceleration compared to that of the vehicle. This sensor communicates with the electro-hydraulic control unit which in turn activates the ABS system if the wheel decelerates abruptly, avoiding the so-called locking. The wheels that equip the Vespa Primavera are in die-cast light alloy for both the front and rear. The front steel disc brake with hydraulic control is 200 mm while the rear drum brake is 140 mm with mechanical control. To make the Vespa even more unique, a beautiful and soft “Made in Italy” genuine leather saddle is available. The new engines are the result of a design with advanced levels of quality and above all reliability. Many kilometers were covered in the testing phase, demonstrating the great attention the Italian company pays to the quality and process aspects of the product.

Engine and performance:

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New i-Get engines with excellent performance

The new engines that equip the Vespa Primavera 150 are very modern single-cylinder engines 4-stroke with 3-valve distribution, air-cooled and equipped with a electronic injection. The Vespa Primavera i-Get engines are single-cylinder engines that are completely new both in terms of mechanical components and electronics. In detail, the following are worth mentioning:
- L 'crankshaft, with inertia increased by 24% compared to the previous engine, for a marked reduction in vibrations and better driving fluidity;
- the new starter motor, decidedly quieter;
- the new transmission cover, for a further reduction in noise and increase in rigidity;
- the barometric sensor for always optimal combustion.
Furthermore, the new exhaust system, made more beautiful and quieter. The power and torque delivery reaches excellent levels of regularity and reliability, even when driving in heavy traffic in large cities where continuous stop-and-go traffic reigns supreme. The engines are approved according to Euro 4 multidirective and are capable of delivering maximum power and torque of 9,5 kW at 7.750 rpm of power and 12,8 Nm at 6.500 rpm. of maximum torque.

Ride and handling:

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Comfort and great agility even in traffic

Getting into the saddle we immediately feel at ease, the setting and driving position are comfortable and always guarantee pleasant and relaxed journeys. The height of the saddle allows you to rest your feet comfortably on the ground, the controls are well positioned and you become familiar with them in an instant. The weight when stationary is almost imperceptible. After just a few kilometers, among the streets of Milan, we put the agility qualities of the new Vespa, traveling along an urban and very busy stretch of Milanese streets which allows us to test the qualities of this Vespa first-hand. We immediately notice the agility and stability. It absorbs bumps very well and it remains very stable in fast corners. Slipping through the queued cars is child's play, thanks also to the very compact dimensions and reduced turning radius. Great handling, therefore, thanks to its low weight both when stationary and in running order, also thanks to its small 11 inch wheels.

His suspensions, single-arm with coil spring and double-acting monoshock absorber, they digest holes and manholes with ease. It has the right torque to sprint at the traffic lights and the power not to disdain some motorway stretches, guaranteeing sufficient reach. A perfect vehicle for everyday travel! The vibrations are very low and the engine is generous enough to allow easy overtaking between cars. On the icy asphalt of December we wanted to test the braking thanks to the integrated ABS system and you cannot hear the pulsations typical of anti-lock intervention. The vehicle appears solid and well plantedor! This system, developed specifically for Vespa Primavera, was designed to offer maximum sensitivity, thanks to the sensor that communicates with the electro-hydraulic control unit, guaranteeing lightness as well as safety and driving pleasure on the road. The behavior of the hotel was discreet rear drum brake a little "rubbery", typical drum brake feel. As announced by the company, consumption is really low. Despite not traveling at a constant speed, opening and closing the throttle continuously in the urban and busy stretch of Milan, the petrol needle dropped slightly after a couple of hours, thanks also to the very modern engine with three-valve distribution which ensures excellent fuel consumption and emissions performance. The load capacity is good and the saddle pad can hold a full-face helmet. In summary the Vespa Primavera confirms itself as an easy vehicle, easy to handle and at ease in traffic.

Price and consumption:

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Reduced consumption and price justified by the standard ABS

We have talked about the brilliance of the new engine, but these performances do not overlook a very important fact, namely consumption: the fuel consumption values ​​are reduced to a minimum, allowing the achievement of the 41 km/l recorded in the WMTC cycle (World Motorcycle Test Cycle), which takes into account different types of urban, extra-urban and motorway routes. With a full tank of fuel you can travel up to 328 km thanks also to the large 8-litre tank (of which 2 liters are reserve). We, as in the case of the Sprint 125, we detected values ​​above 30 km/l, even when fully exploiting the engine. The new Vespa Primavera is offered in 50 (2 or 4 stroke), 125 and 150 cc displacements and is available in four color variants: Rosso Dragon (with beige saddle), Nero Vulcano (with red saddle), Blu Midnight (with beige saddle) and Montebianco (with red saddle). Vespa Primavera is available also in the 70th Anniversary and Touring variants, special setups, where the latter is characterized by a front rack and a rear rack, both chromed which, as demonstrated in the most classic Vespa iconography, considerably increase the load capacity and prepare the most loved scooter in the world for any adventurous route. The new Crete Senesi Brown colour, the elegant front fairing and the dedicated plate are also part of the Touring set-up.

Wide range of accessories, as always in the history of Vespa, the new Primavera also offers a wide range of accessories for vehicle customization and greater driving comfort. The top case dedicated to Primavera is completely painted in the same color as the vehicle and enriched by the famous chrome Vespa logo in relief and can contain a full-face helmet. The top case is also available with a backrest. The chrome top case mounting bracket can also be used as a luggage rack. Maximum protection is guaranteed by the windshield made of high quality anti-splinter methacrylate, personalized with the Vespa logo and the support rods are made with a light finish in line with the other aesthetic details. Vespa Primavera can also be equipped with a windshield - available in both transparent and smoked material - which elegantly completes the design of the vehicle. The chromed front and rear luggage racks are at the same time one of the most classic accessories of every Vespa, testimony to the great traveler spirit that every Vespa has always possessed and the new Vespa Primavera is no exception. The chrome front, rear and fender perimeter guards elegantly finish the vehicle. The accessories line also includes the internal bag for the top case, the comfortable side stand - made of black painted steel - which makes parking the Primavera easier, the outdoor vehicle cover, the indoor "big logo" one - both equipped with convenient openings to accommodate the bulk of any accessories and the rubber mat. An electronic anti-theft device and a mechanical saddle-handlebar anti-theft device are available for the Vespa Primavera, as well as a line of other customized mechanical anti-theft devices. A must-have is the practical and quick to assemble leg cover which offers excellent protection from atmospheric agents thanks to the use of thermal material. The Vespa Primavera cover is characterized by the metal Vespa logo and guarantees maximum stability even at high speeds. The seat cover and the anti-theft device are integrated into the accessory. To embellish the Vespa Primavera is the top case bag in natural or black leather, made entirely by hand, which can contain a jet helmet with visor and can be mounted on the top case support of the luggage rack. The price of the Vespa Primavera 150 is 4.470 euros.

PROS AND CONS

We like it:
Engine – Handling

We do not like it:
Ineffective drum brake

Vespa Primavera 150: the Motorionline Report Card

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Testimonial clothingt:

Jacket – Tucano Urbano Task: short cut jacket, with Hydroscud knitted bottom, polyester exterior, windproof and waterproof, polyester lining with thermal padding also in polyester. Internal windproof elastic closure on the wrist, external and internal pockets of different sizes.

Scarpa – Sneaker with StylMartin protections: urban shoes on a whole new level. Produced using breathable fabric and high quality leather inserts, these shoes are perfect for everyday life in the city, on and off the motorbike. Designed for both men and women.

Glove – Clover: short leather glove with hard shell on the knuckles, elasticated gusset on the back and fingers to improve flexibility. Adjustable wrist with strap for safety closure

Helmet – Caberg Ghost: the shell is made of tricomposite material (fibreglass, carbon, kevlar) in two shell sizes, the full carbon version is also available with a shell entirely made of carbon. An aggressive shape and style combine with unique functionality on the market. This jet is in fact equipped with a particular glasses-shaped visor that adheres to the face thanks to the sponge present on the lower profile of the same. The interiors are made with breathable and hypoallergenic fabrics that are completely removable and washable. The all-Italian finishes such as the five rivets embedded in the shell edge, the steel air vents placed on the neck roll and the eco-leather inserts demonstrate the attention and attention to detail.