Vespa Sprint 125 3V 2014 – road test

Vespa is among the most important symbols of Italy in the world, a name that in recent years has become a real brand, even if the Piaggio logo is always present at its side. Since 1946 it was joined by many other acronyms and version names, which became famous and linked for many to important memories of the past. Continue thenostalgia operation with the release of the new Vespa model with a small body, the sporty one, which leaves the initials “S” and becomes “Sprint”. We tried the 125, which can also be driven with only a B license and which is promising consumption is truly negligible, in the order of 50 km/l.

Aesthetics and finishes:

rating:  

A design object, everything can be said about her, except that she is not beautiful

It's called Sprint, like its 1965 predecessor, from which it takes the trapezoidal lighthouse with metal frame. The same lighthouse that it was also a sign of recognition of the 4-speed Special, the 50-year-old famous enough to write a song about it, youthful companion of entire generations. For the first time instead, on the Vespa with the small frame, the wheels are 12". A sign of the times, with 7 double-spoke rims that are larger and more suitable for driving on city streets, as well as functional in terms of aesthetics. The saddle has stitching and a nice contrasting white border, as well as the Vespa label, a logo that we also find on the rear stop of the chrome passenger grab handle. Every detail is not left to chance, the references to epic models from the history of Vespas are often clear, in their choice and their shapes. As well as the mirrors, always chrome, which are one of the stylistic details taken in part from the 946, a design object produced in a limited series and sold at a prohibitive price. The style of the lines is also taken from her bodywork, entirely in steel. In particular the rear sides are slimmer and tapered at the rear, giving it one slim line. Not just aesthetics though, because Piaggio declares that the new arrival is much more rigid than the previous one, with less vibrations and greater road holding. Also making their debut are LED headlights, with the front position lights, in addition to the rear unit. The details are really well looked after, the instrument panel, for example, pairs perfectly with the bodywork and is protected by a border at the front. The platform is spacious, recalls the past with the three strips of black rubber covering the profiles on each of the two sides, allowing a comfortable rest for the feet of the driver and passenger who has a rubber support available, but also for objects that have no place In the Underseat compartment, with a good capacity of over 16 litres (+ 2,3 liters from the previous model), capable of also accommodating a full-face helmet. To protect the frame from scratches, the central tunnel on the footboard is protected by a black rubber shell with the Vespa logo, also convenient for preventing objects from slipping.

Engine and performance:

rating:  

He just lacks a little bit of reach, otherwise he passes with flying colours

Judging a 125 is always difficult, especially if you have just gotten off a medium or large displacement scooter. The limitations as a rule, and in this case also the desire to pursue the extraordinary results that the 3-valve can boast in terms of consumption, mean that performance, at least in part, must be sacrificed. Be careful though, The Vespa Sprint 125 doesn't stay stuck at traffic lights, makes a ladylike impression, thanks to a transmission calibrated to give its best in the first few metres, as you can see from the photo, even if the 125 with electronic injection was helped by a boost of kidneys to raise the front wheel... If the fluidity it then becomes one of his best qualities, missing in extension, from 60 km/h onwards the acceleration becomes limited, and you can hardly see 90 on the speedometer, even on the longest straights. Not bad, it was born for the city, today a 125 can't even access a ring road, and 80 km/h (recommended cruising speed) on a state road is still a more than acceptable speed.

Ride and handling:

rating:  

It improves road holding, but also comfort

There is lots of legroom, despite the fact that it is the "smallest" of the Vespa range. You can even move your feet as you like, without having to have a forced position, like on many other scooters. If the new chassis/bodywork guarantees greater rigidity, the suspension is not too harsh, and the comfort is very good even on city cobblestones. The only thing missing from the brakes is ABS, available on requestotherwise they are excellent. Also thanks to renewed fork front, capable of absorbing bumps and navigating potholes without breaking the driver's back, but also of working progressively, accompanying braking without immediately going "package". At the rear we find a drum, which, given the absence of ABS, tends to lead to wheel locking more easily. If on the right-left between cars stuck in city traffic the Sprint is appreciated for its excellent handling, despite its not too low weight, the metal bodywork is historically not beneficial from this point of view, what is surprising is the stability and balance in the curves, even if traveled at a fast pace. Light years away from the geared Vespinis of my adolescence, with which you could do everything, but which were certainly not reliable when cornering.

Price and consumption:

rating:  

3.900 euros and record consumption

The Vespa Sprint is available, as well as 125, also with 50 cc engine, in the two alternative versions, 2 and 4 strokes, starting from 2.890 euro, 50 more for the second. The 125 instead costs 3.900 EUR. It does not include theABS, that is a optional from 390 euros. On the consumption front, the Vespa Sprint is an absolute reference: with a declared figure of 64 km/h and 50 km/h, it's almost a Guinness World Record! In city use 50 with a liter of petrol is not a mirage, thanks to an engine that was created precisely to obtain particularly low consumption. With the 8 liters of the tank you will rarely see the petrol station, given that the range could be over 400 km.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Design and aesthetics, very low consumption, easy to handle in city driving

We do not like it:
Missing a bit of reach, ABS not standard

Vespa Sprint 125: the Motorionline Report Card

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Test clothing:
Jacket: Urban Toucan Agos
Shoe: Stylmartin Sunset
Gloves: Tucano Urbano Squid 9801
Helmet: Caberg Riviera Italy