Vespa Motor Scooter

The Vespa is an Italian line of scooters manufactured by Piaggio. The Vespa has evolved from a single model motor scooter manufactured in 1946 by Piaggio & Co. S.p.A. of Pontedera, Italy — to a full line of scooters and one of seven companies today owned by Piaggio — now Europe's largest manufacturer of two-wheeled vehicles and the world's fourth largest motorcycle manufacturer by unit sales.


Vintage Vespa

From their inception, Vespa scooters have been known for their painted, pressed steel unibody which combines a complete cowling for the engine (enclosing the engine mechanism and concealing dirt or grease), a flat floorboard (providing foot protection), and a prominent front fairing (providing wind protection) — into a structural unit as well as a singularly endearing and enduring shape.


As the first globally successful scooter, the Vespa has enjoyed tremendous prominence in popular culture — and has become a symbol of stylish personal transportation.

THE MODERN VESPA

By the early 1990s, Vespa was in trouble. The Vespa was selling slowly; two-strokes (which was commonly used by the vespa) were being withdrawn around the world due to environmental concerns; Asian manufacturers were stealing the market share with a cheaper and lighter motor scooters. As a result, sales fell and production in Europe had been pulled back to only Italy. The saviour of Vespa was the ET Model.
The ET model range stuck was lighter, aerodynamic, an automatic gearbox and could take engines from 50 cc in eithe a two to four stroke engine. Also, it would take up to a 150 cc four stroke. It was launched when traffic congestion in European cities was increasing. The Vespa ET Mode was a total success, and Vespa re-entered the North American market in 2001.


Modern Vespa
The ET2 (two stroke 50cc) and ET4 (four stroke 150cc) came in U.S. market in 2001. In 2004, the PX (model year 2005) was re-introduced to North America. Growth in the United States market and worldwide environmental concerns meant the need for larger and more cleaner engines, so Vespa developed the LEADER series engines. The larger Granturismo frame, with a 12-inch (300 mm) wheels, was introduced to handle the additional power. In 2006 spawned a GTS250ie version, with an upgraded suspension and new QUASAR 250cc fuel injected engine, capable of 80+ MPH was introduced. In 2005, the ET was withdrawn from Europe and North America and replaced by a small-frame scooter called the LX range. These were available in the United States in either 50 cc and 150 cc versions.
The following Vespa Models will be reviewed:


Vespa PX200