Concerning the 125 c.c. version, it delivers 11.6 bhp/ 8250 rpm and 1.1 kgm/ 6500 rpm (8 lbs ft/6500 rpm) torque, claimed figures. 

  

      Actually the acceleration provided is good up to 60 km/h (37 mph), satisfying up to 80 km/h (50 mph), while it becomes moderate up to 100 km/h (62 mph). Above this figure the scooter requires quite some time up to the top speed of 115 km/h (71.5 mph), indicated figure. 

      Conclusively this engine is oriented towards fuel economy than performance. An indicative, average fuel consumption figure is 2.7 l/100 km, (105 mpg Imperial) which is impressive for an air-cooled engine. 

  

      Riding position: Τhe height, 785 mm (30.9 in.), and the width of the saddle are increased, given the scooter’s character. Thus it will not be really suitable to short riders. Rider is placed in and over the scooter, riding position is neutral intended for leisure urban rides. 

     The pillion is placed marginally higher than the rider, the saddle is roomy and soft, the knees form a natural angle, the handgrips are comfortable. 

                           

      The dimensions of the scooter are decreased. The weight of the scooter is really low, this is an advantage for the Vespa, probably due to the air cooled engine. Thus deriving from the above data, the Vespa LX 150 3V addresses to novice or female riders with an average stature or even higher. 

  

      On the road: A single side link arm suspension is equipped at the front and a single shock at the rear. The stiffness of the suspension at the front is average, the shock at the rear is rather soft. The shock is adjustable to spring preload in four increments. 

  

     The wheels are aluminum, the dimensions of the tires are 110/70-11 at the front and 120/70-10 at the rear. The scooter tested was equipped with the excellent Michelin City Grip tires, which improve handling. 

  

      In town the Vespa is an genuinely nimble scooter, one of the most agile scooters of the market. This level of agility may be compared only with the agility provided by  Vespa PX! Of course this doesn’t mean that there is any disadvantage in urban areas, where the character of the scooter is engaging in terms of performance and aggressive in terms of riding. 

  

      On downtown rides the Vespa LX 150 3V is superb due to the provided agility. Despite the seemingly new-retro styling, this Vespa is like a surgeon’s blade in traffic. Rider will not try to avoid traffic jams on this scooter, which is not common even for the scooters’ world. From the other hand, its difficult to attempt leisure rides on such an agile scooter. 

     Steering lock is very good, the scooter will rarely be immobilised on heavy traffic. 

     Filtering is very good also, despite that the height of the scooter’s handlebar and mirrors is about the same with cars’ and SUVs’ mirrors respectively. Due to the small width of the scooter there isn’t any filtering issue for the rider. 

     Urban street imperfections are absorbed very well, certainly much better than what someone expects from the small dimensions of the wheels. 

  

      On B-roads, the Vespa LX is once again an utterly agile scooter. It will be very satisfying on slow, twisty B-roads. At the fast pace on faster bends or on straight roads, stability is decreased. 

     The handicap of the small wheels which increase agility by a great extent, is the decreased stability and feedback to the rider at the fast pace, especially on low-friction factor roads. Changing the term decreased feedback by the term increased vagueness, despite the superb tires mounted on this scooter, does not improve the disadvantage of the small wheels. 

  

      If it is necessary to ride on the highway, the Vespa LX lacks due to the engine performance and the provided stability on the straights. The wind and any road imperfections also affect stability especially close to the top speed. It is not recommended. If rider requires some occasional and short rides up to the speed of 100 km/h, (62 mph) on decent road surface, this is the maximum that the LX will joyfully provide. 

  

      A single disk brake together with a two-pots caliper is equipped at the front, a drum brake at the rear. The front brake provides good stopping power although feedback to the rider is moderate. The drum brake provides good stopping power and feedback to the rider. The initial bite is good, front and rear. 

     Thus on low friction factor streets and in case of emergency braking, rider should be cautious with the front brake as the front wheel tends to lock, skidding to the side. If average quality tires were mounted on the scooter, rider would not remain confident in case of powerful braking on slippery roads. 

                             

     Model history/versions/optional/reliability/build quality: The history of the Vespa LX starts about 20 years ago, with the introduction of the ET4 model. There are two variants, the L which is the scooter tested and the S which may by defined by the rectangular headlamp, sporty instrument panel, the seat which is almost level, the rims are black, there are less chromed parts. Concerning the engine variations for both models, there is a two-stroke 50 c.c. entity, and the following four stroke variants: 50 c.c., 125c.c. , 125 3V and 150 3V. The height of the saddle is 775 mm (30.51 in) for the LX 50 and 785 mm (30.9 in) for the LX 125 and 150 versions. 

                             

     The S model is not equipped with an 150 c.c. engine. A top case at the same color with the scooter, a screen, chromed parts and a leather saddle are optional equipment. The scooter is not equipped with a kick stand, although the centre stand is very easy to use. In some countries the Vespa LX is fed by a carburetor, delivering lower power and about the same torque, while it is equipped with a kick start also. Build quality and finish are very good. 

  

      Comments: The body of the scooter is made of steel. Under the seat there is adequate space for a medium sized full face helmet. Two pairs of winter gloves may be stored at the gloves compartment at the legshield, one pair at each side. There is a standard immobilizer at the LX 125-150 3V variants. 

  

     The styling is literally classic. The white stiching on the saddle, the single side arms front and rear, the chromed parts, the grips and the key where the logo of the firm is engraved do contribute to the classic looks. 

  

     Due to the small difference in performance between the 125 and 150 c.c. engines and with respect to the character of the LX scooters, it is expected that riding should be similar, perhaps the acceleration of the smaller 125 c.c. LX will be smoother. 

 

     Concerning the price, it is increased compared to the urban small wheeled scooters, while the future customer at this level of price may select among the very best from the 125-150 c.c. scooters range, or even find a new 300 c.c. scooter… 

  

Price 2Τ 50 c.c.: 2450 Euros 

Price 4Τ 50 c.c..: 2750 Euros 

Price 4Τ 125 c.c. LX S 125 ie : 3280 Euros

Price 4Τ 125 c.c. LX 125 ie 3V: 3430 Euros 

Price 4Τ 150 c.c. LX 150 ie 3V: 3620 Euros 

+ Fuel consumption 

+ Agility 

- Price 

- Stability on the straights-feedback to the rider on the bends. 

 More, specifications (IT)