Vespa T5

Vespa T5/ LML T5 (150cc version)

Manufacturer	Vespa
Predecessor	Vespa Sprint
Successor	Vespa PX150
Class	Road
Engine	125  2-stroke, single cylinder, air-cooled
Bore / stroke	55×52 mm
Compression ratio	11.3/1
Top speed	100+ kmh
Power	12.0 bhp @ 6,500 rpm
Ignition type	CDI
Transmission	4-speed
Frame type	solo
Suspension	single sided (front and rear)
Brakes	Front and rear drum
Tires	10 inch (front and rear)
Wheelbase	1,235 mm
Weight	112 kg (dry)
Oil capacity	premix 2 stroke oil for engine and 500 ml engine oil for gear box and clutch
Related	LML NV, Vespa PX, Danmotor Excel 150

The Vespa T5 was a 125cc/150cc, single cylinder, 2 stroke scooter which was manufactured by Piaggio. Some European models have a 125cc, single cylinder, 2 stroke engine. The Vespa T5 was a true sporting scooter featuring an improved 5 port aluminum cylinder design allowing for greatly improved power and cooling, and higher revs, compared to its largeframe cousin, the PX.^[1] The squarish (55 x 52 mm) and lightweight piston design was aimed for high revs, as was the aluminum cylinder with Nikasil plating, the lightened flywheel, and the shorter 24mm carburetor (Dell'orto 24/24 G), all introduced with the model. This revised engine had about as much horsepower as a PX200, albeit at higher revs, at the expense of torque.^[2]

Cosmetically, the Vespa T5 featured a rectangular head light, an updated headset console which included a fuel level indicator and a digital or analog tachometer (depending on market), a flat rear end (achieved by adding the "square tail" sheet to a PX body), and a redesigned seat to complete the look. Like classic Vespas, the scooter had full steel body panels and weighed around 112 kg dry.

The scooter had a classic 4 speed manual left hand twist grip gear change, a kick starter, and a front storage compartment with a black tray atop it, adorned with a "Pole Position", logo, designed to underline its sportiness. On UK, and some entry-level Spanish and Italian models, premixing of 2 stroke oil was required; on French and German (and as an option in others) markets, autolube was standard, and accompanied by an electric start setup not available on base models.

The Vespa T5 had CDI ignition. Depending on the market, it either had no battery and all electrical components were powered by magneto after starting the engine.^[3] (UK, base models in Spain and Italy), or if a battery was fitted, it had an electric starter, and fuel gauge as well as horn were powered directly by DC (battery).

The engine was housed in the rear right side on a swing-arm and the left side housed a spare wheel. The rear brake was operated by a right foot pedal. The T5 exceeded a top speed of 100KPH as standard, easily comparing to the PX200; but its dependence on revs and relative lack of torque made it pale in adverse conditions, and/or with a pillion.

In Spain, a similarly bodied version was offered with a standard PX200 engine: the TX. In Germany and the Benelux, the same 200 version was badged GS.

The Indian made LML Select 2 is a cosmetically close cousin of the Vespa T5, albeit with a standard PX150 engine, and a redesigned console with no tachometer. Another similar clone was manufactured by PT Danmotor of Jakarta, Indonesia, with the same shortcoming: the lack of the proper T5 engine, replaced in these guises by the more common PX150.

References