Vespa PX

The Vespa P/PX Series is a range of scooters manufactured by Piaggio under the Vespa brand.

History

The Vespa PX was first presented in 1977 in Milan as the nuova linea model (new line). The Vespa was built with two drum brakes, a single-cylinder engine (aluminum head) and a steel chassis, but has been improved with a new front suspension and a revised rear axle for more stability. It was distributed as Vespa P 125 X and as Vespa P 200 E with an electronic ignition (E for Elettronica) and since 1978 as Vespa P 150 X. The PX 80 appeared in 1981.

This electronic ignition was introduced to the other models, which then were called Vespa PX 125 and Vespa PX 150 E, and in 1982 the Vespa P 200 E was called Vespa PX 200 E. In 1983, the Arcobaleno series was introduced (marketed outside of Italy as the Lusso series) with technological innovations such as separate lubrication and fuel gauges. In addition, the front brake pads were made to be self-centering, the wiring was altered for ease of maintenance, the same key was now used for the ignition and the steering lock, and several minor adjustments were made to the body. These included increasing the size of the glovebox, increasing the size of the mudguard, and a new horn grille.[1]

In 1985 a sporty variant hit the market: The Vespa T5 Pole Position with almost 12 hp. In 1992, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Vespa, a scooter was offered with the T5 engine and the PX style body. This was marketed as the Vespa PX 125 T5 Classic.

Vespa PX 200 Millennium (2003)

In 2007, the production of the Vespa PX was stopped and the last were sold as Ultima Serie (last series), a limited edition with a windshield, a luggage carrier in chrome and chrome wheels with whitewall tires. In 2010, the Vespa PX returned with a catalytic converter added to the two-stroke engine to meet the Euro 3 emission standards.

A final model called the '70th Anniversary' has been produced and when stock is gone no more 2 stroke PXs will be produced; Only the paint and seat differentiate it from the standard PX ZAPM74200 introduced in 2011.

As of February 2017 production of the PX Euro 3 continues in Pontedera at the rate of 40 units in a day[2]

Comparison of Various P Series Models

Notes

  1. ↑ Sarti, Giorgio (2006). Vespa : [1946-2006 : 60 years of the Vespa]. St. Paul, MN: Motorbooks. p. 365. ISBN 9780760325773.
  2. ↑ Pontedera, continua la produzione della Vespa PX
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