The day has finally come and Piaggio has launched the Vespa scooter in the Indian market. The retro scooter has been much awaited but the wait has been worth it. Powered by a 124cc single-cylinder, 3-valve engine which is air-cooled, the Vespa LX125 produces 10.06 BHP of peak power at 7500 RPM and 10.6 Nm of peak torque at 6000 RPM. The gearbox is an automatic CVT unit. Built quality is top notch and the Vespa is locally manufactured at the company’s Baramati facility, which has an annual capacity to produce 1.5 lakh scooters per annum.
The Vespa LX125 weighs 114 kgs and has a tank capacity of 8-liters. Till date Piaggio has sold 17 million units of this iconic scooter and is hoping to increase the number with the India launch of the Vespa LX125. Piaggio is also offering a range of accessories for this lifestyle scooter, which will be available at Vespa dealerships across India. The company’s focus is on brand building and not volumes initially. Piaggio is hoping to tap in on the Vespa brand name to make its 2-wheeler debut a succesful one. More updates to follow, live from the launch.
The Vespa is priced at Rs. 66,661/- (ex-Maharashtra). Piaggio says premium product, premium pricing. The scooter has been aerodynamically designed with a engine made specially for India, which is now a global engine, high on economy and environmentally friendly motor. Inspite of financial turmoil in Italy, the Vespa continues strongly. The Vespa features a monocoque chassis, single sided front suspension and the company plans to sell 12,000 scooters this year. Currently there are 50 hand picked Vespa dealers in 35 cities. Aim is to sell 3 lakh scooters by 2013.
Pictures shot by MotorBeam special correspondent Mohit Soni.