The wasp is back!

‘The bUzzY buzzy thing’ or Vespa is back in India with the LX125. We take it for a spin to see if the new scooter lives up to the hype.

There are very few in India who haven’t experienced a Vespa in some way or the other. be it the original imports, the bajaj Vespa 150s or the LML Vespas, at some point, many of us have ridden or at least seen them. now after an

absence of more than a decade, the iconic Italian brand is back in India with the LX125.

The LX125, though modern, carries quite a few retro styling cues; it is more about curves than straight angles. The large front mudguard with the metal logo is reminiscent of the past, as is the front apron with the little horn bezel finished in chrome. The three spoke alloy wheels shod with 10” MRF nylogrip tyres, though are modern. These look good too, especially the front along with the traditional single-sided front suspension. The handlebar is a relatively large unit which houses the authentic Vespa style round headlamp and the instrument panel. The latter gets a speedo and fuel gauge along with other telltale lights.

There’s a smart looking glove compartment too which can be operated via the ignition lock. The foot board strips are an India-special. The seat though comfortable is good for mostly the slimmer kind especially with two travellers. however, pop the seat up and there’s space for a helmet or some grocery shopping. Unfortunately, the underseat storage is not large enough for a full-face helmet. At the back the tail light juts out just like the ones found on classic Vespas.

The LX125 is powered by a 125cc, 4-stroke single cylinder engine mated to a CVT. This engine sports three valves which helps breathing on the intake side resulting in better performance. The transmission system too has been modified with gear ratios suited for Indian riding conditions.

It should be fuel efficient too. Piaggio claims the 10.1bhp engine is efficient enough to return 60kmpl, albeit under standard test conditions. What this figure looks like in the real world, only an extended test will show.

The ride on the LX is on the stiffer side and on uneven terrain, you can feel the surface. but, it isn’t back breaking or even irritating for that matter. What really impressed us about the scooter though, were its brakes. These have good bite and even though it’s an all drum set up, the feel isn’t bad either.

The ground clearance also seems well suited for Indian roads and even with two on board, it should not have a problem negotiating speed breakers.