Scooter News Vespa LX50 4T 4V Vespa Italy presents its new vespa models for 2009. First up lets take a look at the new technical marvel that is the LX 50 4T 4V. Also a future look towards the future styling of the LX range.
Vespa Italy The Vespa LX is the ultramodern, high-tech heir of a truly unique legacy, a designer scooter for those who want a stylish and distinctive avant-garde scooter for the city.
The technological supremacy of the Vespa LX is now reiterated with refreshed styling and the addition of the new 50 cc, 4 stroke, 4 valve engine. The small and ecological four valve combines the sparkling performance of a two-stroke 50 with the fuel economy and low emissions of a 4 stroke.
A new engine: a four stroke matching the sparkling performance of a two stroke.
The new four valve, four stroke 50 cc rediscovers the magic of a legendary engine size in the history of the Vespa. With new four valve timing, this brand new and feisty little powerplant has nothing to envy of its two-stroke counterparts (at 4.35 hp, it is the most powerful 50 cc four stroke on the market), yet its consumption and emission figures remain those of a modern four-stroke.
The new engine is a tiny technological gem: the four valve timing has increased power by over 23% compared with the previous 2 valve configuration (4.35 hp against 3.53 hp), matching the output of a high performance 50cc two-stroke.
The rockers and valve adjustment mechanism have been lightened, reducing the inertia of the whole rocker/valve system, unlocking the potential for higher engine speeds and, therefore, more power. Improved through-flow, also the result of the new four valve head, translates to optimised combustion, reduced fuel consumption and lower than ever emissions.
With a fuel consumption figure of 43.6 Km/litre (ECE 47 cycle), the new unit improves on the already impressive performance of the 2-valve engine (43.5 Km/litre) and substantially outclasses the 2 stroke version (28 Km/litre).
The new engine was designed, developed and industrialised at Piaggio’s headquarters in Pontedera, one of the world’s most important centres for engine R&D. Piaggio is committed to offer today’s increasingly clientele products that not only deliver performance, reliability and safety, but also offer the peace of mind of using a vehicle that respects the environment.
 Vespa LX, refreshed styling
Subtle but distinctive refreshed styling details define the character of the new Vespa LX 50 4Valvole and the entire LX family.
The bodyshell gains new elements underscoring the distinctiveness of the world's most famous scooter brand.
The chromed moulding on the mudguard is particularly effective and, as well as lending a dynamic accent to the front of the vehicle, is also an unequivocal reference to a distinctive trait of a number of historical Vespa models.
The front cowl has also been refreshed with an explicit citation of some the brand's most glorious past models, a new chromed grille concealing the horn.
The chrome accents at the front of the vehicle are echoed in the chromed license plate light cover at the rear.
The new saddle has also benefited from significant improvements, with a new shape and new stitching distinguishing it from the previous version. The design of the hand grips is also new, which now feature the Vespa logo on the innermost side and are trimmed with elegant chrome.
Taut lines and clear cut edges emphasise the modernity of the LX concept, citing timeless forms which, together with the compactness of the all-steel body come together to create a Vespa that offers the same sense of protection as always, but with an incredible agility making it a perfect tool for the urban environment. And these qualities are now enhanced even further by the new 50 cc 4Valve engine.
The Vespa LX retains the features that have made the Vespa one of the world’s best-known vehicles — stylish design, absolute comfort, solidity, optimal performance in town use and twist-and-go ease of use.
The body is made entirely from pressed steel. This unique characteristic sets the Vespa in a class of its own, above any other scooter in production today. Vespa LX 50 4Valvole uses avant-garde manufacturing technology to keep the Vespa steel body tradition alive.
In addition to overall superior strength, the result of this is outstanding rigidity, which translates to levels of handling and steering precision unattainable by any other scooter in this class.
The front suspension, with a dual action hydraulic shock absorber, stands out for its aeronautically derived single sided link arm layout. This is one of the most original of all Vespa traits, a technical solution that has evolved continuously since the very first Vespa model in 1946. On the Vespa LX 50 4Valvole, the swingarm pivots on roller bearings to reduce wear and tear.
At the rear, the Vespa LX boasts a suspension layout with a dual action hydraulic monoshock.
The 11” front wheel ensures excellent stability and gives the rider a feeling of confidence and safety. The tubeless tyres measure 110/70 at the front and 120/70 on the 10” rear wheel. The braking system is a classic disc and drum combination.
Colours
The youthful lines of the Vespa LX 50 4Valvole are available in six different colours: two metallic colours - Vulcano Black and Midnight Blue, and four pastel colours -Montebianco White, Dragon Red, Taormina Orange and Capri Blue.
published 7/05/2009 |