Scooter News Vespa LX 125 i.e. Our new roving reviewer gets his first up assignment on the new injected LX125. Some people have all the luck!
Ralph Leavsey-Moase
Introduction
It was one of those days. You turn over the cards and it’s a full house. I rocked up on a 2300cc motorcycle to appraise a 125cc scooter. Not just any little old scooter but the Vespa LX125 i.e. You would expect that my expectations would be underwhelming on the lightweight four stroke air cooled Vespa. Not so and the reason is I took the time to have a good look over the LX (true apart from inquisitiveness, there was still a fair amount of adrenalin still pumping A positive through my body- 2300cc might indicate why!) before dealing with inner city traffic.
Features
The metal body Vespa is loaded with enough features to look sophisticated yet simple in its own elegant way. Lift the lockable seat up, pull out the helmet “bucket” and the well laid out engine seems almost like any other commuter scoot until you realise you can see everything within the bay. Seeing means touching which also means it’s accessible for servicing. The “i.e.” badge should indicate the model is Fuel Injected and that’s exactly what is most obvious sitting on top of the motor. That’s enough, close up the seat and check the glove box. Tick, I like and lockable too. Stuff in glasses case, phone and wallet.
The instrument dash is simple and follows the retro theme that Vespa is so good at fostering. I like the large dials, the clock and fuel gauge. Warning lights and an immobiliser and neat controls and switches. If you Google “simple” the LX should appear on top of the list. Please understand simple in my mind means well thought out and as functional as it needs to be. Italians do simple very well indeed. The styling, wheels and brakes are as simple and the best you’ll see on a small scooter.
The front end is single sided and also found on other large Vespa's, this shows of the front 11 inch wheel (The rear is a 10 inch) in an almost unique way and is a modern take on a very historical theme.
Vespa have dropped the backup kick start lever and to continue the theme have left out a side stand and rear rack. Note this can be added later along with a number of factory accessories which will smarten up what is already a cute and practical scooter if required.
On The Road
Compared to past carbureted ET4s and LX's the “i.e.” starts almost by telepathy and sits there idling while I suit up, give it a rev and (on the centre stand) it doesn’t’ do a wayward dance. I like. Out into the sunlight and traffic and the Vespa is super responsive and very sprightly off the mark. Almost like a 150cc and surprising as the road speed builds very smoothly. Like the old LX model Vespa, the “i.e.” manages to find a balance between lightness and stability. Yes it is light so be prepared for quick steering and movement from cross winds. I have always put the solid stable feel of Vespas to the integral feeling the steel monocoque body and firm suspension which goes with the brand.
Most new riders should notice the difference compared to more contemporary brands and this is one way to justify the higher entry price. Build quality, shiny paint and chrome matched the inner glow from an excellent gelato in Newtown. Actually King Street Newtown is an ideal environment to access this scoot. The fight for parking, errant taxis and suicidal pedestrians test steering braking and road presence. The LX earned a badge of merit.
It’s hard to fault the LX and given this samples very young age maybe trying to hold onto the traffic at higher speed is a small short coming. Speaking of short. I feel sorry for a small percentage of the population that would really love to own an LX but can’t fit on what is a slightly tallish scooter. I’ve seen some very gutsy sub 145cm people manage their new Vespa but I would advise most to make the Vespa their second purchase (maybe look at the Piaggio Zip 100 as an example of entry level scooters for shorter riders).
Summary
What can you say about a scooter that is available for under $6000 on road with a free coffee machine (offer until October), has a choice of four colours, 2 years warranty and Italian chic? Me, I’m more of a 250cc scooterist, however if you are chasing down a quality brand with ride and performance to handle the cut and thrust of the inner city jungle then the LX125ie is going too be tough to beat. I love it when a fuel gauge barely moves during an afternoon’s riding and don't forget most Vespa owners name their pride and joy. Gina, Gino, Luca, Sophia and Audrey. I think it’s a family thing.
Looks, substance, quality, practicality and a smile on my face, now that’s what I call a full house.
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Colours Available Red Black Blue and White
- Warranty 2 Years
- See more @ www.vespa.com.au
published 16/08/2010 |