Vespa 2014 Primavera: In-Depth Specs and Comparison

Vespa 2014 Primavera

At first glance, the 2014 Vespa Primavera, appears to be a mostly aesthetic update of its predecessor, the LX series. Underneath the cowls, however, there are a number of improvements in design and engineering that distinguish the new model from the old. Beyond the styling, the technology and engineering represent the biggest evolutionary leap in the mid-size Vespas since the ET was introduced in 2000.

While scooter companies continue to push the limits on engine size, releasing bigger and bigger models each year, the qualities of smaller scooters are the basis for the classic image of scootering and much of the joy of riding associated with that nostalgic ideal. It’s reassuring to see that this segment of the market — the 125cc-150cc range — isn’t being ignored. It actually represents the lion’s share of global scooter sales.

In comparing the Primavera with earlier Vespas, we focused on the 125cc and 150cc versions. (In general, many scooters that are 125cc in other countries are 150cc in the US. This is due to licensing and other requirements.) While there will be 50cc versions of the Primavera, as there are for the LX, they don’t share some of the biggest new features of their larger siblings, such as a new engine. Other characteristics such as dimensions, styling and so on are uniform across all of the models.

The most obvious changes from the LX are in the styling of the Primavera. Many of the cues and the move from round to angled are borrowed from the new Vespa 946, the company’s high-dollar, limited-edition showpiece. In many ways, the Primavera is the practical version of the 946, with the more excessive design features scaled back and the addition of storage, better passenger space and a price tag far below $10,000. (Final pricing has not yet been announced; we anticipate it will be slightly higher than the current LX series.)

Not only does the Primavera have the storage the 946 lacks, it offers more and better storage than its predecessor. The underseat space  is larger thanks to the relocation of the battery to under the floorboards. That means the ability to stash bigger helmets and more groceries under the seat. The glovebox has also been improved thanks to simple plastic enclosures to keep items from falling out. This has been a design flaw (or “challenge,” at least) in new Vespas for over a decade. Glad they’ve worked it out.

The new model also features redesigned gauges and controls. The dash is simplified, with a larger, high-contrast speedometer over a multi-function LCD display and indicator lights. The gauges are a nice nod to the  “clamshell” design found on many vintage Vespa models and the original ’60s Primavera. There’s a new switch on the right handlebars as well, above the starter, labeled “mode.” This is likely to control the LCD readout.

The biggest change in the Primavera is the new 3-Valve (3V) engine, first unveiled in the Vespa 946. This has been available in LX models sold overseas for the past model year, but not the US version of the LX. (The US version of the 2013 Piaggio Fly does have the 3V engine, though.) Without getting into the technical details, the completely new motor is stronger, faster and more efficient than its predecessor. These are the spoils of research and development: a lighter engine that gets better gas mileage, puts out more power yet requires less maintenance. Other companies (particularly Honda) have made some good strides in improving engine efficiency and output in recent years. Over the past decade, Vespa’s 125cc/150cc engines have had some modest upgrades, including the move to fuel injection, but nothing as substantial as this.

The Primavera has a number of other performance and handling upgrades. The transmission has been redesigned and features a new clutch and a system to maximize power output and fuel economy at lower RPMs and speeds. Though no specific technical details are yet available Vespa claims the transmission is designed to “to reduce engine rotations when shifting up from a low gear to a high one,” which may mean a new type of variator. In addition, the front suspension is all new. The rear tire has been bumped from a 10″ to an 11″ which will improve stability and allows a larger rear drum brake.

The downside of that 11″ rear tire is that the size (120/70-11″) is rare. One frequent criticism of the LX models was the scarcity of tires available in its unique 110/70-11″ tire size. There have often been fewer than five options on the market. Michelin, which makes the stock City Grip tires shown on Vespa’s press photos of the Primavera doesn’t list the new rear tire size among its offerings. It may be a year or longer before more options are available for a Primavera rear tire.

The full specs, as currently available, for the Primavera and current LX (US version) are in the table below. Improvements and changes for the Primavera are in red. ScooterFile will have further information, including pricing and availability, when available.

1. MODEL Primavera 125 / 150 (2014+) LX125ie / LX150ie (2009-2013)
2. FRAME TYPE 2-arm engine mount with vibration dampeners Single arm engine mount
3. ENGINE TYPE 4 stroke single cylinder with electronic injection 4 stroke single cylinder with electronic injection
4. BORE X STROKE 52 x 58.6 mm (125) / 58 x 58.6 mm 57 x 48.6 mm (125) / 62.8 x 48.6 mm (150)
5. DISPLACEMENT 124.5cc / 154.8cc 124cc / 150.5cc
6. MAX POWER AT SHAFT 7.9 kW at 7,700 rpm (125) / 9.5 kW at 7,750 rpm (150) 7.9 kW at 8250 rpm (125) / 8.9 kW at 8000 rpm (150)
7. MAX TORQUE 10.4 Nm at 6,000 rpm (125) / 12.8 Nm at 6,500 rpm (150) 9.6 Nm at 6500 rpm (125) / 11.8 Nm at 6250 rpm (150)
8. MAX SPEED [not stated] 61mph (est.)* 59mph (95km/hr)
9. FUEL/TANK CAPACITY 8 litres (2.1 US gallons) 8.6 litres (2.3 US gallons)
10. GAS MILEAGE [not stated] 100+ MPG (est.)* 70-75mpg
11. DISTRIBUTION SOHC (single overhead cam), 3 valves per cylinder Cam head single shaft-SOHC (2 valves)
12. COOLING SYSTEM Forced Air Circulation Forced Air Circulation
13. LUBRICATION Wet Sump Wet Sump
14. IGNITION Electric only (new freewheel starter) Electric only
15. GEARS CVT with torque server (new system unique to this model at time of launch) CVT transformer with torque slave
16. CLUTCH Automatic dry centrifugal clutch with vibration dampers Automatic dry centrifugal clutch with vibration dampers
17. EMISSIONS COMPLIANCE Euro 3, EPA, CARB Euro 3, EPA, CARB
18. SEAT HEIGHT 780mm (30.7 in) 785mm (30.9in)
19. DRY WEIGHT [not stated] 251.9 lbs (114 ± 5 kg)
20. UNDERSEAT STORAGE VOLUME 16.6 litres 14.3 litres
21. LENGTH/WIDTH/WHEELBASE 1,860mm (73.23 in) / 735 mm (28.94 in) / 1340 mm (52.76 in) 1,755 mm (69.1 in) / 740 mm (29.1 in) / 1,280 mm (50.4 in)
22. FRONT TIRE/REAR TIRE Tubeless 110/70-11”/ Tubeless 120/70-11” Tubeless 110/70-11”/ Tubeless 120/70-10”
23. FRONT SUSPENSION Single arm with coil spring and dual action monoshock absorber – axial stroke 78 mm Single arm with helical spring and dual effect hydraulic single shock absorber
24. REAR SUSPENSION Hydraulic monoshock – axial stroke 69 mm Coil spring and dual effect single shock absorber
25. FRONT BRAKE 7.87” (200 mm) ø steel disc with hydraulic command 7.87” (200 mm) ø steel disc with hydraulic command
26. REAR BRAKE 5.51” (140 mm) ø drum with mechanical command 4.33” (110 mm) ø drum with mechanical command

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