Sport, dynamism and originality are the trademarks of the all-new Vespa S. With its clean, essential lines, the Vespa S is a minimalist version of the legendary seventies models, and proof that the young spirit of Vespa is still very much alive.

The handlebar fairing houses a new rectangular headlight. This, of course, is not the first time for a Vespa to feature a rectangular headlight: fans are sure to recall the amazing 50 Special, a favourite with teenagers throughout the fabulous seventies. The front shield is more impressive too, with a new, aggressive looking air intake.

Reduced in size to reveal the layout of the suspension, the new shape mudguard also features a stylish chrome trim for an even sleeker look. The small size of the mudguard leaves the wheel and light alloy rim in full view in a tribute to the performance and high-tech design of the Vespa S.

The element that has seen most change and that characterises the new design is the front shield. Its clean styling recovers the pure lines that have always been the Vespa’s trademark. The shield’s uncluttered surface is fundamental and its simplicity and minimal thickness powerful design features.

The seat is typically ‘70s in styling and is available in two versions: the ‘Sport’, fitted as standard to the Vespa S 50 to enhance its dynamic character, and the ‘Touring’, fitted to the 125 to maximise comfort and usability. Both are available as options and can be fitted to either model. The seat is upholstered in new materials and enhanced with a classy trim that emphasises its stylish shape.

The rear of the Vespa S has an all-new look with a sleek, simple look and a new tail light designed especially to enhance the dynamism of this sporty model.

With its minimalist but decisive styling, simple yet elegant design, the Vespa S features the same dynamism and freshness that made the Vespa the favourite scooter of young people in the roaring seventies.

Frame and chassis: the uniqueness of Vespa

As always, the sheet steel body acts as a structural frame, a design solution that is unique in the world of scooter production. The body is formed in an advanced industrial process. In addition to superior strength, this design also ensures exceptional rigidity, leading to excellent road holding and precision control.

The front suspension, based on a double acting hydraulic shock absorber, stands out for its aeronautical single arm design. Another distinctive feature of all Vespas, since the very first model, this technical solution has been constantly updated. The link arm on the Vespa S pivots on roller cage bearings for minimum friction.

At the rear, the suspension of the new Vespa features a double acting hydraulic shock  absorber that, in the 125 version, is even adjustable in preload, offering four possible settings for perfect rider and passenger comfort under all conditions.

The 11” front wheel gives the Vespa S great stability, inspiring the rider with a feeling of confidence and control. The tyres are tubeless, size 110/70 on the front and 120/70 on the 10” rear. The braking system comprises the classic combination of disc and drum. The system features a 200 mm stainless steel front disc with a two piston caliper and a 110 mm rear drum.

The 8.6 litre fuel tank is located inside the body where it does not reduce the size of the under-seat storage compartment, and where it also allows easy access to the engine.

Engines: classical capacities

The Vespa S offers a choice of two classical engines sizes: 50 and 125 cc. These legendary engine sizes have written the history of Vespa. The light and sporty 50 cc two stroke engine is perfect for younger riders and ideal for daily use around town.

The 125 is equipped with a modern, ecological four stroke power plant, characterised by excellent performance, low running costs and full compliance with the strict Euro 3 emission control standards.

The Vespa S offers sporty performance and agility not just around town but on longer journeys too, when it offers the perfect combination of enjoyment and safety. The optimised design and quality production of all parts of the engine have reduced the amount of maintenance needed and extended the service intervals.

Like those that power the other models in the Vespa family, the engines fitted to the new Vespa S demonstrate the determination of the Piaggio Group to offer its increasingly sophisticated customers top quality products that deliver performance, reliability and safety, and that respect the environment too.

Of all the factories in the Piaggio Group, the Pontedera plant boasts one of the world’s largest and most advanced engine R&D and manufacturing facilities.