Vespa PX


The Vespa P/PX Series is a range of scooters manufactured by Piaggio under the Vespa brand.

History

The Vespa PX was first presented in 1977 in Milan as the nuova linea model. The Vespa was built with two drum brakes, a single-cylinder engine and a steel chassis, but has been improved with a new front suspension and a revised rear axle for more stability. It was distributed as Vespa P 125 X and as Vespa P 200 E with an electronic ignition and since 1978 as Vespa P 150 X. The PX 80 appeared in 1981.
This electronic ignition was introduced to the other models, which then were called Vespa PX125E and Vespa PX150E, and in 1982 the Vespa P 200 E was called Vespa PX200E. In 1983, the Arcobaleno series was introduced with technological innovations such as separate lubrication and fuel gauges. In addition, the front brake pads were made to be self-centering, the wiring was altered for ease of maintenance, the same key was now used for the ignition and the steering lock, and several minor adjustments were made to the body. These included increasing the size of the glovebox, increasing the size of the rear mudguard, and a new horn grille.
In 1985 a sporty variant hit the market: The Vespa T5 Pole Position with almost 12 hp. In 1992, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Vespa, a scooter was offered with the T5 engine and the PX style body. This was marketed as the Vespa PX 125 T5 Classic.
In 2007, the production of the Vespa PX was stopped and the last were sold as Ultima Serie, a limited edition with a windshield, a luggage carrier in chrome and chrome wheels with whitewall tires. In 2010, the Vespa PX returned with a catalytic converter added to the two-stroke engine to meet the Euro 3 emission standards.
A final model called the '70th Anniversary' has been produced and when stock is gone no more 2 stroke PXs will be produced; Only the paint and seat differentiate it from the standard PX ZAPM74200 introduced in 2011.
Production of the PX ended in early 2017 as PX failed to meet Euro 4 compliance.

Modifications

Owners often modify PX and similar classic models with bigger engine kits and various parts upgrades. Many companies like Polini, Malossi make an array of aftermarket parts starting from suspension, exhaust to engine casing/kits. These upgrades can increase the performance of PX and similar models significantly.
PX150 models are often upgraded with 177cc engine kits and PX200 models are upgraded to 210cc. These upgrades often include bigger carburettor, high flow fuel taps, engine casing modification, bigger carburettor, suspension upgrades etc.

Comparison of Various P Series Models



1 The same chassis number applies to the Arcobaleno models.

2 This model was in production from 1985 and marketed exclusively in Germany.