Gradually Italian 2-wheeler maker Piaggio is making inroads into Indian bike industry with their stylish, original, different and powerful locally manufactured Vespa scooters which otherwise is ruled by Honda by its Activa range. The price through is towards higher side then why generally price conscious are buying it. It is all about the premium feel they give as buying iPhone over others.
Looks
The bright and attractive colors and good looks have become a synonym of Vespa. The body is very similar to its earlier VX model. Smart use of alloys in the wheel and broad tyres with sportier treads are the new additions to VXL. Engine casting looks very graceful, pierced front disc brakes and single side front and rear suspension gives it a balanced look. It also gets a new instrument cluster and circular headlamp. There is also a lockable front storage which is very usable. The instrument cluster houses fuel meter, and 2 trip meters which could be toggled using right handlebar’s switch. The speedometer is however analogue. The parking brake or brake locking clamp is still missing from VXL.
Engine
VXL 150 is powered by single cylinder, air cooled 3-valve OHC engine that punches out a peak power of 11.6PS at 7000rpm and a maximum torque of 11.5Nm at 5500rpm. There is an addition of 1.5Ps of power and 0,9Nm of torque when compared to other smaller engines. Continuous variable transmission ensures that rider gets hassle free and smooth ride on crowded Indian roads with less worries for gear and clutch change. The power of engine can be felt once it is driven with pillion rider and on uphill journey. It is so smooth and strong. At low revs too it has enough torque due to which it could zoom easily past others at traffic signals. VXL is very comfortable at 70kmph and could be driven for long distances at this speed. Due to refined engine the ride on it is more relaxed than others with smaller engines even at high speeds.
Safety
It is fitted with 200mm ventilated front disc brake and 140mm drum brake at rear that gives stability to the bike. 110-70/11 front and 120-70/10″ rear are broader for extra grip and are tubeless for peace of mind. Link spring mechanism fitted in between engine and frame provides stability to VXL 150 at low speeds, gives high speed stability and easy steering.
Handling
The upright sitting posture is very comfortable for city rides. The bigger 11-inch front wheel is new addition which is fitted with wider tubeless tyres from Maxxis gives better control while riding and taking turns around the corners. The disc brakes in front and rear drum brakes are very responsive and work well with effortless stopping. The feel at the lever for it gives confidence to the rider.
Colors and Prices
Vespa VXL 150 is available in 5 attractive colors namely yellow, matt black, red, green and white. The prices start at Rs. 84,641(ex-Pune) which makes it as the most costly scooter in India and is at par with good 150cc bikes.
Mileage
The fuel efficiency for it is not confirmed yet but it is going to surely give an average close to 50-60kmpl.
1 Comment
A year ago, we bought a scooter from Mehar Motors Chandigarh. Sadly, a mechanical problem caused the scooter to tumble onto the road.
Now it looks that we need to fix a part, and poor petrol quality is the root of the problem as per a person called Mr Arjun who works in Mehar Motors Chandigarh. I’m not sure who to complain to about the subpar petrol—the Indian government or Vespa, which ought to make its motor parts to survive Indian petrol of that calibre.
Finally, we visited a roadside technician in the Chandigarh Motor Market, and they informed us that the issue with the BS6 Vespa scooter was fairly prevalent.