When it comes to nostalgia, you can't beat some traditional Vespa styling kicked along by your olfactory receptors - in the words of Darrell Kerrigan from the iconic Aussie flick The Castle - "Smell that? Two-stroke!"
I guess it's a measure of the extent to which two-strokes have faded into the background these days, but when a bike or scooter comes along that isn't a four-stroke, it instantly stands out. Which brings us to the Vespa LX50 - a little moped stroker I've been buzzing about on of late.
Actually, the use of the term 'little' doesn't quite tell the full story when it comes to the baby of the LX family. With a claimed dry weight of just 96kg, yes, the LX50 is diminutive in no uncertain terms, but really it's not that much smaller than the other members of the LX clan. In fact it shares the same 1280mm wheelbase with both the LX125 and the LX150, and its seat height is just 10mm lower. However, it's claimed dry weight is 14kg less than either of those other two models, and in percentage terms that makes a big difference.
And I guess it's not all that unusual to still find two-strokes in use, particularly in the 50cc moped bracket. They're certainly still par for the course in Europe and especially in Asia, although as emissions standards around the world get tighter, more and more manufacturers will go down the four-stroke route, rather than putting their investment into low-polluting two-strokes. In fact the LX50 is also available in a four-stroke format, although the 4T version isn't available in Australia. And of course many of today's modern two-strokes are a far cry from the two-strokes of yesteryear, and in the case of the LX50, there's not a puff of smoke in sight.
Just a single press of the starter is all that's required to get the LX50 pop-pop-popping into life, although there's a kick starter there too if you're a real puritan. Like just about any moped there are two throttle positions you'll find yourself favouring most - fully closed and fully open. When you do wind it to the stop you'll find the CVT tranny grabs nicely, and quickly sees the speedo needle shoot around to 30km/h. After this the rate of acceleration slows a little, until it maxes out at a restricted 50km/h - I'd be looking into derestricting it, if permissible in your state or territory.
On the go it's a nimble, agile little thing, as you'd expect, and the front disc and rear drum are perfectly adequate in arresting its forward progress. The suspension does its job perfectly well too, although you'll get a wakeup call from any decent pothole accidentally hit at speed.
So on the riding side of the equation, it does everything you need it to with aplomb. But then that's not the only reason why'd you'd be looking at a Vespa, is it? Yes, Vespa is continuing to trade exceedingly well in the modern era, by repackaging modern technology in a style that harks back to its roots in the '50s and '60s.
The LX50 is no exception, and cuts a fine form that conjures up winding, cobbled Italian streets, frenetic European traffic and beautiful young Italians casting amorous glances at each other across crowded cafés. Retro sells, and Vespa is booming.
The level of finish on offer here is first rate, from the general fit of its bodywork, to the lustrous paint, to the quality of the chrome. The seat flips up to reveal a plastic bucket for storage, which pulls out to give easy access to the engine, should you ever need it. That bucket will take a size 58 full face lid, but only just - I had to force the seat down a little until I heard it click shut.
At $3890 plus ORC, it's a fair whack above the moped which was leading the 2007 sales charts at the time of writing. The VMoto Monza retails for $1890 plus ORC, so unless money's no object, you'll need to be totally head over heels in love with the Vespa look and heritage to spend the extra dosh. But if you are, then you'll be head over heels with your LX50 - and that whiff of two-stroke will keep the nostalgia flowing thick and fast.
Vespa LX50
Engine: 49cc, air-cooled, two-stroke, two-valve, single-cylinder
Fuel system: carburettor
Power: n/a
Torque: n/a
Transmission: CVT automatic
Frame: Pressed and welded steel
Front brake: single 200mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear brake: 110mm drum
Seat height: 775mm
Wheelbase: 1280mm
Claimed dry weight: 96kg
Fuel tank: 8.6L
Price: $3890 plus ORC
Colours: Rosso Dragon, Bianco Ottico, Nero Grafite, Grigio Excalibur, Azurro Sky or Blu Midnight
Warranty: 24 months/unlimited kilometres
Web: www.vespa.com.au
Protect your Vespa. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.
