ABOUT THE P SERIES

The P-Series Vespas were conceived and launched in the late 1970's and were intended to replace the entire Super/Sprint/Rally series in one fell swoop. The P was a totally redesigned Vespa from top to bottom and was sold in 125cc, 150cc, and 200cc trim. It kept the basic motor and layout of the earlier scooters, but corrected many of the problems that had been hampering the Vespa design since its beginnings. The body was totally redesigned to look "more modern" and had a very different style from the earlier models. The front suspension was vastly improved, as was the speedometer. Finally, a decent 12 volt lighting system was installed on a Vespa. This, along with a bigger headlight and functional turn signals, made the scooter much safer on the road. The electronic ignition system was improved as well. Initially, the electronic system was only available on 200cc models, but with the introduction of the PX models in 1983, it became standard on all P-Series Vespas. Since these were the last of the Vespa line to be sold in the United States, they are certainly the most common American Vespa found. Even so, prices for P200E's in particular are shooting ever higher since they are the most practical Vespa on the road.

Some rare Euro models fetch even higher prices. P's are
not quite as stylish as the older models, but they are considered the "workhorse" scooter... they will get you to where you need to go reliably. Plus, they are certainly more beautiful than their European or Japanese scooter contemporaries.
All of the P series Vespas sold in the U.S. came with items that were sometimes options in other markets. All U.S. specification P's had turn signals, 12 volt electrical system, and automatic two stroke oil injection. Other differences mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation include side marker reflectors on the front fender, a large and ugly square tail-light and license plate holder, a lighted neutral indicator, and a large plastic fuel tap lever. As far as is known, no Vespa P150X's were officially sold in the U.S., so we only received the P125X and the P200E. Later only the PX150E was imported, but it was brought in only in small quantities. There are quite a few PX's that have recently come into the U.S. through so-called gray market importers. All PX's have some nice improvements over the earlier 'P' mark 1 models. They have gas gauges, locking cowls, electronic ignition on the 150 and 125cc models, improved front forks, electric start, improved lighting, larger gloveboxes, and more comfortable seats. The last models of the P have disc front brakes, a long overdue improvement! However, the PX tradeoff came in the form of an even more squared off body style.

On the road: The performance of all of the P models was a marked improvement over earlier Vespas, and it shows on the road. They are Fast, reliable, and stable. The P is certainly the smoothest of all the Vespas. The lights are good, as are the brakes (when maintained), and they have power enough to keep up with and surpass freeway traffic. The P200E is a favorite of seasoned scooterists due to its high power and low maintenance. I have heard of P series Vespas reaching 90,000 miles - and 50,000 mile veterans are not uncommon. Parts availability: Almost every part for P-Series Vespas is available. Parts are still being produced in Italy and elsewhere, and there are enough scooters still around to keep the parts suppliers happy for many years to come. Performance: Vespa's and Lambretta's are highly tunable. From upping the displacment to reedblocks to adding turbos. Unknowing to many sportbikers, especially in America where you often find some ignorance of Vespa/Lambretta. Companies like Piaggio Co have long continued to have strong relations with renowned motorbike manufacturers such as Ducati and Aprilia. Many accessories and enhancements are available for Vespa from a broad range of celebrated Italian/European sportbike performance masters, such as: LeoVince, Scorpion Racing, Jim Lomas, Bitubo, Polini, Ducati, Grimeca and Mikuni (Japan).

As for performance, power to weight come into play when such parts are applied to Vespa or Lambretta. The end result is the reality of a very fast well tuned italian scooter accelerating and outrunning many so called "Sportsbikes". Though often this reality can be somewhat unsettling to some motorcyclists. Vespa and Lambretta are indeed exotic bikes. And it is not uncommon to find them as ornaments in various Maserati and Ferrari car showrooms. The pure mix of history, power and elegance of these bikes can not be ignored.

Pure Italian Art.