Vespa is symbol and a guarantee when it comes to scooters, inspiring films, pop songs and a lot of passion, and at EICMA 2007 in Milan the latest models were like jewels, with two new products.

Vespa is symbol and a guarantee when it comes to scooters, inspiring films, pop songs and a lot of passion. At the EICMA 2007 motorbike show in Milan the latest models were like jewels, with two new products.

The first was the retro-looking Vespa S. The appeal of the racing “Vespino” lives on in the shape of the all-new Vespa S. The minimalist design of the Vespa S traces its origins to legendary models such as the 50 Special and the Vespa Primavera. Sport, dynamism and originality are the trademarks of the all-new Vespa S. Clean, essential lines provide a minimalist version of the original Vespa legend.

The reduced handlebar on the Vespa S holds a new rectangular headlamp. It’s not the first time we’re seeing a Vespa headlamp in this shape: Vespa fans will remember its use on the extraordinary 50 Special, a teenage icon in the Fabulous Seventies. The front shell is now bigger and hosts a new air intake that confers an aggressive touch to the frontal. Downsized to highlight the view of the suspension, the mudguard in a new shape features stylish chrome trim for a sleeker look. Its reduced size also puts the wheel and the light alloy wheel rims on display in a tribute to the Vespa S’s performance and technological content.

But it is the front shield that has gone through the most significant changes. It is back to being a two-dimensional structure: no plastics, only the pure lines that have always been the Vespa’s trademark. The very simplicity and minimal thickness of the shield make it a strong design element.

The seat has a new shape with two versions available: a single seat that highlights the vehicle’s racy dynamism or a two-seater for extra comfort and use with a passenger. Both versions are impeccably clad in new upholstery with a classy clear trim to highlight the shape of the seat.

The rear end of the Vespa S has an all-new look: the shape is sleek and simple with a new tail light designed especially for this model to enhance its dynamism. The minimalist yet striking design and simple yet stylish lines of the Vespa S evoke the fresh, dynamic look that made the Vespa the favourite ride of 1960s and 1970s teenagers.

The front wheel has a diameter of 11” to give the Vespa S stability and the rider an obvious feel of safety. The tubeless tyres measure 110/70 in front and 120/70 on the 10” rear wheel. The braking system is a conventional disk-drum combination. The stainless steel front 200 mm disk brake is gripped by a two-piston caliper and dependably backed up by a 110 mm drum. The 8.6 lire fuel tank is placed inside the chassis without however reducing the under seat storage bay, making it easy to access the engine.

The Vespa S is available in two classic displacements, 50 and 125 cc, on which the Vespa’s reputation was built. Light, speedy and very quick off the mark in town traffic, the two-stroke 50cc is perfect for young riders while the 125 version, equipped with a modern, environment-friendly four-stroke engine, stands out for its performance, low running costs and total compatibility with the stringent Euro 3 emissions norms.

More refined was the Vespa P125X “Ultima Serie”. It has been made in a limited edition for the 30th birthday of the PX model, the highest selling Vespa ever. Vespa has sold over 3 million examples and so it deserved a celebration. A limited number of just 1000 have been created, with each one number on a special plate. It is a vintage model that recalls the glory of one of the most loved Vespa in the world of two wheels.