LX / S Series

VESPA LX / S SERIES

The LX generation of small frame Vespa scooters was released for the 2006 model year. The LX generation is the replacement for the ET line of scooters. The LX scooters aren’t really all new scooters but rather they are heavily updated versions of the ET scooters with the styling bearing a closer resemblance to the larger Granturismo 200. The LX 150 shares the same engine as the departing ET4 150, while the 4-stroke LX 50 uses the same 50cc engine found in the ET4 50 (which wasn’t sold here as we recieved the 2-stroke ET2 50). You may find it informative to review the information on these scooters.

The LX scooters were launched in North American in 2006 and continue to be sold as of 2009. The most significant change for this new generation besides the styling was the introduction of a 4-stroke engine in the 50cc model rather than a 2-stroke engine. Other noteworthy changes include a larger 11” front rim (instead of 10”). Style-wise, these scooters were designed to be closer in appearance with the larger GT 200 scooter. This meant a wider rear end, a round (instead of oval) front headlight, new rims and nicer integrated clear blinkers.

The LX scooters have tasteful instrumentation (shown above) with a digital clock (bottom), fuel gauge and quite a few indicator lights including a valuable oil pressure light. Click on the picture below for a larger look. The fairly large glovebox is opened by pushing in the area where you insert the key. This is easy to use but it can actually be opened without the key. To prevent others from opening your glovebox, you need to need to turn the key to the lock position for the handlebars which also locks out the glovebox. The Vespa S is also equipped with a speedometer, fuel gauge, digital clock and several warning lights but the styling of the dash is obviously difference. The LX gauges lay protected behind a flat plastic panel whereas the S gauges are integrated into a beautiful chrome piece. I think the S wins this category but the gauges do seem quite a bit harder to clean and prone to collecting water. If you live in a rainy area and often park your scooter outside this may be something to consider.

In the style department, the LX scooters have been positively received. The styling of the ET scooters was mixed from Vespa enthusiasts but the LX received mostly glowing reviews. For 2008, Vespa released the Vespa S 150 in North America which was essentially just a styling variation of the LX 150. For 2009, we are going to

see the 50cc Version of the S. Compared to the LX, the most noticeable difference is the rectangular headlight. Other differences include new dash instrumentation, chrome bits on the front panel and front fender, rectangle mirrors, a single riders seat and the disappearance of the glovebox and rear grab bar. The styling of the Vespa S had been popular (My local Vespa dealer says that the majority of buyers prefer the styling of the S). I do prefer the styling of the S but the omission of the glovebox and the two rider seat is almost enough to tilt my preference towards the LX models. A dual rider seat is available as an aftermarket accessory. The S has two small cubby holes instead of the glovebox but these areas are not enclosed and aren’t useful for much besides carrying your bagel home from the deli (granted you do save $200 because the S lacks the glovebox).

The other scooter based on the LX frame is the LXV 150. This scooter is the 60th anniversary edition of the LX

and it’s loaded with fancy bits. For an extra $800 over the LX 150($1000 over the S 150), you get a leather 2-piece seat, a handy chrome rear rack, a small windscreen and the exposed headlight look. The leather seat is absolutely gorgeous piece, but it’s also vulnerable to rain which makes it less ideal if you are using this scooter as your daily driver. I applaud Vespa for caring enough to make this anniversary edition but at the end of the day, it doesn’t seem that these extra touches warrant the additional money. If you are a Vespa enthusiast who values having something rare, then the LXV 150 is a neat scoot to own but practically it seems less compelling than the LX and S scooters.

The motors in both the 50cc and 150cc versions of these scooters are pretty standard fare. Both engines are air cooled, 2-valve carburated singles. It would be nice to see Vespa add liquid cooling, fuel injection and 4-valves to make these engines more efficient but so far Vespa is reserving that technology for their large frame GT / GTS scooters. Yamaha had been the leader in this area as they have equipped both of their 50cc 4-stroke scooters with all of this technology. That’s a big part of the reason why Yamaha’s Vino 50 gets an honest 100-110 mpg and these 50cc’s from Vespa can only achieve 70-80 mpg. The power of the 50cc engine is adequate. It’s not as peppy as other 2-stroke 50cc’s like the departed Vespa ET2 50 but it’s adequately powerful and can reach 39mph (62km/hr) eventually. To be fair, Vespa’s new for 2009 Vespa S 50 features an improved 4-valve engine which Vespa claims is the most powerful 4-stroke 50cc engine ever. It’s great to see Vespa moving to 4-valves but their claim about being the most powerful 4-stroke 50cc engine ever is laughable. Vespa rates this engine at 4.1hp, while Honda’s Ruckus and Metropolitan scooters make 4.9hp. Yamaha’s 50cc 4-stroke are even more powerful. Regardless, I’m sure it’s a nice engine and that’s what really matters.

The larger 150cc versions of the LX and S scooters are capable of a decent 95km/hr (59mph) which is faster than Yamaha’s Vino 125. Fuel milage is pretty standard at a claimed 65-70 mpg. These scooters do have a nice large 2.3 gallon (8.6 liter) fuel tank which gives the 50cc versions an impressive range around 175 miles (300kms).

In the braking, suspension and handling compartments, these Vespa scooters fair quite well. The front disc brake is a solid performer which makes the LX 50 and Vespa S 50 stand out in their classes. The larger Vespa’s also brakes decently but a front disc brake is pretty much standard in this class. These scooters utilize the same ‘trailing link’ front suspension setup as all Vespa’s have used and it continues to work pretty well. These Vespa’s also handle decently well despite their somewhat portly weight. The larger 11” front rim adds stability at higher speeds.

On the practical side, the LX Vespa’s are great. The LX scooters have a large underseat storage area and a decent glovebox. The glovebox is a great spot to keep your ownership and insurance papers and maybe your lunch too. It’s unfortunate that the S loses the glovebox because anyone who has owned a scooter with a glovebox can tell you that they are extremely useful. All of these scooters do have an interesting grocery bag hook that extends out of the front of the seat. You could probably hang a couple bags of groceries on this hook without interfering with your legroom too badly. I don’t think I’d want to venture on the highway with my groceries swinging in the wind though. All of these scooters also feature a microchip key to deter thieves.

This is a pretty neat feature that you don’t find on other scooters but be careful not to lose the brown master key or you’ll be in for an expensive bill to re-program the system.

In conclusion, if you like the styling of both of these scooters then get the LX because the 2 passenger seat, glovebox and easy to clean gauges are going to make this an easier scooter to live with. However, if you like the styling of the S better then get that because you gotta buy what you love. Compared to other scooters, these Vespa’s set the bar in terms of fit and finish and high end features. However, some other scooters offer most of what these Vespa’s have at significantly lower prices. If you are in the 50cc market I would also check out Honda’s Metropolitan, Yamaha’s Vino and perhaps some Taiwan made scooters like PGO’s Metro, SYM’s Fiddle II 50 and Kymco’s Sento 50. If you are looking for a 125-150cc scooter, also have a look at Yamaha’s Vino 125, SYM’s Fiddle II 125 and Kymco’s People S 125.

Update:
I recently got the chance to put about 100 miles on a 2007 LX 150. My ride was a mix of urban and rural roads both at daytime and nighttime. As the owner of a Yamaha BWs/Zuma 125, I found the Vespa to be nicely powered. It has a little more grunt across the board compared to my scooter and on back roads I was able to get the Vespa up to an indicated 60-65mph. The Vespa’s engine has a nice growl to it, although it is a bit loud at idle compared to other scooters I've ridden. Other positive things that I noticed included a great headlight and as expected, the storage capacity is awesome. Also, the overall build quality of the scooter is excellent. It certainly feels like a $4000+ machine.

On the downside, the Vespa’s handling is somewhat twitchy at high speeds (this would not be an issue for the 50cc versions). This is likely due largely to it’s small rims and tires so I won’t chide Vespa too hard on this one. However, lowering the ride height by an inch or two would likely improve the handling somewhat and eliminate the top heavy sensation I was getting. I also found the front disc brake to be lacking in overall power. Adequate braking power is available but it requires a surprisingly firm pull on the lever. The third area I wasn’t thrilled about was the milage. I observed about 60 mpg, which means this scooter goes as far on it’s 2.3 gallon tank as my fuel injected, 4-valve 125cc scooter goes on it’s 1.6 gallon tank.

A few other minor notes are:
- Groceries (or whatever) gets pretty hot in the underseat storage area (because it’s right over the motor)
- Having seperate indicator lights for the left and right blinkers requires peering at two spots on opposite sides of the dash to check if you’ve left a blinker on. These indicator lights are not very bright so checking if a blinker has been left on takes longer than it should.
- The fuel gauge isn’t very accurate. The top half of the gauge represents maybe 25% of the tank.

Pros:
* Styling
* Build quality
* Anti-theft microchip key
* Storage capacity
* Powerful motors

Cons:
* Below average milage
* Mediocre front brake
* Handling

Links:
MotorscooterGuide Forums - Visit the forum on this site to chat about this scoot.
Modern Vespa Forums - Lots of knowledgeable Vespa owners here.

Key Specs:
* 50cc Engine: Single cylinder, 49.4 cc, 4 stroke SOHC, 2-valve (2009 = 4-valve) Piaggio Hi-PER4 with catalytic converter
* 150cc Engine - Single cylinder, 149.6cc, 4 stroke, SOHC, 2-valve, air cooled Piaggio LEADER
* Bore & Stroke: 39mm x 41.8mm (LX 50), 62.8mm x 48.6mm (ET4 150)
* Horsepower: 4.1 hp (LX 50), 11.7hp (150cc)
* Torque: 3.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm (LX 50), 11.5 Nm at 6,000 rpm (LX 150)
* Top Speed: 62km/hr or 39mph (LX 50), 95km/hr or 59mph (LX 150)
* Compression ratio: 10.3: 1 (ET2 50), 10.1 (ET4 150)
* Ignition: Electronic capacitive (CDI), fixed advance 17°
* Starter: Electric and kick starter
* Lubrication: Automatic mixer
* Cooling: Forced Air
* Transmission: CVT automatic, torque server
* Clutch: Automatic dry centrifugal type
* Frame: Pressed steel frame, welded support elements
* Front suspension: Oscillating arm, coil spring, dual effect hydraulic single shock absorber
* Rear suspension: Coil spring, dual effect hydraulic single shock absorber
* Front brake: Stainless steel, 200 mm disk
* Rear brake: 110mm drum
* Front rim: Pressed die cast aluminium alloy, 2.50-10"
* Rear rim: Pressed die cast aluminium alloy, 3.00 - 10"
* Front tire: Tubeless 110/70-11"
* Rear tire: Tubeless 120/70-10"
* Length: 69.1” / 1755 mm
* Width: 29.1” / 740 mm
* Wheel base: 50.4” / 1280 mm
* Seat height: 30.5” / 775 mm
* Dry weight: 225 lbs (LX 50)
* Fuel tank: 8.6 litres / 2.3 gallons
* Recommend Fuel: Unleaded 91 octane