The scooters we will be using to
circumnavigate Australia will be PX200 model Vespa's.
The Vespa has become synonymous with the word 'Scooter' over the years, and while
far from the only scooter manufacturer or even the first, it is
undoubtedly the most famous. Initially introduced after World War II, by
Piaggio & C. S.p.A, a company experienced in Ship Building, Carriage
works, and Aircraft development, as a means to sustain itself after the
effects of war, the Vespa (Italian for Wasp) became a symbol of
independence and freedom to travel.
With the company's experience in aircraft design and manufacture, the pressed monocoque chassis and trailing link front suspension became a trademark which continues even with today's models.
| Engine | Single cylinder two stroke – 200 cc |
| Bore | 57 mm |
| Stroke | 66.5 mm |
| Displacement | 198 cc |
| Max.power | 11 CV |
| Injection | Electronic |
| Start | Electric and kick start |
| Starter | Mechanical |
| Lubrication | With automatic oil-fuel mixer |
| Cooling | Forced air with centrifugal ventilator |
| Induction | Rotating valve in crankcase |
| Gear | Four speed |
| Chassis | Body in pressed and welded steel monocoque |
| Front suspension | Single-arm with overhanging wheel, dual effect hydraulic shock absorber (Trailing Link) |
| Rear suspension | Oscillating engine, dual effect shock absorber |
| Front brake | Ø 200 mm disc with hydraulic reservoir on the handlebar |
| Rear brake | Ø 150 mm drum |
| Wheels | Rims in pressed steel, drums in light alloy |
| Tyres | Ø 3.50" x 10" |
| Length | 1,780 mm |
| Width | 700 mm |
| Wheel base | 1,245 mm |
| Moving weight | 95 kg |
| Max. speed | 110 km/h |
| Fuel tank capacity | 8 litres (6.5 + 1.5 reserve) |
Introduced in 1978, the Vespa 'P' Series, was quite a contrast to the more
curvy, sleek designs produced in earlier years. With it's boxy front
mudguard, and relatively angular side cowls, it was not considered the
most beautiful scooter to leave the Piaggio factory.
Strangely enough, the P series kept selling. Numerous minor revisions
and additions such as an automatic oil feed, electric start (in addition
to the kick-start), electronic ignition and front disc brake have been
added over the years, and have continued to sell even when more 'modern'
scooters have been released and ceased production. To date in excess of
2 million P Series Vespa have been sold and contrary to many rumours,
are still in production although their distribution worldwide is now
reduced due to European and other international emissions regulations
forcing reductions on 2-stroke engine usage.
The P series Vespa have added numerous achievements to their name over the years and many people have accomplished great feats, and undertaken many adventures upon these small but strong machines.
One of the mightiest accomplishments for
the PX, was in the 1980 (second) Paris-Dakar Rally. In a team put
together by Jean-François Piot, with assistance from four time Le Mans
24 Hours winner Henri Pescarolo, two Vespa PX200's (of the 5 that
started) ridden by M. Simonot and B. Tcherniawsky crossed the finish
line.
Photos can be seen at
www.Dakar-Dantan.com
Another accomplishment for the PX
Vespa, and arguably the greatest is that of Giorgio Bettinelli and his
travels around the world. Giorgio's numerous travels over the years such
as Rome to Saigon, or Terra del Fuigo to Tasmania, combined have taken
him approximately 144,000 kilometres, effectively around the world 6
times. Giorgio has documented his travels in the book
'In
Vespa - Da Roma a Saigon' which unfortunately is only available in
Italian Language.
Photos and more
about Georgio Bettinelli can be seen on the
Benetton -
Colors Website
While we cannot match Georgio for distance, we're certain Australia will provide conditions as challenging if not more so than anywhere in the world that a PX series Vespa has gone before.
For more detailed information on the history of Vespa Scooters, please visit motorscooter.com.au
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