Modern Vespa

I'm considering a P-Series but am confused on what would best suit me in terms of power. I wouldn't be concerned with highway riding, but would like a quick runner being that I'm accustomed to a modern 250cc. I'm looking into a stock 125cc that I may either have kitted, or swap the engine out of entirely depending on the situation. It'd prefer a larger model but have access to this type in specific.

I'm told the "new" 150cc 5 port engines used in the Stella's perform well (if not better) than a stock P200 (non kitted) engine. They are also a bit more cost effective and readily available from what little I've lurked around for them. On the other hand I have a hard time believing that I wouldn't be more satisfied with the P200 engine.

A friend also has a Rally with an engine he may need to replace, and it would likely be either of the two mentioned above.

Are the 150cc "5 Ports" really all that more effective than a stock P200E, or PX150?

What are some opinions or advise that you owners or those technically inclined could offer?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

I see that you put the "5 ports" in quotation marks ..which is good ...as it's really not 5 transfer ports through the cases at all. It's only 3, technically, through the cases ( last i checked ) that splits into 5 in the cylinder.

The only true 5 port stock engine was the T5.

Now, that being said .... the px150 / stella engine is cheaper to kit. ( the comparative price of 150cc upgrades are cheaper than 200cc upgrades )

I'd take an old italian P200 engine over a stella engine ANYDAY if given the choice.

+1

Further, I'd take a modestly kitted Italian 150 over a kitted Stella engine.

You said: Could you be more specific as to what "quick runner" means?

Al

Thanks for the input.

I used the quotes for the "5 port" as I'd read/heard something along the lines of what you had just mentioned above Eric.

What are your thoughts on the remaining "new" 200cc's in production/stock? Are they comparable?

i.e.
http://www.scooterwest.com/item_detail/PX200E-New-Factory-Piaggio-Engine/1745/
and...

What I mean by "quick runner" is something that could keep up with inner city/rural driving based on the fact that I currently ride a GTS250, minus the highway riding aspects (for a 125cc at least). Ideally something that could hit 85-90kmh (55mph) without major stress.

Because it'll be stock for the time being, should a PX 125cc be able attain that?

my ancient p200 runs balls around my stella.

Just thought of something...

Were the last PX150's to roll off of the line running the exact same engine as the current Stella's (2002 onward), or was it a different 150cc specific to Piaggio? If different - were they "5 port" ('er 3) akin to the Stella, or not?

I realize that there was at one time a relationship in the factory that produces Stella's being the one that also did the PX's initially, but was that still the case toward the end of PX production in the last few years?

Thanks again...

i think the px always had the 3, even the new ones.

I believe 55mph is nearing the very top speed of modern PX150s. I don't know about stellas, and I don't know about vintage PX150s. If I had to guess, fewer emissions components might give the vintage PX150s a little bonus.

To my understanding, the PX200s are pretty phenomenal, with the same impressive engine of the P200Es but better gearing and locking cowls and a few other goodies. If you have access to one it is probably an excellent option. Those will do 55mph easily.

+1

My 2006 PX 150 (Euro market) is totally stock. 90 kph (indicated) is WOT. I've not checked the speedo with a GPS, but have paced it with our car at 80 kph and it showed to be 74 kph in the car. On generally level ground, performance at speeds up to 80 kph has been responsive.

That's the performance found on one PX 150. Keep in mind that this machine was not intended for routine highway (90 kph) riding. It's a great urban and secondary road machine. I would guess, that for what you want, the 200 engine is more appropriate.

Al

Ditto!