Modern Vespa

The second expansion of the Vespa LX, the S (also known as the LXS) was introduced in 2008 in 150cc (North America), 125cc and 50cc versions. Though the S is cosmetically different from the LX, the 150cc and 2-stroke 50cc versions are identical under the hood.

In November 2008, Vespa unveiled the Vespa S50 4v, which features a 4-stroke, 4-valve engine. Vespa claims that, with 4.25bhp, it's the most powerful 4-stroke 50cc. It has more power than the 2-stroke model but fuel consumption and emissions benefits of a 4-stroke.

The LXS ie models became available in Europe in early 2010 in the US in mid-2010. The 2010 LXs came in both carbureted and injected versions. The injected models fully replaced the carbureted models in the 2011 model year.

The S features sportier trim than the LX, a different gauge cluster, a tapered, more angular horncast with a chrome piece down the center, and rectangular mirrors. The rear fairings are curved, as is the front fender which also has a chrome crest similar to the one on the GTS. In place of the LX's glovebox, the S has two open trays on either side of the steering column. The rear brakelight is also redesigned. The most striking difference, however, is the trapezoidal headlight inspired by the vintage Vespa sport models and smallframes.

OEM vinyl graphics kits are available featuring an Italian flag roundel, '60s-style flowers, and the Union Jack.


The S has two seating configurations. The stock seat (left image) is a one-person sport version with a curved back. A longer, flat, two-person touring seat is also available as an option. Both seats are black with white piping. To further slim down the look of the S, there is no chrome grab rail behind the seat.

The final difference, and the one functional difference between the two, is that the S does not have the ignition immobilizer (with programmed keys) that the other modern Vespas all have.

The original S colors comprised Montebianco White, Dragon Red, Shiny Black (aka Nero Lucido) and Toarmina Orange. (In the UK, the orange was available only as the Zafferano, a special edition of 200 with black racing stripes.)

In 2010, two-tone "college" editions were introduced in white/red and white/blue.

MODEL	LXS 50 (4T)	LXS 150	LXS 125	LXS 125ie & LXS 150ie
CHASSIS
FRAME TYPE	Load-bearing steel chassis with welded structural supports
ENGINE				124cm sq. and 151cm sq.
TYPE	Single cylinder, four-stroke catalytic Hi-PER4	Single cylinder, four-stroke catalytic LEADER	Single cylinder, four-stroke catalytic LEADER	Single cylinder 4 stroke - Fuel Injected
CYLINDER CAPACITY	49.4cc	150cc	124cc
BORE X STROKE	1.54" x 1.63" (39 mm x 41.8 mm)	2.46" x 1.91" (62.8 mm x 48.6 mm)	2.2" x 1.9" or (57.0 x 48.6 mm)	57 x 48.6 mm (125) - 62.8 x 48.6 mm (150)
MAX POWER AT SHAFT	3.1 kW at 8,750 rpm	8.7 kW at 7,750 rpm (11.7 CV)	7.65 kW at 8250 RPM	7.9 kW at 8250 rpm (125) - 8.9 kW at 8000 rpm (150)
MAX TORQUE	3.5 Nm at 6,500 rpm	11.5 Nm at 6,000 rpm	9.60 Nm (1.0 kgf-m or 7.1 ft.lbs) at 6000 RPM	9.6 Nm at 6500 rpm (125) - 11.8 Nm at 6250 rpm (150)
MAX SPEED	39 mph (62 km/h)	59 mph (95 km/h)	56.5 mph (91 km/h)	59mph (95km/hr)
FUEL/TANK CAPACITY	Unleaded 91 min octane / 2.3 gallons (8.6 liters)
GAS MILEAGE	70-80 mpg**	72 mpg**	(unspecified)	70-75mpg
DISTRIBUTION	Cam head single shaft-SOHC (2 valves)
COOLING SYSTEM	Ram air with sound proof cover	Ram air with sound proof cover and integrated SAS (Secondary Air System)	Ram air with sound proof cover and integrated SAS (Secondary Air System)	Forced Air Circulation
LUBRICATION	Wet sump, 850cc capacity; chain-driven lobe pump; intake and delivery filters	Wet sump, 1,000cc capacity; chain-driven lobe pump; intake and delivery filters
IGNITION	Electric and kick start			Electric only
GEARS	CVT transformer with torque slave
CLUTCH	Automatic dry centrifuge with damper buffers
TYPE APPROVAL	EPA and CARB		EURO 3
WEIGHT AND DIMENSIONS
SEAT HEIGHT	30.5" (775 mm)		29.1338" or (740 mm)
DRY WEIGHT	225 lbs (102 kg)		250.8 lbs or (114 kg) - Unladen Mass	243lbs (110kg)
LENGTH/WIDTH/WHEELBASE	69.1" (1,755 mm) / 29.1" (740 mm) / 50.4" (1,280 mm)
WHEELS AND TIRES
FRONT TIRE/REAR TIRE	Tubeless 110/70-11"/ Tubeless 120/70-10"
SUSPENSIONS AND BRAKES
FRONT SUSPENSION	Single arm with helical spring and dual effect hydraulic single shock absorber
REAR SUSPENSION	Coil spring and dual effect single shock absorber
FRONT BRAKE	7.87" (200 mm) ø steel disc with hydraulic command
REAR BRAKE	4.33" (110 mm) ø drum with mechanical command

Tutorials, technical information and other info is in the article for the Vespa LX. Any items specific to the LXS will be added here.