Piaggio Vespa SXL 150 – Important things to know
Piaggio has launched various Vespa variants over the years, like the LX 125, VX 125 and the Vespa S, all being 125cc Vespas with the traditional retro styling and charm. The Vespa has been a runaway success for the Italian brand in India, thanks to its chic appeal and peppy performance. The brand also introduced variants with bigger engines, calling them the Vespa VXL 150 and SXL 150.
In terms of styling, the Vespa SXL 150 gets some styling updates in the form of vibrant colours, different matte shades and glossy colours too. The Vespa SXL 150 sports stylish alloy wheels with a single-sided suspension up ahead and at the back. You also get a few chrome highlights on the Vespa SXL 150. The palm grips feel good to hold onto, and everything, from the switches to the chrome mirrors, all come finished in good quality. The mirrors are also adjustable. You even get a city light option plus a push-to-cancel indicator operation switch that operates in a slick manner. Vespa Bikes have also equipped the SXL 150 with machined alloy front and rear brake control levers.
The SXL 150 shares its instrument cluster with the VXL 150; it includes a clock, fuel gauge, a trip meter and an analogue speedometer. In terms of practicality, Vespa Bikes haven’t been able to offer much by way of cubby holes and storage spaces. Also, the footwell feels quite cramped and the seat, though comfortable, is a squeeze for two large adults. These are a few things you will have to compensate for a scooter that’s focus is on styling. At the rear, the SXL does not get a grab handle, gets blacked-out alloys and rectangular headlamp and mirrors. There is nothing to nitpick when it comes to quality and finish.
What’s the new powered engine
About the engine
The Vespa SXL is powered by a four-stroke, 150cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled and carburettor-fed engine with three valve heads. The engine produces 11.5bhp and 10.6Nm of torque. The scooter is easy to ride thanks to the CVT transmission. This 150cc engine proves to be very peppy on the road with strong acceleration from the get-go, and then there’s the strong mid-range that one should make the most of. The SXL 150 cruises effortlessly at speeds of 70kph, which is why it doesn’t feel strained like other scooters in the market with smaller engines. Refinement levels are excellent as expected.
The SXL gets a monocoque steel frame, which is exactly why the scooter feels so solidly built, and it feels nice and rigid when riding. You sit in an upright position and ride quality is just perfect. The SXL gets lower-profile tubeless tyres that provide better grip, also making it easy to handle. The scooter turns in quickly thanks to the 11-inch rim in the front and the brakes prove to be great. The SXL 150 makes sense in a market like ours since a lot of youngsters are looking for performance scooter. Vespa, with its cute retro looks, makes investing in a performance scooter that bit more special. The price tags, like all Vespa Bikes, are undoubtedly high, but with the 150cc motor, it finally justifies itself as a product that offers great value, especially when you consider the build quality, styling and its nippy nature.
The Vespa is also offered as a base variant in different colours with a 125cc engine, making it more affordable for those who can’t stretch to 150cc scooter money. It’s really hard to find fault with a product that speaks for itself.
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