We passed: Vespa Primavera
Its world premiere took place at the just-completed Milan Motorcycle Show, which became Piaggio's new trump card in conquering the world market. That this is an important element of Piaggio's strategy is confirmed by the fact that it was introduced by the leader himself, Colannino. Not without reason, if we know that the drop in motorcycle sales in Europe this year is the biggest since 2007, as the overall share of bikes sold is 55 percent lower than that year. Vespa is more than a notable exception, with 146.000 units already sold this year, up 21 percent from last year. Over 70 million have been sold in almost 18 years. The Piaggio Group, which includes Vespa, is the leading bicycle manufacturer in Europe with a 17,5% share. In the scooter segment, it is even higher, they have even more than a quarter. A serious bet was made in the USA, where at the end of October the 946 model was presented, also a novelty of this year, which Europe and Asia realized in the spring months.
Spring and Autumn
The name of the new Vespa in honor of spring is not unreasonable. Its predecessor was introduced during the years of social change, when young people gradually became an increasingly important social group. And Vespa has become its hallmark of mobility. She was there when the hippie movement was born, she was there when they started to pay special attention to ecology. Even today, it is believed that whoever drives it swears a healthy lifestyle. That he is an apple lover. Today Primavera targets the generation of the Internet for which mobility is evident. And to this day, those who fell in love with it half a century ago ride it. Over the years Vespa has become a coveted brand. This is a two-wheeled motorcycle that reveals the lifestyle the owner wants so young and young at heart.
Design and mobility with soul
Looking at the new Primavera, you can feel how tradition and modernity are intertwined in its form. Its silhouette is traditional, with wide fenders covering the engine at the rear, merging into the front protection at the front and ending with a traditional flat handlebar with a large canopy. The body is supported by newly designed sheet steel profiles. The Primavera is available with four engines: a 50cc two-stroke and four-stroke. Cm and four-stroke engines of 125 and 150 cc. See With three valves. The engines are economical, environmentally friendly and modern, with a new dual frame mounting system that provides less vibration. 125 cubic meters supposedly drinks only about two liters per hundred kilometers. The armature is an updated combination of digital and analog counter, the switches are modern, with retro elements. The helmet can be placed in the (now larger) space under the seat. At a press conference after the trip, we were informed that for Primavera, the plant had completely refurbished and modernized the production line. The scooter is created using robots combined with the manual work of employees. As there are different engines, the prices for them are different. The cheapest, two-stroke, will cost 2.750 euros, and the most expensive, 150cc with ABS and fuel injection, will cost 4.150 euros. Italians also offer a complete list of accessories that can make Primavero owners even more attractive.
In the cauldron of Barcelona's traffic
A week after the world premiere in Milan, we had the opportunity to drive the new Primavera through the chaotic streets of the still-warm spring of Barcelona. In a downtown group ride, the Vespin 125cc responds predictably. Primavera is not aggressive when accelerating, at a speed of about 80 kilometers per hour on avenues it will not be difficult to stop in front of a traffic light. I almost do not feel the vibration on the steering wheel. Accustomed to sharper sporty driving, the ride feels soft - at least when accelerating, one would like more sharpness. True, I did not test a 150 cc car, supposedly there is a sharper “push”. Consumption too. Vespa really shows its true value when it overcomes the narrow streets that we drive "by the millimeter". If I lived in a metropolis like Barcelona, where as many people live as the whole of Slovenia, a scooter would undoubtedly be my first choice for public transport. In Barcelona, famous for its Gaudí art and architecture, I would choose a Vespa. You know, this July, on World Design Day, his design was listed as one of the 12 most successful industrial designs of the century on CNN.
Text: Primozh Jurman, photo: Milagro, Piaggio
