It’s probably essentially the most unique mannequin from Vespa to this point.
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Vespa Wins Decade-Long Legal Battle Against Chinese Manufacturer
When you hear the phrase “scooter,” likelihood is Vespa is without doubt one of the first issues to return to thoughts. The Italian scooter model remodeled itself from a post-war resolution to private mobility to a way of life icon and standing image. Today’s Vespas aren’t a lot about getting round in no-frills practicality, however as an alternative, making an announcement and turning heads wherever they go.
Sure, on the finish of the day, Vespas are nonetheless two-wheelers decked out within the sensible accouterments related to scooters, nonetheless, their premium price ticket and cutting-edge options clearly set them aside from the remainder. You know what else units Vespas aside from different scooters? Their styling. Indeed, you’ll be able to inform a Vespa is a Vespa even from afar due to its flowing bodywork, smooth traces, and vibrant colours. That mentioned, latest years have ushered in various wannabe Vespas, copycats, in case you would, making an attempt to trip on the Italian model’s iconic aesthetic.
Plenty of these copycats unsurprisingly come from China, with one firm specifically, Zhejiang Zhongneng Industry Group, catching Vespa’s consideration as a result of a few of the scooters below its ZNEN model had been just a bit bit too just like these of the Italian model – take a look at the pictures above. Vespa took motion on this and raised the priority to the European Union Intellectual Property Office, which in 2014, acknowledged the distinctive design of Vespa’s scooters granting it trademark standing.
In an fascinating flip of occasions, Zhejiang Zhongneng Industry Group was one way or the other capable of overturn the Vespa trademark. A report from Cycle World means that it did this by leveraging on its robust place within the European market, notably after buying the rights to historic Italian bike producer Moto Morini. This finally led to the EUIPO reversing its resolution, permitting the Chinese model to proceed producing its ZNEN scooters.
With all that being mentioned, evidently the tides have as soon as once more shifted, and this time in favor of Vespa. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) lately formally acknowledged the design of Vespa, stating that it’s “unmistakable and cannot be replicated.” Following the popularity, the Vespa design was as soon as once more registered as a trademark, with the EU court docket successfully reverting its resolution. The outcome was a convincing victory for Piaggio Vespa, with the outcome being that the ZNEN scooter is just not allowed for import or sale anyplace in Europe.
Ready Your Scooters: The Vespa World Days Is Coming Back In 2024
The Vespa World Days 2024 is set to take place from April 18 to 21. This event will mark a significant milestone for the Vespa brand and the Piaggio Group, as it coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Pontedera factory, where the first Vespas were produced. Additionally, it will commemorate the 140th anniversary of the Piaggio Group, which was founded in 1884.
In 2024, the Vespa World Days event will also celebrate its 70th year, bringing together scooter enthusiasts from around the world. The event will feature various activities, with a special emphasis on the monumental milestones of the Piaggio Group, the Vespa brand, and the event itself.
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Event-goers are encouraged to make a special trip to Pontedera, the birthplace of the Vespa, for the Vespa World Days. A special ride, known as the Vespa Trophy, will be organized for those who travel to Pontedera on their beloved scooters, with checkpoints along the way to award passage stamps to participating riders.
The Elegance Competition will also make a return, where participants will showcase their best-dressed attire and stylishly coordinated scooters. Additionally, riding tours will be offered, taking event-goers to various destinations including museums, natural landmarks, and gastronomic experiences.
The festivities will culminate in a grand parade through Pontedera on the morning of April 20, 2024, showcasing the passion of Vespa enthusiasts from around the world.
Scoot Around In Style With Kymco’s New Filly 50 Scooter
Previously, if you wanted a scooter with a retro look, your options were limited to getting a Vespa, Lambretta, or an old vintage scooter. However, there has been a recent rise in neo-retro scooters, offering both style and practicality for navigating around town.
Kymco, a brand that has been known for producing scooters since its establishment in 1963, presented its new Filly 50 at EICMA 2023. The Filly 50, which has been part of the Kymco lineup for over two decades, maintains its focus on practicality, affordability, and style.
The Kymco Filly 50 is equipped with an air-cooled, fuel-injected, four-stroke, single-cylinder engine with a displacement of around 50cc. While its power output is modest at 2.1 kilowatts (about 2.8 horsepower), it boasts an impressive fuel efficiency of 40 kilometers per liter (about 94 miles per gallon).
In terms of its build, the Filly 50 features standard telescopic forks, a single rear shock, a single front disc brake, and a rear drum brake. It rides on 12-inch alloy wheels with a stylish diamond-cut finish. Despite its retro-inspired exterior, the scooter features modern elements such as full-LED lighting and a USB socket.
Kymco positions the Filly 50 as an entry-level scooter suitable for students and professionals seeking an affordable and stylish mode of transportation. While specific market availability and pricing details have yet to be announced, Kymco intends for the Filly 50 to be accessible to a wide range of budgets.
Vespa Sprint S 150 Gets Stunning Matte Bronze And Black Finishes In Japan
In 2023, if you’re familiar with Vespa, chances are good that you know at least a little bit of how the company started. Post-WWII, everyday Italian people needed a convenient, affordable way to get around, so Piaggio came up with one. While the company and designer Corradino D’Ascanio certainly couldn’t have known what a style icon they were creating at the time, that’s still exactly what they did.
Necessity, in this case, was the mother of invention—but just because you need function doesn’t mean that you can’t also have a form that’s extremely appealing to the eye. Over the decades, Piaggio has taken these strengths and improved various components in keeping with the times. Its devotion to style and a certain timelessness is clear, but it’s also not afraid to modernize.
Take, for example, the TFT display that’s been showing up on various Vespa models in the past few years. In Japan, the latest version of the Vespa Sprint S 150 now comes with a full-color, 4.3-inch TFT dash. You could previously get it on the Justin Bieber x Vespa Sprint collab, but now it’s also available in two stunning new matte colors for 2023—with no specific pop star allegiance necessary. It also features smartphone connectivity using the Vespa Mia app.
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Engine Specifications
The Vespa Sprint S 150 with TFT is powered by an air-cooled, 155cc single-cylinder engine that makes a claimed 12.9 horsepower at 7,750 rpm, alongside 12.8 newton-meters (or 9.4 pound-feet) of torque at 6,500 rpm. It’s mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), as are most twist-and-go scooters on the market in 2023.
Brakes and Dimensions
It features a single disc brake up front, along with a drum brake in the rear, and rolls on a pair of 12-inch alloy scooter wheels that vary in color depending on which color scoot you choose. Seat height is 790mm, or just a hair over 31 inches. Wheelbase is 1,334mm, or about 52.5 inches. Total vehicle weight is 131 kilograms, or just under 289 pounds.
Colors and Pricing
For 2023, the Vespa Sprint S 150 with TFT comes in two colorways for the Japanese market: Bronze Antico or Black Opaco. Both feature a gorgeous matte finish, and both feature contrasting details that really set off the main color nicely. The Bronze Antico scoot has black details, including black alloy wheels. Choose the matte black scoot, and you get bronze details instead—including bronze alloy wheels. Both feature a special seat with diamond-pattern stitching to take the style level up another notch.
MSRP starts at ¥ 638,000, or about $4,452, including Japan’s 10-percent consumption tax. As always, for the most up-to-date information regarding pricing and availability, your best bet is to reach out to your local authorized Vespa dealer for applicable information in your market.