Piaggio Vespa RED launched in India; Wants to fight AIDS!

Piaggio India has launched a new scooter – Vespa RED. This automatic scooter is meant to fight AIDS. Surprised? Don’t be. Piaggio will donate $ 50 (Around Rs. 3,277 according to today’s exchange rate) to a global AIDS fighting fund every time anyone buys a Vespa RED. The scooter is priced at Rs. 87,000, ex-showroom Maharashtra. It is based on the Vespa VXL 125.

The only difference in the RED model is that it’s colour is red. The seats and alloy wheels also get the red paint scheme. Everything else about it is similar to the regular VXL 125 model. The scooter is now available at all Piaggio dealerships in India. Bookings are open.

The scooter uses a 125cc four stroke engine. The air cooled engine features 3 valves produces 9.9 Bhp and 10.6 Nm. This makes the Vespa VXL one of the most powerful 125cc scooters in India. Transmission is through a CVT automatic gearbox. The scooter rides on 11 inch alloy wheels and tubeless tyres.

It also has a 200 mm disc brake in the front. The rear brake is a 140 mm drum. Kerb weight is 114 Kgs and the scooter has an all-steel monocoque body. The front has single side arm suspension while the rear has monoshock suspension. The retro styling and the steel body are two big reasons why people buy the Vespa in India. Vespas are very stylish and classy.

Prices of the regular Vespa VXL 125 start from Rs. 81,060. Piaggio also sells a bigger engined Vespa called the VXL150. This scooter gets a 150cc four stroke engine with 11.4 Bhp and 11.5 Nm. The 150cc scooters from Piaggio are among the most powerful ones in India. They are quite pricey however. On-road prices of these scooters are north of 1 lakh. This makes them pricier than many motorcycles. If there is demand, Piaggio will also bring in the 150 cc version of the RED.