Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128361
Piaggio Bring§ Back VE!§pa PX Classic collectors and Vespa aficionados just had their wish come true. To celebrate the reintroduction of one of the greatest scooters in history, Piaggio USA Inc., manufacturer of the Vespa motor scooter, is releasing 500 numbered Vespa PX units in the United States. "The Vespa PX is a classic that has been reinvented over the years but has remained true to its origins," said Paolo Timoni, CEO of Piaggio USA Inc. "We are proud to bring this limited edition to the U.S. market." The PX 150 "Serie America" comes in a vintage green with a metal plaque by the glove box stamped with one of 500 numbers and a historical PX book. This classic model with the pressed steel monocoque frame, single-cylinder two-stroke engine and manual four-speed gear change can be purchased at Vespa stores nationwide. Dealers started taking orders with a $200 deposit in November. Twenty-seven years and two million units since its launch, the Vespa PX remains a cult scooter, a symbol of Italian style everywhere in the world, and the single most widely sold Vespa in history. The Vespa PX has remained in production for over 20 years and has been present on the list of best-selling vehicles for over a quarter of a century. EvolVing over time, with changes made to improve vehicle operation, the PX has always maintained its design appeal. In a certain sense, the PX is postmodern in that its elegant, minimal styling recovers elements of the past without recurring to nostalgia. The PX retains the strong points that have made it so successful: unique design, practicality and ease of use, a steel frame, a reliable engine, space for a spare wheel and competitive pricing. The Vespa's pressed steel monocoque has always functioned as a load-bearing base. The manual four-speed gearbox is an essential feature - anyone used to a PX will not give up riding control. Arriving at authorized Vespa stores in December throughout the United States, the PX 150 "Serie America" has a suggested retail price of $4299. This model will not be available in the state of California due to CARB standard regulations. For more information on the PX 150 "Serie America" and its availability, visit www.vespausa.com for a Vespa store near you or call 800/631-1101. Manufactured by Piaggio in Tuscany, Italy, the first Vespa was designed by Corradino D'Ascanio in 1946 for Enrico Piaggio as a solution to transportation following World War II. Combining the best elements of aeronautics, automobiles and motorcycles, it instantly became an icon of design and economy. In 2000, after a IS-year hiatus, the fabled Italian scooter returned to the United States to entice new generations with its efficient, entertaining and still nostalgic nature. To cast your vote, log on to www.cyclenews.com. fork, an aluminum extended race swingarm and enhanced suspension, in addition to numerous other items. And to cap it off, it had custom-anodized baby blue and pink parts with colorful hibiscus flower decals added to the racing green paint scheme. WEb INSiYE CycienEWs.com reader poll question of the week l.!:. " What was the best performance of the night at the Anaheim I Supercross? A. Kevin Windham's steady ride to victory in the 250cc main event. B. Nathan Ramsey's third-straight victory in the I25cc class. C. Ricky Carmichael and Chad Reed's battle in heat race number two. D. The fans that filled the sold-out stadium to capacity despite the weather. Online poll results from last week Do you think any of the Americans competing in the Dakar Rally this year have a chance of winning a stage? A. Yes B.No 1972 1425 (58.05%) (41.95%) Total Replies: 3397 CYCLE NEWS • JANUARY 19, 2005 77