2013–2018 · Scooter · Buyer's Guide
946 125 i.e. 3V ABS (MY2013 Gen1)
Italian Style, Actually Rides
The Machine's Character
The 946 isn't Vespa's answer to anything practical. It's a statement piece: a handcrafted steel monocoque body, sculpted aluminum parts and LED lighting, all drawn in a retro-futuristic style that points straight back to the original Vespa. Up front sits a single-arm suspension, which gives it that unmistakable profile. Underneath is a fuel-injected, three-valve, air-cooled 124 cc single making 12 hp and 8 lb-ft. The numbers are modest, but the delivery is smooth and responsive exactly where you need it, in city traffic. Dual-channel ABS and ASR traction control come standard. This is the jewelry box of the range.
On the road it's stable, plush and easy to place, and that's what a style object needs if it's going to earn daily use. It's built for the rider who wants to arrive looking good without ever fighting the scooter to get there: short urban hops, boulevard cruising, parking where others can't. The caveat is real. Power stays city-sized, there's no factory luggage system, and early build quality was inconsistent. If you're shopping for a 2013, confirm that the fuel-line recall for units built between August 6 and October 15, 2013 has been done. Check first, then enjoy.
Hard Numbers
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
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| Power | 12 hp (8.5 kW) @ 8,250 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 8 lb-ft (11 Nm) @ 6,500 rpm |
| Displacement | 124 cc |
| Engine | Single-cylinder |
| Cooling | Air-cooled |
| Front brake | 220 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-12 |
| Rear tire | 130/70-12 |
| Seat height | 31.7 in (805 mm) |
| Wet weight | 324 lb (147 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 2.1 gal (8 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
- Manually Adjustable Rear Suspension Standard
Safety
- ABS Standard
- Traction Control Standard
Known issues
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Fuel line may rupture
On select 2013 Vespa 946 scooters built between August 6 and October 15, 2013, a manufacturing defect in the fuel line can cause it to rupture, potentially leading to a fuel leak and fire hazard.
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Unreliable early build quality
One owner reported multiple component failures within the first few hundred miles, including issues with rear and front wheels, battery, and lighting. This may indicate inconsistent initial quality control.
The Numbers Compared
Compare the technical specifications of the Vespa 946 125 i.e. 3V ABS with other bikes in its class.
Head-to-head: Vespa 946 125 i.e. 3V ABS vs. its rivals
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
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