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2013 · Scooter · Buyer's Guide
Primavera 125 i.e. 3V (MY2013 Prima125 First)
Primavera Returns, City Owns It
The Machine's Character
The Primavera 125 i.e. 3V is a Vespa built the traditional way where it counts: the body is a pressed-steel monocoque, so the shell itself does the work of a frame. Inside sits an air-cooled 124 cc single with fuel injection and three valves, an engine shared with its LX sibling. It makes 11 hp at 7,700 rpm and 8 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm, with a belt taking drive to the rear wheel. Small 11-inch wheels, a 52.8 in (1,340 mm) wheelbase and a listed top speed of 70 mph (113 km/h) make its place in the class clear. This is a compact 125, not a stretched maxi-scooter. Small on purpose!
Read the spec sheet and the target is obvious: the city and the roads that ring it. The 30.7 in (780 mm) seat height keeps things approachable if you're shorter, and the center stand comes standard. The rear shock takes preload adjustment for when you carry a passenger or a heavier load. The front fork is non-adjustable, which suits a scooter built for town. With 2.1 gal (8 L) of fuel and that 70 mph top speed, the hardware points to a commuter who wants a Vespa's steel body and Italian style in a light, compact package, without stepping up in displacement. Daily short hops. That's its job.
Hard Numbers
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
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| Power | 11 hp (8.1 kW) @ 7,700 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 8 lb-ft (10 Nm) @ 6,000 rpm |
| Displacement | 124 cc |
| Engine | Single-cylinder |
| Cooling | Air-cooled |
| Final drive | Belt |
| Front brake | 200 mm |
| Front tire | 110/70-11 |
| Rear tire | 120/70-11 |
| Wheelbase | 52.8 in (1340 mm) |
| Seat height | 30.7 in (780 mm) |
| Fuel capacity | 2.1 gal (8 L) |
| Top speed | 70 mph (113 km/h) |
Equipment check
Chassis
- Rear Suspension Adjustable Standard
Known issues
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Intermittent stalling
Some owners report the engine stalling unexpectedly, particularly when coming to a stop; a possible cause is an overly tight decompression mechanism.
The Numbers Compared
Compare the technical specifications of the Vespa Primavera 125 i.e. 3V with other bikes in its class.
Head-to-head: Vespa Primavera 125 i.e. 3V vs. its rivals
Power
Torque
Displacement
Top speed
Seat height
What's new versus the previous generation
If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.
Previous generation · 2006–2013
Vespa LX 125 (MY2006_LX125_Gen1)
City Traffic's Natural Habitat
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