·
2008 · Scooter · Buyer's Guide
PX 125 (MY2008_Ultima)
The Last Manual Vespa
The Machine's Character
The PX 125 Ultima is the closing edition of the PX line, and it keeps the recipe simple: a pressed-steel monocoque body, an air-cooled 123 cc two-stroke single and a four-speed gearbox you shift by twisting the left grip. The figures are modest: 7 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm and a top speed of 57 mph (92 km/h). Most scooters let you twist and go. This one asks you to work a clutch and choose your gear. That's the whole point.
On paper, this is a city machine. It weighs 243 lb (110 kg) wet and runs on 10-inch wheels with a 48.6 in (1,235 mm) wheelbase, so the hardware points to urban streets and short back-road runs rather than long highway stretches. The spec sheet lists 94 mpg (US) and a standard center stand. There are no rider electronics at all: no ABS, no traction control, no ride modes. That points to a rider who wants the Vespa icon in its most mechanical form and enjoys being part of the process. You shift it yourself. That's the deal.
Hard Numbers
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
Show full specs & equipment Hide specs & equipment
| Torque | 7 lb-ft (10 Nm) @ 6,000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 123 cc |
| Engine | Single-cylinder |
| Cooling | Air-cooled |
| Gearbox | 4-speed |
| Final drive | Direct drive |
| Front brake | 200 mm |
| Front tire | 3.50-10 |
| Rear tire | 3.50-10 |
| Wheelbase | 48.6 in (1235 mm) |
| Seat height | 31.9 in (810 mm) |
| Wet weight | 243 lb (110 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 2.2 gal (8.2 L) |
| Top speed | 57 mph (92 km/h) |
| Fuel economy | 94 mpg (US) |
Known issues
-
Weak drum brake performance
The rear drum brake provides insufficient stopping power and may require frequent adjustment; contaminated surfaces can further reduce effectiveness.
-
Clutch slipping under load
Premature clutch plate wear leads to slipping during acceleration, requiring inspection and possible replacement.
-
Hard starting when cold
Difficulty starting from cold, often requiring multiple kicks, caused by worn spark plugs, dirty carburetor jets, or weak ignition components.
-
Kickstart mechanism wear
Frequent use wears the kickstart gears, causing slipping or grinding; more common on high‑mileage examples.
The Numbers Compared
Compare the technical specifications of the Vespa PX 125 with other bikes in its class.
Head-to-head: Vespa PX 125 vs. its rivals
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Top speed
Seat height
Alternatives to the Vespa PX 125
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
