2012–2014 · Scooter · Buyer's Guide
S 125 i.e. 3V Sport (MY2012_S125Sport)
The Red-Spring City Runabout
The Machine's Character
The S 125 i.e. 3V Sport is a special edition of Vespa's S 125, and its brief is clear: take the clean retro lines of the S and give them a sporting edge. The styling nods to Vespa's own sporting heritage, all the way back to the 1955 GS 150. You'll find it in the details: dedicated graphics, a black racing-style saddle with white piping, a sharper front cowl and a red front spring. Underneath sits a fuel-injected, air-cooled 124 cc single with three valves, tuned for moderate performance and efficiency rather than outright speed. It's a sporty costume over a sensible heart. Honest stuff.
The numbers point straight at the city. A 57 mph (91 km/h) top speed, a 2.2 gal (8.5 L) tank and small wheels (110/70-11 up front, 120/70-10 at the rear) make this a machine for town streets and suburban roads, not the interstate. At 276 lb (125 kg) wet, with a 30.9 in (785 mm) seat and a compact 50.4 in (1,280 mm) wheelbase, it's light and manageable on paper. The equipment list stays basic: no ABS, no electronic rider aids, a standard center stand and an optional luggage system. It's built for the rider who wants the daily errand run to look good. Style first, sense close behind.
Hard Numbers
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
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| Displacement | 124 cc |
|---|---|
| Engine | Single-cylinder |
| Cooling | Air-cooled |
| Front tire | 110/70-11 |
| Rear tire | 120/70-10 |
| Wheelbase | 50.4 in (1280 mm) |
| Seat height | 30.9 in (785 mm) |
| Wet weight | 276 lb (125 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 2.2 gal (8.5 L) |
| Top speed | 57 mph (91 km/h) |
Equipment check
Comfort
- Luggage System Optional
Known issues
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Hard rear suspension
The rear suspension is tuned stiff, transmitting bumps harshly to the rider, affecting comfort over rough roads.
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Battery drain issues
Some owners report the battery losing charge quickly, especially if the scooter is not used frequently.
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Self-start failure
Intermittent starting problems can occur due to weak battery, relay faults or spark plug issues.
The Numbers Compared
Compare the technical specifications of the Vespa S 125 i.e. 3V Sport with other bikes in its class.
Head-to-head: Vespa S 125 i.e. 3V Sport vs. its rivals
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
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