We took a look at the Vespa Primavera S150, which combines tradition with new technology. | Test Ride

Vespa Primavera S150…566,500 yen

Vespa has the form that comes to mind when anyone thinks of a scooter. Looking at the current models, although there are minor differences, the basic styling structure is the same. The form is unconventional and is a refinement of Vespa's traditional design. So, although it inherits the classic style, it doesn't feel outdated at all. Personally, I've only been to Italy once, but I thought the Primavera S150 would suit the scenery of old-fashioned Italian cities. I also think it would blend seamlessly into the landscape of modern cities. Perhaps that's because it has a strong presence backed by a long history.

Not much freedom, but it provides a comfortable position

The vehicle height feels higher than Japanese scooters. For riders of average build, the toes of both feet can reach the ground. While it doesn't feel like an inconvenience in practice, a lower seat height would be more comfortable, considering the vehicle's weight of 150 kg. There are no issues with ease of boarding or disembarking. The flat-floor step-through design means you don't have to lift your feet much to straddle the floor. This is extremely convenient for older riders whose bodies tend to be stiff and find it difficult to lift their feet. While some sports scooter models require you to swing your feet backwards to board or disembark, as with regular motorcycles, I believe a step-through design is best, since scooters are such a convenient vehicle. 
The seating position, which feels more like sitting on the seat than straddling, is also comfortable. It matches the handlebar position naturally, making it a comfortable position for anyone.

A powerful engine for everyday use

For example, if you were to start head-to-head with a Japanese scooter in the same 150cc class, you'd be left behind. The Primavera S150's i-get four-stroke, air-cooled, single-cylinder SOHC three-valve engine has lower power and torque than the Japanese scooter. It's also about 20kg heavier, so it's inevitable that it's less powerful. However, this is only the result of a competition; when riding alone, it doesn't feel sluggish or sluggish. Opening the throttle gives it a rev-up that matches the effort, and there's no lack of acceleration. This makes it highly maneuverable even in urban areas with frequent stop-and-go traffic. It's also perfectly capable of staying in the flow of traffic when touring on the highway.

Comfortable ride and suitable for touring use

Generally speaking, scooters tend to have a short suspension stroke, resulting in a rough ride. Like many scooters, the Primavera S150 also tends to bounce when going over rough surfaces or bumps. However, as long as you're riding on public roads at reasonable speeds, it absorbs small bumps well and provides a comfortable ride. Incidentally, the front suspension is a single-arm link arm hydraulic suspension, while the rear uses a mono shock absorber with a four-stage spring preload adjustment mechanism. It's not a suspension designed for hard riding, but rather strikes a balance that's optimal for the practicality of a scooter. While the small 12-inch tires on both sides have significant drawbacks in terms of riding performance, I never felt uneasy on the city streets or tight mountain roads I rode on this trip. Straight-line stability and nimble handling made it enjoyable to ride on winding roads. The Primavera S150's brakes, a single disc with ABS in the front and a drum in the rear, provided ample stopping power and good control. What impressed me was the wide steering angle. I thought it was easy to handle and maneuverable when maneuvering in tight spaces or making U-turns. In that respect, I thought it really embodied the convenience of a scooter.

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