Vespa S review, test ride

There’s something unique about all Vespa scooters, and the new Vespa S is no different, as it gets set to spice up the Indian scooter market with some all-Italian seasoning. With the scooter segment in India on a consistent growth path, Piaggio has already dived into and experienced the growing potential for its premium scooters, gradually expanding its product portfolio here. After the LX125 and the VX, it’s now the turn of the Vespa S to step into the limelight.

 

The compact and timeless S looks sporty with a retro touch that’s still just as seductive today as when first seen in the 1970s. It’s a scooter with masculine appeal, straight and attractive lines. The S looks like a classic scooter, with a box-shaped headlight that distinguishes it from its stablemates. There are nifty looking instruments with an easy-to-read speedometer, fuel gauge and clock, apart from the other usual warning lights. The handlebar shroud houses nice to touch palm grips, good quality switches and meaty feeling buffed alloy front and rear brake levers. There’s a boxy set of chrome mirrors that offer ample, vibe-free rear view. A solitary bag hook sits neatly placed between the nicely sculpted cubby holes in the front apron, for storage. At your feet, the ribbed floorboard isn’t as accommodating as most modern scooters’s flat units, a small sacrifice in order to preserve the S’s rich retro theme. A voluminous, lockable under-seat storage bay is available, and the seat shows off a smart white border. Putting the scooter on its main stand doesn’t involve excessive pressure, and its side-stand is likewise easily deployed, for being very well located. Style doesn’t get much better on a scooter, than on the S. Fit-finish and overall quality are top-notch on this Vespa too, which also feels well built and sturdy. Likewise, paint lustre is excellent. You can’t miss the S when it passes you on the streets, and there’s few scooters that can attract as much attention, with several passers by stopping to show their interest in the new Piaggio.