Vespa 50

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Vespa 50 N
Vespa 50 Special

The Vespa 50 is a scooter from Piaggio , which was produced from 1963 to the 1990s and has sold over four million copies. In Italy, single-seater vehicles with a displacement of up to 50 cm³ were allowed to be driven by young people aged 14 and over without a license - Piaggio therefore developed the Vespa 50 to serve this emerging market. The basis for the Vespa 50 was the smallframe model developed as the Vespa 90, also presented in 1963. The Vespa 50/90 supplemented the model range below the then current model series with 125 to 160 cm³.

Smallframe

The small model series, commonly referred to as “Smallframe”, was completely redeveloped based on experience with the larger-displacement models. The self-supporting frame, spot-welded from sheet metal shells, became considerably smaller and lighter, there was only a small flap to access the engine. In the course of the model revision in 1965, the small series was supplemented by a 125 cc model ("Vespa 125", from 1967 "Vespa 125 Primavera") - the service flap on the right-hand side was enlarged on all smallframe models. The sport models 50SS / 90SS (1965–71), 50 Sprinter (1971–73) and 50SR (1975–79) were developed to include sportier Vespas in the range.

technology

The engine essentially followed the specifications of the larger versions, only the cylinder was inclined by 45 °. It is also a two-stroke valve controlled by a rotary valve. Since the engine was originally designed for almost twice as large a displacement, the large intake path, the high crankcase volume and the large flywheel mass in the throttle versions resulted in a moderate level of performance and maneuverability in its class - but various mopeds (50S, 50SS , 50 Sprinter and 50SR) considerably more power and top speed - all with three-channel cylinders, larger carburettors and a modified primary gear ratio; From the 50SS onwards, the moped models were equipped with a cigar-shaped exhaust and, most recently, the 50SR even with aluminum cylinders. On the other hand, the disadvantage of the "oversized" engine block offered and still offers opportunities to increase performance that are unusual for this displacement class, as all components and tuning parts of the 125 cm³ models can be installed in the same engine housing and the displacement can even be increased with tuning cylinders while retaining the original crankshaft than can be doubled. The construction remained  in production in the PK 50 model until the 1990s . The engine also forms the structural basis for driving the light commercial vehicles of the Ape 50 series .

In Italy, 50 cm³ motor scooters could and are only allowed to be driven by two people from the age of 18, which is why 50s have a so-called single seat bench for the Italian market and the target group "young people under 18".

Model variants

There are the following model variants, among others:

  • Vespa 50 N (simple rubber floor strips)
  • Vespa 50 L (only for the Italian market / tread strips made of drawn aluminum profiles with rubber insert, fender fin and a chrome lamp ring)
  • Vespa 50 R (successor to 50 N)
  • Vespa 50 S (Vmax 60 km / h, Vespa 50 handlebar with round headlights + 2 handlebar end indicators)
  • Vespa 50 SS (special model, Vmax 75 km / h, narrow handlebars, leg shield + fenders, short wheelbase, tank-like tool compartment between seat / handlebars, lengthways spare wheel), also as 90SS
  • Vespa 50 Sprinter (special model, Vmax 68 km / h, Vespa 50N handlebar with round headlights / handlebar end indicators, only in D)
  • Vespa 50 SR (special model, Vmax 72 km / h, 125PV handlebar with round headlights / handlebar end indicators, only in D)
  • Vespa 50 Special (double trapezoid headlights, 2 handlebar end indicators and 6 V electrics)
  • Vespa 50 Special (double trapezoidal headlights, flap in the left side cheek, 4-way flashing system and 12 V electrics)
  • Vespa 50 Special Elestart (double trapezoidal headlights, Dynastart generator instead of kick starter)

In Germany, all 40 km / h versions (Vespa 50 L and Vespa 50 R) were typed under the designation 50 N and were equipped with a speedometer, brake light and nameplates in the hatch in accordance with German approval regulations.

Used market

Vespa 50 types for the German market differ from imported Italian machines in the absence of a speedometer, brake light and nameplate, four-beam brake drums and possibly 9-inch wheels. For the operation of Italian vehicles in Germany, there is therefore no "grandfathering", so the retrofitting of corresponding parts is necessary and the subsequent demonstration at TÜV or DEKRA in order to be able to obtain a German operating permit from the road traffic authorities. Driving with Italian or other non-German papers is, contrary to what is often claimed, illegal. Since there is no operating permit, this also leads to the expiry of the insurance cover, even if the foreign papers were presented when registering with the insurance company.

Collectibles can be easily recognized by their serial number, engine number, paint color and, in contrast to poorly restored vehicles, reach high prices.

The spare parts market is well served, but most of them are replicas and not original parts.

distribution

The Vespa 50 was a great success for Piaggio. Since it could be operated tax-free and in many countries - even in the home market of Italy - without a driver's license, it was particularly popular among young people.

Even today, the Vespa 50 is a popular collector's and enthusiast item thanks to its classic shape. There are several workshops that specialize in the repair and restoration of this and a few other types. With the small series being distributed a million times over, there is an extensive accessories market that ensures a problem-free supply of spare parts.

literature

  • Bob Darnell, Bob Golfen: How to Restore and Maintain Your Vespa Motorscooter , MotorBooks International, 1999, p. 29

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