Piaggio has listed the BS6 Vespa models on its official website. Besides bestowing them with the required mechanical updates, the company has rebranded the 150cc scooters by changing the ‘150’ suffix to ‘149.’ The Vespa SXL 149 BS6 is likely to be officially launched as soon as the lockdown ends and we tell you what to expect from the updated scooter.
Styling
The retro-inspired Italian design of the Vespa scooters are their prime USP and it will continue to be. The SXL model sports a rectangular shaped headlamp and rear view mirrors, as opposed to the round shaped components of its VXL sibling. While the neatly-design flush body panels lend it a classy appeal, the chrome-finished elements such as the headlamp bezel, mirrors and wheel rims further accentuate its old-school character.
Features
While the Vespa maintains its classic theme in terms of illumination with conventional headlamp and tail lamp, the SXL 149 gets a semi-digital instrument cluster. This console comprises of an analogue speedometer along with a small digital display bearing a clock, odometer, trip meter and a fuel gauge. Besides the decently-sized under seat storage space, it also gets two small cubby holes on the front apron for storing knick knacks.
Engine
Powering the new Vespa SXL 149 is a BS6-compliant 149cc, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine incorporating three catalytic converters and variable spark timing management. It comes mated to a CVT gearbox and churns out 10.2bhp at 7,600rpm and 10.6Nm at 5,500rpm which is slightly different from the BS4 motor.
Cycle Parts
The BS6 update hasn’t brought any major changes to the cycle parts of the SXL 150. It is underpinned by a monocoque chassis which rides on alloy wheels measuring 11-inch up front and 10-inch at the rear. Suspension duties are handled by single side arm at the front and dual-effect hydraulic shock absorber at the rear. Stopping power comes from a disc-drum combination assisted by ABS.
Pricing
Despite the minimal changes, the BS6 iterations of Vespa scooters have witnessed a hefty price hike of around Rs 20,000 over their BS4 counterparts. Pegged at Rs 126,650 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Vespa SXL 149 is one of the most expensive scooters in India.
