Vespa 946: A Classic Vintage Scooter

Vespa has always been a part and parcel of the Italian design and proud heritage for decades. One of the models that showcased the vigour and versatility of this Italian brand is the Vespa 946. Being a model that attracted international customers and Italian public alike, the 946 shined bright among the scooter lineups and became an integral part of the lives of many. But it was only in the year 2012 that the Indian public got a chance to taste this Italian beauty. What makes the Vespas different from the normal clan of scooters is its proud heritage and legacy which cant be claimed by any scooter lineups over the globe.



Design
The Vespa 946, due to its aesthetics and design quality has become a direct inspiration for the birth of many new models like the making and design of the Vespa Primavera which marked the era of modern yet retro streamlined look scooters in the world.



The major highlights of scooter lines ups like the Primavera, VX and LX has a faint design inspiration take from the legendary 946. Now, the company, owing to its public commitments and social responsibility has joined hands with Project Red for bringing an end to AIDS. Vespa and Project RED will travel together to achieve the motto of bringing an end to AIDS and to make a world where no baby is born with HIV.



The company has chosen the Vespa 946, as its driving force to achieve this motto and also for representing the Project RED. The 946 embodies the Italian elegance and aesthetic perfection of the Vespa lineup and this scooter elegantly reflect the company. For every Vespa 946 RED purchase, $150 will go to the Global Fund to fight AIDS through project RED; which in turn provides more than 500 days of life-saving HIV medication to help prevent a mother living with HIV from passing the virus to her unborn baby.

Piaggio has done a good job to make this scooter attractive and stylish. The new 946 comes with a Steel plate monocoque frame combined with aluminium parts spread across wheels, handlebar, side panels, front mudguard, mirror supports and seat support. The scooter also showcase a Full Led projector, instrument cluster and indicator lights to make it more appealing.

Seat
A very modern yet retro styled seating arrangement is seen in the 946 which blends with the overall making and aesthetics of the Italian design. The stitching of the seat is made with premium leather and enough padding is provided to give maximum comfort and this enables to give a comfortable ride while going for long rides and city rides.



The rear side of the 946 comes with a luggage carrying holder which can be used to carry big bags and luggage with ease.

Engine
The Vespa 946 showcase a 125 cc 4 stroke, Single cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection technology and is tuned to provide maximum power to give out maximum performance and minimum consumption levels and emissions. The engine produces a power 11.7 hp at 8250 rpm and a maximum torque of 10.3 Nm torque at 7000 rpm The engine is refined and provide vibration free performance. The engine is refined and produces enough torque and power to move in traffic and busy streets very easily. The 946 is tuned to provide maximum fuel efficiency while also delivering enough.



Braking and Suspension
The suspension duties of this scooter are done with Single link arm with coil spring and dual-action hydraulic shock absorber at the front and a Coil spring with adjustable preload, mono shock with progressive lever system at the rear side. The suspension duty of this scooter is made to provide utmost comfort and stability to the rider as well as the pillion rider and gives a safer and relaxed ride.

The breaking of the Vespa 946 is done with ABS disc brake at the front and rear. The provision of ABS braking system enhances the braking power and gives enough stopping power to 946.

Colour and Availability
The Vespa 946 is not available to buy in India and it still remains as an international version, but with the models like LX and VX gaining sales figures in the country, we can hope that the Vespa 946 will get launch in India very soon. The 946 comes in RED colour paying homage to the AIDS treatment funding in collaboration with Project RED.

Full Technical Specifications Of Vespa 946

Engine	125.00 cc Single-cylinder 4-stroke
Engine Starting	Self / Kick
Maximum Power	11.7 hp at 8250 rpm
Maximum Torque	10.3 Nm torque at 7000 rpm
Front Suspension	Single link arm with coil spring and dual-action hydraulic shock absorber
Rear Suspension	Coil spring with adjustable preload, mono shock with progressive lever system
Top Speed	93 kmph
Front Brake	Disc
Rear Brake	Disc
Length x Width x Height	1770 x 730 x -- mm
Wheelbase	1405 mm
Petrol Tank Capacity	8.5 litres