Vespa S Special 150 [2008 – 2014]: A Timeless Urban Companion Revisited

Introduction

The Vespa S Special 150, produced between 2008 and 2014, remains a standout in the crowded scooter market—a blend of Italian flair, urban practicality, and mechanical simplicity. Designed as a homage to Vespa’s racing heritage (think 1955 GS 150 or the T5 Pole Position), this generation balances retro aesthetics with modern fuel injection and reliability. After spending a week weaving through city traffic and cruising suburban boulevards, it’s clear why this scooter still resonates with riders today. Let’s dive into what makes the Vespa S Special 150 a compelling choice—and how it holds up against its peers.

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Design: Retro Chic Meets Functional Minimalism

The Vespa S Special 150 is a masterclass in design restraint. Its steel unibody chassis—a signature Vespa trait—exudes solidity, while the minimalist body panels and rounded headlight evoke the brand’s 1970s sport models. The Sport Special Edition (2012–2013) amplifies this with satin black paint, red-accented suspension springs, and a solo seat trimmed in white piping. Even standard models, available in Dragon Red, Montebianco White, and vibrant two-tone schemes, feel premium.

Practicality isn’t sacrificed for style. The flat floorboard accommodates grocery bags or a small suitcase, and the 8.2–8.7-liter fuel tank (2.17–2.30 US gallons) hides neatly under the seat. At 30.9 inches (785 mm), the seat height suits riders of all sizes, though taller riders might crave more legroom on longer rides. The analog speedometer, with its chrome bezel, is delightfully old-school—no digital distractions here.

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Engine & Performance: Zippy Efficiency for the City

Powered by a 150cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, the Vespa S Special 150 delivers 11.7 HP @ 7,750–8,000 RPM and 11.5 Nm (8.5 ft.lbs) of torque. These numbers won’t set records, but they’re perfect for urban commutes. The fuel-injected engine starts eagerly, even in cooler weather, and the CVT transmission ensures smooth acceleration—no jerky gear changes.

Test Ride Impressions:
- City Traffic: Throttle response is crisp, propelling the scooter to 50 km/h (31 mph) in seconds. The 95 km/h (59 mph) top speed is adequate for city highways, though steep hills demand patience.
- Fuel Efficiency: Averaging 3.24 L/100 km (72.6 mpg), a full tank nets ~250 km (155 miles)—ideal for daily errands.
- Sport SE Edge: The Sport Special Edition’s four-valve engine (on 2012–13 models) feels marginally sharper, with torque peaking lower at 6,250 RPM for quicker off-the-line sprints.

The engine’s air cooling keeps things simple, but expect some vibes at higher RPMs. Still, the exhaust note—a muted purr—adds character without offending neighbors.

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Handling & Comfort: Agile, But Firm

Weighing 110 kg (242.5 lbs) in standard trim (96 kg/211.6 lbs for the Sport SE), the Vespa feels nimble. The short 50.3–50.7-inch (1,278–1,290 mm) wheelbase and 10-inch wheels make U-turns a breeze.

Suspension & Brakes:
- Front: A single-sided trailing link with hydraulic damping absorbs potholes better than expected.
- Rear: The adjustable preload shock (on later models) helps tailor the ride—stiffen it for solo rides, soften it for two-up.
- Braking: The front 200 mm disc provides confident stops, but the rear drum lacks bite during sudden slowdowns.

The riding position is upright, with narrow handlebars offering precise control. Wind protection is minimal, so speeds above 70 km/h (43 mph) feel breezy. For a 30-minute commute, it’s comfortable; for hour-long rides, consider a padded seat cover.

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Competition: How Does the Vespa Stack Up?

The Vespa S Special 150’s rivals prioritize function over fashion. Here’s how it compares:

1. Honda SH150i
2. Pros: Larger 16-inch wheels, liquid-cooled engine, more storage.
3. Cons: Bland styling, heavier at 134 kg (295 lbs).

4. Verdict: Better for rough roads, but lacks Vespa’s charm.

5. Yamaha NMAX 155

6. Pros: Stronger engine (15 HP), ABS, underseat storage.
7. Cons: Generic maxi-scooter looks.

8. Verdict: A tech-forward choice, but not timeless.

9. Piaggio Liberty 150

10. Pros: Shared engine with Vespa, lower price.
11. Cons: Cheaper plastics, less iconic design.
12. Verdict: Practical sibling, but doesn’t turn heads.

The Vespa’s steel body and heritage justify its premium feel. While rivals offer more power or features, none match its curb appeal.

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Maintenance: Keeping Your Vespa Happy

The Vespa S Special 150 is low-maintenance but demands consistency:

• Oil Changes: Use SAE 5W-40 synthetic every 3,000 km (1,864 miles). The wet-sump system is DIY-friendly.
• Belt & Rollers: Replace the CVT belt every 12,000 km (7,456 miles). Worn rollers cause sluggish acceleration.
• Spark Plugs: NGK CR8EB or iridium CR8EIX every 10,000 km (6,214 miles).
• Brake Fluid: Flush DOT 4 fluid biennially.
• Tires: The 110/70-11 front and 120/70-10 rear wear evenly but check pressure monthly.

Pro Tip: Clean the air filter regularly—this air-cooled engine hates dust. MOTOPARTS.store stocks OEM-spec parts, from shock absorbers to vintage-style mirrors.

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Conclusion: A Scooter That Ages Gracefully

The Vespa S Special 150 isn’t the fastest or most practical scooter, but it’s undeniably special. Its steel body resures rust better than plastic rivals, and the design still draws compliments a decade later. For city riders valuing style and simplicity, it’s a joy—one that’s easy to maintain and personalize.

Whether you’re restoring a 2008 model or upgrading a 2014 Sport SE, MOTOPARTS.store has the grips, screens, and performance bits to make your Vespa uniquely yours. After all, this isn’t just a scooter—it’s a statement.

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Specifications sheet

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