Vespa Sprint 125 (2017–2021) Review: Style Meets Urban Practicality
Introduction
The Vespa Sprint 125 represents the perfect marriage of Italian design flair and urban practicality. As part of Vespa’s storied lineage, this scooter generation (2017–2021) retains the brand’s iconic steel unibody construction while injecting modern engineering for commuters who demand both style and substance. Having spent a week weaving through city traffic and cruising along coastal roads, I can confirm the Sprint 125 isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a surprisingly capable machine that rewards riders with character and ease of use.
Design & Ergonomics
The Sprint 125’s design pays homage to Vespa’s sportier heritage, particularly the 1960s "Sprint" models that emphasized youthfulness and agility. Its rectangular headlight, angular rear fender, and exposed steel bodywork give it a bolder aesthetic compared to the curvier Primavera sibling. The 12-inch aluminum alloy wheels (110/70 front, 120/70 rear) add stability without sacrificing the nimble handling Vespa scooters are known for.
At 790 mm (31.1"), the seat height accommodates shorter riders effortlessly, though taller riders might find the legroom slightly cramped on longer journeys. The underseat storage fits a full-face helmet—a rarity in the 125cc class—and the minimalist dashboard keeps focus on essential info: speed, fuel level, and gear position. Color options ranged from classic monochromes (white, black) to vibrant Racing Sixties editions with retro-inspired green/yellow liveries and golden rims (2020 limited edition).
Engine & Performance
The Heart of the Matter
Powering the Sprint 125 is a 124cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine with a SOHC 3-valve setup—a configuration that optimizes airflow for better combustion efficiency. Output figures are modest at 11 HP (8 kW) and 10.4 Nm of torque, but the real-world experience is peppier than specs suggest. The fuel-injected engine delivers smooth acceleration from standstill, reaching its 95 km/h (59 mph) top speed without drama.
The CVT transmission eliminates gear shifts, making it ideal for stop-and-go traffic. During my test ride, the scooter felt most alive between 40–70 km/h (25–43 mph), where the engine’s 6,750 RPM torque peak provides confident overtaking ability. Fuel efficiency is stellar: Vespa claims 2.5 L/100 km (94 mpg), though aggressive throttle use might push this closer to 3.1 L/100 km (75 mpg).
Handling & Ride Quality
Vespa’s monocoque steel frame feels rock-solid at speed, with none of the flex common in cheaper tubular-frame rivals. The front suspension—a single-sided arm with hydraulic shock—absorbs potholes better than expected, while the rear preload-adjustable shocks (4 settings) let you tailor stiffness for solo or two-up riding.
The 1340 mm (52.8") wheelbase strikes a balance between agility and stability. Leaning into corners reveals surprising grip from the 12-inch tires, though the 126 kg (278 lbs) wet weight becomes noticeable during tight U-turns. Braking performance varies by year: earlier models used a front disc (200 mm) with ABS and a rear drum, while 2020–2021 editions upgraded to dual discs.
Competition
The 125cc scooter segment is fiercely competitive. Here’s how the Sprint 125 stacks up:
- Honda SH125: A perennial favorite with superior wind protection and a 16-inch front wheel for highway stability. However, its plastic bodywork lacks Vespa’s premium feel.
- Yamaha NMAX 155: Offers more power (15 HP) and a liquid-cooled engine, but its maxi-scooter proportions sacrifice the Vespa’s flickable urban agility.
- Piaggio Beverly 125: Shares the Sprint’s engine but adds larger wheels and a taller seat. Less stylish but more practical for taller riders.
The Vespa’s trump card is its brand cachet and customization potential. Unlike its Japanese rivals, the Sprint 125 feels like a lifestyle product first—a scooter you’ll want to park conspicuously outside cafés.
Maintenance
As a MOTOPARTS.store journalist, I’d be remiss not to highlight key upkeep aspects:
Oil & Fluids
- Engine Oil: Requires SAE 5W-40 (1.3L with filter). Change intervals every 6,000 km (3,700 miles).
- Final Drive Oil: 270 ml of 80W-90 GL4 gear oil—often overlooked but critical for belt longevity.
- Brake Fluid: DOT 4; flush every 2 years to prevent moisture buildup.
Wear Items
- Spark Plugs: NGK CR8EB (standard) or CR8EIX iridium for longer service life.
- Drive Belt: Inspect every 12,000 km (7,500 miles); replace if cracked or glazed.
- Tires: The 12-inch Pirelli OEM rubber wears quickly under hard cornering. Consider Michelin City Grip for wet-weather confidence.
Common Upgrades
- Suspension: Swap the stock rear shocks for adjustable units from Bitubo to enhance ride quality.
- Brakes: EBC sintered pads improve bite, especially on pre-2020 drum-brake models.
- Storage: Givi top cases integrate seamlessly with Vespa’s rear racks.
Final Thoughts
The Vespa Sprint 125 isn’t the fastest, cheapest, or most technologically advanced scooter in its class. What it offers is intangible—a sense of belonging to a design legacy that transcends mere transportation. Whether you’re filtering through Roman traffic or posing on Parisian boulevards, this scooter delivers joy in ways spreadsheets can’t quantify.
For owners looking to personalize or maintain their Sprint 125, MOTOPARTS.store offers everything from OEM-spec oil filters to performance exhausts. After all, a Vespa isn’t just bought; it’s curated.
Specifications sheet
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Stroke: | Four-stroke |
| Max power: | 8 kW | 11.0 hp |
| Max torque: | 10 Nm |
| Fuel system: | Electronic fuel injection (EFI) |
| Max power @: | 8000 rpm |
| Displacement: | 124 ccm |
| Max torque @: | 6500 rpm |
| Bore x stroke: | 52.0 x 58.6 mm (2.0 x 2.3 in) |
| Configuration: | Single |
| Cooling system: | Air-cooled with forced ventilation |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4/Euro 5 |
| Number of cylinders: | 1 |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase: | 1340 mm (52.8 in) |
| Dry weight: | 115 |
| Wet weight: | 126 |
| Seat height: | 790 mm (31.1 in) |
| Overall width: | 735 mm (28.9 in) |
| Overall length: | 1860 mm (73.2 in) |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 8.0 L (2.1 US gal) |
| Drivetrain | |
|---|---|
| Clutch: | Automatic dry centrifugal with vibration dampers |
| Final drive: | belt |
| Transmission: | CVT automatic with torque server |
| Maintenance | |
|---|---|
| Engine oil: | 5W-40 |
| Idle speed: | 1800 ± 100 rpm |
| Brake fluid: | DOT 4 |
| Spark plugs: | NGK CR8EB or NGK CR8EIX |
| Final drive oil: | 270 ml 80W-90 GL-4 |
| Rear tire pressure: | 2.0 bar (29 psi) solo / 2.2 bar (32 psi) with passenger |
| Engine oil capacity: | 1.3 |
| Front tire pressure: | 1.8 bar (26 psi) |
| Valve clearance (cold): | 0.10 ± 0.02 mm (both intake & exhaust) |
| Engine oil change interval: | Every 5000 km or annually |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Top speed: | 95 km/h (59 mph) |
| CO2 emissions: | 46.6-58.0 g/km |
| Fuel consumption: | 2.01-2.5 L/100 km (49.8-40.0 km/L) |
| Chassis and Suspension | |
|---|---|
| Frame: | Sheet steel shell with welded structural reinforcements |
| Wheels: | 12-inch die-cast aluminium alloy |
| Rear tire: | 120/70-12 |
| Front tire: | 110/70-12 |
| Rear brakes: | 140 mm drum (mechanically operated) |
| Front brakes: | 200 mm disc, ABS |
| Rear suspension: | Adjustable preload monoshock (70 mm travel) |
| Front suspension: | Single arm with coil spring and dual-action monoshock (78 mm travel) |
