The sporty Vespino is back! The brand new 2015 Vespa Sprint 150 ABS is the sportiest and most dynamic “small body” available in the lineup, with a name recalling concepts which are intimately tied to the sporty Vespas of the ’60s and ‘70s.

Just as the Primavera replaced the popular and widespread LX version, the Sprint replaces the sportier S, thereby continuing the Vespa tradition of using the same tried and true technical base to create two significantly different models in terms of variation and target rider.

Photo: Vespa

Bold new look
Of course, it all starts with the exclusive seat design, enhanced by a strictly black covering with a white line finish -- a clear tribute to Vespa sport saddles. The convenient fold-away bag hook is still at the end, and the 16.6L under-seat compartment can easily accommodate a full-face helmet thanks to the space created by moving the battery into the central floorboard tunnel. The square-shaped handgrip is also new, which along with the particular configuration of the footrests, ensures plenty of room for the passenger as well as a comfortable and safe position. 

With the trapezoidal shape of the most classic Vespa instrument panels, the gauge cluster on the 2015 Vespa Sprint 150 sports a new black background for the speedometer, while the multifunction digital display now has aggressive red backlighting. The experience gained in the 946 project -- the most prized and technological Vespa of all time -- can be seen in the shape of the new, perfectly integrated rearview mirrors. Elsewhere, the headlight has the typical rectangular shape of sporty Vespas, and the front daylight running lights are LEDs, as is the rear brake light.

For the first time on a Vespa small body, 12” wheels and tires (similar to the ones on the GTS series Vespas) are part of the package. The Sprint’s overall dimensions are basically unchanged from the outgoing LX and S, although increased rider legroom and reduced seat height (790mm) optimize the ergonomics and ease of use.

Classic Nero Lucido (glossy black) returns and is joined by a new Giallo Positano (yellow) colour option. Both are exclusively matched with a black saddle. In typical Vespa fashion, the brand new Sprint 150 offers a wide range of customization options and accessories. The list includes black alloy wheels, chrome cargo racks, a top box, a soft leather bag, and electronic anti-theft alarm.

New chassis and engine
Compared to the old Vespa LX and S, headstock rigidity has increased 36%, while the longitudinal bend has increased as much as 154%. This should make a considerable difference in terms of safety and riding pleasure. Also, despite maintaining a single-arm, pin-driven front suspension in classic Vespa tradition, the new Sprint has a completely redesigned system capable of reducing slide friction by half.

The air-cooled, 155cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine uses three valves (2 intake and 1 exhaust), a single overhead camshaft, and electronic fuel injection. Friction-reducing work has also been done to the crankshaft, roller rockers, and cam axle, benefitting performance and fuel economy. Output is rated at 12.7 hp at 7,750 rpm, while torque amounts to 9.4 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm -- good enough for a maximum speed of 95 km/h.

New engine mounts are said to eliminate vibrations. More importantly, fuel consumption figures of 2L/100km and lengthy maintenance intervals (every 10,000km) mean very low running costs.

Pricing starts at $5,395.