In Focus: BS6 Vespa SXL 150

Our favourite Italian scooter brand, Vespa, has been working on updating its range of two-wheelers to meet upcoming BS6 emission norms. While the updated scooters are expected to go on sale soon, their deliveries will only begin once the new norms come into place i.e. April 1. However, we’ve managed to get hold of BS6-compliant Vespa SXL 150 and here’s what we found.

Vespa’s updated SXL 150 scooter gets a  couple of extra features, cosmetic updates and an engine that is easier on the environment. To understand the scooter better, we’ve compiled several images that’ll help you get a grasp of all the changes.   

Also Read: Exclusive: BS6 Vespa And Aprilia Deliveries To Begin In April 2020

At a glance, it’s hard to tell, but there are subtle changes throughout the scooter. 

Dig deeper and you’ll find a whole host of changes. For instance, taking out the under-seat storage reveals the new electronic fuel injection setup that replaces the BS4 engine’s carburettor. The inclusion of fuel injection should make for a more precise throttle response.

The setup also calls for an ECU which monitors vital parameters of the scooters and offers prompts when something goes wrong. The  Vespa 150cc will continue to be powered by a 154.8cc single-cylinder engine with no changes in the output figures. It’s reported to make the same 10.5PS of power and 10.9Nm of torque. 

Since the new Vespa is fuel injected, it does not come with a choke. The choke valve has been replaced with a rudimentary screw to cover the hole on the apron.

The updated Vespa features an extra cubby hole on the front apron for storing knick-knacks.  It also gets a classy little ‘150’ badge on the storage bin on the right.

The console features a white layout instead of the dreary black seen in the older scooter. The exhaust has been redesigned to look rounder than before. This could possibly be to accommodate the new catalytic converter.

Interestingly, the switchgear now comes with a mode button which can be used to toggle through the various readouts on the instrument console. 

The updated Vespa features the same brakes and suspension as its predecessor. Thanks to strict safety regulations in the country, the Vespa SXL 150 gets single-channel ABS as standard.  It’s 11-inch front and 10-inch rear tyre comes wrapped in 110/70-section front and 120/70-section rear tyres. 

Though scooters will be sent out to most Piaggio dealerships by the end of next week, deliveries will only commence from 1 April, 2020.

The BS6-compliant Vespa SXL 150 will get a substantial price hike. Dealer sources suggest that the price difference between the BS6 and BS4 versions could be as much as Rs 19,000 depending on the model.