PIAGGIO Vespa P125X User manual

PIAGGIO is one of the bigger producer of two - wheeler vehicles in the world The
head office is in Genoa. Its works of Pontedera, Pisa, Arcore are provided with very
modern e uipments operating on the basis of the most advanced techni ue of
manufacturing.

Introduction
PIAGGIO Co. takes this opportunity of thanking you for your preference for a Vespa
<<new line>>. We feel sure that this scooter will give you co plete satisfaction. In this
vehicle there have been transfused solutions of great success that have always been
Piaggio' a patri ony:
- Integral chassis, direct trans ission, interchangeable wheels.
These solutions re ain in the Vespa steel shell and oreover functional i prove ents
ake the Vespa a vehicle technologically advanced in the field of security. The new
bodywork design and the care in the details ake the Vespa ore aggressive by
giving it a pleasant note of style. The new suspension consents ore secure and con,
lortable drive.
This booklet, with its si ple instructions on operation and aintenance will furnish you all
the infor ation necessary for obtaining a co plete working knowledge of your Vespa
<<new line>>.
CONTENTS
Topic Page
General specification . 4
Performance and specifications 8
Identification data 9
General instructions
Tyre pressure 10
Fuel supply 10
Running-in 12
Electrical e uipment 12-13
Maintenance 15
Laying up 25
Lubrication and periodical operation of maintenance 27
Fault finding 29
Specific data for Vespa P 200 E 30
Vehicles (by re uest) with separate lubrication <<LS>> device 39

Vespa P-series
Note: For specific information concerning Vespa P200E see pages 93-121
General specification
Engine: (see performances at page 20 and section fig. 1) is pivoted to the vehicle chassis
through the crankcase swinging arm, clutch side. The rear wheel (drive -wheel) is fitted on
the outer side of the drive shaft.
Lubrication: of engine (piston, cylinder, crankshaft, main bearing flywheel side) is
effected by the oil in the fuel mixture.
Fuel suppl (see fig. 9) gravity feed with mixture of oil and gasoline (petrol). Carburettor
provided with a throttle slide. Air intake located under the seat.
Note: For the vehicles endowed (by request) with engine separated lubrication <<LS>>
device, refer to page 39 and 40.
Fuel capacit (included ~ 2.1 l. 0.55 U. S. galls or 0.46 imp. galls of reserve) : 8 It. (2.11
U. S. galls or 1.76 imp. galls) with 3 way tap (closed , open, reserve).
Throttle control by the twist grip on the R. H. handlebars side
Kick-starter: (R. H. vehicle side).
Cooling: results from a centrifugal fan.
Clutch: multiplate. The unit is cable operated by apposite lever located on L. H.
handlebars and is adjustable.

Gear box: four speed drive with mesh gears. Operated by the twist grip on L. H.
handlebars which functions in conjunction with the clutch control lever . For transmission
ratio engine to driving wheels see page. 24.
Integral chassis: pressed sheet steel, streamlined monoco ue type structure. On the
shield, inner side, there is located a glove compartment with flap e uipped with a key
controlled security lock.
Wheels: Interchangeable and made up of 2 - 10" pressed steel rims; 3.50x10" tyres.
Handlebars: Light alloy casting with 0 130 headlamp and speedometer. All transmission
cables are concealed led therein. It is ready for the wind shield assembling (accessory).
Ignition: by means of an outer H. T. coil fed by a proper coil of flywheel magneto.
Electrical equipment: a six pole flywheel magneto - nominal voltage 6 V - supplies
alternating current to the electrical e uipment. Note - For Vespa P200E see at page 30.
Steering column and suspensions: the steering column is pivoted on the front wheel
swinging hub. Front and rear suspensions with helical spring and hydraulic dampers.
Securit lock (key operated) on the steering column.
Saddle: dual saddle tip up type with push button control and key security lock.
Brakes: Cable operated drum brakes with dual expanding shoes.
- Front brake is operated by hand lever (placed on the R. H. handlebars).
- Rear brake is operated by pedal placed on the R. H. footrest.
Parking stand: a two legged stand with a central return spring.
Spare wheel (accessory) endowed, in the lower part, with a plastic protection, is placed
under the L.H. Cowl by means of three fastenings (refer for the disassembling fig. 14).
STANDARD TOOL KIT
Wrenches: 1 four ended box wrench (11, "13, 21 and 22 .); two double open ended wrenches (11, 13 and
7, 10 .) : one single open ended wrench (8 .). Screwdriver: 1 ite . These tools are contained in a
canvas roll together with this booklet in the front gloves co part ent.

1. Group carburettor-air cleaner - 2. Piston - 3. Crankshaft - 4. Clutch - 5. Mainshaft and gear pinion
ass - 6. Gear shifter - 7. Fl wheel magneto - 8. Kick-starter - 9. Crankcase swinging arm clutch side
(pivoted to the frame).
Fig. 1 – Engine section
Notice - Take note of the number marked on the keys of the vehicle, because if that one
is re uested as spare part, there is no possibility of identification.

1. Clutch control (lever) and gear change (twist grip.) - 2. Front brake lever - 3. Throttle twist grip. -
4. Switch (for the positions see fig. 6) - 5. Front brake shoes - 6. Rear brake pedal - 7. Kickstarter -
8. Gear selector - 9. Rear brake shoes - 10. Clutch - 11. Carburettor and air cleaner - 12. Starter
control – 13. Fuel cock – 14. Push button (with key lock) for dual saddle releasing (tipping saddle)
– 15. Fuel cap.
Fig. 2 – Controls and transmissions

Performances, specifications
Note: The vehicle runs with gasoline – oil ixture i. e. 2% oil ( ineral oil SAE 40).
Consumption: (according to CUNA Standards): ~ 2,1 It./100 Km. (111
mls/U. S. gal.. 134 mls/imp. gal.).
Max. fuel capacit : 8 It. (2.116 U. S. gal. or 1.762 imp. gal.) includes 2.1 It. of
reserve (0.55 U. S. gal. Or 0.46 imp. gal.).
Max speed: (according CUNA Standards) 90 Km/h (56 mph).
Range: more than 370 Km. (230 mls).
Carr ing capacit : 2 persons and 10 Kg (22 Ibs) of luggage.
Wheel base: 1235 mm. (48"7)
Handlebars width: 695 mm. (27"3)
Total length: 1760 mm. (69".29).
Max height: 1110 mm. (43".7).
Min. ground clearance: 225 mm. (8".86).
Turning radius: 1650 mm. (64".96).
Total dr weight: 104 Kg. (229 Ibs).
Engine: Single cylinder two stroke, rotary distribution and with three
transfer ports.
Bore: 52.5 mm. (2".066).
Stroke: 57 mm. (2".24).
Displacement: 123.4 cc. 7.25 cu. in.
Compression ratio: 1:8.2.
Spark advance: 211-4-l' before T.D.C. Sparking plug: Marelli CW 6N AT;
Bosch W 225 T 1; KLG F 75; Cham pion L 86; AC 43 F.
Carburettor: Dell'Orto SI 20/20 D.
Note: For the vehicles endowed (by request) with engine separated lubrication <<LS>>
device, refer to page 39 and 40.

Fig. 3 - Serial number stamped on frame.
Transmission ratio engine to driving wheels:
Bottom gear 1:14.47 3rd gear 1:7.31 2nd gear 1:10.28 Top gear 1:5.36
Identification data: the identification data are composed by a prefix VNX1T on chassis,
VNL3M on engine and by a serial number.
Accessories: The vehicle can be e uipped with accessories which can be fitted by your
dealer.
Notice - When ordering spare parts always point out the identification data of the vehicle.
Fig. 4 - Serial number stamped on engine

Operating instructions
Before putting the vehicle into service, act as follows:
1) - Check that the fuel tank is filled up.
2) - Unscrew the plug on the gear box marked « OLIO » (Fig. 11) and check that the oil is
on a level with the hole when the vehicle is standing upright.
TYRE PRESSURE
Front wheel: 1.2 atm. (17.6 p.s.i.). Rear wheel: 1.75 atm. (25,76 p.s.i.) with operator,
2.5 atm. (36.7 p.s.i.) with operator
and passenger.
FUEL SUPPLY
During and after running-in use a mixture of oil and petrol i. e. 2%
Note: For the vehicles endowed (by request) with engine separated lubrication <<LS>>
device, refer to page 39 and 40.
Mineral Oil SAE 40 (i. e. about ¼ pint of oil per 1 1/2 gals of petrol):
Esso 2 T Motor Oil 40; Shell Golden Motor Oil; Shell X - 100 2 T; Shell Super 2 T Motor
Oil; Aral 2 T and Super 2 T; Texaco 2 T; BP 2 T Special; Total 2 T.
FUEL TANK ACCESSIBILITY
For accessing to fuel tank open the locking device, act on the push button for releasing
the rear attachment as shown on fig. 5, and tip up the saddle.
Notice: Ensure that the fuel tank breather is always clean.
STEERING LOCK
Locking the handlebars: turn the handlebars anticlockwise up to the limit stop, rotate the
key and push inwards, so that it thrust the sliding bar against the steering column. To
ease the insertion of the sliding bar slightly turn the handlebars from the limit stop
clockwise. Handlebars locked: the key will now spring back to its original position and can
thence be extracted.
Notice: The steering lock should never be lubricated.
Unlocking the handlebars: Insert the key in the lock, turn it to the left and pull it back;
then turn the handlebars in the normal position.
Glove compartment lock: For opening the glove compartment lid introduce the key into
the lock and rotate leftwards, till the end of stroke; then press downwards the lock. For
closing, press the lid and turn clockwise the key; then take off the latter.
During the first 2000 Km. (1250 mls) do not keep the throttle full open for long
periods.

Fig. 5: Tipping up the saddle for accessing to fuel cap.
Security lock on the steering colu n, glove co part ent lock and saddle lock are
actioned by a single key.

Running in
Distance covered Speed limit to be not exceeded during the period of running
in (Km/h) – (Mls/h)
1st Gear 2nd Gear 3rd Gear 4th Gear
First 2000 Km. Kms Mls Kms Mls Kms Mls Kms Mls
(1250mls) 25 15.5 38 23.5 52 32 70 43
Notice - After first 1000 K . (620 ls):
- Check that all nuts and bolts are not loose: in particular the nut for securing wheels.
- Check that the carburettor is tight on the crankcase to avoid any possibility of air leaks.
- Clean air filter and control tire pressures.
- Check spark plug.
After first 1000 Km. (620 mls)
change oil in the gear box (see fig. 11 and page 52).
LIGHTING AND SIGNALLING DEVICES
The vehicle is e uipped with:
- Main switch « C on handlebars, R. H. side, with lever « D » high and low beam and 2
push buttons « E » for the horn and « M , for engine cutout (refer to fig. 6).
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
A six pole flywheel magneto - nominal voltage 6 V - supplies alternating current to the
electrical e uipment (refer to diagram fig. 7).
This e uipment consists of the following lighting and signalling devices:
Front headlamp, circular shaped 0 130, with 6V-25/25W bilux bulb (High and low beam),
6V-5W bulb for front parking light and two 6V0.6W bulb for speedometer and for High and
low beam indicator light.
Tail lamp, with 5 W bulb (red parking light and license plate illumination) and 10 W bulb
(red stop light).
Light switch on the headlamp, located on handlebars, R. H. (see fig. 6).
STARTING
Carry out the operations indicated onfig. 8.
As soon as the engine is running smoothl bring the starter control back to its
normal position.
Notice - When it is necessary to decelerate do not hesitate in changing down.

Fig. 6 – Positions of the switch <<C>>
<<C>> - 0 = Lights off - 1 = Pilot lights, tail lamp, lighting system tell tale lamp and
speedometer on. - 2 = Headlamp lights, front parking light and tail lamp,- lighting system
indicator light and speedometer on. D: Switch lever high and low beam) E: Horn button.
M. Engine cutout push button.
Fig. 7 – Electrical equipment diagram
Legend:
Bianco = White Rosso = Red Viola = Violet Marrone = Brown
Azzurro = Blue Giallo = Yellow Nero = Black Verde = Green

SETTING THE VEHICLE IN MOTION
With engine running at idling speed declutch and rotate the gear change twist grip to 1st
gear position (fig. 8). To set the vehicle in motion slowly let - out the clutch and
contemporaneously rotate the throttle.
GEAR CHANGE
Close the throttle, declutch and rotate the gear change grip to a higher or lower gear as
the case may be (fig. 8).
STOPPING THE ENGINE
Before stopping the engine shift to <<neutral>> then press the engine cutout push - button
<< M>> (fig. 6).
Notice - Don't use the choke when the engine is war .
Fig. 8 – Operations for starting
A. Open the fuel cock - B. Selector neutral - C. Pull out the starter control rod (with cold
engine) - D. Bring throttle twist grip to idling position - E. Act on kick-starter.

Maintenance
ADJUSTMENT ON CARBURETTOR
For adjusting the idling act on the slow running adjuster screw (fig. 9 No. 5) coming out on
air cleaner.
On the carburettor body a set screw is applied for adjusting the throttle cable play; this
screw is to be reset only if necessary or on dismantling and reassembly operations.
On the carburettor there is a spring loaded screw for adjusting the idling (fig. 9, No. 14).
For not influencing the engine running at idle speed, unless otherwise unavoidable,
customers should avoid re-setting this screw. Any alteration should preferably be
entrusted to a Service Station.
Notice Avoid re-setting of the screw for adjusting the idling (Fig. 9, No. 14). Consult a
Service Station.
STARTING UP
(when the engine is flooded)
In the case of difficulties caused by flooding (presence of unvaporized mixture in the
cylinder) , the following methods can be used:
- Attempt push starting: mesh the 2nd gear, declutch, push the vehicle to a certain speed,
sharply release the clutch and when the engine fires declutch.
- Close the fuel cock (« A » fig. 8) remove the sparking plug (refer to instruction at page
17) and clean; then kick over the engine several times.
- Screw in the sparking plug by hand and lock it securely with the box wrench, open the
fuel cock and kick over the engine.
Notice - When reasse bling- the spark plug ensure that it is introduced into the threaded
hole at the correct inclination; use the wrench only for tighten.

Fig. 9 – Fuel suppl and distribution diagram
1. Fuel tap: R) Reserve; A) Open C) Closed; - 2. Float - 3. Air cleaner with carburettor 3/1.
Air filter - 4. Choke device calibrator - 5. Throttle slide set screw - 6. Throttle slide - 7.
Main jet air calibrator - 8. Diffuser air calibrator - 9. Diffuser - 10. Main jet - 11. plow
running jet - 12. Slow running jet air calibrator - 13. Oil cap - 14. Idle air -fuel mixture
adjusting screw - 15. Choke valve - 16. Inlet port - 17. Transfer ports - 18. Exhaust port.
REMOVAL OF ENGINE COWLING
Pull the lever « 1 » on fig. 10 and turn to release it from cowling. Swing the cowling
outwards so that the front locating pin « 2 » is free of its housing.
Lift the cowling upwards from the front pivoting on its rear section: so that the clasp « 3 »
releases from the chassis bracket.
Pull the cowling outwards on the pin «4» so that the latter clears its housing, thus
releasing the cowling. For reassembly carry out the reverse procedure.

Fig. 10 - Removing engine cowl.
1. Lever for locking cowl - 2. Front locating pin - 3. Clasp securing cowl to chassis - 4.
Rear hooked pivot pin.
SPARK PLUG REMOVAL
For removing the spark plug disconnect the H. T. lead and extract the spark plug using the
box wrench (fig. 10).
CHANGING OIL IN GEAR CASE
Drain off the crankcase through hole (see fig. 11).
Introduce a small uantity of flushing oil, run the engine a few seconds and drain off
again.
Refill gear box with about 250 gr. of new oil (up to level of filling hole). This operation of
changing oil should be carried out with warm engine.

Fig. 11 Oil filler hole (1); oil draining hole (2).
DISMANTLING AIR FILTER
For extracting the air filter «A» (fig. 12) remove the engine cowl (fig. 10) and air cleaner
case cap. Unscrew the two screws « B » and extract the filter.
Note: When the air cleaner case is taken off, the carburettor is accessible.
DISMANTLING COOLING HOOD AND CYLINDER HEAD
Strip off engine cowl, (Fig. 10), disconnect H. T. lead, dismantle - cooling hood-
(fastenings «A» - «B» - «C», fig. 13) and unscrew the 4 nuts by means of a box wrench.
For re ounting tighten retaining nuts alternately.
CHANGING WHEELS AND TYRES
For dismantling the wheels remove the securing nuts (fig. 15). On reassembly tighten
them alternately and progressively.
For removing the tyres, first deflate them and then remove the nuts jointing the two wheel
rims (fig. 17).
Notice - The front and rear wheel are interchangeable ones with another on condition that
the tyre pressures is regulated accordingly (pag. 26).

Fig. 12 - Dismantling the air cleaner
DISMANTLING THE SPARE WHEEL (Accessory)
For dismantling the spare wheel, remove the spare wheel cowl, following the instructions
given for engine cowl (page 17). For removing the spare wheel unscrew the bolt securing
the lower part of the plastic protection, then the two nuts « D » securing the wheel to the
upper part of the bracket. (fig. 14).
Fig. 13 A Fig. 13 B
Dismantling cooling hood from engine (A) and head (B).

BRAKE ADJUSTMENT
Act on the adjusting screws as indicated with arrow in fig. 16, keeping in mind that when
the brake lever or pedal are in their resting position the wheels should rotate freely.
Notice - The braking action should begin i ediately on operating the respective
controls.
TIMING CHECKING AND SETTING
1) Place the gear change in .« neutral »; remove the rubber plug fitted on the flywheel
magneto slot and rotate by hand the rotor until, through the slot, the contact breaker unit
is discovered (fig. 18).
2) The contact breaker points « A » should start to open, as shown in figure, when the
extremity of the coil is at a distance of 2 - 4 mm. (0.078 - 0.15) from the respective pole
shoes.
3) By rotating manually again the rotor, the. max. opening of the contact breaker points
« A » should be 0.3-0.5 mm. (0".011 to 0".019).
4) If what is carried out at the points 2) - 3) doesn't verify, loose the screw « B » and act
on the trace
C », by means of a screwdriver: then displace the contact breaker bracket until the above
mentioned conditions are obtained.
After these operations tighten the screw « B ».
Notice - In order not to alter the echanic engine ti ing (spark advance) don't dis antle
the backplate and don't release the fasteners inside the crankcase.
Fig. 14 - Removing spare wheel from vehicle