Overview Vespa 125 AC 48-50

The Vespa V1T was the first 125 cc model to be produced by the Piaggio factories. Compared to the V98, it had been significantly improved in numerous technical aspects.

Model history Vespa 125 AC 48-50

The bonnet was movable at the top and attached with two Hinge-Joints, while at the bottom it was fixed to the frame with a spring catch. The circular opening in the bonnet of the V98 was opened downwards on the V1T to allow the Engine to Suspension Arm. The frame opening, through which the Intake Manifold is routed from the Carburettor to the Cylinder, was enlarged to allow the now sprung Engine more freedom of movement. The saddle was also sprung at the front, and a Luggage Hook was fitted underneath the saddle tip.
There was now a simple Side Stand, which meant that it was no longer necessary to lean the Vespa on the Footboards when parking. Light Switch and Rear Light were still identical to those of the V98 on the first models, but were changed later: The Switch was fan-shaped, with a Lower Part made of black plastic and a chrome-plated Cap; the Rear Light was made frameless.
The Horn was given a new shape and an external central Adjusting Screw. The front Headlight Unit, equipped with a Siem Washer and a Chrome Ring, had a diameter of 95 mm and was fitted with a decorative fin made of chrome-plated Zamak (die-cast zinc). The carburettor flap was fitted with a Spring and small Rubber Buffers were attached to the Frame to dampen the vibrations of the flap. The tank was fitted with a Fuel Tap, which now had a reserve position and was operated with a hook-shaped operating lever (instead of the ring-shaped one on the V98). The petrol filler cap on the first models was equipped with a Spring and quick-release fastener, a design that was not used again on the GS until 1955. The Piaggio logo was now emblazoned on the redesigned rubber grips, while the aluminium plugs on the handlebar ends were retained. The Legshield emblem now bore the "Genova" logo in a slightly larger version than on the V98.

The Engine of the Vespa 125 AC 48-50

In addition to enlarging the cylinder bore from 50 mm to 56.5 mm, the mounting bolts of the Gearing Segment were doubled in order to eliminate the problems that had occurred on the V98. The Carburettor remained a Dell'Orto TA 17, but now had a flap on the Air Filter as a Choke, which was operated by a Cable with a Lever under the Single Saddle. The steering tube was no longer routed down to the front swing arm on the left-hand side of the scooter in the direction of travel, but on the right-hand side, which was fitted with a completely new suspension system. Instead of the previous leaf springs, a coil spring was now inserted parallel to the steering tube.
The shift linkage was now routed from the Brake Pedal to above the Engine Swing Arm Pivot mounting bolts inside the frame tunnel. The rear wheel was also fitted with suspension consisting of a coil spring and a hydraulic Silencer.
In the 1949 model year, the Cylinder and Cylinder Head were modified for improved cooling. The cooling fins of the Cylinder now ran parallel to the cylinder base instead of perpendicular. This design has been retained in all later models to this day. The diameter of the Gudgeon Pin was increased from 12 mm to 15 mm. The Intake Manifold Flange was now fastened with three Studs instead of the previous two.

The special features of the Vespa 125 AC 48-50

• From 1950, the V15T no longer had a beaded frame.

• Models from V1T to V15T are only equipped with a Spring on the front swingarm and still lack the hydraulic Shock Absorber.

• Chrome-plated parts include the Handlebar, the Brake Pedal of the rear brake, the Frame of the front Headlight Unit, the Caliper Springs, the Fuel Tap, the Kickstart Lever, the Cap of the Light Switch, the Vespa Badge and the decorative fin of the Headlight Unit.

• The shock absorber rod and the Springs of the rear wheel suspension were phosphatised.

• The front suspension Springs, the kickstand including kickstand spring, outer Bolts including the rim nuts, the exhaust nuts and the Luggage Hook are matt nickel-plated.

Situation used market Vespa 125 AC 48-50

Where are you looking for this vehicle?

• At your trusted Vespa dealer

• Classified adverts in the local newspaper

• Markets and trade fairs such as Mostra Scambis in Italy

• Online marketplaces such as www.mobile.de, www.autoscout24.de etc.

The colours of the Vespa Vespa 125 Nuova:

Colour	Colour Name	Max Meyer Code	Colour info
	Verde Chiaro Metallizato	PIA6006M	Body & various Frame Parts
	Rosso Opaco	PIA55 (10055M)	Rust protection/primer

Sources