

Piaggio planned to replace the technically outdated Vespa PX with a new model, introducing innovative concepts in the process. Developer of the new model was based on the PX, as they wanted to stick to the proven design with self-supporting sheet steel body and full swinging chassis. The original plan was to use a water-cooled four-stroke engine and an automatic transmission, but these plans were later cancelled. However, some features of the then emerging automatic scooters found their way into the Vespa Cosa (originally planned as Vespa R, for "rinnovata" or "modernised"), including a storage compartment under the Seat, a hydraulically actuated integral braking system and an optional anti-lock braking system (EBC) on the front wheel. The Cosa also incorporated an innovation characteristic of the later Vespa ET and Vespa GTS models: the partial covering of the sheet steel bodywork with plastic.
The Vespa Cosa is therefore regarded as the direct successor to the Vespa PX and is the last newly developed Vespa model with a manual gearbox. However, production of the Vespa PX continued in parallel with the Cosa and continued even after production of the Cosa ended.
The Vespa Cosa was launched in Italy in 1987 with 125 and 150 cc engines, followed by the Cosa 200 a year later. Sales in Germany began in 1988 with the Cosa 125 and 200 models. In contrast to the Italian models, the Cosa models sold in Germany bore the Vespa Badge on the Horn Cover. In Italy, on the other hand, the Piaggio Badge signalled that the Cosa was no longer a traditional Vespa model. In Germany, the Cosa 200 was available with both a 12 hp engine and a less powerful 10 hp engine. The 10 hp Engine had modified timing and thus offered the advantage of more favourable insurance.
The Vespa Cosa model series can be divided into two generations. The first generation was produced from 1988 to 1991, followed by the second generation from 1992. This is known as the Cosa 2 or Cosa FL, where FL stands for "facelift".
Technically speaking, both generations were largely identical, with the same engine variants in both versions. However, there were a few modifications: The Clutch was made smoother, the gearbox was given a new Cable for easier shifting, and the instruments were redesigned. There were also visual differences, such as the position of the tail light, which was now mounted above the licence plate and directly under the Seat, as well as the licence plate holder and the Seat. The Seat of the Cosa 1 had a side lock and was more similar to the PX, while the Seat of the Cosa FL was wider and more comfortable, with different Grab Rails and a rear-mounted Lock, which was located in an additionally painted area.
All variants of the Cosa series were equipped with a fan-cooled two-stroke engine with three transfer ports and intake regulation by means of a Disc Valve. Shifting was by means of a four-gear pull-type gearstick, which was operated by a rotary gearshift lever at the left handlebar end.
The engine of the Vespa Cosa was basically based on the engine of the Vespa PX series, with a few further developments. Although the internal components of the Engine are largely identical in both model series, there are differences in the Crankcases in three key aspects:
The Rocker Arm Seating on the Cosa is wider than on the PX.
Seating for the rear suspension strut on the Crankcase has been modified, as the rear suspension strut on the Cosa is longer than on the PX.
The Holder for the rear Brake Baseplate is designed differently to accommodate the wheel brake cylinder of the brake.
In addition, the Carburettor of the Cosa had an electric Fuel Tap and an automatic starter as standard - both innovations in the world of Vespa scooters. Another innovative feature was the electronic Rev Counter with analogue display, which was centrally located in the revised instrument panel. Previously, only the Vespa T5 had been equipped with a Rev Counter, which was initially digital and in later models analogue.
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 first generation of the Vespa Cosa, known as the Cosa 1 (with the Badges CLX, CL and also GS on 200 models), was produced from 1987 to 1991. The revised model, the Cosa 2 (characterised by the Badges FL, GS or Stern), was then launched on the market with numerous innovations:
The Seat was made wider, with modified Grab Rails and a differently positioned Seat Lock. The rear seat trim was painted in the respective scooter colour.
The Floor Mat now completely covered the footboard tunnel. The colour of the rubber mats and unpainted plastic trim changed to dark grey (compared to the black/anthracite of the Cosa 1).
The design of the exterior mirrors was revised; they are now no longer painted in the upper area.
The Type Plate was moved from the right-hand side of the footboard tunnel to the centre under the Seat due to the modified Floor Mat.
The two shift cables were replaced by a single fixed shift cable (wire), which enabled more precise shifting. This also changed the Selector Box.
An improved Clutch, which required less force to disengage, was inserted.
The instrument cluster was given a new design and now also included a Control Light for the oil level in the Oil Tank.
The upper Cover Handlebar now consisted of two parts, one painted and one unpainted.
Instead of large wheel trims, only narrow, grey plastic rings were used.
The cover of the front axle swing arm was reduced so that there were only two small covers on the pivot points.
From the 1996 model year, an aluminium Cylinder was fitted to improve reliability. This new Cylinder also changed the Connection for the Exhaust, so that a new Exhaust was also required when converting to the new Cylinder.
The Cosa could now also be ordered with an anti-lock braking system.
Our online exploded views for scooters make it much easier for you to find the right part. Each item is assigned exactly to the corresponding vehicle, with year of manufacture and chassis number. From our Expo lists, you can navigate directly to the spare parts, where a photo and a description are then available for almost every part. Conversely, you can also navigate from the item detail to the corresponding exploded view.