

The new generation of automatic Vespa, which we also like to call the Modern Vespa, began in 1996 with the Vespa ET series.
The ET models are still very popular with their owners today. This is probably due not only to their shape and manoeuvrability, but also to their durability or simply the fact that you didn't have to adjust your helmet to the size of the Helmet Case. GTS riders know what we are talking about. These models utilised the engines already used in PIAGGIO and Gilera vehicles, which also enjoyed great popularity in the Vespa.
The following engines and displacements were used in the respective models and also gave them their names:
ET2: 50 cc two-stroke engine of the 1st generation with Carburettor
ET2 Iniezione: 50 cc two-stroke engine with Fuel Injection Module
ET4 125 "old": 125 cc four-stroke engine of the 1st generation with Gauge Glass on the Oil Pan
ET2 (2nd generation): 50 cc two-stroke engine (HY-PER2) Euro2 with Carburettor and Catalytic Converter
ET4 50: 50 cc four-stroke engine with constant-pressure carburettor
ET4 125 "Leader": 125 cc 2nd generation Leader four-stroke engine with constant-pressure carburettor
ET4 150 "Leader": 150 cc 2nd generation Leader four-stroke engine with constant-pressure carburettor
The favourite among the 50 cc models was clearly the carburettor version of the two-stroke engine. The simple design of the air-cooled Engine with its simultaneously effective CVT transmission ensured a low-maintenance and low-wear overall concept, which also laid the foundation for a long-lasting insert in numerous successor models. Even though the new and innovative technology of the fuel-injected model seemed very interesting and promising at the time, it was ultimately unable to establish itself, probably also for cost reasons, as the more complex design of the small two-stroke engine was undoubtedly more expensive for the manufacturer to produce. In many countries, the less powerful 50 cc four-stroke version was hardly able to assert itself against the much livelier two-stroke, which is why you rarely saw an ET4 50 cc on the roads in Germany, for example.
A distinction is made between M04 and M19, colloquially also known as "old" and "leader", for the large versions of the ET models. The early 125 cc PIAGGIO engines in the ET4 were reliable, but had various problems, such as high oil consumption or Elevation of noise in the valve train. The years of manufacture of the early version are limited to the period 1997 to 1999.
These defects were remedied with the next generation of 125/150 cc Leader engines. The ET4 also relied on the proven fan cooling system for these Engines, which was perfectly adequate. The first Euro2 standards were implemented from 2004. Although the 2nd generation of the ET4 was only introduced in 2000, it was already replaced by its successor, the Vespa LX, in 2006.
Where do you look 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 Sage Vespa ET4 150cc type M04
According to old lore, it was once said that PIAGGIO had installed a 150cc M04 Engine in a Vespa ET4 and sent it out into the world.
These stories are reason enough for us to keep believing.
But the fact is: this Model seems to be a myth, a Yeti, or even a unicorn. Many people report it, but it has never been seen in the wild and its parents deny its existence.
In fact, we found no data or information on this version at all. Neither at PIAGGIO in the archives nor at suppliers or other platforms.
Only the newer version with the LEADER engines can be found on the Internet.
However, if anyone can provide us with proof of the existence of this version, we would be extremely grateful. Until then, we can only insert a "placeholder" here.
update 2.11.2024 Nico g.
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.