Overview Vespa 125 U

The Vespa "U " (utilitaria = practical) was Piaggio's economy model and quite a failure: anyone who had enough money at the time opted for the next model up. The "U" was the first Italian model to have the Headlight Unit mounted on the Handlebar. This relatively small 95 mm diameter cast aluminium Headlight Unit was used exclusively on this Model. Its Deco Ring is the only chrome-plated part of the entire scooter.

Model history Vespa 125 U

Of the 6000 vehicles built, only around 2000 were sold. in 1955, after remaining unsold at Piaggio for two years, 3500 examples were exported to Iran, where they were converted for the post office with a huge luggage rack plate plus a carrier at the front. What happened to the remaining 500 or so examples remains unclear to this day.

The Engine of the Vespa 125 U

The gearbox, Clutch, Stator and flywheel were taken over from the 1953 Vespa. Cylinder, Cylinder Head and Crankshaft, as well as the blower cover, Cylinder Head cover and Exhaust are from the 1951 Vespa, although the exhaust pipe is routed out to the rear left, as on the 1953 Vespa. The TA 17 B Carburettor and the Air Filter are without a cover. The Fuel Tap is located on the inside. The Kickstart Lever, which has no rubber shoe and has a printed grid pattern, is made of raw aluminium.

Used Vespa 125 U market situation

It is precisely the comparativelysmall number of units in combination with the unusual appearance that makes the Vespa "U" a sought-after collector's item. If one is offered for sale at all, prices of over 20,000 euros can be demanded for a restored example. Prices for unrestored models start at over 6,000 euros. 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.

Miscellaneous Vespa 125 U

The most striking features of the "U" were the cover that had been converted into an engine cheek and the comparatively small Headlight Unit. The bonnet was bevelled on the frame and fastened with four visible slotted screws. The smaller luggage compartment jaw was mounted in a similar way with eight Screws, each with a grey rubber profile underneath. The special design of the bonnet made it easy to remove the Spark Plug. The Glovebox Door had no lever and had to be lifted using a small raised section and a moulded Spring.
The front mudguard was smaller and narrower than on more expensive models and was specially shaped for the steering tube and damper spring. The front swingarm, similar to the 1950 V15T model, had no hydraulic Shock Absorber. The smaller Single Seat with dark green painted Springs had no front suspension. The Brake Pedal, made of unpolished aluminium, did not have a rubber part but a cast-in waffle pattern. The Rear Light was taken over from the V33T. The Floor Runners, made of stamped aluminium without rubber inserts, were fitted on both sides and only twice on the tunnel. For economic reasons, most parts of the Vespa were painted, including the Frame, the casings of the lamp and Rear Light, the saddle springs, the Handlebar and Handlebar Stem, the steering tube, the Suspension Arm and the rims as well as the cylinder scoop and the Flywheel Cover. Even the Vespa Badge on the Legshield was only painted on. The galvanised Side Stand consisted of round material bent by 30 mm at the top and bottom and had no rubber foot. The Light Switch had a grey plastic cover, similar to the VM1T from 1953, there was no handlebar lock and the Tank Cap was only loosely screwed on.

The colours of the Vespa 125 U:

Colour	Colour Name	Max Meyer Code	Colour info
	Verde Pastello	1.298.6334	Body & Frame Parts
	Rosso Opaco	10055M	Rust protection/primer

Sources