Overview Vespa T5 / Elestart 125 cc

The Vespa PX125 T5, a sporty special model, was created as a further development of the Vespa PX introduced in 1977 and was produced between 1985 and 1993. In order to keep up with the increasingly powerful competition, Piaggio developed a modern, almost square engine (55 mm bore, 52 mm stroke) for the T5 in collaboration with Morini. This engine achieved an impressive 12 hp from a displacement of just 123.5 cc, which corresponds to an output of around 97 hp per litre.
The design of the T5 is characterised by sporty accents: The Handlebar was modified and now integrated a speedometer with Rev Counter and angular Headlight Unit. Other visual adjustments included a redesigned Mudguard, a more pointed front end with a black Grill, a rectangular headlight, a compact windscreen and extensive instrumentation with a liquid crystal Rev Counter. The wheels were fitted with plastic hubcaps, there was a black spoiler under the footrest and the Engine was fully covered. A small storage tray above the Glovebox and a Seat that rose towards the rear, which differed from its sister models, rounded off the design.

Model history Vespa T5 / Elestart 125 cc

• The original Vespa T5 was produced from early 1985 to January 1993 and was characterised by its T5 frame, Engine and various Frame Parts. It was available with or without separate lubrication and could be purchased with or without Elestart. The special feature of the T5 was the speedometer, which had either a digital or, more rarely, an analogue Rev Counter. On the German market, the Vespa T5 was offered with a Seat with a Mounting Bracket, while a version with a strap was available in other markets.

• The Vespa T5 Classic, which was sold in the UK, was based on the PX Lusso frame with a round Headlight Unit, but integrated the T5 Engine. It also had a spoiler and a small parts tray on the glove compartment.
  In contrast, the Vespa T5 Millenium, also from the UK, had the PX Lusso frame with round Headlight Unit and the T5 Engine, but no spoiler and no small parts tray.

• The Motovespa PX125 T5 and PX125 T5 Sport models were produced in Spain. These had a T5 frame with a T5 Engine and different chassis numbers for the T5 Sport and T5 Elestart versions. The earlier "Sport" models were characterised by a short 4th gear and a specific Piaggio exhaust, while later models had a longer 4th gear and an IXIL exhaust. Due to Spanish legislation, many of these models had Light Switches without the option of switching off the lights completely.

• The Vespa PX 200 GS and PX 200 GS models combined a T5 Seat Frame with a PX200 Engine and were equipped with grab rails on the Seat instead of straps, as well as specific labelling and badges.

• The Motovespa TX 200 from Spain also used a T5 frame, but with a PX 200 Lusso engine. These models had different engine variants and chassis numbers depending on whether they were Elestart or not. There were rumours that these models were created to recycle surplus T5 frames.

• In India, LML produced the T5 models with PX mudguards and PX100/150/200 Engines, with the 200cc models mainly destined for the Australian market. The successors, LML Select/Select 2, had a PX150 engine and modified design elements.

• PT Dan Engine Excel 150/200 from Indonesia also used the T5 frame with PX150/200 engines, but with different rear Indicators.

• Finally, there was the Vespa PX 150 E T5 in Taiwan, which combined a T5 frame with a PX150 engine.

The Engine of the Vespa T5 / Elestart 125 cc

The Vespa's engine, hidden behind a resonance exhaust in the characteristic Vespa shape, was long regarded as the most powerful in Piaggio's 125 cc class. Its design with five transfer ducts (T5) - two large and two small side transfer/support ducts as well as a centre scavenging duct - is similar to modern engine concepts and represents a significant advance over the 2-channel 5 hp engines of the early 1970s. To increase performance, the combustion chamber was designed in a hemispherical shape and fitted with a swirl ring. In addition, the intake and exhaust tracts were optimised, the cooling fins enlarged, the Carburettor extended and the Crankshaft reinforced.

Bodywork and frame parts of the Vespa T5 / Elestart 125 cc

The frame of the Vespa T5 consists of a shell construction made from pressed Plates. The frame number is located on the frame under the engine cheek. The Mudguard of the T5 is unique in its design, without a side bead and with a raised lower edge that allows a view over the wheel. Compared to the PX models, the mounting angle on the steering tube is about two centimetres higher. The Mudguard is moulded in one piece, not in two halves as on the PX. Accordingly, the steering tube of the T5 is equipped with a different mudguard bracket and continuous thread, as the Handlebar is not clamped but bolted in place.
The Badge or Single Seat of the T5 is a black double Badge, labelled at the rear with a large outline lettering "T 5" and a Seat Lock. The lettering and Emblems include the Piaggio hexagon at the top of the horn cascade, a leg shield badge with the word "vespa", and a badge with the word "T5" on both cheeks. On the T5 Millenium there is only a silver antique "Vespa" badge on the engine cheek piece and a small "Millenium" badge next to it.
The edge of the leg shield is covered with black Rubber. Instead of Floor Runners, there are rubber mats on the Footboards and the frame tunnel. Decorative Trims are missing in the variants for Italy, Germany and Spain, while the T5 Classic (UK) and T5 Millenium have a mudguard fin made of black plastic. Other Frame Parts include a rear end made of black plastic with a Mud Flap.
The speedometer of the Vespa T5 was made by Veglia Borletti and has a digital Rev Counter, a Fuel Gauge and a speedometer that goes up to 130 km/h. In rare cases, this speedometer was also available with an additional mileage scale. There were differences in the rear-view mirrors between the models: Early models had round mirrors mounted under the Handlebar. Later models, on the other hand, had square mirrors mounted on top of the Handlebar, around the speedometer.
The spare wheel of the Vespa T5 is located under the left cheek of the scooter. Other Frame Parts include a small, tinted protective screen on the Steering Head, a Spoiler at the bottom at the transition from the Legshield to the Floor Board and a black plastic Tray for small parts above the glove compartment, often labelled with a two-line Sticker "POLE POSITION". The Engine Cover is also made of black plastic and has insulating fleece on the inside for both protection and noise insulation.

Differences between Vespa T5 / Elestart 125 cc and PX Lusso

• The Crankshaft of the Vespa T5 differs from that of the PX models in its width across both cheeks. This also has an effect on the crankcase, which is correspondingly wider.

• The cylinder mount of the engine block has special transfer ports and its own stud bolt pattern. Due to the size of these transfer ports, there is less space for the Ignition Base Plate, which is why it is smaller in diameter on the T5.

• Further differences can be found in the Flywheel, which differs from that of the PX.

• The crankshaft bearing on the alternator side is larger than on the PX.

• The Disc Valve intake in the left half of the engine also has a different shape.

• Another characteristic feature of the T5 is the Kickstart Shaft, which is similar to that of the Rally, with twisted gearing compared to the PX. This also means that the Kickstart Lever itself is different on the T5 than on the PX. In addition, the T5 does not have a thread on the abutment of the rear brake cable housing. These differences emphasise the special construction and unique design of the Vespa T5 compared to other models such as the PX.

Situation on the used Vespa T5 / Elestart 125 cc and PX Lusso market

The low sales figures of the Vespa T5, combined with the frequent cannibalisation of the vehicles and the destruction of many engines and parts, especially during the cut orgies in the 1990s, meant that relatively few of these scooters survive today. This development has also resulted in a shortage of spare parts. Although the T5 has often been criticised and disregarded as unattractive in the past, it is now a sought-after model, especially when preserved in its original condition. 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.

Other

The model was given the unofficial name "Pole Position" because Piaggio awarded it as a trophy to the fastest training pilot in Formula 1. Nelson Piquet, a well-known Formula 1 driver, was able to claim a total of nine of these scooters for himself.
However, the sales figures for the Vespa fell far short of expectations, with a total production of just under 42,000 units. In Germany, the driving licence classification also contributed to the low demand: At the time, either 50, 80 or outright motorbikes with 200 cc and above were in demand, while the 125 cc class generated little interest.

Further interesting information can be found on the private website https://www.vespa-t5.org

When collecting data on the T5, we couldn't help but think of one person: the walking scooter encyclopaedia, whose contributions and comments in the GSF are a lasting help and enrichment for every scooter rider. We would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank Rainer Kurz from Nuremberg. We will never forget you.

Years of construction Vespa PX 125 T5

Years of construction Vespa PX 125 T5 Elestart

The colours of the Vespa T5 / Elestart 125 ccm

Colour	Name	Max Meyer Code	Colour info
	Rosso Corsa	1.298.5806	1985
	Bianco Dolomiti	1002M	1986
	Blue Spazio	7005M	1986
	Grigio Titanio	8005M	1986
	Nero	9000M	1986
	Grigio	8012M	Rust protection/primer

Video: Vespa PX Engine Tuning

Sources