1952 Vespa 125 Specifications

Name: 1952 Vespa 125
Brand: Vespa

Scooter • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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1952 Vespa 125 Overview

For 1952, Vespa offers the 125 as a scooter motorcycle with 124.8 cc 7.6 cub in on tap. The 1952 Vespa 125 is built around a Two stroke, single cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 6.3:1. Out on the road, the 125 delivers 2.9 kW @ 4500 rpm of peak power. Flat out, it's quoted at 70 km/h. In everyday use, the 1952 125 tips the scales at 85 kg, carries a 5 L fuel tank, offers a seat height of 790 mm and spans a 1130 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 112.7 kg lighter than the average scooter motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 1952 Vespa 125 spec sheet below.

1952 125 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Capable power output: 2.9 kW @ 4500 rpm of peak output puts the 125 in good company among its rivals.

Considerations

Modest fuel capacity: A 5 L tank keeps things light but means budgeting for more frequent fuel stops on any longer ride.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Heat management in traffic

Air cooling on the 125 keeps the mechanical layout simple, but heat management in slow traffic needs more attention than on a liquid-cooled bike - plan routes and gear accordingly in warmer conditions.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by Elastic with coil spring and hydraulic shock absorber up front and Elastic with coil spring and hydraulic shock absorber at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Low-speed handling

The 125's 85 kg kerb weight makes low-speed control noticeably less effort than on a heavier machine.

125 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 1952 Vespa 125 should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept 125 settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a 125's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Carburetor upkeep

A 125 that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.

1952 Vespa 125 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1952 Vespa 125 have?

The 1952 Vespa 125 uses a Two stroke, single cylinder engine with 124.8 cc 7.6 cub in of displacement. It is air cooled.

What is the top speed of the 1952 Vespa 125?

The 1952 Vespa 125 has a factory-quoted top speed of 70 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.

How much does the 1952 Vespa 125 weigh?

The 1952 Vespa 125 weighs 85 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.

How much power does the 1952 Vespa 125 make?

The 1952 Vespa 125 produces 2.9 kW @ 4500 rpm of power.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1952 Vespa 125?

The 1952 Vespa 125 has a 5 L fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 83-100 km between stops.

Is the 1952 Vespa 125 suitable for shorter riders?

The 1952 Vespa 125 has a seat height of 790 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.

What brakes does the 1952 Vespa 125 have?

The 1952 Vespa 125 uses Drum, 125 mm at the front and Drum, 125 mm at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 1952 Vespa 125 use?

The 1952 Vespa 125 runs 3.5 x 8" front and 3.5 x 8" rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 1952 Vespa 125 have?

The 1952 Vespa 125 is fitted with a 3 Speed, grip-shift, constant mesh transmission.

Vespa 125 Spec Evolution

The Vespa 125 was produced across 2 model years (1952-2009). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	1952	2009
Max Power	2.9 kW / 4 hp @ 4500 rpm	11 kW / 15 hp @ 9750 rpm
Dry Weight	85 kg / 187 lbs	148 kg / 326 lbs
Engine Detail	Two stroke, single cylinder	Four strike, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valve
Top Speed	70 km/h / 43.5 mph	105 km/h / 65 mph
Fuel Capacity	5 L / 1.3 US gal	9.2 Litres / 2.4 US gal
Brakes - Front	Drum, 125 mm	Single 220mm disc
Wheelbase	1130 mm / 44.5 in	1395 mm / 54.9 in
Brakes - Rear	Drum, 125 mm	Single 220mm disc

Key Specifications

Engine

Two stroke, single cylinder

Power

2.9 kW / 4 hp @ 4500 rpm

Torque

Not published by manufacturer

Top Speed

70 km/h / 43.5 mph

Weight

85 kg / 187 lbs

Fuel Capacity

5 L / 1.3 US gal

Full 1952 Vespa 125 Specifications

Year 1951 - 52

Make Model Vespa 125

Total Produced 144 724 units

Seat Height 790 mm / 31.1 in

Wheelbase 1130 mm / 44.5 in

Length 1655 mm / 65.2 in

Width 790 mm / 31.1 in

Dry Weight 85 kg / 187 lbs

Fuel Capacity 5 L / 1.3 US gal

Top Speed 70 km/h / 43.5 mph

Max Power 2.9 kW / 4 hp @ 4500 rpm

Displacement 124.8 cc 7.6 cub in

Engine Detail Two stroke, single cylinder

Bore x Stroke 56.5 x 49.8 mm

Carburetor Dellorto TA 17B .

Compression Ratio 6.3:1

Cooling System Air cooled

Fuel Consumption 2 L/100 km / 50 km/L / 118 US mpg

Fuel Induction Deflector piston

Fuel Mixture 1:20

Ignition Contact breaker & coil

Starter Kick start

Battery Capacity 6V AC

Clutch Oil bath, 2 cork plate

Final Drive Direct drive

Gear Ratios 1st 12 / 2nd 7.5 / 3rd 4.78:1

Transmission / Drive 3 Speed, grip-shift, constant mesh

Suspension - Front Elastic with coil spring and hydraulic shock absorber

Suspension - Rear Elastic with coil spring and hydraulic shock absorber

Brakes - Front Drum, 125 mm

Brakes - Rear Drum, 125 mm

Tyres - Front 3.5 x 8"

Tyres - Rear 3.5 x 8"

Wheels Interchangeable

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.