1947 Vespa 98 Specifications

Name: 1947 Vespa 98
Brand: Vespa

Scooter • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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1947 Vespa 98 Overview

For 1947, Vespa offers the 98 as a scooter motorcycle with 98 cc on tap. The 1947 Vespa 98 is built around a Two Stroke, single cylinder engine. Out on the road, the 98 delivers 2.4 kW of peak power. Flat out, it's quoted at 60 km/h. In everyday use, the 1947 98 tips the scales at 60 kg and carries a 5 L fuel tank. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 1947 Vespa 98 spec sheet below.

1947 Vespa 98 compared with other bikes in the Scooter category

Measured against other bikes in the Scooter category in our database (up to 1110 models, one entry per model), the 1947 Vespa 98 comes out as follows.

With 2.4 kW, the 98 has the joint 4th lowest power output of 278 bikes in the Scooter category, 84% below the category average of 15 kW.
Top speed of 60 km/h is lower than that of 330 of the other 368 bikes in the Scooter category.
Only 233 of the other 1109 bikes in the Scooter category have a smaller engine displacement than the 98 cc of the 98.

1947 98 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Capable power output: 2.4 kW of peak output puts the 98 in good company among its rivals.

Considerations

Drum rear brake: A drum rear brake is simple and durable, but expect less bite and more fade under hard, repeated use than a disc setup.
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 98 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 spiral steel springs up front and Rubber buffers at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Frame & chassis check

The Pressed sheet steel with streamlined monocoque structure chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.

Low-speed handling

The 98's 60 kg kerb weight makes low-speed control noticeably less effort than on a heavier machine.

98 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 1947 Vespa 98 with its 98 cc scooter should cover the same ground every time: service history, drivetrain condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Now 79 years old, this scooter is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept 98 settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the 98's 98 cc two stroke, single cylinder - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

1947 Vespa 98 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1947 Vespa 98 have?

The 1947 Vespa 98 uses a Two Stroke, single cylinder engine with 98 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.

What is the top speed of the 1947 Vespa 98?

The 1947 Vespa 98 has a factory-quoted top speed of 60 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.

How much does the 1947 Vespa 98 weigh?

The 1947 Vespa 98 weighs 60 kg. This is the manufacturer's dry figure.

How much power does the 1947 Vespa 98 make?

The 1947 Vespa 98 produces 2.4 kW of power.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1947 Vespa 98?

The 1947 Vespa 98 has a 5 L fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 83-100 km between stops.

What brakes does the 1947 Vespa 98 have?

The 1947 Vespa 98 uses drum at the front and drum at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 1947 Vespa 98 use?

The 1947 Vespa 98 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 1947 Vespa 98 have?

The 1947 Vespa 98 is fitted with a Continuous speed variator gearbox transmission.

Key Specifications

Engine

Two Stroke, single cylinder

Power

2.4 kW / 3.2 hp

Torque

Not recorded

Top Speed

60 km/h / 37 mph

Weight

60 kg / 132 lbs

Fuel Capacity

5 L / 1.3 US gal

Full 1947 Vespa 98 Specifications

Year 1946 - 47

Colours Silver, Metallic Green

Make Model Vespa 98

Total Produced 36 126 units

Dry Weight 60 kg / 132 lbs

Fuel Capacity 5 L / 1.3 US gal

Top Speed 60 km/h / 37 mph

Max Power 2.4 kW / 3.2 hp

Displacement 98 cc / 6 cub in

Engine Detail Two Stroke, single cylinder

Bore x Stroke 50 x 50 mm

Carburetor Dell'Orto T2 16/17

Cooling System Air cooled

Fuel Consumption (Claimed) 2.0 L/100 km / 50 km/l / 118 US mpg

Ignition Volcano magneto

Starter Kick start

Battery Capacity 6V

Final Drive Direct drive

Transmission / Drive Continuous speed variator gearbox

Frame Type Pressed sheet steel with streamlined monocoque structure

Suspension - Front Elastic with spiral steel springs

Suspension - Rear Rubber buffers

Brakes - Front Drum

Brakes - Rear Drum

Tyres - Front 3.5 x 8"

Tyres - Rear 3.5 x 8"

Wheels Pressed steel flanges, interchangeable, split rims

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