Piaggio India has launched the Vespa Racing Sixties, a limited-run model based on the Vespa SXL at Rs 1.20 lakh for the 125cc version and Rs 1.32 lakh for the 150cc version (prices ex-showroom, Pune). With regards to the prices, the 125cc version of the Racing Sixties will be about Rs 7000 dearer, while the 150cc version will be about a Rs 5000 bump up on its SXL counterparts.
The Racing Sixties is essentially a colour scheme which Vespa offers on its larger-engined offerings (like the Vespa GTS 300) overeas. Now, though the version sold overseas can be had in two base colours (Innocenza White and Bosco Green), Vespa only displayed the white coloured model at the 2020 Auto Expo, and the very same colour has been launched in India today, sporting a red-and-golden racing stripe running the length of the front apron and mudguard, as well as a short vertical slat of the same colours along the lower part of the side panel. Additionally, while the alloys on the SXL are powder-coated black, on the Racing Sixties they are a stylish golden shade.
Under the skin, however, the Vespa Racing Sixties stays mechanically unchanged from its Vespa SXL siblings. While the 125cc version will run a BS6-compliant 124.45cc engine (from the SXL125) making 9.7bhp and 9.6Nm, the 150cc version gets the BS6-compliant 149.5cc engine (from the SXL 150) making 10.3bhp and 10.6Nm. Additionally, while the 125cc employs CBS for its 200mm front disc and 140mm rear drum, the 150cc version gets gets single-channel ABS acting upon its 200mm front disc.
Speaking about the introduction of the Vespa Racing Sixties, Diego Graffi, CEO, Vespa India said, “The Vespa Racing Sixties reminds us of our racing heritage with independent teams on tracks like Monaco and Monza, or traditional racetracks like Targo Florio. Graphics play an important part here to bring back that image.”
The Vespa Racing Sixties is available at all Vespa dealerships across India. Prospective customers can book it on the brand's e-commerce platform at a booking amount of Rs 1000, while also availing benefits worth Rs 2000 while booking it online.
That said, there was more than just the Racing Sixties on today’s agenda. In conversation with the media, Graffi let slip a potential timeframe for the release of the Aprilia SXR160, which was initially slated for launch in the middle of 2020 (before the plans were set awry due to Covid-19). Nevertheless, he emphatically added the SXR160 will be launched ‘before the end of the year.’ Now that’s something we’d love to get our hands upon!