Penulis
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| Sprint GL Vespa Sprint 150 |
The scooter came in two different versions. Early models, called the Vespa Sprint, were made until 1974. Later models, called the Vespa Sprint Veloce, were made from 1969 to 1976. The big update with the Sprint Veloce was in the engine. The design was altered from the old two port design with the addition of a third transfer port on the top end. The compression ratio was again increased the Sprint's 7.5:1to 7.7:1.
Originally the model lacked turn signals. However, all Sprint Veloces imported to the U.S. after 1973 had turn signals fitted as standard equipment in order to satisfy American regulations.
All Vespas came out of the factory with a serial number on the engine case and frame which can be used to establish the date of production. The first three letters stand for the model, while the numbers reveal the date of production. Each year has its own numbers which can easily be checked
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| Sprint Veloce |
Years Produced: - 1965-74 (Sprint), 1969-79 (Sprint Veloce)
The Vespa Sprint was successor to the G.L. It had a similar layout and design, but had updated styling that matched the other contemporaneous largeframe Vespas. The scooter came in two different versions. Early models, called the Vespa Sprint, were made until 1968. Later models, called the Vespa Sprint Veloce, were made beginning in 1969. Sprints were also sold by the Sears department stores for one year only in 1967. These are covered in the "Allstate" section of the Buyers' Guide.
The Sprint series is a fine scooter. With prices on the Rally models starting to creep up, and the relatively large amount of Sprints made, they make a good daily rider. The two port Sprints are not particularly fast, but they are fine for cruising. The Sprint Veloce is a better choice because the motor is significantly faster, and can easily be modified with the addition of an aftermarket performance top end. Parts availability for these scooters is excellent, and virtually everything can be purchased new. The Bajaj Cheetak, manufactured in India, was a clone of the Vespa Sprint. Because of that lucky fact, virtually every body part can be bought new in the aftermarket even today, and helps make the Sprint an excellent choice for a practical, drivable classic scooter.
Vespa Sprint Vs Bajaj Chetak
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| Bajaj Chetak |
In 1972, a virtually identical motor scooter started to be produced in India by the Bajaj Auto company. The latter previously gained a license from Piaggio, allowing it to produce a Vespa-based motor scooters for the Asian market. The attractive design and low cost made the Bajaj Chetak – the Indian-produced Vespa Sprint one of the most common means of transportation in the country all the way to the 21st century.
Produced until 2009, the Vespa-licensed Bajaj Chetak went through several notable changes over the decades to meet the needs of the changing market. However, India has changed dramatically over the last two decades and a growing number of Indians prefer either cars or motorcycles. The Bajaj Auto company therefore decided to cease with the production of motor scooters and focus on motorcycles instead. But there is good news for the owners of vintage Vespa Sprint. Hundreds of thousands of people still hold on to their Bajajs and as a result, it is still possible to find new body parts even if the original Sprint models ceased to be produced in the mid-1970s. It is important to keep in mind, however, that not all Bajaj parts fit the vintage Vespa Sprints.