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Some months ago CYCLE ran a premature news release on a new Vespa scooter model. Actually, at that time there were no plans to import that model into this country, the consensus of opinion being that the extremely popular Grand Sport model was more than powerful enough for the majority of scooter riders. Our article failed to emphisize the fact that the Super Sport was intended only for the European market, and many readers expressed enthusiasm about the new model. So great was the response, in fact, that Western Scooter Distributors, who are very much aware of the riders' wants, took action to import the S.S. The first models arrived shortly thereafter and we were honored to be supplied with the first one for testing.
By any standards, the Vespa Super Sport is truly a fast, luxurious vehicle. The speedometer reads 80 mph, and while this speed cannot quite be reached, 75 mph is well within the machine's capabilities. Suspension is soft and bumps are ironed out with an absolute minimum of discomfort to the rider. Weight is 242 pounds, which compares favorably with other two-wheelers. The weight is concentrated in a low center of gravity which makes for good handling and maneuverability, even for an inexperienced rider. Scooter owners are generally unaccustomed to the abundance of power that is on tap here. We recommend caution in becoming initiated to the really brisk acceleration that is so tempting to the throttle hand. Compared to lesser scooters, a rider may underestimate the Vespa's speed and find himself in a situation demanding extra-fast braking.
The Super Sport in not merely a "beefed-up" version of a smaller Vespa. It has been built "from the ground up" as a sturdy package easily capable of handling the 19.2 horsepower. Brakes are excellent, but with the leading-link type front suspension it is important to put the emphasis on the rear brake for maximum control.
The Vespa power unit is a superb engineering accomplishment. The gear drive runs directly from the engine to rear wheel with no chain or shaft to soak up power or cause slack. The 181cc 2-stroke is also one of the easiest to start that we have tried. One light kick does it time after time.
Shifting is via left-hand lever, a combination clutch-shifter that has some advantages over the foot-shifting motorcycle type arrangement, although we can't say that we prefer a hand shift. Gearbox is 4-speed.
Scooter riders are often quite comfort conscious and the Super Sport caters to these people with such appointments as a large glove compartment with locking lid, softly padded dual seat, and convenient spare tire and wheel.
Our total impression of the Vespa Super Sport is that it has all the features a scooter owner could want, plus more "punch" than is normally associated with scooters. It is a machine that is extremely versatile, and should be equally popular with students, businessmen, and families who want to beat the traffic problem in an enjoyable, economical way.
Pilfered from the Vespa Club Of America Magazine: Summer 1992 (who reproduced it from Cycle Magazine: November 1965)
