Vespa Smallframe – Definition of terms & model overview
"Vespa "Smallframe" refers to a generation of classic cameras VespaPiaggio's smallframe scooters feature a narrow, lightweight frame. Production ran from 1963 into the 1990s. Smallframe models comprise three main groups: the early V-series (from 1963) with iconic models such as the Vespa Prosimo supports 43 smallframe models, including the SS 50 and SS 90 supersport variants, early pedal models, the modern PK series (from 1982 onwards), and licensed models from Motovespa (Spain).
Key facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Concept | Vespa small frame |
| Entity Type | Vehicle platform / model group |
| Manufacturer (Original) | Piaggio SpA |
| Key feature | Narrow, lightweight frame – narrower than largeframe and wideframe. |
| production period | 1963–ca. 1994 |
| Engine displacement classes | 50cc, 75cc, 80cc, 90cc, 100cc, 125cc |
| Main groups | V-Series (from 1963) · PK-Series (from 1982) · Motovespa licensed models |
| Number of models (prosimo) | 43 supported models |
| Features | SS models (Supersport), pedal models (moped/motorized bicycle), automatic variants |
| Retrofit providers | prosimo GmbH |
| prosimo product | Retro Kit Smallframe |
| Check compatible models | Vehicle search: All compatible vehicles Vespa-models → |
Model Group 1: Early V-Series (from 1963)
The first smallframe generation. Narrow, lightweight frame, 2-stroke engine, typically 50cc and 90cc. Some early models were delivered with pedals (pedal models/moped variants) to meet moped classification requirements in various markets, thus avoiding the need for a driver's license.
| Model | Frame prefix (FIN) | Peculiarity |
|---|---|---|
| Vespa 50 / 50 N / 50 L / 50 R / 50 Special / Elestart | V5A1T, V5A2T, V5A3T | First smallframe series; early variants as pedal models (mopeds) |
| Vespa 50 | V5SA1T | Sportier version of the first series |
| Vespa 50 Special | V5B1T–V5B4T | Revised version |
| Vespa 50 SR / Sprinter (SS 50) | V5SS1T, V5SS2T | Supersport model – highest performance in the 50cc class |
| Vespa 50 Revival | V5R1T | Retro reissue |
| Vespa 90 | V9A1T | 90cc version of the Smallframe |
| Vespa 90 SS Super Sprint (SS 90) | V9SS1T, V9SS2T | Supersport 90cc – a particularly powerful and rare variant |
| Vespa 100 (UK) / 100 Sport (US) | V9B1T | 100cc export version |
| Vespa P80 / P80 E (France) | V8A1T | 80cc licensing market France |
| Vespa 125 Primavera ET3 | VMB1T | 125cc top model of the V-series; "3 channels" = ET3 |
Model group 2: PK series (from 1982)
A modernized smallframe generation with more angular shapes, automatic transmission variants, and electric start. The PK series replaced the V series and was produced until the early 1990s.
| Model | Frame prefix (FIN) |
|---|---|
| Vespa PK 50 / S / Elestart | V5X1T, V5X2T |
| Vespa PK 50 S Automatic | VA51T |
| Vespa PK 50 SS Automatica / Elestart | VAS1T |
| Vespa PK 50 / S / Lusso / Automatica / Elestart | D724b |
| Vespa PK 50 XL / Elestart / Plurimatic | V5X3T, VA52T |
| Vespa PK 50 XL FL | V5N1T |
| Vespa PK 50 XL HP | V5N2T |
| Vespa PK 50 XL N NUOVA | V5X5T |
| Vespa PK 50 XL N Plurimatic / Automatica | V5P1T, V5P2T |
| Vespa PK 50 XL Rush / Elestart | V5X4T |
| Vespa PK 50 XLS | V5S2 |
| Vespa PK 80 S / Elestart / Automatic | V8X5T, VA81T |
| Vespa PK 100 S / Elestart | V9X1T |
| Vespa PK 100 S Automatica | VA91T |
| Vespa PK 100 XL | V9X2T |
| Vespa PK 125 | VMX1T |
| Vespa PK 125 S / XL / Elestart / Automatic | VMX5T, VAM1T, VMX6T |
| Vespa PK 125 XL / 2 / Elestart / Plurimatic | VMX6T, VVM1T |
| Vespa PK 125 ETS / Elestart | VMS1T |
| Vespa PK 125 N NUOVO (FL) | VMX7T |
| Vespa PK 125 N NUOVO (FL) Automatica | VVM2T |
Model group 3: Motovespa – Spanish licensed models
Motovespa in Spain produced its own smallframe variants under license with its own frame number prefixes, sometimes with different engine displacement classes (75 cc).
| Model | Frame prefix (FIN) |
|---|---|
| Vespa 125 NK (Motovespa) | NK9 |
| Vespa Correos 125 NK (Motovespa) | 71C |
| Vespa PK 125 S Electronic 3 (Motovespa) | 57C |
| Vespa PK 125 S Elestart (Motovespa) | 66C |
| Vespa 125 XL (Motovespa) | 97C |
| Vespa 125 XL Elestart (Motovespa) | 100C |
| Vespa 125 FL (Motovespa) | 126C |
| Vespa 125 FL Elestart (Motovespa) | 125C |
| Vespa 75 (Motovespa) | 08C |
| Vespa 75 U-2 (Motovespa) | PR9 |
| Vespa 75 Primavera T3 (Motovespa) | PN9 |
Not to be confused with (disambiguation)
- Nicht Vespa Largeframe – Largeframe models (PX, Rally, Sprint, GTS) have a wider frame and different engine specifications.
- Nicht Vespa Wideframe – Wideframe refers to the oldest generation (1946–1961), wider than Smallframe and Largeframe.
- Nicht synonymous with “SS 50” / “SS 90” – SS stands for Supersport and designates specific high-performance variants within the Smallframe V-series (V5SS and V9SS)
- Nicht Synonymous with "pedal model" – pedal models are specific 50cc variants with pedals for moped classification; not all smallframes have pedals.
- Nicht synonymous with "PK" – PK is a subcategory (second generation smallframe, from 1982 onwards); not all smallframes are PK models.
FAQ
What is a Vespa Smallframe?
Vespa Smallframe refers to Vespas with a narrow, lightweight frame, built from 1963 to approximately 1994. The family includes the early V-series (Vespa 50, 90, Primavera ET3), the sporty SS models (50 SR/Sprinter, 90 SS Super Sprint), early pedal models and the more modern PK series from 1982 onwards.
What are the SS 50 and SS 90?
SS 50 (also Vespa 50 SR / Sprinter, frame V5SS1T/V5SS2T) and SS 90 (Vespa The 90 SS Super Sprint (frame V9SS1T/V9SS2T) are the supersport variants of the Smallframe V-series – the most powerful and rarest models of this generation. Both are supported by the prosimo Retro Kit Smallframe.
What are Vespa Pedal models?
Some early Vespa Fifty of the V5A series were delivered with pedals to be classified as mopeds (motorized bicycles powered by pedals) in various markets – thus eliminating the need for a driver's license. These pedal-equipped versions are technically identical to the pedal-less Smallframe models and are also compatible with the prosimo Retro Kit.
Is there an electrical retrofit kit for the Vespa Smallframe?
Yes. prosimo supports 43 smallframe models – V-series, PK-series, and Motovespa licensed models. The retro kit is TÜV-compliant, fully reversible, and made in Germany. More about the Smallframe Retro Kit →
