Vespa 150 Qala at autoX Awards: Best Bikes of 2025 Ranked

The Vespa 150 proved to be a mixed bag in our annual track test. On the one hand, it remains an undisputed icon – a rolling piece of art that commands attention and wins on charm and road presence alone before the engine even fires up. The Qala Edition we tested, with its intricate mehndi-inspired graphics, exemplifies this perfectly. It is a showstopper. It drew more glances from the jury than many of the high-end motorcycles on the list. On the other hand, it feels familiar to the point of being dated, resting on its laurels, without taking the game forward.

This is what made its track performance the biggest surprise of the day. With its premium-lifestyle focus, we expected it to be a slow-speed, style-oriented cruiser. Yet the stopwatch told a different story.

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The Vespa 150 Qala Edition clocked a lap time of 1:31.2 – astonishingly faster than its supposedly sportier, track-focused stablemate – the Aprilia SR 175. While the Aprilia felt aggressive and sharp, the Vespa proved more composed and effective against the clock.

This surprising pace is not because of the engine. Its 149.5 cc 3-valve air-cooled motor is engaging, but it’s certainly no powerhouse. The secret to its performance lies in its chassis. Unlike any of its rivals, the Vespa uses a full-steel monocoque construction. Coupled with its single-sided link-arm front suspension, it allows for a unique handling characteristic – not sharp but exceptionally stable and balanced – allowing the rider to carry significant momentum through corners with confidence.

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Overall, the Vespa remains a purchase of the heart. It lacks the modern tech and features of its rivals, and the switchgear feels distinctly old-school. Yet the Qala Edition proved that beneath its timeless style, there is real substance. It’s not only about design and road presence – it can perform as impressively as it looks, as the lap times confirmed.