1952 - Vespa 125 (VM1) 1952

VEH1860
Model: Vespa 125 (VM1) Year of construction: 1952-1953 Frame code: VM1T Frame number: 1001-85870
Description:
The VM1T is the evolution of the V33T and features a completely new cross-scavenged engine with the same 54mm piston stroke and bore. The piston has a new, smaller nose shape and the spark plug on the new cylinder head is no longer installed centrally, but at an angle of 45°. The inlet and outlet openings of the cylinder are now arranged 90° crosswise (outlet downwards, inlet to the side), previously they were largely next to each other on the luggage compartment side. The 3-speed gearbox has stronger cogs and a larger switching cross, the clutch has been strengthened from 2/2 to 3/3 cork/steel discs. The new crankshaft no longer has mushroom-shaped webs, but round webs that enable better balancing.
The flywheel magneto ignition gets a new pole wheel with oblong inspection openings and ignition contacts, which can now be easily adjusted with a screwdriver. The fan wheel cover no longer has any slots, but is closed except for a central round opening. The aluminum cylinder scoop is reshaped and now encloses the entire cylinder. The toothed kickstarter segment has new dimensions.
The rear brake drum is reinforced with a ring to minimize deformation from thermal stress. The exhaust tailpipe is now routed straight out on the left side under the luggage compartment bracket, on the V33T this was still on the right under the engine backwards. The middle and rear part of the frame is reinforced. The reinforcement in the upper leg shield bead, as well as the support plate of the leg shield cascade and the rear frame part are widened to give the frame greater rigidity. The engine block, which is still made of aluminium, has been given a new shape: it is no longer open at the side, but has seven air slots through which the air for cylinder cooling reaches the fan wheel.
The swinging saddle is more comfortable and equipped with two double-conical springs and a chrome-plated grab bar for the passenger. The saddlecloth is dark green. The headlight on the fender has increased in diameter from 95 to 105 mm, the rectangular rear light is wider. The shell-shaped light switch with 3 switch positions plus kill is now made entirely of gray plastic and has the Vespa logo in relief on the cover.
The clutch and throttle cable are now routed out of the grommets in the leg shield tunnel and then inside the handlebar tube to the lever or throttle slide. There are minor changes to the clutch and brake handles, and the brake handle now also has the mount for the cable nipple inside the lever mount.
The footboard end pieces are no longer grooved up to the rivet and instead have a small tongue that holds the footboard rubber better. The rivet heads also have a different, teardrop-shaped shape. Compared to the V33T, the tank capacity has increased by 1,25 liters to 6,25 liters. The total weight of the scooter increases by 1,8 kg.
(Source: GSF)
Frame numbers according to year of construction:
1952: VM1T 1001-8830 (Production: 7.830) 1953: VM1T 8831-85870 (Production: 77.040) Total Production: 84.870

Spare parts for Vespa 125 (VM1) 1952

Vespa 125 (VM1) 1952 – Vespa shop and model history