Piaggio Vespa 946
The Piaggio Vespa 946 has a top speed of 100 km/h, produces 12.7 hp and weighs 136 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.5/10.
The Piaggio Vespa 946 was introduced at the 2012 EICMA Milan Motor Show as a premium, limited-production scooter celebrating the 70th anniversary of the first Vespa concept sketches by Corradino D'Ascanio in 1946 — hence the name '946'. It was notable for its retro-modern design language, high-quality materials including aluminum bodywork, and premium positioning in the scooter market. The 946 later spawned special edition collaborations including versions with Emporio Armani and Marriott Hotels, cementing its status as a luxury lifestyle icon.
12.7 hp
Power
12.8 Nm
Torque
136 kg
Weight
100 km/h
Top Speed
3.0 L/100km (approx. 33 km/L)
Fuel
Faired
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Iconic Limited Production
The Vespa 946 is hand-assembled in limited numbers at Piaggio's Pontedera factory, making it a collector's piece that holds resale value better than most scooters. Its exclusivity means demand consistently outpaces supply in many markets.
Watch the Electronics
The 946's advanced ride-by-wire throttle and ABS system are impressive but can be costly to repair if issues arise, as specialized dealer diagnostics are required. Always verify the full service history and check for any ECU warning history before buying.
Strong Resale Value
Well-maintained examples retain 70–80% of their value after three years, significantly outperforming mainstream scooters. The premium aluminum bodywork resists rust, but cosmetic scratches are expensive to fix given the hand-finished surfaces.
Generations & Specs by Year
Original launch; 125cc and 150cc engines, retro styling inspired by 1946 prototype, aluminum body.
Introduced special editions including Emporio Armani and Red variants; minor refinements, Euro 4 compliance.
Euro 5 engine updates, 125cc and 150cc retained, Dragon special edition introduced, updated electronics.
Used Buyer Review
"Gorgeous urban jewel, but budget generously for ownership costs."
$5,500-$9,500 usedThe 946 is Vespa's halo machine, and honestly, it shows. Named after the year the original Vespa debuted, this thing is absurdly beautiful — hand-welded aluminum bodywork, premium switchgear, fit and finish that embarrasses most motorcycles at twice the price. The 155cc single pulls cleanly through the CVT and the ride quality is genuinely impressive for a small-displacement scooter. You're buying a rolling sculpture here, and Piaggio knows it. But let's be real about what this is. Performance is strictly city-pace — highways will have you wringing its neck. Parts are expensive and dealer networks are thin outside major cities. Pre-purchase inspection is non-negotiable; find out if the previous owner actually serviced it at Vespa intervals, because neglected 946s develop transmission and electrical gremlins that hurt to fix. The Bluetooth connectivity and ABS are genuinely useful, but early examples had software hiccups. Budget for surprises. Buy it because nothing else looks like this parked outside a coffee shop. Don't buy it expecting a practical daily commuter bargain.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Piaggio Vespa 946 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALRough idle, hard starts, hesitation under throttle
Sluggish acceleration, vibration, slipping at speed
Warning lights, unresponsive display, intermittent failures
Uneven braking, pulling, overheating wheel area
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Premium but fragile; requires diligent dealer servicing
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Piaggio Vespa 946
Vespa 946
Vespa 946 Emporio Armani
Piaggio Vespa Gts 300
Piaggio Vespa Gts 300 Hpe
Piaggio Vespa Gts Super 300
Compare Piaggio Vespa 946 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Piaggio Vespa 946 vs Vespa 946
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Piaggio Vespa 946 vs Vespa 946 Emporio Armani
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Piaggio Vespa 946 vs Piaggio Vespa Gts 300
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Piaggio Vespa 946 vs Piaggio Vespa Gts 300 Hpe
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Piaggio Vespa 946 vs Piaggio Vespa Gts Super 300
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Piaggio Vespa 946 Guides
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Piaggio Vespa 946? +
Fuel injector clogging from ethanol fuel: Rough idle, hard starts, hesitation under throttle (moderate) | CVT belt and roller wear: Sluggish acceleration, vibration, slipping at speed (moderate) | Electrical gremlins, dashboard malfunctions: Warning lights, unresponsive display, intermittent failures (moderate)
Is the Piaggio Vespa 946 a good motorcycle? +
Gorgeous urban jewel, but budget generously for ownership costs. Rating: 7.5/10. Best for: Urban aesthetes wanting head-turning Italian craftsmanship daily. Avoid if: You need practical, cheap, fuss-free transportation.
What is the horsepower of the Piaggio Vespa 946? +
The Piaggio Vespa 946 produces 12.7 hp @ 8,250 rpm, with 12.8 Nm @ 6,500 rpm of torque. Top speed: 100 km/h.
Is the Piaggio Vespa 946 good for beginners? +
Yes — the Piaggio Vespa 946 is a reasonable choice for new riders (12.7 hp is manageable), weighing 136 kg. Urban aesthetes wanting head-turning Italian craftsmanship daily
Is the Piaggio Vespa 946 reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Piaggio Vespa 946, notably: Brake caliper corrosion and sticking (Uneven braking, pulling, overheating wheel area). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Piaggio Vespa 946 good for daily use? +
Urban aesthetes wanting head-turning Italian craftsmanship daily Fuel: 3.0 L/100km (approx. 33 km/L).
How fast is the Piaggio Vespa 946? +
The Piaggio Vespa 946 reaches a top speed of 100 km/h, producing 12.7 hp at 136 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Piaggio Vespa 946? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Piaggio Vespa 946, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/piaggio/vespa-946/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
