Last Vespa PX has rolled down the line
It's the end of an era. Piaggio has officially built its last PX, and it's a bittersweet farewell as we have mixed emotions about the model's departure. On one hand, the PX has always been a fuel-sipper and a very high quality piece of machinery. On the other hand, the reason for its demise is that the Italian wasp's two-stroke engine just wasn't clean enough to continue to be sold in Europe or America. While it is possible to make the ring-dingers meet emissions regulations, it is not really cost effective to do so considering the efforts necessary to make it happen. As you may know, two-stroke engines burn oil by design and emit much more toxic pollutants and carbon into the atmosphere. There are still two-stroke engines being made, but they may not be for longer. In the U.S., Genuine Scooters still offers the Stella, which is very similar in design to the classic PX and still uses the stroker engine, albeit equipped with a catalytic converter. How much longer? Certainly not another thirty years.
[Source: Motorcycle.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
DKB_SATX 11:18AM (8/28/2008)
A 2-smoke engine is not a "stroker", it's a 2-stroke or 2-cycle. A "stroker" engine is one that uses a different crank to lengthen the piston stroke, resulting in increased displacement without boring the block.
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Why Not the OM617? 10:01PM (8/29/2008)
First and foremost, thank you for that. I'm glad I didn't need to say it.
Next, to quote a great blogger, "Mmm, I love the smell of diesel in the morning. It smells like success!"
moondoggy 9:40AM (8/29/2008)
"There are still two-stroke engines being made, but they may not be for longer"
Red Max STRATO-CHARGED 2 cycle engines.
my chainsaw is one, amazing at the lack of smell.
would never know its 2 cycle when your next to it.
CARB Teir II approved
http://www.redmax.com/Page3353.aspx
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fuzz 8:40AM (9/04/2008)
If Piaggio would consider continuing putting a four stroke (manual or twist and go) into a similar (can't copy a classic!) old skool design - I think they would have a winner here in the states.
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