When I went to Kenya last summer I remember feeling very foolish when I thought I saw hundreds of Vespa scooters riding around the city of Mombassa. On close inspection the scooters revealed themselves as being made by the Indian scooter manufacturer Bajaj. Vinny from Motorcycle diaries recently mentioned these scooters in a comment from my last post - which reminded me to do a little research into these machines.
The first thing I noticed when trying to learn about these scooters is how little there is available. Wikipedia has a paragraph of little or no value and don’t get me started on the official Indian Bajaj website (i wont even link - its that bad!)
Here are some basic stats:
- Engine : 4 stroke, single cylinder, forced air cooled, spark ignition
- 3 Engine Displacement : 145.45 cm
- Max. Net Power : 9.00 HP at 6000 r/min of engine
- Ignition System : Electronic ignition (C.D.I.)
- Spark Plug : Champion : PL 7 YC (To be used with resistor spark plug cap)
- Lubrication : Wet sump forced lubrication
- Transmission : 4 speed gear box
- Front & Rear Brakes : Mechanical expanding shoe type
- Fuel Tank Capacity : 1.32 Gal. (5.00 litres)
- Electrical System : 12V D.C.
- Head lamp : 35/35W Tail/Stop lamp : 5/21W
- Side indicator lamp : 10W Horn : 12V D.C.
- Curb Weight : 253 lbs/115 kg
- Max Speed : 55 MPH/90km/h with single rider
The Bajaj scooter is produced by Bajaj auto who is India’s largest two and three wheeled manufacturer. Bajaj auto is also the fourth largest producer of 2 and 3 wheeled vehicles in the world!
One of the reasons that many of the Bajaj scooters look like Vespa’s is probaly due to the fact that 40 years ago Bajaj was allowed to build Vespa scooters under licence from Piaggio. It was only in the mid 1970’s that Bajaj split from Piaggio and started with their own designs. But obviously the design of the Vespa still exisited in the minds of the Bajaj designers which could account for why I saw so many Vespa esque scooters bombing around Kenya.
At the moment Bajaj auto is marketing the “Kristal” which looks more like a Honda than a Vespa. I am yet to see a Baja in the UK but it does seem to be the case that more and more are selling in the US.
Has anyone seen a Bajaj scooter? If so please comment in the box below.
Also I have seen that Direct Bikes are selling some similar “cheap” scooters that people might be interested (this is only available for the UK - sorry guys.)
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16 Comments Received
August 18th, 2007 @12:34 am
http://www.vespagang.blogspot.com/
hey check this out!
August 18th, 2007 @1:28 pm
Check out this pictue - this is the ad we used to see growing up in india: the bajaj scooter as the the family transport :
http://www.provoscooter.com/tsl/images/124IndianFamily.jpg
August 18th, 2007 @7:37 pm
Wow thats amazing! I wish my dad took me out on the scotoer when i was a boy.
August 24th, 2007 @8:44 pm
I own a Bajaj. It’s a great scoot. Check out this website for all you could want to know: http://www.retrobajaj.informe.com
August 27th, 2007 @2:29 am
Okay, in Colombia, you would see a lot More Bajaj vespalike bikes than real vespas these were imported by a company named Auteco, so they have both the names “AUTECO BAJAJ PLUS”, but there are some real Piaggio Vespas, a few classics, a bunch of PX italians from ‘94 thru ‘96 and then some of the Indian produced Vespa by LML from 2000 (later called Star Deluxe). you can also find a few lambrettas from the 60’s, under the name of Auteco.
i’ve got a Piaggio vespa150 originale ‘99 , that is actually made by LML in India too but before they set apart and i can tell you it’s as good as the italian
(but yes, let’s be clear, Bajaj sucks)
January 1st, 2008 @8:29 pm
Hi there,
i live in Heysham,Lancs.and i am restoring a Baja,125cc,Chetak Classic.I am very interested if anybody can tell me where i can buy some keys for ignition ,as i have ignition barrel but no keys.Alternatively to purchase new ignition barrel and new keys,and keys and lock for seat,with many thanks,
best wishes,Tony
January 5th, 2008 @5:47 pm
Here’s another one on the maintenance, care, and everything else Bajaj:
http://www.bajajrestoration.blogspot.com
February 6th, 2008 @7:25 pm
I own a Plus Power Bajaj 2000 from Auteco, Medellín, Colombia.
Necesito Por Favor el manual del Carburador
March 11th, 2008 @9:18 am
Wie kan mij vertellen wie de importeur is voor nederland
van de Bajaj scooters?
March 18th, 2008 @1:44 am
I believe that a friend has one-a Belladonna-he believes that it was made in India to Vespa specifications but I am sure it was not (made to Vespa specs !). It’s okay now, but has had a number of hiccups-things that would never happen to a Vespa (I have had two Vespas, so I know what I’m on about) in the short time that he’s had it. Also, it seems to get scratched & dented more than the rael thing should & is generally not Vespa quality. I haven’t said anything-it’s too late now-but I would if anyone else I knew was thinking of buying one.
Yer gets what yer pays for.
May 12th, 2008 @4:16 pm
I want to know if they sell bajaj vespa in europe and if they
have parts and acessories for sale.
Thank you
John
May 16th, 2008 @3:58 am
Hi i am in Australia and i know where one of these scooters are sitting in a shed with genuine 74mile on the spedo i am going to make a offer but how much is reasonable same colour too
thanks
June 10th, 2008 @9:49 pm
hi i have just bought a bajaj its in bits and has a vespa 125 engine in bits aswell will this fit ok or will i have 2 get a bajaj engine is it easy 2 get part for this scooter like panels or will crash bars fit of the vespas or will the primavera panels fit
June 12th, 2008 @8:15 am
Hi, I currently own 3 bajaj scooters made in India. I went to india myself and restored them there. There is a lot of miss information regarding these bikes. The 3 I have are quite old and are almost exactly the same as a 60’s style vespa. Besides a few minor badges. There is also a whole under the seat that is missing from these frames. (something to do with water leaking on the engine) The parts are also all the exact same. The only difference is the badge on the engine parts.
I have a 79 Bajaj 150, and two Bajaj Priya’s. I also Have an Inida made Alwyn Pushpack (lambretta 150)
While in Delhi where there are many people selling refurbished italian vespas and Indian Vespas, I spoke and worked with many mechanics. The engines are the exact same. (for older Baja scooters.) I can’t speak for newer ones.
Currently vespa even makes some of their parts in India. They are quite reliable in my experience. As reliable as any 30 year old bike. I drove them in India and I also drove my bikes in Canada where they are now. I had some minor work done on them (brakes and lights) in Canada and the Vesap Mechanic there also told me the parts were the same as a 60’s Vespa.
Hope this helps. Email me if you would like to see pics or have any questions. Hope this helps someone.
denis
June 12th, 2008 @7:09 pm
hi dennis whats your email address
June 17th, 2008 @7:39 pm
I have a 2005 Bajaj Chetak, and it runs like a dream.
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