The Vespa 125 is a real stand out in the iconic pale blue with the nicely contrasting dark blue seats and spare tire cover. The curved lines look amazing and really capture the 1960s Vespa synonymous with Italian culture. The LEGO® designers teamed up with Vespa Piaggio on this set. And the confluence of these two culture powerhouses has resulted in a fantastic looking model with lots of great detail. It is the perfect way to celebrate Vespa’s 75th anniversary. Let’s take a closer look.
NOTE: The LEGO® Group provided this set for review. However, the provision of products does not guarantee a favorable review. I will use the usual True North Bricks rating system (click here for more information) and provide my honest opinion.
VESPA 125 SUMMARY
- NAME: Vespa 125
- SET #: 10298
- THEME: Icons (previously Creator Expert)/18+)
- COST: $129.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 1,106
- RELEASE DATE: March 1, 2022
- COST/BRICK: $0.12 (good value)
- DIMENSIONS: 22cm (h) x 12cm (w) x 25cm (d)
VESPA 125 QUICK REVIEW
- VALUE: 64%
- BUILD: 98%
- MINIFIGURES: N/A
- ENTERTAINMENT: 98%
- OVERALL SCORE: 91%
VESPA 125 REVIEW
VALUE: 64%
This set took me just over two hours (127 minutes) to complete. This translates to a cost per minute of $1.02/min, and a score of 27%. When compared to all LEGO sets it improves significantly with a score of 71%. Keep in mind that people have different build speeds so this set may take other folks longer (and would have a higher value score). However, averaging these two scores gives a final cost per minute score of 49%.
The other part of the value equation is cost per bricks. In this case, the Vespa 125 has 1,106 pieces for a price of $0.118/brick. This translates to a score of 69% when compared to other sets in the 18+ range reviewed by True North Bricks. This is 11 percentage points lower than the average. However, when compared to all sets reviewed by True North Bricks, the price per brick score is much higher at 87%. When averaging these two scores, the cost per brick score is 78%. The overall value is an average of both cost related scores, so the final value score is 64%.
BUILD: 98%
My favourite LEGO® sets to build are vehicle sets, especially the large-scale vehicles. I also really love the larger scale model sets like the Fender Stratocaster and Typewriter. The Vespa 125 is basically both of those things in one, so I was really looking forward to it.
This set uses a combination of various techniques as well as curved and sloped pieces to achieve the iconic shape of the Vespa. As you prep the chassis you will notice various hinges, rockers, clips, and SNOT (studs not on top) bricks. The rear part of the Vespa is attached with clips and bars to set it at a slight angle.
The fuel tank under the seat uses various slope pieces including the new 2x10x2 bowed shell element. We first saw this element used to add the right curve to the top of the rear quarter panel of the Porsche 911. The fuel tank is attached using rockers and clip/bar combination to set it at a bit of an angle. I really dislike adding round stickers to round elements, so I am glad the gas cap is a printed tile.
The running board and leg shield are built as a single piece. As I was building this section, it felt a bit flimsy. However, there are a lot of SNOT studs to attach it nice and securely.
SNOT bricks are also secure the rear fenders onto the chassis. The bowed shell (windscreen) element and ¼ spheres give the fenders their rounded shape.
It’s all in the details
Underneath one of the side panels is the detailed engine. A nice printed Technic disk is used for the flywheel and four plain disks are used for the cylinder block. Underneath the engine is the kickstarter that hinges up and down. Further underneath you will also find the working kickstand. It has a rubber damper on either side to give it some grip.
One of my favourite aspects of larger LEGO® vehicles are the tires. And the Vespa has some fantastic new tires! Additionally, the tires are mounted on the new white and grey two-toned rims. The back wheel attaches to the chassis using some basic Technic elements. The front wheel attaches to the front fender using the 3-pin hub and hub holder/shock absorber attached to some pale blue Technic beams mounted vertically.
I found the construction of the headset particularly interesting. Clips and bars are used in combination with reverse handle axle connectors to create the correct angle of the handlebars. It is impressive how all these elements nest nicely inside a 4×4 inverted wedge.
A 2x2x2 box in pale blue adds some nice additional detail to the headset. I also really like the construction of the handlebars and levers. Such an effective use of some small parts! The one downside is the attachment of the headset is a bit weak. I found if it popped up just slightly with a little bit of movement and then it was a bit difficult to secure back down completely. However, since this is a display model, I don’t anticipate this being too problematic for most folks.
Fantastic accessories
Once you finish the main model, there are a few smaller models to build that really complete the set. The basket is fairly simplistic and it secures nicely to the rear carrier. The rear carrier is one of my favourite details.
An empty basket wouldn’t be much fun and the designers don’t leave you hanging. I love the shape of the flower bouquet and the use of the broken eggshell element in yellow looks really sharp. I also love how the bouquet attached inside the basket so you can secure it and change the angle. However, I do think they missed an opportunity to add a bottle of wine to this Italian classic.
The final mini model is the helmet. The design of the helmet is impressive as the design teams was able to effectively create a small semi-hollow rounded object. Interestingly, the chin strap is critical in keeping the helmet together. The helmet really captures the rounded style commonly used by Vespa riders. It even has moveable goggles! The goggles use the relatively new 1×1 plate with bar on either side for the straps which makes for a nice short connection and change in angle. Inverted 2×2 round plates are used to give the goggle lenses a domed shape. The scale of the helmet is perfect for the Vespa and adds a nice authentic touch.
Final thoughts
If I had to find any downside to this model, I would say it is the mismatch in the pale blue hue between some elements and between some of the stickers. It isn’t as noticeable as the Lamborghini Sian, but it was something I noted during the build experience. However, when sitting on a shelf, the final model looks great.
Overall, the build experience is fantastic. There are plenty of nice techniques used to create the various angles and curves. This makes it a great set if you are wanting to learn how to create vehicles or other larger scale models with organic shapes. I give this model a build score of 98%.
ENTERTAINMENT: 98%
As mentioned in the Vespa 125 reveal article, the design of the set was a collaboration with a team at Vespa. And it shows. The curves of the Vespa replicate the real Vespa nicely and there are so many great details. From the shape of the seats to the striped floorboards, the design team clearly spent their time with this model. The attention given to the engine was unexpected and nicely constructed. The removable engine cover is another nice feature.
Despite being more of a display piece, the Vespa 125 has some playable features. The cargo basket is removable, and the flower bouquet also has a simple clip attachment for easy removal. The functional steering, kickstarter, and kickstand allow you to display your model in slightly different configurations. In addition, the helmet is the perfect scale and hangs nicely on a handlebar or placed on the seat. For those who are really creative, you could even try building yourself a figure to pose with it!
A highlight is the vintage Italian license plate. It is a nod to the date that Piaggio registered the first Vespa patent – April 23, 1946. Unfortunately, it is a sticker rather than a printed tile. Regardless, I feel that this set offers a lot of entertainment for a display model. Additionally, it has some functionality which elevates it from a static model. I give the Vespa an entertainment score of 98%.
OVERALL SCORE: 87%
The Vespa 125 offers a fantastic build experience. I always appreciate a model with interesting techniques that can also be built relatively quickly (since I’m always short on time). The Vespa also looks great sitting on a shelf or mantel and adds some nice colour to any room. The addition of the helmet and cargo basket with flowers is a nice touch. These elements really help bring the story of the Vespa to life. Overall, the Vespa 125 earns a final score of 87%. Have you built the Vespa or is it on your shopping list? Do you have any other ideas about what to build for inside the cargo basket? Tell us below or share your ideas on social media!
Play well folks,
-Krista (she/her)
Want to support True North Bricks?
If you like the content at True North Bricks, please follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, or YouTube for regular updates. Additionally, you can support True North Bricks by making your LEGO® (and other) purchases using the links in the main menu. As an affiliate of those retailers, we earn from qualifying purchases. These earnings come at no extra cost to you but help to keep the content at True North Bricks free. Thanks for your support!