Bajaj Priya
Encyclopedia
The Bajaj Priya was a three geared scooter manufactured by Maharashtra Scooters under a license agreement with Bajaj Auto
from 1975. The design was very similar to that of the earlier "Bajaj 150" model which was in turn based upon a Vespa 150
(VBA type) with a slightly modified body.
. This was later replaced by a holding mount which enabled it to hold the Bajaj type round speedometer (only on Indian models). Later on the holding mount and crest were done away with so the round speedo could be directly fitted to the headset. All these headsets had the removable aluminium switch support of the VBA. Bajaj 150 had this same headset (that of later Vespa 150s). Bajaj Priya shared the same headset as the more common "Bajaj super" and also fitted a round speedometer, which was not fully enclosed for easy access to cables. The switch support was integral to the handle, unlike the VBA where it was joined separately.
. With the Bajaj 150 this changed to the horncast from later Vespa models (sprint/super) and held a hexagonal bajaj monogram (same shape as the newer Piaggio monogram). This horncast continued for the Priya as well.
Bajaj Auto
Bajaj Auto is a major Indian vehicle manufacturer started by Jamnalal Bajaj from Rajasthan in the 1930s. It is based in Pune, Maharashtra, with plants in Chakan , Waluj and Pantnagar in Uttaranchal. The oldest plant at Akurdi now houses the R&D centre Ahead...
from 1975. The design was very similar to that of the earlier "Bajaj 150" model which was in turn based upon a Vespa 150
Vespa
Vespa is an Italian brand of scooter manufactured by Piaggio. The name means wasp in Italian.The Vespa has evolved from a single model motor scooter manufactured in 1946 by Piaggio & Co. S.p.A...
(VBA type) with a slightly modified body.
Headset
Vespa 150 (basically a VBA) had a fully enclosed, crested headset which could accommodate a clamshell Veglia speedometerSpeedometer
A speedometer is a gauge that measures and displays the instantaneous speed of a land vehicle. Now universally fitted to motor vehicles, they started to be available as options in the 1900s, and as standard equipment from about 1910 onwards. Speedometers for other vehicles have specific names...
. This was later replaced by a holding mount which enabled it to hold the Bajaj type round speedometer (only on Indian models). Later on the holding mount and crest were done away with so the round speedo could be directly fitted to the headset. All these headsets had the removable aluminium switch support of the VBA. Bajaj 150 had this same headset (that of later Vespa 150s). Bajaj Priya shared the same headset as the more common "Bajaj super" and also fitted a round speedometer, which was not fully enclosed for easy access to cables. The switch support was integral to the handle, unlike the VBA where it was joined separately.
Horncast
The vespa 150 (arguably always) sported the original Italian horncast with the older square Piaggio monogramMonogram
A monogram is a motif made by overlapping or combining two or more letters or other graphemes to form one symbol. Monograms are often made by combining the initials of an individual or a company, used as recognizable symbols or logos. A series of uncombined initials is properly referred to as a...
. With the Bajaj 150 this changed to the horncast from later Vespa models (sprint/super) and held a hexagonal bajaj monogram (same shape as the newer Piaggio monogram). This horncast continued for the Priya as well.