The technological advancement of the new Vespa GTS is spectacular – the largest and most powerful member of the Vespa family – setting new standards in safety and electronic riding support:
- New front ESS suspension
- 2-channel ABS braking system
- ASR traction control
- Vespa Multimedia Platform to connect your smartphone to your Vespa
Created in 2003 with the arrival of the Vespa GT125 and 200, the family of large Vespas then evolved beginning in 2005 with the arrival of the GTS version and engine capacities up to 300 cc. The large, convenient, comfortable, extraordinarily protective Vespa GTS combines its elegantly urban spirit with the travel and tourism vocation large Vespas have always embodied. From the GS in 1955 to the PX 200 in 1978, touching on the Vespa Rally in 1968, the largest Vespas have always combined excellent performance and comfort, even on the longest and most demanding routes.
Now the Vespa GTS is new and improved, adopting the most advanced technological electronic riding support systems, enforcing its technological cutting-edge, which has always marked its past, making the GTS 300 range truly modern, and among the safest vehicles in the world. Expanding on these advantages, the Vespa GTS 300 range ever evolves, achieving new standards in comfort and painstakingly detailed finishing, only enhancing its ease of riding and sport-oriented looks. The large body version of Vespa, a timeless icon and undisputed ambassador of Italian two-wheeled design, now has a more spacious helmet compartment, a premium comfort-focused saddle, and a latest generation instrument cluster.
For the first time on the Vespa GTS the sophisticated Multimedia Platform is available allowing a smartphone to connect to the on board electronic system, utilizing a sophisticated computer. The Vespa Multimedia Platform (VMP) transforms a smartphone into a multi-functional tool capable of simultaneously displaying information such as speedometer and tachometer, as well as engine power and torque, longitudinal acceleration, instant and average fuel consumption, average speed, battery voltage and much more. Connected to the VMP you can also view maps and routes, as well as identifying points of interest, such as gas stations and service centers. The tire condition feature takes synergistic advantage of the vehicle and smartphone sensors to monitor tire wear and inflation, immediately alerting the rider of any potentially critical situations. The general analysis feature monitors the vehicle condition.
The Vespa style.
The Vespa GTS evolution follows the trend of tradition, maintaining the magical balance between classic shape and modern lines, made strictly in steel, with references to Vespa tradition, making the GTS immediately recognizable and unmistakable throughout the world, as a Vespa. The new Vespa GTS 300 range maintains the distinctive large body Vespa traits, while making several important aesthetic updates established by the Piaggio Group Style Centre – the workroom located in the historic Pontedera plant where Vespa shapes have always been conceived, including the prestigious Vespa 946, the elegant Vespa Primavera, and the youthful Vespa Sprint. The new Vespa GTS 300, GTS 300 Super, and GTS 300 Super Sport benefit precisely from the study and research conducted on latest generation Vespas, introducing highly prestigious stylistic innovations.
The Vespa GTS 300 range each earns a new “tie” on the front shield with a more modern design, in harmony with the one on the recent Vespa Primavera, front and rear turn indicators characterized by new clear plastics and a brand new rear light assembly elegantly adorned by a chrome frame, recalling the finish of the crest on the front mudguard and, on the Vespa GTS 300, the chrome of the convenient luggage rack, explicitly reminiscent of the sixties-era Vespas. In addition to a dedicated range of colors, the Vespa GTS Super and GTS Super Sport have various specific details such as five-spoke wheel rims with new black finishing, a different molding on the front mudguard, the different style “tie” on the shield and of course the traditional red front suspension spring. For each of the Vespa GTS versions the footboard central tunnel cover is new, enriched by the Vespa logo. The visual flow of the modern and decisive lines of the cowls, the round and sloping front headlight, and the fold-out passenger footrests are characteristics which remain intact on the new GTS Vespa range, making it unique, as always.
Legendary comfort.
The perfect ergonomics and natural seating have always contributed to making every Vespa comfortable, pleasant to ride, and accessible to all. The new saddle on the Vespa GTS 300 range provides superior comfort thanks to the new padding and different covering. The helmet compartment has been entirely redesigned to take maximum advantage of the available space, now able to hold two demi-jet Vespa helmets and more. To further increase the cargo capacity there is a compartment in the leg shield back plate, ideal for keeping smaller items handy, such as glasses, documents or mobile phones, as well as the convenient bag hook on the upper part of the leg shield back plate. On the Vespa GTS you can also count on the convenient and sturdy support provided by the rear luggage rack, catering to touring use also guaranteed by the protective nature of the shield and the performance of the available 300cc engine.
Cutting-edge technology.
All models in the new Vespa GTS 300 range come standard with a USB port located in the leg shield back plate compartment, convenient for charging an external device. The trapezoid-shaped digital instrumentation is completely new: characterized by its compact size, but also by the extremely exhaustive information provided, it is made up of a classic speedometer and a small multi-functional digital area surrounded by six service indicator lights. The information provided includes fuel level, time and two partial odometers. The Vespa GTS instrument panel has a light background and blue backlighting; the Vespa GTS Super and Super Sport have a black background lit up by a sportier red shade.
The new Vespa GTS 300 range is compatible with the Vespa Multimedia Platform (VMP), the innovative technological accessory which introduces a new way of understanding two-wheeled communication. When a compatible smartphone connects to the on board VMP, it transforms it into a hub of information, both on the condition of the vehicle and on the route travelled, allowing riders to use the phone’s touchscreen to monitor their Vespa and handle routes with better safety. One of the many features is the parking locator, which is very helpful in crowded environments, and those less familiar to a rider. The system automatically remembers the vehicle’s last position before the engine was switched off, helping identify where the Vespa was left. Travel data can easily be stored in order to analyze riding style through the numerous measurements acquired during recorded trips.
New safety features.
For the first time, the Vespa GTS 300 range adopts important technical advancements in terms of safety and comfort. The Piaggio Group, which holds patents on the best technology currently available, was the first company in the world to introduce electronic systems on scooters, which were once available only on the most advanced motorcycles, such as ASR and ABS, two active safety systems now introduced to the GTS 300.
Each wheel has a revolution detection system – a sensor and a tone wheel – which instantly reads the speed and deceleration of the wheel with respect to that of the vehicle. The sensors dialog with a 2-channel hydraulic control unit which activates the ABS system if one of the two wheels decelerates abruptly with respect to the vehicle, avoiding locking, and ensuring stability and efficient braking even on road surfaces with a low friction coefficient.
The ASR system uses the electronics and the ABS sensors to compare the rotation speed of the two wheels. When the sensors detect excessive speed on the rear wheel compared to the front, the ECU intervenes (first on the advance and then, if necessary, on injection as well) to prevent slipping and avoid losing control of the vehicle.
The technical equipment on the Vespa GTS 300 range includes the adoption of a new ESS front suspension, already introduced successfully on the Vespa Primavera and Vespa Sprint. While still maintaining the classic single arm driven pivot suspension on the front, typical of Vespa traditions, the new Vespa GTS 300 adopts a completely redesigned system capable of cutting sliding friction in half. The shock absorber is now fixed to the trailing arm with a hinged pin whereas it was previously bolted on rigidly. By increasing suspension slide, riding comfort is increased, as well as the ability to absorb bumps on the road which the rider does not feel, ensuring a perfectly fluid, relaxing and safe ride.
Technology, the uniqueness of Vespa.
The new Vespa GTS 300 is conceived on the reliable, tried and true technical foundation of the previous series. The body, as has always been the case for Vespa from 1946 to the present, is made strictly in steel and provides incomparable sturdiness, in addition to safety features and truly unique dynamic performance. The result is a particularly brilliant ride both in city traffic and on country roads: a mix of thrilling handling and reassuring stability, partly to the credit of wide tires mounted on 12 inch diameter rims. The dual disc braking system ensures ever-ready decelerating power even in sport use, with modularity that puts even beginners at ease.
Engines.
Vespa GTS 300 range is available with a 300 cc, single cylinder 4-stroke, 4-valve, liquid cooled, electronic injection engine capable of providing maximum power of 22 HP at 7,500 rpm and putting out a maximum torque of 22.3 Nm at just 5,000 rpm. These are values which guarantee the quick throttle response and extremely brilliant performance, making the new large body Vespas ideal vehicles both in city traffic and for touring, even at long range, in total comfort, whether alone or with a passenger.
Color range.
The new Vespa GTS 300 range is available with a variety of colors and stylistic cues dedicated to each version.
Vespa GTS 300 ABS is available in Nero Vulcano and Grigio Dolomiti color schemes, each matched to a beige saddle and complimented with a chrome rear rack.
Vespa GTS 300 Super ABS is available in Nero Lucido, Montebianco, and Blu Gaiola, all matched to a black saddle with white piping.
Vespa GTS 300 Super Sport ABS is available in Nero Abisso (matte) with orange graphics, and black saddle with orange piping.
Vespa GTS 300 / Vespa GTS 300 Super / GTS 300 Super Sport – Technical Specifications
| ENGINE | |
| Type | 4-stroke single cylinder, 4 valves, electronic injection |
| Engine capacity | 278 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 75 mm x 63 mm |
| Max Power | 15.8 kW (22 HP) at 7,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 22.3 Nm at 5,000 rpm |
| Power | P.I. injection (Port injected) |
| Ignition | Electronic with variable advance |
| Cooling system | Liquid |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Gearbox | Twist-and-go CVT with torque server |
| Clutch | Automatic centrifugal dry clutch |
| VEHICLE | |
| Bearing structure | Sheet metal with welded reinforcements |
| Front suspension | Single-arm ESS (Enhanced Sliding Suspension) with coil spring and hydraulic shock absorber |
| Rear suspension | Double hydraulic shock absorbers with adjustable preload with 4 settings |
| Front brake | Hydraulically operated 220 mm stainless steel disc |
| Rear brake | Hydraulically operated 220 mm stainless steel disc |
| 2-channel ABS system for the ABS/ASR | |
| Front tire | Tubeless 120/70 – 12” |
| Rear tire | Tubeless 130/70 – 12” |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Length/Width | 1930/755 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1370 mm |
| Saddle height | 790 mm |
| Fuel tank capacity | 2.5 gallons |
The 2015 Vespa GTS 300 Range is available October 2014. GTS 300 ABS and GTS 300 ABS Super are available at MSRP of $6,599. GTS 300 Super Sport ABS is available at MSRP of $6,799.
Find out more about the GTS 300, other Vespa model offerings, and test ride opportunities at: VespaUSA.com.
I suppose cosmetic styling is Italian? Comparing cosmetic design of the scoot in the image vs. the typical Japanese origami/Godzilla styling, I’ll be polite and simply say I’ll take the Vespa.
Very nice. Much better suited to the American market than the smaller scooters that are so popular in Europe. In the U.S., it seems like a simple trip to the grocery store or hardware store often involves a run on a 55-65mph highway, making 125cc scooters impractical.
125cc scooters can do that, albeit with the throttle cable all-but fully stretched.
Certainly a classic look. Perfect vehicle for moderate climate city dwellers.
Nice scoot.