Zane flew down to Melbourne to check out the new and improved Vespa GTS 300. Check out what he thought of this super easy to ride little scooter in his video review below... Photos: Dean Walters.
It’s new Vespa time! I flew down to Melbourne to check out the 2023 Vespa GTS 300 range and have an all-Italian fun day out and find out just how easy these stylish scooters are to ride. These extremely easy bikes to ride are accessible to even the least experienced riders…
Tech Talk
For 2023, the entire Vespa GTS range is improved as unique Vespa style is combined with a series of technical updates to heighten vehicle safety, comfort and attention to the stylistic details.
The new Vespa GTS boasts the latest evolution of the 300cc HPE single-cylinder, four-stroke, four-valve, liquid-cooled engine. Engine power reaches a maximum of 17.5kW@8250rpm, whereas maximum torque is 26Nm@5250rpm. Customers will see, according to Vespa, increased acceleration combined with a significant reduction in consumption, for a range of 30.3km/l in the WMTC cycle.
The new Vespa GTS boasts the latest evolution of the 300cc single-cylinder, four-stroke, four-valve, liquid-cooled with EFI.
The 300 HPE is the most high-performance engine ever mounted on a Vespa. The project sought above all to optimise thermodynamic output and reduce friction and engine noise. The single camshaft system with overhead valves has rockers with roller tappets instead of flat tappets, all to the advantage of smoothness, durability and a reduction of mechanical loss.
The introduction of a high-pressure multi-jet injector also helps to improve combustion. A more generous intake line, equipped with a duct with optimised length, improves the torque delivered at low rpm and ensures an exceptionally smooth ride at any speed. The iridium spark plug ensures greater durability in the same operating conditions. Even the CVT comprises materials designed to reduce friction and noise, and the cover coated in sound-absorbing material further contributes to this.
The engine is controlled by a latest-generation Magneti Marelli MIUG4 ECU. With better calculating capacity, it contributes to improving overall engine efficiency and also allows the engine to be started almost instantaneously, after just two revolutions of the crank.
The GTS range has new instrumentation, more complete and better able to exploit the potential of the VESPA MIA connectivity system. The dash retains the analogue speedometer, beneath which is now a 3in LCD display on which the rider can view a wide range of trip data (maximum speed, average speed, instantaneous consumption, average consumption, range and battery charge status) and all notifications regarding calls, messages and music, when a smartphone is connected with the VESPA MIA system.
2023 sees the introduction of the keyless system, which lets the rider activate the ignition without having to insert the traditional key to attack things such as starting the engine, opening the seat and locking the steering column.
The rider benefits from refined ergonomics and can more easily reach the ground with their feet, while the passenger has a larger, roomier seat. The large under-seat compartment makes the most of available space and can hold plenty of gear.
Vespa say the GTS boasts ideal ergonomics and a natural riding position that helps make it extremely comfortable, enjoyable to ride and accessible to everyone.
Adding to the load capacity of Vespa GTS is a glove box, inside which there is also a USB port, useful for the recharging of a phone or other electronic device.
The body of the Vespa GTS is made strictly of steel, a sustainable material that is 100 per cent recyclable.
The body of the Vespa GTS is made strictly of steel, a sustainable material that is 100 per cent recyclable and that guarantees unrivalled strength. Despite retaining the traditional single-sided swingarm, the front suspension has been updated in terms of its operating framework in order to ensure greater stability, particularly at high speeds.
This allows for revised suspension calibration, which also contributes to the comfort and handling. The double-disc braking system sees the adoption of new calipers and new Brembo brake master-cylinders, updates that do not just translate into a significant reduction in braking distances.
The Piaggio Group was the first manufacturer to introduce scooter ASR electronic traction control to prevent rear wheel spin. The electronic safety control package is rounded out with the ABS anti-lock braking system, controlled with a new, more high-performance Bosch ECU. Both are supplied as standard with the Vespa GTS family.
The Vespa GTS Classic is available in Beige Sabbia, Nero Vulcano and Verde Relax. Every detail is enhanced with chrome. The grey seat, with vertical heat sealing on the seat area and tone-on-tone stitching, is paired with hand grips and rubber inserts on the footpegs, also grey. The wheels are painted grey.
The Vespa GTS SuperSport features graphite-coloured rims with dedicated graphics and the many black details, starting with the profile that runs along the perimeter of the body. The typical steering cover on the shield presents a brand-new carbon look finish and is made more aggressive with neon orange decorations. The black seat stands out for its horizontal heat sealing and double stitching in contrasting neon orange. Three available colours are enhanced with new dedicated graphics, gloss Bianco Innocente, matte Nero Opaco and Verde Olivie.
2023 Vespa GTS 300 Specifications
Price: From $13,320 rideaway
Warranty: Two year, unlimited kilometre
Colour: Bianco Innocente, matte Nero Opaco and Verde Olivie (SuperSport). Beige Sabbia, Nero Vulcano and Verde Relax (Classic),
Claimed power: 17.5kW@8250rpm
Claimed torque: 26Nm@5250rpm
Wet weight: 155kg
Fuel capacity: 8.5L
Fuel Consumption: 30.3 km/l (Claimed)
Range: N/A
Engine: Piaggio HPE four-stroke single-cylinder, 278cc, 75mm x 63mm bore x stroke, N/A compression, electronic injection, electronic ignition with variable advance; ASR traction control, wet sump. Gearbox: CVT Automatic with torque server
Chassis: Load bearing structure sheet metal body with welded reinforcements
Suspension: Single-sided swingarm with single shock (f), Double shock absorber with four-position spring pre-load adjustment (r) Brakes: Single 220mm stainless steel disc, front two-piston and rear single-piston caliper (f & r) Two-channel ABS system. Tyres: Maxxis 120/70 – 12, Maxxis 130/70 – 12.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 1380mm
Seat height: 790mm
Overall length: 1980mm
Overall width: 765mm
Instruments: Analogue speedometer, with digital display
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Rating | Video Review: 2023 Vespa GTS 300 Range Test
Accessible!
Zane flew down to Melbourne to check out the new and improved Vespa GTS 300. Check out what he thought of this super easy to ride little scooter…
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