2023 Vespa GTS 300 Scooter Review Live From Rome, Italy
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
Vespa’s new-for-2023 GTS 300 is an overhauled version of the company’s classic long-serving four-stroke gasoline-powered scooter. We were lucky enough to get a Piaggio Group invitation to ride this fundamental scooter around Rome, one of the founding cities of Western civilization.
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Four Vespas make up the US model line: the GTS, Super, Super Sport, and Super Tech. We test rode the $8,099 Super Sport. Above this model is the Super Tech, which rings at just under $9,000. It comes with a 4.3-inch color TFT screen as opposed to a mixed analog and digital dash. It also comes with a carpeted storage bunk with an LED light inside. We would definitely like the carpeted storage bunk with the LED light. That would keep our goodies from getting scratched. The color TFT, on the other hand, we could live without.
We value the look of this Vespa GTS, especially in this Hot Wheels orange colorway-it’s a real looker. The quality of the paint is fairly good, but there is quite a bit of orange peel on the surface of the body, and it’s really apparent in this bright orange paint. Nowadays many two- and four-wheeled vehicles have an orange peel effect in the paint. So we’re not going to knock Vespa, but still, considering its cost we desire a finer paint job. Even still, it remains a head-turner. It’s worth nothing that Vespa began manufacturing scooters in 1945 out of scrap parts from an aircraft. That’s why Vespa has this old-school aerospace-type look.
As the nomenclature insinuates, the GTS 300 is a 300cc class, well 278cc to be exact, built in northern Italy for the North American market. Beginning with the body panels, its signature centerline “tie bow” is now flatter and less rounded on the edges, as is the front fender. This styling trend (larger, flatter surfaces) is popular and follows the theme of other Piaggio Group products, including Aprilia’s sport offerings (read the 2021 Aprilia RSV4 MC Commute Review and 2021 Aprilia RSV4 Factory Review articles). It includes LED headlights, turn signals, taillights that feature an oversized shape similar to a 1950s-era automobile. To match that wider forward body panel, the rear fairings are also flatter and longer.
All of these Vespa scooters are proximity-based key-fob start. We’re not typically keyless-fob-style users, but for a scooter application it functions adequately. Other neat modifications are this wider handlebar (about 0.8 inch) and the tweaked front and rear suspension.
The great thing about scooters is the ability to easily bring your goodies with you. This particular Vespa GTS has electronic locks which make it easy to store and access accoutrement, like our trusty Ogio 450 fanny pack. The fuel cap is adjacent to the underseat storage. The GTS runs on unleaded 87-octane fuel with a tank capacity of 2.25 gallons. Electronic fuel injection and electric start make for an easy riding experience.
In addition to the underseat storage compartment another storage compartment sits inside the footwell area. It blends in seamlessly to the forward fairing. It would be nice if the interior was padded, so your stuff won’t get scratched. Inside, a USB power port facilitates device charging. Right now, I do like that but this interior area should be padded. Still, neat that we have copious amounts of storage on this Vespa GTS.
The Vespa GTS is powered by a 278cc single-cylinder water-cooled fuel-injected four-stroke gasoline engine. This scooter benefits from the twist-and-go simplicity of a CVT automatic transmission. The CVT takes the guesswork out of riding. All the rider has to do is twist the right grip. It puts power back to a 12-inch back wheel shod with Michelin City Grip 2 tire.
This single is good for right around 24 hp, says Vespa, with a top speed of right around 77 mph. We didn’t achieve this top speed, but it’s nice to know this vehicle is freeway capable in the United States.
And it's got decent get-up-and-go for getting around town and for getting the jump on automobiles at a stoplight. At idle, we feel some engine vibration through the controls. It’s not off-putting, but you definitely feel the vibration through the controls and the seat. When we start rolling, the vibration just goes away and it’s replaced by real smooth ride quality...
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Photography: The Piaggio Group
Video: @AdamWaheed
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Пікірлер: 190
Not a scooter fan. That said, it fits well in this environment. I couldn't ride in this city as I would be found somewhere in an accident. Too crazy for me. The Vespa appeared to be quite at home. Nice review Adam!
@MotorcyclistMag
Жыл бұрын
Hi William, thanks for your note. We value your comments and love hearing from proven buyers and avid motorcyclists.
@mindspinn311
Жыл бұрын
Scooters are more fun every time you ride them. I miss my 300 GTS best handling scooter ever.
@bedmac2
Жыл бұрын
If you ride and live near/in an urban environment, I think you are missing out! I have a number of motorcycles but for around town a scooter is brilliant. Storage space and bag hooks for those quick trips to the grocery store, all the power you need for city streets. Although the mantra one hears when it comes to riding is "all the gear all the time" realistically for those quick trips a scooter invites a 'just hop on and go' mentality, (though always with a helmet).
@williamwintemberg
Жыл бұрын
@@bedmac2 All good points you make. I have ridden in the City of Philadelphia many times on 2 wheels. That was years ago. Now? At the age of 70, I can barely stand driving a car in there let alone a bike. My wife and I have 4 bikes between us. We try to stay on country roads. A scooter would make sense for short trips to the store but as it stands, we don't have the room for one. Been riding for 50 years. I used to Squid a lot. Now it's always AGAT. Nice talking with you.
@bedmac2
Жыл бұрын
@@williamwintemberg Similar story here: almost 68, started on my Mini-Trail 50 in 1970. (Still have it - best Christmas gift ever!) Got more serious on a Yamaha 400 Special (cruiser) in the 80's, got out of it in the 90s with wife and kids, back into it seriously in the late 00's with Ducatis. From canyons (live near Angeles Crest in CA) to trackdays to touring; got involved in motorcycle racing as a fan and then as a marshal, (in fact seeing how the MotoGP riders always rode around the paddock on their scooters was enlightening). As far as AGAT, that's me most - not all - of the time (AGMT?). I believe the big leap in safety comes from helmets, so I'm always for those, (also it is the law here but wouldn't make a difference in whether I'd wear a helmet). I read some study out of Europe that most of the rest of it - armored pants, jacket, etc - are fairly ineffective at preventing major injuries once crashes occur over a certain speed, (which was quite low, something like 25mph - memory). Focus of study was on street gear/crashes, (I can imagine dirt bike riding presents some different issues WRT gear). Where street riding gear is effective is abrasion resistance...a good reason alone to wear it! Those new inflatable vests are giving me something to ponder. Happy Riding!
Play in 1.25x speed for normal human narration. Ur welcome.
@nickyb6435
Жыл бұрын
True story
@The1860th
Жыл бұрын
My god. So much better!
@itzed
Жыл бұрын
1.5 is a little too fast. It needs 1.36.😂
@ejakeway
Жыл бұрын
Wow that makes a huge difference!
@katherinestiletto
Жыл бұрын
I’m high and experiencing everything in .75x right now so 1.25x evened things out hahaha
Senior graduation party in 1964, a classmate friend offered to let me try out his new Vespa scooter. It was 2-stroke, clutch-twistgrip shift. A wonderfully pleasant experience. I went on to motorcycles, but never forgot how much fun that Vespa was.
The more reviews I see of Vespas, the more I want one!
@pauls8456
Жыл бұрын
That’s Vespas plan by flying all these journos in……;)
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
@@pauls8456 Nice one. Never heard that one before. Ha ha.
@sopheaphuongratanak1072
Жыл бұрын
Get one you won’t regret it it last long and ride amazing
Things I’ve learned about Vespas over the years is they are extremely convenient and those of us with back issues appreciate them more on days that suck. There are quite a few customization parts available also. Pricey but people buy Harley’s because it says Harley and their prices are ridiculous
@jonnycando
Жыл бұрын
It has to be said that you get a far better quality scooter for your money with Vespa than with…pick any number of no name Scooters from countries that we shall not name😂
Riding with high beams is not safer, it is also not legal.
A fabulous review ! Well done and thank you.
Great review, jealous that you get to travel to epic places like that!
It always blows my mind when a nobody makes comments on how an iconic company should design things differently.
Probably best motorcycle review channel. Thank you!
Adam I LOVED your report on the Vespa. I live between NY and SF but I was born in Rome so I loved your report!!! Yes the traffic is crazy and dangerous in Rome - ask me how I know - and now I ride my R1s in the US, country and track!
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
Hi Matthew, thanks for the note. Very nice. Be careful on that YZF-R1S. Great bike. Well done.
Good for the riding in Manhattan The Vespe took the Piagio off the red light? :) Selfie with the Colosseum in the background is obligatory :) (as with the tower of Pisa :)).
Love the turn signals and dash
I own an older Vespa. They’re very practical with a top box and windshield. You get good weather protection and loads of storage. You can accessorize the bejesus out them. Very agile and quite comfortable seat and ride. Also easy to park almost anywhere. Fashionable but expensive.
I had a GTS250 that I really liked. Two problems though: The wheels were too small and literally fell into every pothole, and the seat was relatively uncomfortable on long rides.
@claudiumxg1
Жыл бұрын
Yes, needs 13 inch
I agree… $6000. Is the right price. And even that is high. I don’t mind paying a premium but that would have to be as you mentioned, a flawless paint job, non rattling panels, heated seats, heated grips, wind screen, and a thermo lined storage unit so that my beer doesn’t get hot. Also the stage in the front as you said should be carpeted. $8K !!!! Is ridiculous regardless of the name. They’re like the Harley of scooters
@pauls8456
Ай бұрын
With better resale value……
You should never need to use high beam in a city or during the day!
The chrome on the buttons looks very Cheap and Tacky
@kpete2353
Жыл бұрын
ya they are plastic, so not as good as actual chrome, but they are a good quality plastic at least
@MattMatt77
Жыл бұрын
@@kpete2353 Even if they were "actual chrome" it would still look Tacky then. Now it these looks cheap and Tacky but I know people like you LOVE IT. Because cheap Tacky stuff on bikes sell
Woahhhh I love it
There is also a manual seat release in the glovebox along with the tool kit or used to be a tool kit I didn’t see that in it’s usual spot. Was there still one in it
@andrewpark7242
Жыл бұрын
There is no cubby for the tool kit and sits in the glove box. Manual seat release in the middle to the left but your battery is dead you get get to it anyways.
@bfarm44
Жыл бұрын
@@andrewpark7242guessed they changed that was on last years model
Are the Piaggio group (which includes vespa) making their speedometers in MPH or still offering them in KPH only for the US/UK market?
@hughneek12
Жыл бұрын
@@GRAHAMSTEPHAN22 How do I go about that?
@googleprofile6660
Жыл бұрын
UK is mph
Larger wheels would help handling, stability and braking?
@GIGABACHI
Жыл бұрын
...and it would look horrible too...pick one...or both. I prefer it as is. Get a BV400S if you want big-er wheels.
Dude, you shouldn't ride wasted, it's dangerous
Get flown all the way out to Rome to test a scooter. A wee bit excessive but classy.
@kmb957
Жыл бұрын
That Is why nothing negative is said.
American in Rome what a comedy. 😂😂😂
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Davit. We love the jokes. Gotta enjoy the ride.
@katherinestiletto
Жыл бұрын
Italians weren’t complaining about Americans in Rome in the 1940s ;)
Why dont you use the turn signals?..
Oooohhhh aaahhhhh yeah so good ooooohhhhh!!
Are you going to review the piaggio liberty? That would be great .
You, can.. tell he's, jet. Lagged. Because he, talk, like, this.
Rome is so beautiful.
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
It is a neat ancient city no doubt.
does anyone know what scooter the guy in front is driving?
@thtan5324
Жыл бұрын
It's a Piaggio MP3
Viva Vespa
@GRAHAMSTEPHAN22
Жыл бұрын
👆Special fan and subscribers giveaway 🤗🎁😍 You Have being selected among the winners🙌 send a DM to the above telegram to assume your prize immediately... Congratulation🎊🎉✅
Hi Adam, Why don’t you like keyless? Thx
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
Hi Houseofroos, I don’t prefer keyless, because I like to leave the mechanical key in the ignition of my vehicles. That way I won’t misplace the key. It also annoys me that the keyless mechanism can behave glitchy or run low on battery power. I am old school and just love a good ol’ fashioned mechanical key!
@hughneek12
Жыл бұрын
High security mechanical key is, to me, far more secure than this smart nonsense.
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
@@hughneek12 Yep. I couldn't have said it better. Doesn't matter if it is 2022 or 2124. I want a mechanical key. Facts.
@bfarm44
Жыл бұрын
@@AdamWaheed keys don’t get hacked by miscreant thieves
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
@@bfarm44 Yeah man, I'm on your team. You don't gotta convince me, LoL.
The amount of times you say Rome could be a drinking game
next time get someone who knows scooters to review scooters
@Scale_Slotcars_Latvia
Жыл бұрын
100% agree ,this bloke should stick to bike reviews
I’d imagine you must have drove that guy on the lead scooter mad with annoyance
I can imagine in California this being good on the freeway
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
I don't know about that, lol.
@katherinestiletto
Жыл бұрын
I used to ride my 2019 300 on the highway all the time, it wasn’t bad - you can get them to around 75-80 and if you stay in the right lane you’ll be fine
@eivad1
Жыл бұрын
@@katherinestiletto what about a windshield for the wind?
@katherinestiletto
Жыл бұрын
@@eivad1 they have them, but I never used one, I like the wind. I know lots of people prefer long distance riding with a windshield, but I’m not one of those people
These 300 HPE's have a serious oil consumption problem. SERIOUS. Check forums before buying one of these hilariously overpriced pieces of crap. That or prepare to check the oil level every few hundred kms. You'll have to.
Why aren’t you at EICMA ?
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
IDK? We never go to EICMA.
the chad roman vs the virgin has his lights on during the day
MT 07 $8000 or Vespa $80000?
@Scale_Slotcars_Latvia
Жыл бұрын
Vespa of course!
Hi Adam I just realized your last name is Waheed and I gotta say I’m a big fan, I just smoked some waheed and I’m high af right now 😂
Playback 2x is nice
Now that someone said that this guy on the video is high, that makes more sense why he talks so slowly.
Dood, you on Italian weed??
I have a 21 and came to this review for information. You keep commenting on wanting a carpeted glove box storage yet after the privilege invite to test the new product and ride in the group, you show bad behavior by bragging you like to leave your HIGH beams on. What is wrong with you? That was just plain rude to the group ride leader having to your high intensity high beam glaring in his rear view mirrors. You should have been removed from the ride and sent back to the parking lot. Seriously cannot believe after being asked to turn them off you flip em on.
8K for a scooter?
@charlietipton8502
Жыл бұрын
For a Vespa. You really cannot say it is just a scooter. Just like you cannot say a Harley is just a motorcycle. They are icons.
13:31 I believe no insult will imply the dismay I have for you right now, blinding people just because you are stuck in your ways
Wow why is Adam talking too slow and seemed to repeat a lot of the same thing. I remember watching him do so many reviews. But this one not gonna lie I thought and asked is he intoxicated? Very slow painful review Ive ever seen him do.
Bike😘
@GRAHAMSTEPHAN22
Жыл бұрын
👆Special fan and subscribers giveaway 🤗🎁😍 You Have being selected among the winners🙌 send a DM to the above telegram to assume your prize immediately... Congratulation🎊🎉✅
If you're paying a premium price you should be getting a premium product. Plastic components are not premium.
Rome isn't the birthplace of Christianity... I think that credit goes to Palestine... Jesus was a Middle Eastern man.
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
Fair enough. Sorry for the obvious error.
What kind of drug is he on?
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Adam the best Moto Reviewer !!! :D
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
Thanks man! They can't do it like us!!!!
I'm not a scooter hater, but not the best for where I live. I will stick with my street bike.
Gts350 pls.
I forgot I can’t stand listening to this guy
278, not 287.
too expensive for scooter
It's a leg shield, not a fairing. And you don't ride it with your legs pinned back. Motorcyclists🙄
Someone seems like they had a good time the night before this review. Homie is dull, slow, and routinely just gets words/info wrong.
why would somebody want a smelly bike instead of this beautifull scooter ,if you dont understand you never will ,stick to bike reviews !
USA we are spoiled for cheap everything including drivers licenses. Many places in Europe a license costs $2000. Difficult testing and retesting also. Vehicle insurance much higher also. Maybe scooters you do not need a license. I know in other parts of Europe so many scooters over motorcycles. Mayb cuz of above the $8000 is a bargain vs a $8000 MT07?
@Firestorm637
Жыл бұрын
Some licenses in Europe you must be 24. Crazy regulations on mopeds, scooters, motorcycles, and cars. Again, we are spoiled in the USA. We are so spoiled that we do not even realize it. Education is a real bargain
@vasiliyt8600
Жыл бұрын
@@Firestorm637 That's why driving cars & semi-trucks, riding motorbikes, scooters & bicycles and is way safer in Europe. Getting a vehicle license is a tedious process. It's a real school that you have to go through and takes many months to absolve (theory and practice). You also learn first aid. Vehicle insurance depends on the country and the car/motorbike. In general the lower the ccm & emissions the cheaper the vehicle insurance. Since 2019, you can ride motorbikes up to 125ccm with you car license. You just have to do a CBT test (practice hours & test in the driving school). For the above Vespa you need an A2 license (>18 years, 35kw), you have to be 24 years old or have at least for 2 years experience on an A2 license. The regulations for vehicles in Europe/EU are actually pretty logical and the same for all EU member countries. In contrary with the regulations in USA, where every state has different regulations and road laws.
Decent videos but what's up with his odd pronunciation and delivery. Tough to listen to but I like content. maybe it's the angle but I keep flinching each time he crowds the ride leader.
This guy must of took an edible some time before starting this ride.
@katherinestiletto
Жыл бұрын
It’s cool, I took one 2 hours before I started this video and I’m high af hahaha
@katherinestiletto
Жыл бұрын
I wonder if wasps had motorcycles they’d call them the Italian word for human
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
Nice one. Ha ha ha.
Too much smacking of lips. Otherwise, great review!
Talks like he's loaded. hahaha
@dantownsend4246
Жыл бұрын
Too much vino
You can get a KTM 390 Adv for LESS than this thing and it's better in literally every single way... The price of this only reflects the mark-up for the brand. No way this should be over $6k realistically.
@bfarm44
Жыл бұрын
That’s not why people buy Vespas. It’s not to compare to other bikes price wise.
@jeeves6490
Жыл бұрын
And exactly where do you put your bag and wallet without thought on the KTM? The Vespa is metal bodied and made in Italy, the KTM is made in China from memory. Highly priced and maintaining significant resale value for over 70 years....the KTM not so much. Built for different purposes appealing to different buyers.
@valmir144
Жыл бұрын
@@jeeves6490 Totally agree! In Africa where I am from, now riding a 2022 SuperSport I have a feeling I am getting the same kind of admiration and respect as if I was driving a mid-level SUV
@apaibirides4964
Жыл бұрын
@@jeeves6490 lol ktm is not china
@jeeves6490
Жыл бұрын
@@apaibirides4964 My mistake, KTM 390 is made in India. 790 is made in China.
278cc
1.5 better
Love this dude. But he doesn’t get it 🛵
looks like Vespa stuck with idea.... nothing important improvement, indicator meter back to analog
@charlietipton8502
Жыл бұрын
I have a digital speedometer and instrument panel. I really miss analog.
The most American test what I ever found. 😂
❤️🇵🇰💕❤️💖💕🇵🇰🤲
What’s wrong with this fella?
2 things; that's a big engine for a scooter, I want a ride. Andalusia is the birthplace of Christianity, not Rome
2023 Vespa…Old ass USB port…Vespa, it is easy as shit to switch to USB C and not look like a direct from China product.
You talking to fast, i cant follow you
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
Ha ha ha. Nice one. Yep.
Maybe no bong hits before you start recording?
One NEVER reaches inside another's cockpit to turn off any instrumentation. 🤨
@SgtMajorRedFlag
8 ай бұрын
Doesn’t help that the guy doing this video sounds a little high and insists on blinding the everybody else on the road with his high beam…
You have to do better, please. This is lazy.
Have adam write instead of speak. Great info, just can't listen to it
@mannyechaluce3814
Жыл бұрын
Free country, you have options to mute and use Close Caption
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
@@mannyechaluce3814 Nice one. Tell em’.
@808islandlife_HI
Жыл бұрын
It’s free content from a beautiful city. No one is forcing you to watch or listen.
I’m so high off the Kiva Terra Blueberries that my tongue is tingling and I’m pretty sure I could still ride a Vespa right now hahaha. Also I wonder if wasps had motorcycles they’d name them the Italian word for human. Hahaha that’d be sick
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
Ha ha. Very funny.
Ebike for city use is better.
@katherinestiletto
Жыл бұрын
Spoken truly like someone who doesn’t understand
진행자 약했나?? 왜저래
Meh, You are upselling bike riding, yet you don't use your indicators, bad on you!!!
Get a Japanese more practical scooter instead. 😅
@jacobitosuperstar
Жыл бұрын
Nothing is better than a Vespa.
@akapeegly6463
Жыл бұрын
@@jacobitosuperstar not trying to sound sarcastic, but can u tell me why ppl love them so much? i watch a streamer who defends his vespa with his life and i find it so funny but i never knew why the hype
@jacobitosuperstar
Жыл бұрын
@@akapeegly6463 I will summarize it here. If you drive a 2 stroke motor vespa, the experience is completely different and it's totally worth it. One crazy guy even did the dakar in a vespa in the 80s, when dakar didn't meant expending a gazillion dollars. You have to ride one to understand why the feeling is so different and why people crave it. If you drive a 4 stroke vespa, you do it for the community, and the social clubs and all of that. This premium scooter comes with die hard fans and a really welcoming community, great rally groups, and just great experience... just look at the Ducati events, Porsche, and all that... people love it. With the Yamaha scooters you don't get that. Quality and performance wize, they are solid. Premium product with premium requirements. Nothing new there.
@akapeegly6463
Жыл бұрын
@@jacobitosuperstar oh so its like a grom but for a different audience with a different purpose, not the best specs but the fun factor is what makes them special. i love that, i will be checking out more into the vespa community from now on! seems like such a fun and relaxed community
@jacobitosuperstar
Жыл бұрын
@@akapeegly6463 try to get a 2 stroke one. Those are the real initiators.
Scooter of 300cc enough power vs a 650cc version? Motorcycles vs scooters. Scooters are not sexy. Toyotas are just transportation other vehicles are more exciting. A corvette and Ferrari do the same thing but one pulls on heart strings more. Can scooters pull on heart strings. They are practical and easy to use and ride.
No disrespect, but Jerusalem was the birthplace of Christianity.
Its very hard to listen to the commentators voice. Very un rehearsed or robotic sounding.
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
Thanks man! I did it live!!!!
@pokdengs
Жыл бұрын
You must be deaf
@chonkbadonk
Жыл бұрын
@@AdamWaheed I love your narration Adam! Keep it up man.
@AdamWaheed
Жыл бұрын
@@chonkbadonk Thanks man!!!!!!
@808islandlife_HI
Жыл бұрын
Nothing wrong with shooting from the hip.
Vespas are awful. This magazine still has never reviewed Sym, Lance and Genuine in the last 10 years or ever most likely. Totally ignorant about motorscooters. Vespa is heavy, slow, underperforms, over designed, hard to work on and twice the price of other brands doing everything better. Ive been a dealer for 15 years. Vespa is almost the worst scooter you could buy
is this the most senseless video ever? driving throug Rome "yeah man theeee Colloseum, whoow" listen guys: try again.
Nope , not for that price. Stop smoking grass before reviews