Vastly Improved

Vespa, the legendary Italian scooter manufacturer, has updated its flagship 300 with improved brakes and suspension, new technology, including keyless ignition, and classical yet practical styling

- Adam Child 'Chad'

BACK IN 2003 VESPA LAUNCHED THE G125 and 200, then in 2005 came the GTS 250, followed in 2016 by a 300-cc GTS. Three years ago came the introduction of the 23.8-hp HPE engine, making the larger GTS model the most powerful standard Vespa ever produced. The 21st century really has seen the Italian marque's iconic scooters grow ever bigger and faster.

For 2023, Vespa have taken a slightly different turn and enhanced the style, safety, comfort, suspension, and brakes of their flagship GTS, while giving it an injection of new technology too.

There are now four models to choose from the base GTS, plus the Super (on test), Super Sport, and Super Tech-and, while the spec and style of each scoot are different, all feature the same proven chassis and HPE engine.

Vespa have settled with a classical design on the standard GTS and Super, while opting for a slightly more modern take with the Super Sport and Super Tech. All four machines boast of an improved quality of finish, attractive new switchgear, new LED lights, and neater fittings.

Vespa have also come up with a new dash and introduced a keyless system that operates both the ignition switch and the seat lock.

Comfort has been improved with a new seat, which also allows shorter rides to feel more secure, despite the new bikes having the same 790-millimetre seat height as before.

The customary pressed-sheet steel frame remains, but now the singlesided front suspension has been updated for better stability and comfort.

Braking has improved with new calipers, Brembo master cylinders, and re-positioned levers. The Bosch ABS has also been refined.

Any Vespa update is big news for scooter connoisseurs and these new models represent a significant step for Vespa and its parent company Piaggio. So, we grabbed the keyless fob to the classiclooking GTS Super and headed out into historical Rome for the day.

Where better to test the new Italian-built Vespa?