Scooter Review Vespa GTV 250 i.e. It really is back to the future with the GTV 250 i.e. We take a quick blast on the past.
Allen Drysdale Knock Knock at the front door ..... You waiting on a GTV 250 from Melbourne - You bet I said to the delivery guy, I was really anticipating this delivery. The GTV/GTS has always been a favourite of mine, it just screams modern day Vespa classic. Watching it roll off the back of the delivery truck for the first time that feeling of nostalgia come over me again - I'm about to really enjoy this.
Not much gets written about the poor GTV 250 these days. Since the introduction, it has mainly taken a passive back seat to the hard charging GTS 250 and 300 models. But it shouldn't be discounted as this "60 year old Vespa" is as much about the show as it is about the go.
60 years old you ask? Yep the GTV 250 came about as the everyday model that was the GT 60. A limited edition Vespa made to replicate and celebrate the brands 60 year history. The headlight on the front guard, the exposed handlebar set up and the 2 piece split seat are all key features giving the GTV a truly unique appearance. These features make the GTV a true modern classic in every sense, one that everyday takes you back to the glory days of scootering, the days where it all began.
And that's the beauty of the GTV 250 (which could be said for any Vespa model really), whilst its stationary and hasn't even turned a wheel, you instantly have a rich sense of history come over you that only the Vespa brand can muster.
Flick the starter and the history lesson becomes a little foggy. As my favourite quasar fuel injected engine sparks to life, its clearly back to the future as I twist the throttle and get propelled forward in a way that leaves the past behind. Power is fluid, meaty and consistent, and for around town there is no better, maybe the new 278 cc version, but seriously this engine family is better then anything else on the market.
 
The riding position may not be open to all though as people with longer legs may find the fit a little tight (and if you do the GTS 250/300 is for you). The rear passenger gets a separate saddle and their own footpegs, and if your wondering why the cost of a GTV is a little higher then other vespa models then just look at that hand stitched leather two piece seat. Try and buy it separately and suddenly the GTV looks like good value.
Storage under the "remote opened" seat is regular GTS territory and there is ample room for the majority of situations, yet like all GT's its just lacking a little in depth. The chrome rack at the rear can be folded down and used to strap anything extra to it, or if this isn't enough then a colour matched top box option is available. Bag hooks, helmet hooks and glovebox all give you additional storage options if required.
Handling on the road is sharp yet compliant and the GTV does well to balance the relatively small wheels with the substantial power of the 250 cc engine. Couple this with the upright riding position and you sure do have a superior feel on the road, you certainly wont lack confidence. The small screen at the front does little to deflect wind off the rider and if high speed riding is the norm then go a larger optional screen.
So the GTV 250 really is the best of both worlds. A direct descendant of yesteryear with the performance you'd expect from the present day. Wether its a fast blast or a Sunday cruise the GTV 250 has it all covered. It even has the whole park and "look at me" thing down to a fine art.
It really is back to the future for this Vespa.
 
 
published 21/12/2009 |