Scooter News Vespa GTS 300 Super Sport A unique version of the GTS 300 gets the Super Sport tag. We take a look at this special Limited Edition Vespa.
Allen Drysdale 
Summary
The Vespa GTS 300 Super Sport is a limited edition model here in Australia. The difference to the standard GTS range being matt grey paint and "super" decals, the Super Sport has a meaningful "I mean business" kind of look going on.
So what is the point of these small limited release model configurations? We take a ride on the wild child of the Vespa pack.
Specifications
So what's different? When talking Super Sport, we have a body that's been sprayed in matt grey with "Super" decals applied. All this makes the Super Sport unique and individual, setting it apart from the rest of the GTS range. Just take a look at the pics, looks good doesn't it?
It's rather like gathering a well known list of credentials when talking GTS 300. The key that makes Vespa "Vespa" is the one piece metal chassis. This provides the structure and support for what is one of the most exciting rides on the planet. It's also very much part of the family genes, for over 60 years Vespa have been building scooters in the same fashion.
The GTS 300 means performance comes first. Up-rated sports suspension, so dual shocks on the rear and a front spring setting that is much firmer than that of the GTS 250. Special black painted rims with polished outers look cool, these combined with the red spring, set the sporty overtones.
The black dashboard suits the appearance well and visualises all the information required apart from offering a trip meter. The switchgear has a nice look and feel, everything where it needs to be, expected really.
You access storage via the electronic push button up-front or you have the added benefit of a manual release in the glovebox. The underseat bucket can be removed, offering access directly to the motor and whilst not deep, the storage area is still more than enough. The glovebox provides enough room for loose change, wallet and phone, though I would like to see the addition of a 12 Volt charger in this area. Extra storage can be available through adding an optional box or by simply using the bag hook that is supplied.
The biggest feature of the GTS 300 remains the engine. A single cylinder, 278 cc, 4 valve, liquid cooled, fuel injected motor that is regarded as the best scooter engine going round. Pumping out a very usable and grunty 16 KW's of power and around 23 Nm of torque. This all helps when the dry weight is just 148 Kg, thus the power to weight is favourable to the the performance side of things.
Mopping up, we also have 12 inch wheels front and rear shod with Michelin rubber. A centre and side stand, white piping on the seat, a black tinted headlight. Brakes are disc front and back, 220 mm all-round.
On the Road
What I love about the GTS 300 is the performance under 100 km/h, and things are no different on the Super Sport edition. Off the line the GTS is as quick as anything on the market regardless of capacity, and this hasn't happened by mistake. The engineers have manipulated the transmission to hone in on the 0-100 km/h area which they seem to have nailed. The engine combines with the transmission beautifully with an abundance of grunt available from the get go.
Above 100 km/h things slow down and the GTS 300 runs out of puff around 120 km/h. A screen would increase top speed if required, though for me, the GTS 300 Super Sport is all about carving up the city streets, not Highway One. The GTS can be easily rolled around when stationary, getting the Vespa on and off the centre stand is a breeze.
The suspension is focused on the sports side of things, hard edged, it can be a little jumpy. I do see this as part the character and something that comes with the territory. The small chassis feels nimble and cornering is just a thought away. One of the joys of riding the GTS is being on the gas, the GTS twitching, and you with a massive grin from ear to ear.
Riding a GTS 300 is like riding no other scooter on the market. The ride itself becomes part of the Vespa obsession, take away the history, the charming looks, and you still have a scooter that provides maximum entertainment. The GTS brakes hard and I find myself using the rear more often than the front. It's aggressive and remains the better option for steadying the GTS through corners.
The riding position is committed and with a long flat seat you can place yourself where you like, up or back from the bars, the choice is yours. Doubling can be a little tight given the position of the flip out footpegs for the passenger.
Helping on the day to day front is a service schedule that fits in well with regular commuting kilometres. Services are performed every 6000 km's and high mileage Vespa's are a just part and parcel of this models ability. Have seen many a GTS with over 50000 km's on the clock.
Conclusion
The pleasure behind riding a scooter like the GTS 300 is the combination of performance, handling and style. Quality also comes into the equation as Italian built machines arguably offer higher levels over others built elsewhere. Not forgetting that when parked, we also have a machine that has some kind of appeal, a machine that conjures up a slice of history.
We love the GTS 300 range here at Scootersales, the Super Sport model, as seen here, just adds another point of difference, another flavour. With these limited production run models you get the chance to personalise your choice, get something a little different from the norm.
Ands that's what the GTS 300 Super Sport is, different. The look grew on me significantly over time, with the clincher being when I started flicking through the series of photos that accompany this review. Just sensational, with the look changing dependent on the light levels at the time.
However you dress it up, the GTS 300 is still the king of the CBD. A scooter that provides that little bit extra, especially in both look and feel.
The Limited GTS 300 Super Sport, price is $8990 plus on roads, the standard GTS 300 Super being less $500 currently at $8490 plus.
See www.vespa.com.au to find your local dealer.
The ScooterMan Says,
Super to look at, Super to ride. Super fast out of the blocks, fantastic torque, will beat just about anything off the lights, excellent suspension and brakes. This scooter just loves to filter, just to get to the front of the queue because this is where it really struts its stuff. Eats big hills for breakfast, (110 and accelerating up Mt Ousley!) Quite capable of touring, but its really built for the urban landscape where it is king. One of the best scooters on the market.
published 11/05/2011 |