Scooter Review VESPA Granturismo 200 The new Vespa Granturismo 200 represents a huge step for the company and a huge job for the design department. Good thing they got it right
- One of the problems about having the iconic scooter is how to update it without alienating all of your long-standing customers – and without risking losing that status as an icon. Vespa has managed it twice in the past decade.
 Firstly when it released the new ET range, including a four-stroke for the first time, in 1996. Secondly, with the new GT200, a liquid- cooled four-stroke. Back in 1996, the ET was a big step, but there was still the venerable PX range of traditional two-stroke, geared scooters to appease the true believers. Today, the PX range is being phased out and the GT has to stand on its own two wheels.
 Which it does, because it’s brilliant. Combining the traditional virtues of the Vespa – the steel body, the iconic shape, the ease of use – with an up-to-the-minute engine which meets the stringent emissions controls which have finally killed off the PX. But it wasn’t easy. To maintain the Vespa silhouette, while enlarging the wheel size and fitting the new engine, meant scaling everything up and the GT is noticeably larger then the ET4 when parked side by side. On its own, however, the GT just looks right – which gives you an idea of how well the task has been achieved. In addition, a radiator has been shoe-horned behind the front bodywork, yet there is till room for a glove-box. Neat!
 Not so neat is the 10-litre fuel-tank which does give good range, admittedly, but which limits under-seat storage space a bit. Fullface helmets won’t fit, but there are two helmet hooks to accommodate them. An upside is that the storage bin under the seat simply lifts out to give access to the engine for servicing. There is also an accessory windscreen and top-box available.
The engine performance of the GT is exemplary and the handling is sure-footed and confidence inspiring. In short, the GT allows you to take scootering beyond the outskirts of the city, while maintaining that Vespa je ne sais quois...
As published in TW SCOOTER MAGAZINE - 27/10/2003
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