The Blend of Classic Design and Modern Technology : 2023 Vespa GTS 300

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#motorcycle #vespa #scooter

Vespa is one of “iconic” motorized transport and has had the foresight to retain its ties to the machines that first turned the world’s eyes. The 2023 Vespa GTS 300 has a profile that is immediately recognizable as an heir to the Italian name.

For the 2023 model year, Vespa’s focus was on refinement – with a dash of technology thrown in for flavor. A selection of comfort and safety features along with some tasty technological added to this well-appointed classic.

The 2023 GTS 300 is the largest wasp in Vespa’s nest and flexing quite a few updates. The elegant step-through unibody design borders on national pride for passionate Pontedera staffers, who chiseled slightly sharper edges into its iconic curves. A new tie, mudguard, mirrors, crest, redesigned five-spoke wheels, and all-around LED lighting top the aesthetic lists without straying from well-guarded traditions. The sole member of the Granturismo Sport family set to grace American shores.

There are four versions of the GTS 300, but they are all mechanically the same. The base GTS, the GTS Super, and the GTS SuperSport are identical functionally, with colors and accessories being the sole difference. The GTS SuperTech distinguishes itself with a 4.3-in. TFT display, which can take advantage of the Vespa MIA app and its smartphone connections. Unfortunately, the TFT looks out of place in the dashboard when compared to the standard sweep speedometer and stylish LCD screen below it. Unless you really need complete phone integration, the traditional instruments are a much better source of the information you need around town, since the SuperSport has limited MIA functionality (which is optional on the two lower models).

Powering the GTS 300 is a 278cc single-cylinder four-stroke mill with plenty of city-going gumption, a claimed 24 horsepower to 19 ft-lbs of torque, which nets roughly 75 mph on the speedometer when dicing it up with colleagues. Whacking it wide open from a standstill is enough to feel a smidge of CVT belt slippage. Of course, a Vespa can quickly flap its wings in the tightknit urban environment, but the Vespone (which means “big one”) has enough puff to maintain a handy pace in the countryside and sip only what appears to be thimblefuls of its 2.2-gallon fuel tank.

Tech and refinement are on the agenda this year, starting with a new analog/LCD dash and the full-color TFT display exclusive to the GTS 300 SuperTech trim. The TFT display unlocks the true potential of the Vespa MIA app, including navigation, though purists might feel the traditional speedo is a better fit. Keyless ignition also opens the glovebox and under-seat storage. Also, there’s a bike-finder feature—handy when it seems every other scooter in Italy is a Vespa.

Saddling up on the narrowed seat is where things are seen and felt. A wider handlebar recalls Vespas of old with chromed plastic switchgear covers, though metal would please the senses and be up to snuff with the whole ensemble. Once cobbled together from a post-war aviation parts bin, the brand’s quintessential trailing-link front suspension now features a stability-enhancing pull rod.

Returning to the fold are standard safety features of ABS and traction control, marketed as ASR by the Italian firm. Since a good portion of its 347 pounds is distributed over the back end, Grabbing a handful of the binders isn’t met with sharp intrusion or bite, with single-piston Nissin and ByBre calipers doing their work when you give the levers a yank.

The GTS 300 ($7799), GTS 300 Super ($7999), GTS 300 SuperSport ($8099), and GTS 300 SuperTech ($8499). They’re all nearly identical, differentiated only by visual tweaks. The SuperTech does ascend to the top of the range with its full-color TFT display, plus a carpeted storage compartment with an interior LED light.