GT / GTS

VESPA GT / GTS SERIES

Vespa’s Grandtourismo (GT) scooters first came to North America for 2004 in the form of the GT200. This scooter was the first modern ‘large frame’ Vespa. This scooter featured new styling that was quite popular and was the inspiration for the 2006 LX series from Vespa. While the styling of these scooters is similar, the GT is noticeably larger in real life with a wider and more aggressively looking rear end. Vespa equipped this large frame scooter with bigger 12” wheels, dual rear shocks and a disc brake in the front and rear. This makes this scooter a safer and more capable ride at higher speeds.

In the engine compartment, the first Grandtourismo (GT200) uses an enlarged version of Vespa’s LEADER engine, which is also found the 150cc ET and LX scooters. This engine was enlarged from 150cc to 200cc and Vespa added liquid cooling which is a welcome addition.

After 2 years, Vespa made some revisions to the Grandtourismo including a styling update and a new 244cc QUASAR engine. Stylewise, the 2006 Vespa GT250 got a chrome doo-dad on the front fender, a new rear rack and an altered seat. The GTS 250 is shown above in red and the GT 200 is shown at left in silver. Click on the pictures to enlarge them. With the increase in engine size came a name change to the GTS 250 (Grandtourismo Super 250cc). This new engine had fuel injection and 4-valves, both a first for Vespa. This QUASAR engine is an awesome modern motor that provides a powerful 22hp. This motor can propel the GTS 250 to a claimed 76mph (122km/hr) which makes this scooter fully capable of highway travel.

For 2009, Vespa bumped their QUASAR motor by 34cc’s to 278cc’s, making it the largest motor ever offered by Vespa. This extra power should be welcome boost for passing at highway speeds. Besides the larger motor, the largest Vespa also received an updated name. This largeframe Vespa is now called the GTS 300 Super. To me, it seems silly that Vespa is throwing the word ‘super’ in there twice but I guess they are really trying to make a point. GTS stands for ‘Grandtourismo Super’, so fully spelled out the name of this scooter is the ‘Grandtourismo Super 300 Super’. Other tweaks for 2009 include stylish two-tone rims, a red front suspension spring and updated grills on the sides of the legshield. The GTS 300 Super is available in black and white for 2009.

Besides the powerful motor, Vespa’s Grandtourismo scooters offer other attractive features. These scooters have awesome storage capacity including a glovebox and a huge storage space under the

seat. In this underseat storage you have enough storage to hold both a full face helmet and a half lid helmet (as shown). This storage area would be incredibly useful for all sorts of uses like picking up some groceries or tossing your laptop in here.

These Vespa’s also feature the same microchip theft deterrent system present in all modern Vespa’s. A rear rack is also standard which folds down to hold more of your stuff. Another neat touch is the passenger pegs which collapse to fit flush into the body work. The design of this scooter is absolutely top notch. No matter where you look you are going to see beautiful design work.

For 2006 Vespa also released the GTV, which is the 60th anniversary edition of the GTS 250. For an $800 you get retro instrumentation, a small windscreen, chrome handlebars, a fender mounted headlight and a gorgeous split leather seat. I leave it to you to decide whether these style touches are worth an extra $800. I suspect that only Vespa fanatics will find the GTV compelling so I applaud Vespa for caring enough to cater to these enthusiasts.

Pros:
* Highway capable
* Brilliant design touches
* Vespa quality and name
* Styling
* Storage capacity

Cons:
* Expensive

Links:
MotorscooterGuide Forums - Visit the forum on this site to chat about this scoot.
Modern Vespa Forums - Lots of knowledgeable Vespa owners here.

Key Specs (GTS 250):
* Engine: 244cc single cylinder, four-stroke, SOHC four-valve, fuel injected, liquid cooled
* Bore & Stroke: 72mm x 60mm
* Power: 22 hp at 8,250 rpm, 20.2 Nm torque at 6,500 rpm
* Top Speed: 76 mph
* Fuel Capacity: 2.4 gallons (9 litres)
* Milage: 65 mpg
* Ignition: Electronic (with inductive discharge, variable spark advance and three-dimensional mapping)
* Chassis: Load-bearing sheet steel chassis with welded structural supports
* Front Suspension: Single-sided trailing arm with dual chamber hydraulic shock absorber with coaxial spring
* Rear Suspension: Helical spring with adjustable four-position pre-load and dual effect hydraulic shock absorbers
* Brakes: 220 mm disc (front and rear)
* Tires: 120 / 70-12" (front), 130 / 70-12" (rear)
* Length: 76.4" (1941 mm)
* Width: 29.7" (755 mm)
* Wheelbase: 54.9" (1394 mm)
* Seat Height: 31.1" (790 mm)
* Dry Weight: 326 lbs (148 kg)
* Colors: Dragon Red, Cortina Gray, Midnight Blue, Shiny Black