Vespa Australia is looking to build on the sales success of its GTS250ie model by adding a complementary model, the GTS300 SUPER. According to Vespa’s head honcho, Simon Gloyne, its launch – three years after the introduction of the 250 – will offer an option for buyers looking for more performance. So the 300 (actually 278cc) now inherits the “biggest engine in the Vespa range” label.

THE STYLE THING

A number of styling changes identify the new model. There’s a sharper looking horn panel up front, a single chrome rail at the rear to replace the rack and black wheels with polished edges. Other items that add a retro flavour are a black seat trimmed with white piping and nice set of engine-compartment louvres on the right-hand side. The instrument display has changed from digital to analogue.

As a reference let’s check the specs for the 250. The Quasar four-stroke, port-injected engine displaces 244cc from bore/stroke dimensions of 72/60mm. For the similarly designed 300 the displacement is 278cc from bore/stroke figures of 75/63mm. It’s the comparative power/torque characteristics that get interesting. The bigger engine makes about 10 per cent more torque (2.27kg-m), but perhaps more significantly, produces it 1500rpm lower. The lower rpm theme continues in regard to max power. Here the 300 produces the same as the 250 (15.8kW or 21hp) but does the trick at 7500rpm instead of at the 250’s 8250rpm. So Vespa’s engineers weren’t aiming for better top end performance; they were chasing a better launch from the lights and stronger acceleration.

Before we leave the engine I’ll touch on the Vespa’s brilliant accessibility. Turn the key in the ignition to unlock the seat, which lifts up to reveal your moulded luggage bin. Lift up the bin and you’re in the engine room – too easy.

RIDING IT

With merely a 34cc boost, I wasn’t expecting a big difference when I rode the scoot during its Sydney launch. What did emerge was a difference in the character and feel of the model’s performance. Being more productive at lower rpm, the 300 feels stronger off the line. The centrifugal clutch seems to bite earlier and the little mill pulls a bit harder as soon as it takes up the drive. Also the transition from initial launch to speed building is even smoother, before it pushes in a linear fashion right up to top whack. It’s quite a lively machine that never leaves you feeling vulnerable in traffic, as there’s always enough mumbo on tap to spirit you out of harm’s way.

The abilities of suspension and brakes were well tested during rain-sodden backstreet dashes around Balmain. All manner of broken surfaces and strange cambers were tackled. The little machines retained their composure and their grip during this urban challenge. With the rear preload cranked up two notches, it behaved as if it were tailor-made for my weight, and it felt very sure-footed. The brakes are nice too; they’re strong enough without the level of initial bite that might intimidate a novice.

Our circuitous route through Sydney’s southern coastal suburbs presented us with tight bends, some steep climbs, rain and gusting winds. The surfaces were very varied and there was plenty of traffic, too, for good measure. It was a good test of the ability of the new scoot in its intended setting – the inner suburbs of the big city.

THE VERDICT

This is a well finished and capable machine that lives up to the high expectations associated with the Vespa brand. It handled the test ride challenges with ease.

The GTS250ie is a fine performer, so each buyer will have to decide whether the higher price tag (currently a $1000 premium) for the extra performance of the 300 version is good value. For me, it would be. n

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Specifications

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

Engine type: Liquid-cooled, 278cc, port-injected, four-stroke single-cylinder

Transmission type: CVT

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR

Chassis: Welded, reinforced sheet metal

Front suspension: Single-sided with non-adjustable dual-chamber damper and coaxial spring

Rear suspension: Twin coil-over shockers, adjustable for preload

Brakes: Single 220mm discs front and rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES

Dry weight: 148kg

Seat height: 790mm

Fuel capacity: 9 litres

PERFORMANCE

Max power: 15.8kW (21hp) at 7500rpm

Max torque: 2.27kg-m at 5000rpm

OTHER STUFF

Price: $8990 plus ORC

Test bike: Vespa Australia

Warranty: 24 months/unlimited kilometres