The new Euro4 Vespa GTS 300 has just landed at UK Piaggio dealers (pictured here at MSC). The new model comes in two new colours, metallic green and beige. Without a doubt the green will be next years best seller (out of the two), it looks fantastic in real life but what other differences can you spot?
Spot the difference
Other than the colour you’ll have to look hard to find what changes have been made so don’t get too excited but one of the major revisions is the front suspension which has gone back to the original design. The reasons for this are unclear but maybe it’s to do partially with the clunkiness I mentioned when going over bumps/riding off a dropped pavement in our recent GTS buyers guide.
Instruments
The clock surround has also been redesigned and is an improvement on the green version, although it’s not quite as pretty on the beige model.
Headset top
Although not instantly obvious, the headset top has been redesigned. The shape is slightly more angular and the removable pods for the master cylinders are moulded in now and have sight holes for you to check the levels. Topping up the master cylinders means taking the headset top off. Not that most owners will ever need to.
The horncast and rear light have also had some minor aesthetic changes. As has the fabric/finish on the seats (different on both new colours).
Sidestand
One improvement many owners will be happy about is the improved side stand, this one doesn’t retract as soon as the weight is taken off it and it also has a cut out switch. Great news.
Remote control
The Euro4 model comes with a separate remote to unlock the seat, it also opens the glovebox and it has a scooter finder button. You can no longer access the toolbox by pushing the ignition switch in with the ignition unlocked.
Another surprise is that after 70 years Vespa have done away with the tool kit (the seat rain cover vanished earlier this year).
Engine
We’ll have all the tech spec and details direct from Sticky at the Piaggio press conference at EICMA in Milan later today but physically it looks unchanged but obviously has to meet Euro4 regulations and we’re told the engine will make 5% less power than the old model. This won’t go down well with current owners. The 125cc GTS gets the iGet engine, which has service intervals at 10,000km and is very economical, it also features stop/start. Will the 300 have a similar service schedule?
Prices
We revealed the new prices for the Piaggio models on ScooterLab last month but the GTS 300 Euro4 will cost you £5299, that’s £326 more than the Euro3 model….
The new Euro4 Vespa GTS 300 has just landed at UK Piaggio dealers (pictured here at MSC). The new model comes in two new colours, metallic green and beige. Without a doubt the green will be next years best seller (out of the two), it looks fantastic in real life but what other differences can you spot?
Spot the difference
Other than the colour you’ll have to look hard to find what changes have been made so don’t get too excited but one of the major revisions is the front suspension which has gone back to the original design. The reasons for this are unclear but maybe it’s to do partially with the clunkiness I mentioned when going over bumps/riding off a dropped pavement in our recent GTS buyers guide.
Instruments
The clock surround has also been redesigned and is an improvement on the green version, although it’s not quite as pretty on the beige model.
Headset top
Although not instantly obvious, the headset top has been redesigned. The shape is slightly more angular and the removable pods for the master cylinders are moulded in now and have sight holes for you to check the levels. Topping up the master cylinders means taking the headset top off. Not that most owners will ever need to.
The horncast and rear light have also had some minor aesthetic changes. As has the fabric/finish on the seats (different on both new colours).
Sidestand
One improvement many owners will be happy about is the improved side stand, this one doesn’t retract as soon as the weight is taken off it and it also has a cut out switch. Great news.
Remote control
The Euro4 model comes with a separate remote to unlock the seat, it also opens the glovebox and it has a scooter finder button. You can no longer access the toolbox by pushing the ignition switch in with the ignition unlocked.
Another surprise is that after 70 years Vespa have done away with the tool kit (the seat rain cover vanished earlier this year).
Engine
We’ll have all the tech spec and details direct from Sticky at the Piaggio press conference at EICMA in Milan later today but physically it looks unchanged but obviously has to meet Euro4 regulations and we’re told the engine will make 5% less power than the old model. This won’t go down well with current owners. The 125cc GTS gets the iGet engine, which has service intervals at 10,000km and is very economical, it also features stop/start. Will the 300 have a similar service schedule?
Prices
We revealed the new prices for the Piaggio models on ScooterLab last month but the GTS 300 Euro4 will cost you £5299, that’s £326 more than the Euro3 model….
A real shame I hoped Vespa would see the impact scomadi is making and make a radical upgrade to the GTS all they have done is tinkered with it, made it slower and they are going to charge you more for that ….. a bloody joke
Oh yes….£5300! When I bought a brand new GTS 250 in 2005 it was just £3200. What is that…60% increase? Give or take. In 11 years has my salary gone up by such a gross percentage? I think not. Does the mere extra 28cc and the uneccessary EU bollocks electrickery warrant this ridiculous price? I think not.
For another 2k I will buy a Moto Guzzi V7 or a Triumph Bonneville. I will NEVER buy another Vespa again, particularly as many Piaggio dealers are so poor in aftersales care.
My last, current Vespa GTS 300 is poorly put together, with the shit Cosa style folded seam welds at the front merely spot welded so that rust eats its way from the inside out and the crappy ECU light goes on all the time due to (according to my bsing Piaggio dealer) “bad fuel”.
What…from every gas station? Now they have reverted to the old style forks…,does that mean they will recall the pivot types on existing models and accept any premature failures as a warrantable job? Letting the public take the hit on their randd shortcomings perhaps?
Corradino D’Ascanio will be spinning in his grave at what
a rich persons lifestyle accessory his wonderful machine of the people has become. Feck you all Eurotwats. BAH!
Wow well done SLUK another piece of positive journalism!
How about well done Vespa for trying to keep things fresh under the pressure of meeting all the new euro 4 criteria. Which may I add your favourite (Scomadi) will have to and will set the same challenges in keeping the price down I am sure.
May all us Brexit voters remember Vespa are based in Italy, and with the pound falling against the euro, will inevitably lead to increases in cost to us the customer.
Looks a great bike in my opinion I can’t wait to get my hands on one of the new green ones!
It seems SLUK hate the GTS!!
I bet MSC were happy to have their name attached to this pile of crap journalism.
Far from it Dave, I love my 2015 model and have ridden it to Croatia and back, as well as St Tropez via Spain. They’re a fantastic tool, great looking and good at munching the miles. We tell it how it is and if you ask on the GTS Owners site if they’re excited by a new slower GTS I’m sure they’ll tell you what they really wanted.
The green is lovely up close though and the tweaks are all improvements (not sure about reverting to the old suspension design though). The Scomadi isn’t without its problems as you’ll see if you read Bill Mac’s latest piece about his this week.
Iggy, I agree with your comments. I’ve noted you are a keen fan from your reviews and one or two of your Youtube videos in which you throw your own GTS300 about a bit down a country road or two. Very good! In fact, I’m so impressed that I’m just pulling the trigger on buying a brand new GTS 300 Settantismo. Thanks for your insight into the GTS range, very helpful.
I’m a big fan of the GTS, it may not be perfect (but what is?) but is a good all-rounder, great fun and as you say, it can be chucked about a bit.