2023 Vespa GTS300 Review

Although the word “iconic” is tossed around in marketing materials far too frequently, very few means of motorized transport find themselves deserving of the term. Vespa is one of those marques. Much like Xerox was, at one point, what all means of photocopying were called, there was an era in which all scooters were generically referred to as Vespas. While the market has advanced beyond that point, Vespa has had the foresight to retain its ties to the machines that first turned the world's eyes. Case-in-point, the 2023 Vespa GTS 300 has a profile that is immediately recognizable as an heir to the Italian name.
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Established in 1994, Motorcycle.com is the premier online resource for motorcycle and scooter enthusiasts. With hundreds of high quality, detailed video reviews on bikes from Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and just about everybody else, it's the best place to go to learn about the latest and greatest two-wheeled creations. There's simply no better resource if you're planning on buying or if you just want to check out some awesome machines.

[@IceAge20017]

I'm a 6'6 400lb guy living in the United States and this thing actually fits me quite well. I might look a little silly, but I make a Harley Davidson fat boy look small. I can get it up to about 75mph wide open on a flat highway. This thing is really a joy to ride. It's more than enough for cruising around town, but it also has enough power to comfortably go on the highway. I was very hesitant to buy one because of the price (nearly $10,000 after taxes and fees) but I'm glad I did. This bike complements you, instead of feeling like a piece of iron with wheels. Also I big plus that I never see mentioned is it is designed in a way to be easily repaired and maintained. Replacing a clutch on this thing only takes 15 minutes. Compare that to 2+ hours on a harley. PS: To everyone saying "It dOesNt HaVe a ClutCh!" You are wrong. All cvt transmissions have a centrifugal clutch.

[@FactsandReelsForall]

U need to lose weight man. 400 lbs is not good. Reduce atleast 100 lbs

[@1968Beetle]

I am glad I just found this video! Tomorrow I was going to trade in my 2012 Vespa GTS Super for a Royal Enfield and have a new debt of about $4-$5K depending on how the negotiating goes. After watching this video just now I am cancelling it and not going there for the demo ride tomorrow. I will end up signing the papers and losing what has been a very reliable extra means of transportation. An emergency escape vehicle that can go where motorcycles can't (except dirt bikes). It might be a scooter instead of a motorcycle but with the front and rear racks as well as the under seat storage and the hook by the leg area for grocery bags I can go to the store and fit everything I need on it. It goes 90MPH on 12 inch wheels. I'm keeping it and not taking on anymore debt. Thanks! Great convincing video. Let them call me PeeWee Herman all they want. They don't know what they are missing. It is nimble like a minnow and the legs and chest are always safe from road debris. Plus, if I get a motorcycle people won't be taking pictures of me when I ride it as fast as the other cars on the interstate like Luigi from Milano.

[@stimsonromano2258]

You did great, thanks for sharing from Australia

[@invisi-bill]

I've had a Vespa GTS 300 for 10 years now. It's still a blast to drive and super dependable too. It's not just a city "scooter" either. Used it on 90 mile commutes to London, holding it at 80mph on the motorways with no problems. My only complaint is some rust on the underside, behind the front wheel after 10 years. I'm tempted to trade up for a new one.

[@moguerlain7158]

I think scooters like cars the estimate is based on the mileage not the year of purchase

[@nothingbutthisthatandtheother]

80 mph lol kids play. Try 130 mph hahahaha on my 64 GS 150 Mk2 converted to electric real power enough to take pink slips from cars and motorcycles lol

[@alexy7354]

awesome review!!

[@davidmulhall.8711]

Brilliant and old 'Mod' fan here ■□■□■ fañ here it's far better 😀 than electric bicycle and I'm a cyclist too . 🚲 You can take on traffic ... Pass out swiftly 🎉 and have no worry what's so ever of car 🚗 skimming u by the side to overtake 😮😮 it happens!! "Vespa" class looking machine like the review. ❤ Simple and to the point, on those who are new to this....transport. beautiful in summer especially. Luv the technical specification thing's have really moved a long way since 2023 ... it's a dream 4 Me someday on a purchase ✨️ but we'll worth the wait

[@Designer_Opine]

Have a ‘18 gts super sport. Seriously looking to upgrade to this new engine package and now with the new suspension and Brembo brake system.

[@aminjan56]

to the point review! 🫶🏽

[@FrankDux-rq7go]

RIP Evans. I've been watching you for ten years on youtube.

[@MrAndrew1953]

An uncle of mine had one when he was a student. Very practical,nifty,fuel efficient bikes. Suspension is now up there with the best. I’d still favour one over an E-bike.

[@jfess1911]

But then you couldn't sanctimoniously convince others that you were going out to get some exercise when you really just want to scoot along.😀

[@MrAndrew1953]

@@jfess1911 Let others delude themselves as they wish. I’m more interested in the charm and character of the legendary Vespa.

[@podunkman2709]

How about not. Small wheels (dangerous), no space for even single ordinary helmet, low quality (like rust eats it very quickly).

[@WWUS]

Thanks, nice video

[@danielaramburo7648]

Italian motorcycle for my when I carry my Italian Berreta 92.

[@dutahariandy9375]

How much the price and where dealer.

[@bjarnemartens]

Just love my Vespa GTS 300. I just sold my “real” motorcycle because I never used it 😊

[@jimbobaggans1564]

That's the problem. The motorcycle sits and I keep reaching for the scooter. The scooters are just too easy. It spoils a person.

[@EmreDonmez-ex7fb]

Same here. I sold my new nc750x. And ordered a gts300

[@abdiyusuf8561]

​@EmreDonmez-ex7fb what about the yamaha xmax

[@MrHugawa]

living in a small town on the east coast of Canada, it may not be the most practical, but if I lived in a busy city, I would have one in a heart beat. I have not met anyone who ridden one of these or any moped for that matter, and did not enjoy it.

[@mtrotter325]

I live in a downtown area so have a smaller vespa as I work from home. I thoroughly enjoy mine. I may change jobs that require highway travel to an office so considering a 300 super.

[@camaleon18]

shouldn’t it be the other way around?

[@chardelraconner7324]

that palm trot to one of the guys out must got y'all on that chit

[@sudhirseansista655]

Like it, thank you!

[@engjoo]

Good to see improvement on the suspension but I am turned off by the overly large chrome garnish around the left right control buttons on both ends.

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

Agree that's really cheap and stands out a mile, just like the "chrome" display surround on Royal Enfield's classics. It's really annoying, l mean what have they saved, £10? When you'd happily pay £100 for brushed aluminium.

[@mikephillips950]

Agree also , I would spray them .

[@Eduardo291270]

Dear Friend, I saw your review, very interesting. I would like to ask you a question. I have a Primavera 150 year 2017, and I am with the intention of changing it for a GTS 300. I was already decided to buy a green GTS300 Racing sixties, since I really like the design.(Not the rims color) But...I found out from the local dealer... That in my country, the new Vespa GTS300 (that were in the USA in 2022) arrive in next month (July). The new Vespa models will be approximately US$1000 more than the previous ones. (Both 0 km) So when I found out that the new model was coming, keyless, with a new front shock absorber, and some other aesthetic thing, I would like to ask you: Is there a really considerable difference to wait for it, or if I like the Racing sixties, isn't there a change so important as to pay those U$1000 of difference? What would be your suggestion? Does anyone else who has used both justify waiting and paying the difference? Excuse my English and thank you very much in advance

[@Marley417]

I wanna buy my first Vespa and thinking about the gts 300 , would that be a good beginner bike ? Also do you think a 107lb person would be able to hold it up/balance?

[@StuninRub]

If you have the money, it is very rideable.

[@michaelhleck5314]

It's extremely easy to ride. Always buy a bike you feel you can physically move and handle. You will have to manually hold up and wheel the 300 around at times. Sometimes it gets slippery and you have to hold up the bike and keep it from falling down. Not a problem if you don't care about banging up the rear cowl.... Which will eventually happen. It's not the heaviest bike but it's a lot heavier than little rinky-dink 50 cc scooters.

[@silenuic]

Did you buy one? If not, trust me it is great choice and especially for the first bike, it has more than enough power for a beginner riders and it is joy to ride it. Proud owner of 09 gts 300.

[@Firestorm637]

When you visit Europe so many scooters and motorcycles. Streets are smaller and less parking. Licenses, insurance, and registration are very expensive vs USA.

[@laynetravis]

Not in all Europe..in Greece is very cheap to insure

[@Freezy322]

Is it worth 8k thought ?

[@cooldog60]

I had a 1963. Bought it at Sears $350.00.

[@andychiang2005]

you're great, my pal...

[@mashago8037]

Dream bike😢wish i have one

[@james1forever]

i really want one but its very expensive

[@Firestorm637]

I own a Super Duke and a MV AGusta 800rr. These are overkill for any street the question is for the same MSRP, Vespa or MT07. Toyota car practicality vs a BMW car over practicality.

[@johnnyblue4799]

MT07 for sure... with a top box there's absolutely no loss of practicality and it's a lot more "bang for the buck".

[@thepab3072]

I would love to see a battle between the GTS 300 and the BMW C400GT.

[@vanz75]

But Vespa is Vespa

[@thepab3072]

@@vanz75 can't beat the iconic look of the Vespa.

[@ramblinjack294]

The C400GT is a 500-pound KYMKO maxiscooter made in Taiwan (China). The Vespa GTS is a 347-pound Italian middlewait (the Piaggio Beverly 400 would be a better comparison). None of these scooters come with swords, clubs, or guns. Battles are notoriously boring, as they just sit there on their centerstands, lights glaring at each other, making put-put sounds.

[@thepab3072]

@@ramblinjack294 🤣 put-put sounds. Even Harley Davidsons makes put-put sounds but they also shake belly fat

[@stargazeronesixseven]

Vespa is by Piaggio >>> An Italian 🇮🇹 scooter icon ... 🌷🌿

[@TokenTombstone]

Does it wheelie?

[@ramblinjack294]

Yes, if you turn off traction control. However, it may not suit you in other, personal, aspects.

[@JNAMOTORSPORTS]

I wish there was a dct

[@moguerlain7158]

I prefer to ride scooters with digital speedometers so as not to exceed the speed limit

[@bfarm44]

Things on a Vespa that go straight into the recycle day one. The side stand. Abject design failure I’ve seen so many fall over. Without a locking rear brake like other scooters use to prevent that exact problem that gets unbolted and tossed day one and jump the indicator switch. Nothing will piss you off more that crushing the rear side panel because it likes to fall over

[@misterjoey3384]

You can switch those, i assume?

[@michaelhleck5314]

Had mine for 7 years... I agree a few times the stand gets loose. But I've just tightened up the bolt every once in a while with no problems.

[@ROL986]

SI USA IL CENTRALE, NON FACCIAMO POLEMICHE SENZA LOGICA!.

[@michaelb.42112]

Sooooo badass.

[@GIGABACHI]

Really would like to have one BUT at almost $8K not a Snowflake's chance in Hell of that happening.

[@Firestorm637]

Would a larger scooter change your mind scooter vs motorcycles. Larger 650 scooters?

[@stickvortex]

No, a Tmax still isn’t a motorcycle. That’s the sportiest scooter you can get and it’s not even a 650, not that the engine size makes the difference.

[@mayorofnow]

A Vespa HPE will go 80 MPH. I really don't see a reason for a bigger engine on an urban vehicle.

[@camaleon18]

May I please know what’s the top speed for that bike?

[@cooldog60]

I want to know that also. My 1963 top speed was 45 mph.

[@barebarekun161]

Around 85 mph.

[@muckle8]

Need a 500 cc version

[@cyclist3969]

The isue of the Vespa 300 is price, the Honda Forza 350 is £400 less to buy and better equipped and Honda high level of build quality, I see very few Vespa scooters on the road, but many Honda and Yamaha scooters

[@kapilbehl8102]

❤️

[@8adinfluence]

I love my gts 300

[@ozemsadventureofrandomstuf252]

I think the price really throws it out I know it’s quality but no way…I can go get a KTM duke 390 for way less and it’s way quicker plus can be commuted on and has way more tech😢🎉

[@sgtshak2806]

I hear what you're saying...and it may even be true, but you're talking apples & oranges here. Any comparison of a scooter to a motorcycle just isn't realistic. I currently have a Vespa Sei Giorni and a Triumph T-100. Love them both for different reasons. If I could only have one, the Triumph would have to go. As long as you enjoy being up on two wheels, the rest will sort itself out. Stay safe.

[@googleprofile6660]

​@@sgtshak2806 The Piaggio Beverly 400 is a way better choice and it's cheaper as well

[@jimbobaggans1564]

@Sgt Shak I feel the same with my Fat Boy. In fact I keep thinking on selling it. The Harley is beautiful no doubt about that but far less practical. For some reason I'm just not ready to sell it yet.

[@shano81]

Nice scoot. A two-stroke manual transmission px-200 or Stella equivalent would be cheaper and more fun though.

[@rs3tuber425]

It depends what you want it for. I have a P200E and I had a new GTS300 back in 2011 at the same time. The GTS is quicker, safer, quieter, it gives you better fuel economy, it brakes better, it handles better, it is more reliable, it is much cleaner, it has better lights, more storage room and is better at everything except on turning radius. The P200s are cheaper because the market is like that but I can't say is more fun because both scooters are fun. I love my P200E with the malossi 210 cc kit, I have two other shifty vespas(71 sprint Veloce and a PX150) both kitted. The GTS300 and the P200 are two different ride experiences but at the end of the day the GTS300 is infinitely more refined and practical.

[@shano81]

@@rs3tuber425 fair enough. I wouldn't put my sister, unskilled and without M-endorsement on a Malossi kitted p200e but I sure as hell would my very skilled girlfriend.

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

I agree but l have a 1962 GL & apart from being fun & looking drop dead gorgeous, it's a pain the arse.

[@wally07]

The chrome switch covers on the handle bars have got to go! They're horrible! I don't know why they go to all the trouble of blacking out all the trim on this new model and then they slap those horrendous things on there?! Whoever decided on that needs to be fired.

[@988086139]

Why don’t they launch this in India

[@Kingsoupturbo]

Thats a ludicrous price, you can get full fast Japanese motorcycles for that, no "iconic" name is worth that.

[@silviomifsud8200]

Still not Italian and still not a Vespa

[@Kingsoupturbo]

@@silviomifsud8200 Certainly! Vespa isn't Ducati though either, perhaps to fashionable commuters the name is worth the price though, what do I know, maybe they're really really really good.

[@Pete_or_Peter4Long]

Yeah it is.

[@dinosabelli8652]

Your full fast jap will be worthless in 5 years and this Vespa will still have a very high resale value.

[@sgtshak2806]

If anyone is trying to compare a Vespa to a Japanese "sport bike" they should probably just drive a car.

[@jeeefthegreat7555]

Check the oil before and after those rides. The HPE engines are infamous now for imploding after randomly burning up all the engine oil. Piaggio as usual, doesn't care.

[@MatthewBrowne1959]

I hardly ever need to top up the oil on my GTS 300 2022....so really conflicting views here.

[@lynlynlyn9921]

They're nice, but not as nice as the slightly cheaper Xmas 300

[@moguerlain7158]

for the price of the Vespa 300 I would opt for a Yamaha Xmax which is more stable on the road especially on the highways with more technological options

[@hondaturbo666]

Natural habitat lol

[@qayyumcheema7860]

❤️✌️🇵🇰💯💯💕💖💜💚💓

[@chardelraconner7324]

you seen thyself you in MY hood and I'm coming to yours without

[@salimrandall]

Nice. Do they make a model for straight men?

[@thechosen5805]

lol!

[@podunkman2709]

PedeScooter

[@googleprofile6660]

Overpriced. The Beverly 400 is a much better option.

[@ChrisStynen]

If you don't care much about style, history, design, and overall good looks, then I agree that the Beverly 400 is the better option.

[@Big-Chungus21]

@@ChrisStynen IMO its completely fine to spend more money on things for looks, or because you just like it more. If you like something enough, youre more likely to look after it and itll last longer. If something makes you happy, by all means spend the extra money.

[@kellycarr5860]

ρгό𝔪σŞｍ 🙂

[@nothingbutthisthatandtheother]

I very briefly considered this and the so called 500 for like two seconds then I remembered how fast and more valuable my 1964 GS 160 mk2 is than these rubbish "Vespa" Chinese jobs. My 72v 10kw in hub e motor wheel on 12" tyres 0-100kph in 2 seconds, top speed of 165 kph, front rear Disc brakes, all LED lamps, 80ah 72v FAST charge LTO battery pack with 10 amp speed charger makes charging 15% empty to 85% full in 12 minutes faster than filling up your petrol version and it does it without stinking the air up. Not to mention free parking because NO PETROL, is far better, far more valuable and far cheaper than these plastic imitations. There is NOTHING like the real thing baby You're way better off buying a real Vespa and converting to electric Vespa has gone downhill since the 80's sadly. Unless you get anywhere near my speed don't even bother talking to me lol

[@elgar6743]

No doubt that Vespa is an iconic brand and the look, fit and finish is congruent with it's rather salty price tag. And that's the 'pinch'...if one needs a daily 'hack' scooter, rather than an expensive weekend toy, the Korean scooters at roughly half price of this Vespa is not only better value, but most likely a much more reliable choice. The Vespa is gorgeous though...

[@quidestnunc9238]

Korean scooters or Taiwanese scooters ? Kymco is Taiwan-made. (And Kymco produces the BMW C-series scoots).

[@quidestnunc9238]

And Kymco scooters are not Half the price in Ohio.

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

They are not better value in a few years, can you give a 10 year old Kymco away? Somebody will always want to buy your metal Vespa.

[@upload2137]

You have alot to learn about scooters. Italians make the best scooters don’t be fooled. And if u want a cheaper alternative, Vespa isn’t a brand it is a part of piaggo which produces alot of similar scooters that are cheaper

[@elgar6743]

@@upload2137 I will bow my head and acquiesce to your self esteemed nobel laureate level of scooter knowledge...should I refer to you as 'dr.'? Or, would that be presumptuous? (🤓....!!)

[@amitsurve]

Outdated dash

[@jfess1911]

A good LCD, although not as pretty as the newer screens, can work really well. I like the analog speedo, to me, at least, it is classy.

[@johnnyblue4799]

Which one?

[@chris5k132]

No, its too modern. I prefer the analog ones

[@mayorofnow]

@@chris5k132 I'm bummed that the GTV lost the truly retro dash. Those things were gorgeous. Only reason I've preferred the GTS is the pre-23 GTVs don't have traction control. If I'm riding a motorcycle in traffic, I want the safety everything.

[@iyadkamhiyeh527]

Analog dash all day every day, fck LCD screens..

[@Visionery1]

Compared to the Yamaha TMAX these look very puny and 'feminine'. With Vespa one pays for the brand not the scooter, if looking for something in this engine class I'd rather choose the Yamaha XMAX.

[@jimbobaggans1564]

I wanted that old school look. A friend of mine has a few Chinese make scooters. I didn't like the look. They work well just didn't like the styling. I wish Honda would copy the Vespa look. They would sell it for half the price and sell a lot more than Piaggio. A lot more.

[@180fxr]

The yamaha xmax 300 is a bit more expensive than the vespa gts 300 lol

[@phillipjohngreenslade1333]

The Vespa is made for rich posers and old mods. It's too expensive for realists.

[@dmatmor]

Way Too expensive for what you get compared to real motorcycle , more expensive then Honda CB500F !! That’s a joke.

[@ChrisStynen]

okay

[@michealramilo4720]

GAY STYLE SCOOTER

[@patw9175]

I gotta say it looks like a friggin blast to zip around on one of these.

[@sgtshak2806]

It's a blast just about anywhere!

[@jimbobaggans1564]

It's great fun. The Vespa is sooooo easy that I leave the Fat Boy in the garage most of the time. The Honda scooters are far cheaper. Dependable and fun also. I have two of them. Just depends on where I am going as to what I want to ride. The Fat Boy is my long distance cruiser. The Hondas are for in town and errands. The Vespa, for about everything.

[@LP_NY]

No not for that price !!!

[@jimbobaggans1564]

That is the biggest turn off. I don't know how they stay in business.

[@IceAge20017]

Yes, it's expensive for a scooter, but if you want a great scooter it's worth it.

[@kunalmichu1518]

​@@IceAge20017 it's worth it when you have bundles lying around

[@nishiki7047]

You can pay more for a quality road racing bicycle nowadays

[@Big-Chungus21]

@@IceAge20017 When I think about the price of a car, and how Vespas never seem to go out of fashion or fall behind the times, its definitely worth it. Plus people like to spend more on looks on things they know theyll look after and spend a lot of time with. Also im pretty certain that price is higher than what we get in Europe for the Vespa. Im not sure if vespa does any manufacturing in America which would make that price fair either way for a European brand. 😊