The Vespa GTS 300 has a reputation for combining classic design with solid performance, making it a standout in the scooter world. But does it truly deliver on reliability, comfort, and value?
In this review, I’ll break down its key features & real-world performance.
Overview of the Vespa GTS 300
The GTS 300 blends vintage aesthetics with modern engineering, offering a smooth ride and enough power for both daily use and longer trips.
Whether you’re considering it for practicality, style, or versatility, this review will cover what you need to know before deciding if it’s the right fit.
I never thought I’d own a Vespa. Well, let me take that back. I was someone who thought ‘Vespa’ meant scooter. Kinda like you when you say, “I’m going to grab a soda (pop/coke),” even if you plan to get a Sprite.
A winding road eventually led me to buying a Vespa, but it was a hard decision. I never thought I’d spend that kind of money on a scooter, but now that I’ve now had mine for over a year, it’s time to dig into a Vespa GTS 300 Review.
While this post is a personal round-up of thoughts, check out this Complete Guide to the Vespa GTS 300 for more detail & a round-up of questions I’ve gotten on the model line-up.
Key Features and Specifications
The Vespa GTS 300 packs a punch where it matters most—its engine and overall specs.
This scooter is equipped with a 278cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that offers a smooth, fuel-injected ride. It churns out 23.8 horsepower, which might not sound like much compared to motorcycles, but for a scooter, it’s plenty.
That power translates into quick take-offs and solid performance, even with a passenger on board.
One of its standout features is the top speed, reaching around 75-80 mph. This makes it not just a city cruiser but also perfectly capable of handling short highway stints. Whether you’re weaving through traffic or zipping down open roads, it delivers consistent power with zip.
Safety-wise, the Vespa GTS 300 has an advanced ABS braking system and traction control, both of which can be life-savers, especially in wet or slippery conditions. The brakes feel responsive and firm, giving me confidence no matter what the road throws my way.
Design and Build Quality
Vespa knows how to nail design, and the GTS 300 is no exception. It sticks to the classic Vespa silhouette—smooth curves, clean lines, and just the right mix of retro and modern.
Whether you’re cruising through town or parked outside a café, it’s a scooter that grabs attention.
But looks aside, the build quality is just as impressive. The high-strength steel monocoque frame gives it a solid, durable feel. That design choice isn’t just for aesthetics—it’s what makes the GTS 300 feel so stable on the road.
The paint, the chrome accents, even the smallest details—everything is well-executed and built to last.
I have earned a few scrapes (not while literally riding), and it’s held up quite well. Vespa puts out different versions of the GTS 300, and I’ve got a Racing Sixties. Some elements like the rims are completely different, but the stripes are a vinyl sticker situation. I did not realize that initially
Durability is one of its strong suits. This isn’t a scooter you buy and replace in a couple of years. It’s built for the long haul, whether you’re using it for daily commutes, weekend errands, or just leisurely rides. Parts are easy to order from a variety of different sources.
You can’t say that about all motor scooter brands!
Performance on the Road
Now for the important part—how it actually rides. The GTS 300 is quick, nimble, and handles incredibly well. It’s responsive in tight spaces without feeling unstable.
Comfort? Absolutely. The seat is roomy, well-padded, and designed for long rides. Whether you’re dealing with rough pavement or potholes, the suspension does a great job absorbing shocks, keeping the ride smooth and controlled. It’s comfortable without feeling overly cushy—you still get that engaged, connected-to-the-road feeling.
There is this one road I ride daily that I’m careful to go around all of the manhole covers that are in the right lane for a good stretch. I forgot to go around one on the Vespa, and I was pleasantly surprised. I wasn’t jarred. Yes, it was a bump but that’s all. Just a minor blip in the road.
That moment was when I realized THIS was the right scooter. Good thing since I already owned it! 🤣
The GTS 300 definitely does not struggle at higher speeds. I won’t be riding on an interstate, but it handles highway speeds with ease. It’s stable, holds speed confidently, and doesn’t feel like it’s being pushed to its limits.
Pros and Cons of the Vespa GTS 300
Every great scooter has its strengths and weaknesses, and the Vespa GTS 300 is no exception. This section dives into its advantages and disadvantages, giving you a transparent view to help decide if this premium scooter fits your lifestyle.
Advantages
The Vespa GTS 300 has an impressive list of positives that make it stand out among scooters in its class. From comfort to performance, here’s what I found.
- Unmatched Comfort: Long rides? No stress. The ergonomic seat design and upright riding posture make this scooter incredibly comfortable.
Whether you’re commuting or taking a weekend cruise, you’ll feel right at home. It’s like the recliner of the scooter world—without sacrificing style.
- Premium Build Quality: Vespa is known for crafting scooters with top-notch materials, and the GTS 300 is no different. The frame not only gives it a robust feel but also adds to its durability.
You can tell it’s built to last just by the way it feels when you ride.
I like the little details, and even a year in, I found something I didn’t realize. There is a mini toolkit tucked away in the glove compartment on the leg shield along with another latch to open the seat compartment, too.
I also appreciate being able to take the compartment under the seat OUT. No screws or anything, you can just lift it out. The other 3 scooters I’ve used on the daily did not have this nifty feature.
- Strong Performance: Let’s face it—power matters, even in scooters. With a 278cc liquid-cooled engine, this Vespa doesn’t hold back.
Whether you’re darting through city traffic or cruising comfortably at highway speeds, it performs consistently. The acceleration is smooth and responsive, making every ride feel effortless.
- Elegance in Design: It’s a head-turner. The classic Vespa aesthetic with modern updates keeps you riding in style. When you’re stopped at a light, don’t be surprised if someone rolls their window down to ask about it.
- Fuel Efficiency: Scooters excel here, and I’m regularly getting a miles per gallon somewhere between 65-70. I do have a ‘lead’ foot with my acceleration sometimes. Read more about Vespa fuel mileage
- Parts & Accessories Galore: I love that I can find accessories & parts on a whim. Exhausts, windshields in many brands and sizes, racks, the list goes on & on!
But beyond this, the Vespa GTS 300 isn’t just about looks and a comfy ride—it delivers an overall premium experience.
Disadvantages
Like any vehicle, the Vespa GTS 300 has areas where it may fall short depending on your needs.
- High Price Tag: Let’s address the elephant in the room. This scooter leans heavily on the luxury side, and its price reflects that.
Though you’re paying for quality and performance, the upfront cost can give potential buyers pause.
If you’re on a budget, balancing this premium might require some careful planning. Here’s why I think it might be worth saving for a Vespa.
- Limited Availability: Depending on where you are, getting your hands on one might be tricky. Dealerships are not in every city, so you might find yourself having to hunt for one. I’m in Houston but had to drive to San Antonio or Austin for a dealer.
Not ideal if you were hoping to ride off into the sunset tomorrow.
- I particularly HATE getting gas. It took about 6 months to get the hang of pumping gas without overflowing it! It overflows if you aren’t super careful with the pump speed along with taking the cap off & essentially wedging it in that oh-so-handy underseat compartment that thankfully can be lifted up that way.
Oh & I just move everything to the front of the box just in case. It has happened way too often!
- I do not love that you can not leave it running when you put the kickstand down. I do this to close my garage & with a prior model it would warm up while I do all that. As soon as you kick the stand down, the motor cuts off.
Some comments on the YouTube video of an initial review that it’s for my own good. I understand it is a safety feature, I can still not like it. 🙂
- I do not love how hot the compartments get. The underseat storage compartment gets hot in all scooters. There is an engine there after all.
However, I didn’t realize that the glove compartment gets very hot, too. Riding around in June in Houston, I had my phone in there to charge. I was lost, and I really needed my phone.
Want to guess what happened? It shut down from overheating in there. I’m recording those temps, and it’s ~120-130 degrees Fahrenheit when I returned home after a 10 mile ride last week. So keep your phone anywhere but in there.
Ultimately, whether these cons matter depends on what you’re looking for in a scooter. But it’s always better to know what to expect upfront so you can decide based on how (and where) you’ll be using it.
Why I Chose the GTS
I had been riding the Genuine Buddy Kick (review here) as my daily commuter, but I had an itch to ride further out. I wanted the flexibility of a larger engine, and I just love the looks of these retro looking scooters.
You can see the full details on Vespa’s site, but let’s cover the features that led to my decision to purchase this scooter and how they have played out now that I’ve ridden the scooter for over a year now.
Speed
I really wanted something flexible enough to go on roads with 65 miles per hour (mph) speed limits as this was key to getting beyond my county really.
The Vespa GTS 300 Super Sport definitely does that with a good bit of low-end pep, too.
It Needed to be a Scooter
I really am motivated by helping others find their way to 2 wheels, and a scooter is a perfect way to add practicality with fun. I did consider motorcycles, but ultimately I knew staying on a scooter was the right option with the twist n go ease. Plus the storage. I love the storage of Vespa scooters!
Warranty
I talk about this a lot, but I love a good warranty. I just don’t know enough about the mechanical aspects of a scooter to care to do much when I first got one, and it seems like a good rule of thumb to me still today!
Looks
I know this is absolutely subjective, but I am drawn to the classic look of a Vespa style scooter. I was trying to not let this be a deal breaker for classic specifically, but I still have to like the looks of whatever I decide on.
Ultimately, the iconic look of a Vespa was a key point for me, and I was intrigued by the ride difference that the metal body would give. For the Lambretta lovers – those aren’t available here!
There really isn’t a comparable sized scooter that has these looks, so the GTS was definitely a top contender, but the 12″ tires were a turn off for what I wanted. It met my speed needs, and it was a scooter with a great warranty. Yet I spent 6+ months agonizing.
I’ll NEVER buy a Vespa. They’re SO expensive!
– Naïve Renee (aka Scooter Newbie) in the past
A Scooter That Matches My Lifestyle
Ultimately, the Vespa GTS 300 felt like the perfect fit because it aligned with my values of function and fun. It didn’t feel pretentious or overly technical—it’s approachable, iconic, and enjoyable.
Whether it’s about having the power to zip through traffic, the charm to turn heads at the park, or the reliability to get me wherever I need to go, this scooter checked off every box and then some.
Comparison with Similar Scooters
I talk about scooters, so it felt silly to just leave it at that. I couldn’t just unilaterally ignore all other scooters if my sole purpose was to branch out. Well, if I was looking at a scooter in that range it was going to be a maxi scooter, and I just don’t love those looks.
That led me down the rabbit hole of motorcycles. I still may end up with one. Through the 6 months of exploring, I tried out a Honda Rebel 500, and I at least sat on an Indian Bobber, Ducati something, and the Honda CBR, but I still wasn’t in love. Scooters are a vibe!
Here are some Vespa alternatives to consider if you’re still not sold on getting your hands on a GTS.
Piaggio BV 400
The Piaggio BV 400 strikes a balance between power, agility, and practicality, making it an interesting contender in the midsize scooter category.
With a more upright riding position and larger wheels, it aims to offer the stability of a maxi-scooter without feeling overly bulky. It’s a great option for those who want highway capability but still need maneuverability for city riding.
Once I was able to test out the BV400, and it felt like a GTS 300 vs BV400 showdown for a month or so. However, it just wasn’t as fun as I had expected. It was ‘enough’. It was smooth but lacked some of the pep I found with the Vespa GTS. It was ok. I still didn’t get excited.
Yamaha XMAX
The Yamaha XMAX 300 brings its own strengths to the mix, particularly in the areas of comfort, technology, and performance. With its sporty stance and roomy design, it seems to position itself as a premium option for those who prioritize practicality without sacrificing speed.
That said, they just weren’t available at the time. It was tough to even locate one to SEE much less sit on. I was bugging the local dealer so much that he promised to text when the mechanic shop got one in just so I could see one. I waited months for that text, but ultimately didn’t go this route as I was afraid parts & service would be an issue, too.
Suzuki Burgman 400
The Suzuki Burgman 400 is designed for riders who prioritize comfort and storage without giving up highway capability. With its larger frame, spacious seating, and touring-oriented design, it leans into the maxi-scooter category, making it a strong option for those who want a practical, long-distance-friendly ride.
I had the chance to test out a used Suzuki Burgman 400, and while I think something was off with the front end—it just didn’t ride as smoothly as I expected—I still got a solid feel for the scooter.
The Burgman leans hard into the maxi-scooter category with a bulkier frame and a more laid-back riding position. For some, that extra size translates into comfort and touring capability, but for me, it felt a bit too hefty. It’s a solid machine, no doubt, but it just didn’t fit what I was looking for.
Questions I get often
This Vespa GTS 300 Review might be lame because I’ve had ZERO issues.
I have used it for sporadic work trips, grocery runs, boot camps, social time with pals, and a host of other trips – both long & short. It’s been a blast, and I have no question about the reliability of this scooter yet.
Do I Take It on the Highway?
I do take this scooter on state highways, but I do not take it on an interstate (for the most part). While the speed of my scooter can take on at least the slow lane comfortably, I seriously just don’t feel safe in the middle of Houston on one.
A big reason for this is the debris on the road. While I was taught how to survive running over a 4×4 piece of wood in the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course, it’s not something I want to do on an interstate. There’s something about those tiny tires & my continued newbie vibes that keep me a cautious risk taker – off of the interstate.
I also have found that while the non-interstate routes take longer, I am with more bikes that way. Yes, motorcycles go on the highway, but the scenic route is generally the best route when on 2 wheels!
Has Anything Rusted?
NO! I get this question a lot on the YouTube channel.
I have been able to keep my scooters in the garage for the first year. However, when we moved, I decided to leave it under a very high carport that doesn’t totally protect it. I keep it in a place where the torrential downpours come off of the house & inundate the area. I wanted the GTS to get wet for this conversation, so for the last 4.5 months, it’s been getting gulf coast rain. The only rust is on my GoPro camera connector.
My Vespa GTS 300 has no rust at 15 months in.
2025 Update: My husband was grinding something & NOW I have rust spots where the metal flakes damaged my paint.
What helmets fit in the storage of a GTS?
If you’ve been wondering where you store a helmet on a Vespa, you have a few options.
Open face and half helmets will fit in the storage compartment under the seat of the Vespa GTS 300.
If you have a full-face, then it will NOT fit.
Every now & then someone will comment on the YouTube video where I mention this saying I must be putting it in wrong. I have spent too much time trying, so I will say that the 3 full-face helmets I have DO NOT fit.
Rant over, but you CAN store any helmet using the D-ring on your helmet attached to the post that is accessible by raising your seat. Essentially, the helmet hangs off of the scooter on the outside. You can get a cover for your helmet if needed.
Accessories Added So Far
It’s been a busy year, and with several scooters, I can honestly say I haven’t added as much as I would have thought I would. After all, Vespa scooters in general have the most options and availability of those options from a parts and accessories standpoint.
So far I’ve added a very high Vespa branded windshield. It is much flimsier feeling than I would have expected. I don’t love it in the summer, but I appreciate the wind block in the winter. Adding a windshield or top box, and Vespa says your maximum speed should be 65 miles per hour (mph) for safety reasons. That is a bummer if you buy a 300 for that 80+ top speed!
I’ve also added a charger and changed out my blinkers for a brighter option on the front and rear. They’ve been a great addition, but that’s a post for another day!
My favorite add has been the blinker noise maker. It was cheap, easy to install, and now I don’t forget to turn off my blinker so much!
I added a folding rack, and it has been so flexible! Simply throw on my Prima Roll Bag when I need more closed in storage (like groceries), and other times, I put my fitness mat on it with a simple strap for a boot camp workout.
I’m waiting for a deal on a large case for camping, so more to come!
Key Takeaways
The Vespa GTS 300 delivers everything you’d expect from a premium scooter: style, functionality, and performance bundled into one. Its classic design paired with modern features ensures you’re not only riding in comfort but also with confidence, no matter where the road takes you.
Whether you’re navigating city traffic, cruising down a scenic route, or simply enjoying the journey, this scooter proves to be a versatile companion. Yes, the price may be higher, but the quality, reliability, and unique appeal make it worth it.
More questions about this model? Check out this Complete Guide to the Vespa GTS 300 for more.
