Vespa GTS

When we look at the entire Vespa lineup the GTS Super will stand out as the biggest. It is 1950 mm long, 740 mm wide, and has a wheelbase of 1350 mm. The advantages of this size will be revealed later. The wheels are 12-inch alloys with wide 120/70 front and 130/70 rear tubeless tires. Moving to the design of the scooter, the GTS Super is cool. Period. The lines first drawn as an act of rebellion to the aggressive motorcycles are very much still there. But here they present a more mature and sophisticated shape. Everything from the size of the apron, the curve of the headlight can to the shape of the engine compartment and the position of the front fender are simply perfect. Nothing is out of position or shape.

Exceptional build quality means no badly maintained panel gaps to break the flow of the design. Even the seat looks like it took ages to make. The four color options – white, red, grey and black – compliment the aesthetics of the scooter in the best possible way. The Super designation brings with itself some minimal stickering and cooling vents on either side of the engine compartment as well some vents on the apron. Dashes of chrome can be seen on select pieces like the bar ends and the classic grab handle. You can dive into the accessories list and put on some chrome apron side claddings as well if it strikes your fancy. But even without them the Vespa GTS 150 Super will attract eyes like nothing else. The design however does portray a certain kind of appeal that will inspire its rider to match its styling.

So don’t be surprised if you find yourself spending unreasonable amounts of time trying to find the perfect helmet for it. But the GTS 150 Super is not all style. The large size means a larger under-seat storage that can store two open face helmets. Up front there is a sizable glove compartment and a hook for extra storage. The display uses a conventional speedometer along with a tiny digital display with switchable information and two trip meters.

The larger size of the scooter gives it a larger footwell area while the slightly higher seat at 790 mm and the forward set handlebars give the rider room to stretch out. This scooter then will be favoured by taller individuals. With its tight turning radius and compact dimensions, it is a hoot to drive around town. Using it in tight traffic really drives home its posh commuter appeal. The front gets a 4 step adjustable for preload twin coil suspension and the rear gets a monoshock. The suspension is aided by the luxurious seat delivering a comfortable ride on short commutes. The tires give good grip and the weight of the thing gives it a stable ride at highway speeds.

The same engine used in the Primavera makes an appearance here. It is a Euro 4 compliant air-cooled and fuel injected three valved 154.8 cc engine producing a healthy 11.67 hp at 7500 rpm and 12 Nm at 5000 rpm. The transmission uses a CVT with a dry centrifugal clutch and vibration dampers giving it good NVH levels and a vibration free ride. Which is kind of the point here. At nearly 155 kg it is not very hurried off the line. But it will eventually reach an indicated top speed of 101 km/h. As always the engine does deliver good fuel mileage of 41.6 km/L which combined with the 9 L fuel tank makes for good range.

There are 200 mm hydraulically operated disc brakes both front and rear. While not really necessary, ABS would have been good to have, seeing how expensive this scooter is.

Like a designer handbag, the Vespa GTS Super 150 has a niche appeal. And just like the handbag, it is not just a tool but a fashion statement. Even so, it is a very well made, stylish, refined and practical scooter. Albeit one that costs many times the equivalent Honda or Yamaha.