Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1483118
QUICKSPIN I Vespa GTS 300 P82 SPECIFICATIONS VESPA GTS 300 ($7799-$8499) ENGINE Single cylinder, 4-stroke VALVETRAIN 4-valve, SOHC BORE X STROKE 75 x 63mm DISPLACEMENT 278cc COOLING SYSTEM Liquid MAX POWER (CLAIMED) 23.8 hp @ 8250 rpm MAX TORQUE (CLAIMED) 19.1 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm FUEL SYSTEM Port Fuel Injection (PFI) LUBRICATION Wet sump STARTING SYSTEM Electric CLUTCH Automatic dry centrifugal clutch w/vibration dampers TRANSMISSION CVT w/torque server FRAME Sheet steel body w/welded reinforcements FRONT SUSPENSION Single-arm w/coil spring and single shock absorber REAR SUSPENSION Double hydraulic shock absorber w/preload 4 positions WHEELS Die-cast aluminum alloy 3.00x12 in. TIRES 120/70-12 in., tubeless BRAKES Stainless steel disc, 220mm, hydraulic, ABS/ASR FUEL CAPACITY 2.24 gal. FUEL ECONOMY 71.2 mpg WHEELBASE 54.3 in. SEAT HEIGHT 31.1 in. The ergos on the big Vespa are about as comfortable as they could be. The new saddle has a nice shape, when looking at the bike from the side, and it's super comfortable when riding. From early in the morning, we rode through the streets of Rome, and we then ventured out into the Italian countryside for lunch, arriving back at our hotel midafternoon. We were hours in the seat, but I could have kept riding for several more hours—it's that comfortable. The reach to the handlebars, the seating position, and the wind protection all make for a very pleasant ride. Standing over any step-through scooter is usually not a problem, and even though the GTS is a bit larger than your average scooter, the 31.1- inch seat height is really nice for in-town commuting when you're constantly stop- ping and putting your feet down. The low seat height and upright seating position combined with the splash guard and floor- board make the GTS a perfect commuter for everyday trips to and from work or to grab groceries or carryout. And if grocer- ies or other items need to be carried home or back to the office, there's a large under- seat storage compartment and swing-out hooks behind the splash guard for carrying your stuff. No complaints from me when it comes to ergos on this bike. I can see now why people enjoy touring on Vespas— they are comfortable, and the GTS has no problem running at 70 miles an hour. Plus, with all the available accessories, racks, windscreens and much more, you could have the GTS 300 ready for world touring right off the showroom floor. The new Vespa GTS 300 lineup will be available in U.S. dealerships in November starting at $7799 for the GTS Classic and going up from there with the top-of-the- line GTS Super 300 Tech MSRP set at $8499. CN