2009–2017 · Scooter · Buyer's Guide
GTS 125 ie Super (MY2009_GTS125S_Gen1)
Italian Style, City Native
The Machine's Character
Look past the famous silhouette and this GTS 125 ie Super has real engineering under it. The body is a steel monocoque, not plastic over a tube frame. Inside sits a liquid-cooled 124 cc single making 15 hp at 9,500 rpm and 9 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm, driving through a belt. It runs 12-inch wheels at both ends and a 220 mm (8.7 in) front disc. Among 125 scooters it sells on design and build substance rather than spec-sheet bragging. Its real talent is in town: it steers lighter and slices through tight traffic more easily than almost anything I've ridden in this class.
The GTS is for the city rider who wants their daily transport to feel special, and who will pay extra for the badge and the steel body. It handles short urban hops beautifully. Out on open roads 15 hp is modest, so be honest about your routes. It has no ABS and no rider aids. The ownership caveats are real too. The steel underside can rust if road salt and moisture get at it, some owners have had fuel pumps quit, and the stock exhaust gasket can fail around 3,000 mi (4,800 km). High-mileage examples can develop a front-end wobble from worn steering bearings, so check that on any used one you look at.
Hard Numbers
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
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| Power | 15 hp (11 kW) @ 9,500 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 9 lb-ft (12 Nm) @ 6,500 rpm |
| Displacement | 124 cc |
| Engine | Single-cylinder |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Final drive | Belt |
| Front brake | 220 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-12 |
| Rear tire | 130/70-12 |
| Seat height | 31.1 in (790 mm) |
| Wet weight | 326 lb (148 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 2.4 gal (9 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
- Manually Adjustable Rear Suspension Standard
Known issues
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Front end wobble
Some high-mileage examples develop a front end wobble, often due to worn steering bearings, incorrect bar end weights, or unbalanced wheels.
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Fuel pump failure
Some owners report sudden fuel pump failures, leading to engine cut-out. Replacement is necessary.
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Sudden loss of power
Riders have experienced a distinct lack of acceleration without warning. Cause may be related to fuel system or electrical issues.
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Exhaust gasket failure
The standard exhaust gasket can disintegrate at low mileage (around 3000 miles), causing a leak. Aftermarket exhausts often resolve the issue.
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Voltage regulator failure
Some owners have reported voltage regulator failure, requiring replacement.
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Rear shock wear
On scooters frequently ridden two-up or heavily loaded, the rear shock can wear prematurely, requiring replacement.
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Underside rust
The steel monocoque body can develop rust on the underside, particularly if not protected from road salt and moisture.
The Numbers Compared
Compare the technical specifications of the Vespa GTS 125 ie Super with other bikes in its class.
Head-to-head: Vespa GTS 125 ie Super vs. its rivals
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
Alternatives to the Vespa GTS 125 ie Super
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
Successor · 2018–2021
Vespa GTS 125 ie Super (MY2018_GTS125S_Gen2)
Classic Steel, Liquid-Cooled Soul
Competitor · 2015–2020
Yamaha NMAX 125 (SEC7)
City Slicker, Featherlight
Competitor · 2010–2013
Honda PCX125 (JF 28)
City Featherweight, Costs Almost Nothing
Same Platform · 2009–2013
Vespa GTS 300 i.e. Super (MY2009)
Steel Body, Light as Air