Best scooter for NYC?
This is the best fit of the lot: it slips through dense traffic, parks in tiny spots and gets 65 mpg. Check the fuel pump recall and you've got a daily ride that feels special.
Made for New York City · Austin · Los Angeles
2007–2009 · Scooter · Buyer's Guide
GTS 250 i.e. ABS (MY2007_GTS250ABS)
City Grace With Fuel-Injected Bite
The Machine's Character
This is the Vespa at the top of the range, and it earns that spot with substance. Under the pressed-steel unibody sits a 244 cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected single making 22 hp and 15 lb-ft, driven through an automatic transmission and a belt. That's enough to hold highway pace, with a top speed of 76 mph (122 km/h). ABS is standard, and it's the whole electronics story: no traction control, no ride modes. At 333 lb (151 kg) wet on 12-inch wheels, it's a compact scooter that feels more substantial than the scale says. Style comes first here, but the hardware backs it up.
In town it's as light on its feet as scooters get: you flick it through gaps, park it anywhere and pull away from the cars at every light. The controls are dead simple, and 65 mpg keeps the running costs low. It's for the city rider who wants an object with character and won't accept a riding disappointment. The caveats come with age. The fuel pump can fail and stall the engine when hot, the stock exhaust rusts, and water pump seals can weep. The fork has no adjustment, and the 2.4 gal (9.2 L) tank is small. Buy on condition!
Hard Numbers
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
Show full specs & equipment Hide specs & equipment
| Power | 22 hp (16 kW) @ 8,250 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 15 lb-ft (20 Nm) @ 6,500 rpm |
| Displacement | 244 cc |
| Engine | Single-cylinder |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Final drive | Belt |
| Front tire | 120/70-12 |
| Rear tire | 130/70-12 |
| Wheelbase | 54.9 in (1395 mm) |
| Seat height | 31.1 in (790 mm) |
| Wet weight | 333 lb (151 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 2.4 gal (9.2 L) |
| Top speed | 76 mph (122 km/h) |
| Fuel economy | 65 mpg (US) |
Equipment check
Chassis
- Manually Adjustable Rear Suspension Standard
Safety
- ABS Standard
The Truth on the Street
I've spent years listening to the people who live with these scooters: paddock talk, owner chats, club nights and the messages that land in my inbox. For the GTS 250 i.e. ABS the pattern is clear: riders agree on the engine, the looks and its manners in town, while the gripes are scattered, practical ones.
A silky single that turns heads
The engine draws the most agreement. Owners describe a silky powerband that pulls strongly from low revs and stays relaxed at highway speeds. The styling comes up nearly as often: chrome accents and the timeless silhouette collect compliments everywhere, with a digital gauge as the modern touch. Riders also call it nimble on tight streets despite its weight. Some point to the ABS as a safety net on wet or loose surfaces. Rare for its era!
The practical gripes owners mention
These come up less often. Starting is electric only, so there's no kick-start to fall back on if the battery dies. The under-seat compartment won't take a full-face helmet, which means a top box. Some find the center stand takes real effort to deploy, a struggle for smaller riders. And it costs more than many competitors. An emotional buy, owners say.
Known issues
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Fuel pump may fail causing stalling
The impeller in the fuel pump can swell, leading to fuel starvation and engine stalling, especially when hot. A recall (15V-066) replaced the pump on 2008-2010 models; earlier 2007 models may also be affected.
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Exhaust gasket failure can damage rear brake hose
Repeated muffler removal (e.g., for tire changes) without replacing the exhaust gasket can cause exhaust leaks, potentially melting the rear brake hose and leading to brake fluid loss. Official recall 07V-253 replaced the exhaust manifold with a shielded design on affected VINs.
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Water pump leaks
Some owners report coolant weeping from the water pump seal. The issue is known across the GTS family and its derivatives.
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Electrical failures after storage (main fuse blowing)
After winter storage or battery maintenance, the main 30A fuse can blow, killing all dashboard and starting power. Often traced to corroded battery terminals or a short in the wiring.
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Exhaust system corrosion
The stock exhaust is prone to rust and may require early replacement, especially in wet or salted-road climates.
The Expert Benchmark
Where this Vespa GTS 250 i.e. ABS pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
What kind of bike this is — character vs. the class
Head-to-head: Vespa GTS 250 i.e. ABS vs. its rivals
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Top speed
Seat height
The 'Should I Buy It?' Score
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the GTS 250 i.e. ABS is actually built for.
Best motorcycle for Bay Area?
It handles the city half of your week and looks the part at the meetup, but 22 hp and a 76 mph (122 km/h) top speed mean you're cruising the ridge roads, not chasing anyone. A decent fit, not a perfect one.
Made for San Francisco Bay Area · Skyline Boulevard · Big Sur Coast Highway
What's new versus the previous generation
If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.
Previous generation · 2006–2008
Vespa GTS 250 i.e. (MY2006_GTS250ie_Gen1)
Italian Style, Real Street Manners
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