2006–2008 · Scooter · Buyer's Guide
Italian Style, Real Street Manners
The GTS 250 i.e. is a big-frame Vespa built around the pressed-steel monocoque body that defines the brand, with a modern heart inside it. That heart is a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 244 cc single making 22 hp at 8,250 rpm and 15 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm, enough to carry it to 76 mph. Twist-and-go automatic drive and a center stand come standard. ABS and a luggage system were options, so check what a used example actually has. In its class it sits where Vespa always wants to sit: the scooter you buy for the object, which then has to prove it can do the job.
It does the job. City maneuverability is its standout quality, and it pairs a light, easy steer with controls a new rider figures out in minutes. Running costs stay low, and the design still turns heads. Age is the honest caveat. The painted underside of that steel body can blister and rust in wet or salted climates, and the exhaust is prone to corrosion. Watch for a leaking water pump seal and a failing voltage regulator. Confirm the fuel pump recall (NHTSA 15V-066, 2008 models) and the exhaust gasket recall (certain 2006-2007 VINs) were done. Buy it for urban miles, not long highway hauls.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| 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 |
| Seat height | 31.1 in (790 mm) |
| Wet weight | 348 lb (158 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 2.4 gal (9.2 L) |
| Top speed | 76 mph (122 km/h) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Comfort
Safety
Over the years I've heard a lot about this scooter from riders: paddock talk, club-night chatter, long conversations with owners, and the messages riders send me directly. For the 2006-2008 GTS 250 i.e., the picture is consistent. Owners rate the engine and the quality of the build highly. Their complaints are about dealer bills, tires and long freeway stretches.
The engine gets the most praise. Riders describe strong, even pull that makes passing easy in town and suburban traffic, along with crisp throttle response and easy cold starts. Owners also point to the paint finish and premium materials, which they rate well above cheaper rivals. They describe a scooter that feels agile but stays settled as speed rises. Fuel economy is well regarded for commuting, and some owners find the upright seat comfortable enough for the occasional longer trip.
The recurring complaints are about money and distance. Owners report that dealer servicing costs more than it does on Japanese rivals, and that the stock tires wear quickly. It can reach freeway speeds, but riders say holding them for long stretches keeps the engine near its limit. That makes long highway days tiring and leaves the scooter exposed to crosswinds.
Fuel pump failure causing no-start and stalling
Defective fuel pump can cause the engine to stall when hot or fail to restart after shutdown. NHTSA campaign 15V-066 covers 2008 models. Replacement of the fuel pump is the fix.
Exhaust gasket leak recall
Improper exhaust gasket could leak hot gases, potentially damaging the rear brake hose and causing brake fluid loss. Affects certain 2006-2007 VINs. Dealers replace exhaust manifold pipe with a shielded design.
Water pump seal leak
Some owners report coolant leaks from the water pump seal, which can lead to overheating if not addressed early.
Exhaust system corrosion
The exhaust silencer and pipe are prone to rust, especially in areas with road salt. Replacement can be costly if left untreated.
Voltage regulator failure
The voltage regulator can fail, leading to charging system problems, battery drain, and possible electrical issues. Replacement resolves the problem.
Underside corrosion and paint blistering
The painted underside of the steel monocoque body can develop blisters and surface rust, especially in wet or winter conditions. While primarily cosmetic, it may lead to perforation if neglected.
Where this Vespa GTS 250 i.e. pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Top speed
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the GTS 250 i.e. is actually built for.
This is your bike. It's nimble, cheap to run and parks anywhere, and it makes the daily grind feel special. Just check the recalls and look under the body for rust before you hand over cash.
Made for New York City · Austin · Los Angeles
For the city half of your week it's a stylish, photogenic fit. With 22 hp and a 76 mph top speed, though, Skyline is a relaxed cruise at best.
Made for Bay Area Ridge Roads · San Francisco / Bay Area · Skyline Boulevard / Alice's Restaurant
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
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