Vespa GTS 300 i.e. Super (MA3C) — Scooter
Vespa press archive

2017–2018 · Scooter · Buyer's Guide

GTS 300 i.e. Super (MA3C)

Effortless City Grace With Substance

The Machine's Character

This is the biggest, fastest and most luxurious scooter in the Vespa lineup, and it carries that role without giving up the classic silhouette. Under the retro lines sits a steel monocoque body, powered by a liquid-cooled 278 cc single with 22 hp and 16 lb-ft. That's enough for an 80 mph (129 km/h) top speed, so the GTS isn't trapped inside the city limits. ABS and traction control come standard, along with a USB charging port and a center stand. You're buying an icon here, but one with real hardware behind the form. Style with substance.

On the road, lightness defines it: the GTS turns on a thought, slips through gaps and tucks into tiny parking spots, which makes it a superb daily tool in dense traffic. It stays stable and confidence-inspiring for a scooter, and at 59 mpg it costs little to run. The honest caveat comes with speed. Twelve-inch wheels and simple suspension, with a front end you can't adjust at all, show their limits when you push toward the top of its range. Buying used, check the ABS unit, the exhaust gasket and the rear shock, especially on a scooter that often carried a passenger. Check first, then enjoy.

Hard Numbers

Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.

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Key specifications
Power 22 hp (16 kW)
Torque 16 lb-ft (22 Nm)
Displacement 278 cc
Engine Single-cylinder
Cooling Liquid-cooled
Front brake 220 mm
Front tire 120/70-12
Rear tire 130/70-12
Seat height 31.1 in (790 mm)
Fuel capacity 2.2 gal (8.5 L)
Top speed 80 mph (129 km/h)
Fuel economy 59 mpg (US)

Equipment check

Chassis

  • Rear Suspension Adjustable Standard

Comfort

  • Luggage System Optional

Connectivity

  • USB Charging Port Standard

Safety

  • ABS Standard
  • Traction Control Standard
Elevated aerial view of Seattle's downtown skyline looking toward the city core along a dense urban street canyon. A mix of glass-and-steel skyscrapers and mid-rise residential towers fills the frame. A construction crane is active on the left. The street below carries light vehicle traffic flanked by mature street trees.
Josh Hild / Pexels

Known issues

  • ABS unit failure

    brakes occasional

    Some owners report failure of the ABS pump/module, which can be costly to replace. Occurs on models from 2016 onward.

  • Front-end wobble on high-mileage examples

    chassis rare

    Some used bikes develop a front-end shake, possibly due to unbalanced wheels, worn steering bearings, or incorrect bar-end weights, exacerbated by heavy loading.

  • Fuel pump issues

    fuel system rare

    A minority of owners have experienced fuel pump failures, leading to engine cutting out or refusing to start.

  • Exhaust gasket failure

    exhaust occasional

    The standard exhaust gasket can disintegrate in as little as 3,000 miles, causing a loud exhaust leak and requiring replacement.

  • Premature rear shock wear

    suspension rare

    Bikes that have been regularly ridden two-up or heavily loaded can experience accelerated rear shock deterioration, leading to a choppy ride and reduced damping.

The Numbers Compared

Compare the technical specifications of the Vespa GTS 300 i.e. Super with other bikes in its class.

Head-to-head: Vespa GTS 300 i.e. Super vs. its rivals

What's new versus the previous generation

If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.

Vespa GTS 300 i.e. Super (MY2014)

Previous generation · 2014–2016

Vespa GTS 300 i.e. Super (MY2014)

City Soul With ABS

Compare to the previous model →

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Any price note compares both bikes at the same age — the youngest age both have on the used market — against this Vespa GTS 300 i.e. Super. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.