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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| 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
Known issues
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ABS unit failure
Some owners report failure of the ABS pump/module, which can be costly to replace. Occurs on models from 2016 onward.
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Front-end wobble on high-mileage examples
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.
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Fuel pump issues
A minority of owners have experienced fuel pump failures, leading to engine cutting out or refusing to start.
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Exhaust gasket failure
The standard exhaust gasket can disintegrate in as little as 3,000 miles, causing a loud exhaust leak and requiring replacement.
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Premature rear shock wear
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
Power
Torque
Displacement
Top speed
Seat height
What's new versus the previous generation
If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.
Previous generation · 2014–2016
Vespa GTS 300 i.e. Super (MY2014)
City Soul With ABS
Compare to the previous model →Alternatives to the Vespa GTS 300 i.e. Super
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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.