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2009–2013 · Scooter · Buyer's Guide
Steel Body, Light as Air
The GTS 300 i.e. Super is the large-frame Vespa at full size. It has a steel monocoque body, a trailing-link fork up front and 12-inch wheels at both ends. That steel shell is the heart of the Vespa idea, and here it carries a proper engine. The 278 cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected single makes 22 hp at 7,500 rpm and 16 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm. It drives through a CVT, and top speed is 80 mph (129 km/h). At 356 lb (162 kg) wet, there's real substance under the famous shape. Style first, but not style only.
On paper, this hardware is built for the city and the suburbs around it. A 54.0 in (1,372 mm) wheelbase, a 31.1 in (790 mm) seat and small wheels point to a scooter that's easy to place in traffic and easy to tuck into a tight parking spot. The center stand is standard, and the rear shock takes preload adjustment for a passenger or a loaded commute. This trim has no ABS and no traction control, so it's a mechanical package rather than an electronic one. It's for the rider who wants the icon and expects it to work every single day. That's the deal.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 22 hp (16 kW) @ 7,500 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 16 lb-ft (22 Nm) @ 5,000 rpm |
| Displacement | 278 cc |
| Engine | Single-cylinder |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Fork | Trailing-link |
| Front brake | 220 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-12 |
| Rear tire | 130/70-12 |
| Wheelbase | 54.0 in (1372 mm) |
| Seat height | 31.1 in (790 mm) |
| Wet weight | 356 lb (162 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 2.4 gal (9.1 L) |
| Top speed | 80 mph (129 km/h) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Over the years I've listened to a lot of GTS owners: in the paddock, at club nights, over coffee after rides, and in the messages riders send me directly. For the 2009–2013 GTS 300 Super the picture is consistent. Owners love the finish, the pull and the composure. Their complaints come down to cost, range and a firm ride on broken pavement.
The praise starts with how the scooter is made. Owners describe the chrome and the fit and finish as if they were talking about a piece of jewelry. Riders also consistently report strong, easy torque from low revs that makes short work of hills, with brisk acceleration that never feels strained. Just as often they call the handling neutral and secure, tracking steadily at highway speeds and staying agile in city corners despite the small wheels.
The most common gripe is money. Owners say it cost well above rival midi-scooters when new, and that premium carries into used prices. Some riders wish for more range, because longer rides mean frequent fuel stops even with a frugal engine. Others describe a choppy ride at higher speeds, with expansion joints and rough pavement sending sharp jolts through the chassis.
Fuel pump recall (NHTSA 15V-066)
Faulty impeller clearance in the Bitron fuel pump can cause swelling and interference, leading to pump failure. Symptoms include stalling or inability to restart after the engine is hot. This safety recall covered 2010–2011 GTS 300 models manufactured between January 2009 and July 2010, requiring pump replacement.
Front‑end wobble on high‑mileage bikes
Some well‑used examples develop a head‑shaking wobble at speed, often linked to incorrect bar‑end weights, unbalanced wheels or worn steering bearings.
Fuel injector failure
Some owners report a fuel injector failure, causing poor running or non‑starting. The part is inexpensive and easily replaced.
Exhaust gasket disintegration
The standard exhaust gasket can burn out or disintegrate in as little as 3,000 miles, causing a loud exhaust leak. Replacement with a quality aftermarket part is a common remedy.
Rear shock wear
The stock rear shock absorbers can lose damping effectiveness after high‑mileage or heavy two‑up use, requiring replacement.
Where this Vespa GTS 300 i.e. Super 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 300 i.e. Super is actually built for.
This is the best fit here: compact, light-handling and easy to park, with 22 hp and an 80 mph top speed for the faster arterials. If your day is short hops and tight curbs, it's built for you.
Made for New York City · Austin · Los Angeles
A good match if design matters to you on the commute and at the weekend meetup. On ridge roads, 22 hp means an easy pace, not a chase. Enjoy the curves and leave the hero runs to bigger bikes.
Made for Bay Area Ridge Roads · San Francisco / Bay Area · Skyline Boulevard / Alice's Restaurant
If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.
Previous generation · 2006–2008
Italian Style, Real Street Manners
Compare to the previous model →If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
