GTV 125 (MY2007_GTV125)

The GTV 125 is the Vespa you pick with your eyes first, and that's exactly the point. It rides on the same steel monocoque as its GTS sibling, then goes back to 1950s Vespa design: the headlight sits on the front cowl, the split seat carries white piping, and chrome accents set it apart from the GTS. Underneath, it's thoroughly modern. A 124 cc liquid-cooled single with fuel injection and four valves makes 15 hp at 10,000 rpm and drives the rear wheel by belt. It's the premium, style-conscious answer to the generic 125. Steel, not show.

On paper, this hardware is built for the city. It makes 8 lb-ft at 8,500 rpm and claims a top speed of 63 mph (102 km/h), so it belongs on boulevards and suburban back roads, not the interstate. At 304 lb (138 kg) wet with a 31.1 in (790 mm) seat, it's a compact package. Add 12-inch wheels front and rear, an 8.7 in (220 mm) front brake, a 2.4 gal (9.2 L) tank and a standard center stand. The rider this points to wants a daily runabout with real character and is happy to pay for the name and the steel body. Icon first, commuter second.