By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Scooter
Vespa GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport (MY2010_GTS300_Gen1) vs GTS 250 i.e. (MY2006_GTS250ie_Gen1)
Vespa GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport vs GTS 250 i.e.: which one to buy for your commute.
Tuck in on the Vespa GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport down a long straight, and it's still gathering speed after most scooters have topped out. The Vespa GTS 250 i.e. tracks straight and doesn't wander.
So which one do you buy?
The GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
By a nose: GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport
Back-road fun leans slightly toward the GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport. Thank lighter steering and stronger brakes for that. It's a narrow call, so trust your test ride.
What makes each one tick
GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport
From a standstill, the Super Sport's fuel-injected single pulls hard the instant the throttle cracks open, and it doesn't quit until traffic is well behind. Its Brembo brakes bite hard and haul it down. The bar snaps it into turns.
GTS 250 i.e.
Through Los Angeles traffic, the GTS 250's small wheels and steel chassis slip it into gaps that cars can't use. On a cold morning its fuel-injected single fires right up, and there's steady pull for getting around slower cars. Potholes don't unsettle the chassis. Its pressed-steel shell starts conversations at every curb.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport has the lower wet weight: 326 lb (148 kg) vs 348 lb (158 kg).
- The GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport makes more peak torque: 16 lb-ft (22 Nm) vs 15 lb-ft (20 Nm).
- The GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport has the larger engine: 278 cc vs 244 cc.
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Look elsewhere
Long days aren't what these two do best. Plan shorter legs and plenty of stops.
Count commuting, running costs, and a first bike as a draw. The deal on the table and the condition of the bike matter more here.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport
What owners say
Strengths
- Lively acceleration and class-leading speed
GTS 250 i.e.
What owners say
Strengths
- Powerful and smooth fuel-injected engine
- Timeless Vespa design with high owner satisfaction
Known problems to check before you buy
GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport
- Fuel pump recall Recall 15V066000 A safety recall (NHTSA 15V066000) was issued for the fuel pump on certain 2010 models, which could cause engine stalling without warning.
- Front end wobble on high‑mileage bikes Some owners report a front end shimmy, particularly when the scooter is heavily loaded or after years of use. Often traced to worn steering bearings or unbalanced wheels.
- Exhaust gasket deterioration The standard exhaust gasket can deteriorate prematurely, causing noticeable exhaust leaks and noise.
GTS 250 i.e.
- Fuel pump failure causing no-start and stalling Recall 15V066000 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.
What they share
- Seat height
- 31.1 in (790 mm)
- Engine
- Single-cylinder
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Fuel capacity
- 2.4 US gal (9.2 L)
- Front tire
- 120/70-12
- Rear tire
- 130/70-12
Where the spec sheets split
| GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport | GTS 250 i.e. | |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 326 lb (148 kg) | 348 lb (158 kg) |
| GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport | GTS 250 i.e. | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 278 cc | 244 cc |
| Power | 21 hp (16 kW) | 22 hp (16 kW) |
| Torque | 16 lb-ft (22 Nm) | 15 lb-ft (20 Nm) |
| Top speed | 80 mph (129 km/h) | 76 mph (122 km/h) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport | GTS 250 i.e. | |
|---|---|---|
| Traction Control | Standard | Not offered |
| Luggage System | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
