By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Scooter
Vespa GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport (MY2010_GTS300_Gen1) vs Yamaha XMAX 300 (MY2017)
Vespa GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport vs Yamaha XMAX 300: which one to buy for your commute.
You'll feel the Vespa GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport leap off the line at the first twist of the throttle, though it's ruled out for long days. The Yamaha XMAX 300 punches out of that same opening. Its pull doesn't quit once town's behind you.
So which one do you buy?
Which one's the smarter buy
Better value: XMAX 300
The XMAX 300 gives you more practicality for the money. That edge makes it the stronger value pick at these used prices.
What makes each one tick
GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport
From a stop, there's a brisk shove from the GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport's single, and its Brembo brakes rein it back in with reassuring bite. Its revised chassis steers sharply. Its single spins on until it's among the quickest scooters.
XMAX 300
The XMAX 300's single answers each small throttle movement smoothly, and there's plenty of shove waiting beyond it. Its seat stays comfortable. The single still has speed left at freeway pace.
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 395 lb (179 kg).
- The XMAX 300 makes more peak power: 28 hp (21 kW) vs 21 hp (16 kW).
- The XMAX 300 makes more peak torque: 21 lb-ft (29 Nm) vs 16 lb-ft (22 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not its job: GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport
Leave the GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport out of any touring plans. Big miles aren't what it's made for.
On commuting, twisty roads, running costs, and a first bike, these two are a wash. That's where your budget and your inseam get the final say.
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
XMAX 300
What owners say
Strengths
- Strong engine performance
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.
XMAX 300
- Camshaft retainer bolt loosening (Recall 25V778) Recall 25V778000 Camshaft retainer plate may not secure the retainer bolt, leading to bolt loosening and potential engine stall. Can cause loss of control and crash. Dealers will install a new camshaft plate kit. Recall covers 2,715 units, ~30% with defect. Warning signs: engine noise, poor performance, hard starting.
What they cost used
These prices compare an 8-year-old GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport with an 8-year-old XMAX 300.
- GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport
- about $5,600
- XMAX 300
- about $3,500
At eight years old, the Vespa GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport sits around $5,600 while the Yamaha XMAX 300 lands near $3,500. That's a $2,100 gap in the Yamaha's favor. These are US market estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Engine
- Single-cylinder
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
Where the spec sheets split
| GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport | XMAX 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.1 in (790 mm) | 31.3 in (795 mm) |
| Wet weight | 326 lb (148 kg) | 395 lb (179 kg) |
| GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport | XMAX 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 278 cc | 292 cc |
| Power | 21 hp (16 kW) | 28 hp (21 kW) |
| Torque | 16 lb-ft (22 Nm) | 21 lb-ft (29 Nm) |
| Top speed | 80 mph (129 km/h) | 99 mph (160 km/h) |
| GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport | XMAX 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 59 mpg (US) / 4 L/100 km | 67 mpg (US) / 3.53 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 2.4 US gal (9.2 L) | 3.5 US gal (13.2 L) |
| GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport | XMAX 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Front tire | 120/70-12 | 120/70-15 |
| Rear tire | 130/70-12 | 140/70-14 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| GTS 300 i.e. Super Sport | XMAX 300 | |
|---|---|---|
| Keyless System | Not offered | Standard |
| Heated Grips | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
