Buzz
Piaggio Group has recently introduced the entirely new generation of Vespa GTS products, offering engine options ranging from 125cc to 300cc. This marks a significant upgrade for the Vespa GTS series, with numerous details on the bike being enhanced and changing riding habits as well. Summarizing the products in the GTS lineup, we will have 4 major branches, including GTS, GTS Super, GTS SuperSport, and GTS SuperTech. This classification is also similar to the current GTS version. All 4 GTS models will feature 2 engine options, namely the iGet 125 engine and the HPE 300 engine. In Italy, the specific prices for the various models are as follows:- GTS 125 - 5,999 EUR (~141 million VND)
- GTS Super 125 - 6,099 EUR (~143 million VND)
- GTS Super 125 Sport - 6,299 EUR (~148 million VND)
- GTS Super 125 Tech - 6,499 EUR (~153 million VND)
- GTS 300 - 6,999 EUR (~165 million VND)
- GTS Super 300 - 7,099 EUR (~167 million VND)
- GTS Super 300 Sport - 7,299 EUR (~172 million VND)
- GTS Super 300 Tech - 7,499 EUR (~176 million VND)
The addition of Smartkey is the most significant
The traditional key, which has long been synonymous with Piaggio's brand of security, has been replaced by a smart key system. This system on the Vespa GTS will include a cute little remote with two buttons: one for remote trunk opening and another for locating the scooter in the parking lot.Speedometer Dashboard
In the past, GTS models other than the SuperTech variant only had traditional analog speedometer displays. However, in the new generation, these GTS models have been supplemented with a large LCD screen occupying about half of the display area of the speedometer. The top half of the speedometer displays the vehicle's speedometer, while the bottom half of the LCD screen shows more information. The left and right columns display fuel level and coolant temperature. Meanwhile, the middle area of the LCD screen provides more information such as time, odometer readings, trip details, and can even display push notifications from the phone through the MIA system. This feature was previously exclusive to the SuperTech version, and now it is available for the entire GTS lineup. This applies to the speedometer dashboards of GTS, GTS Super, and GTS SuperSport models.
For the GTS SuperTech, the scooter still features a modern 4.3-inch color TFT screen. However, the display graphics and arrangement of information are slightly different. For example, the fuel gauge bar has been moved down to a horizontal bar format located at the bottom. The MIA system operates this screen and also connects with the phone, allowing for navigation prompts (seemingly with more detailed and graphic turn-by-turn instructions), displaying call or message notifications with jumping icon animation. Additionally, this system adds 2 functions: Eco Ride and SOS, although it's currently unclear how they operate and whether they will be enabled in other markets.Changes in Left/Right Button Clusters
Due to the inclusion of Smartkey and LCD dashboard across all versions, the button clusters have also been altered to work in harmony. On the left side, the buttons have been redesigned to be more compact. Additionally, the control bar for screen functions has been added for the regular GTS variant. In comparison to the previous GTS SuperTech model which already had this feature, the necessary control has been shifted from the bottom to a higher area for easier operation.
On the right cluster, the larger toggle-style buttons have been replaced with smaller ones, functioning by sliding left or right. At the top, there's the introduction of a keyhole-shaped button used for opening the scooter's compartment. Previously, this compartment release button was positioned in the middle of the front apron, adjacent to the clothes hook. In its former position, accessing the compartment for refueling or retrieving items would be more convenient. With the new arrangement, I find it somewhat less practical.Front/Rear Lighting System
The dual-tier LED headlights at the front might not show noticeable differences in appearance, but the front turn signals definitely sport a new design. Moving to the rear, the tail light featuring a square pattern with hollow channels on both sides will replace the semicircular design of the previous GTS model. This change serves to refresh the aesthetics of the scooter without significantly impacting its performance or visual appeal. Additionally, the rear turn signals also boast a new design, although it's unclear whether they utilize LED bulbs or still employ Halogen like the previous generation.Front Apron Scarf
The front apron of Vespa GTS is crafted to resemble carbon fiber although it's not actually made of carbon. Carbon fiber is utilized throughout the scooter as a material to optimize weight while imparting a sporty feel. With the faux carbon design, Vespa aims to make the new GTS more visually appealing and sporty compared to just applying a standard paint finish to the front apron.New Alloy Wheels, Updated Rearview Mirrors
The new alloy wheels of Vespa GTS have been refined, featuring a sturdy and robust appearance with a 5-petal design, unlike the single 5-spoke design of the old GTS. This also marks a visual difference in the new GTS model. The rearview mirrors of the GTS no longer employ a round shape but are replaced with elongated ones. At first glance, they may resemble the mirrors of the Vespa Sprint, but upon closer inspection, they are distinct. I anticipate that the visibility provided by the new mirrors will be superior.
In addition to the aforementioned differences, the 2023 Vespa GTS still utilizes the same engine and retains technologies from the previous version. For the GTS 300, the bike's HPE 278cc engine can generate a maximum power of 23.8 horsepower and a peak torque of 26 Nm. Meanwhile, the GTS 125, equipped with the iGet 125 engine, boasts a maximum power output of 14 horsepower and a peak torque of 12 Nm. All GTS 300 variants come with ABS and ASR traction control, whereas the GTS 125 only features ABS, albeit ABS is provided for both front and rear channels in both models.
