The Vespa in this write-up was provided by a private client for a photoshoot and review. All opinions are my own, and this article was not reviewed or altered by the owner.

Since 1946, Vespa has built on and established itself as one of the most iconic and recognisable brands in the two-wheeling world. With its strong heritage and elegant design, opting for a Vespa was an easy choice for many, and in a world now surplus with choice, it is impressive the way it has maintained its niche.

“Why are people still paying big money for these?”, I thought – but after a week with it, I am pleasantly convinced.

Inconspicuous Power

Here is the Vespa 300 GTS SuperSport HPE (a mouthful!), an offering that melds performance and understated sportiness with practicality. Under the plastics is a 278cc four-stroke single, pushing out just under 24 horsepower and 26Nm of torque. It’s a peppy engine with buttery smooth acceleration, and because it’s driven by a standard CVT transmission, it’s incredibly easy to hop on and zip away on.

Vibrations are definitely prominent, especially with the rear brake held in, but personally it added to the experience positively! It certainly feels like a 300 too, with the right amount of power on tap to be fun around town, and capable at higher speeds also. Exhaust note is tame but still highlights the big beefy single with a nice chugging rhythm.

A 164kg (wet) weight may feel heavy to some, but I found the added stability is a fair justification for it. It masks its weight well, and even maneuvering around a garage it feels well balanced. The GTS comes with a centre stand – a staple for scooters – and a side stand. This comes with an aftermarket side-stand extender, which props it up nicely on a flat surface, but makes it significantly harder to leave on any incline. 

As you’d expect from the Vespa line-up, the 300 GTS is incredibly refined and sleek in both its mechanicals as well as visual styling. All the embellishments and touches feel intentional and considerate of the rider. This example is in a beautiful Nero Opaco (Matt Black) – the paint finish stunning, and the matte definitely adding to the premium look. Vespa bodywork is very streamlined in its design and often recognisable as ‘bulbous’, though not a bad thing. Venting on the rear plastics is also sleek!

The Commuting Cockpit

Hand controls generally feel well put together, though the indicators personally felt a bit weak with the tactility. Brakes are sharp and respond well to hard braking, and the ABS only kicks in when truly necessary. The ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) button toggles what is effectively a ‘rain-mode’ traction control setting – modulating engine output based on ABS and other sensors. I braved some stormy weather on two separate occasions, one with ASR on and the other without, neither of which I felt much compromise with traction! Having said that, any ‘spirited’ riding would definitely benefit from turning it off (which it defaults to anyways on start-up).

Mode button switches between 2 trips and odometer. Dash is simple but legible and displays all the information you really need. Full LED’s. All the compartments and buttons are hidden well and feel incredibly premium. I love the ignition push to unlock the frunk!

Comfort Test

Now, onto the seating arrangement.

Riding position is neutral and upright, and with all step-throughs, having your feet next to each other is definitely something to get used to if you haven’t ridden one prior. Bar height was perfect for me, and kept my arms relaxed during the entirety of a ride.

Though the seat is arguably one of the most comfortable seats I’ve had, it’s slightly held back by the seat height. Sitting at 790mm, it may deter those with shorter heights or inseams, but even if height isn’t an issue, the wideness of the seat makes for a slightly awkward position when you want to put a foot down. If you’re looking to buy one, definitely make sure to swing a leg over one beforehand, as it really took me by surprise!

Suspension handles just fine, and feels like a cloud on the right surfaces. Brandishing a single-sided swing-arm on the front, the Vespa performs well for a scooter and certainly looks class. For Wellington roads (often teared up and chip-sealed), the suspension could do with a tweak, especially in the front. Though, I think from factory it’s very well-balanced, and any extra mods would certainly not be considered a necessity!

For those looking to get into two-wheel commuting but afraid a 50cc is too underpowered, the Vespa 300 is a capable workhorse that you really can’t go wrong with. Although checking out the seat-height before hand is vital, make an effort to delve into the wide variation of colour options and choose something that showcases your tastes best!

Join the iconic and long-standing history of Vespa culture — the 300 GTS.

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