alemor89 wrote:
Hello everyone, this is my first message here. Congrats for the forum, its very useful and full of information!
I'm interested in the 2023 GTS 300 but currently all the reviews and test reports are made by the press at the presentation day.
has anyone here already tested the new version? I'm particularly interested in the differences in the behavior of the front suspension.
Since the 2023 facelift has already been available in Europe since the beginning of October, there are first driving reports in the German forum, for example:
To be clear, the description below is NOT my personal experience. I have already seen the vehicles and have already sat on them, but have not yet driven the 2023 model myself.
"Hi,
I had the opportunity to drive a new HPE (300 SuoperSport) as a facelift model this morning and now share my impressions here:
Body:
None! Changes in the steel body. Only the recesses of the turn signals were enlarged (other punching tools).
The turn signals have become larger in the rear, but I find that takes some getting used to, especially since this is reinforced by the lowered rear and the slightly wider taillight. In front, the turn signals have become only marginally larger.
The accessories trade will be happy, since fit the fact nix more of the old model. (Since I was mistaken when looking at the pictures).
When removing the turn signals in front, the glove box must now be dismantled and the control units in it unplugged. (the turn signals are screwed from behind)
In the back you can reach it from the inside, but your hands should not be too big
Helmet compartment remains the same size (the "old" helmet compartment insert fits 1:1 in the FL model)
The plasitk fairings are almost all newly designed. Not very detailed, if you disregard the tail, but still changed. It is only really noticeable if you put an "old" direct next to it.
Whether the old windshields fit, I can not say - the shots look unchanged.
The new tail is not very attractive. Visually it looks like a foreign part, almost like a dirt rag...
However, the license plate holder can be easily removed, giving room for alternative modifications....
Instruments:
the new speedometer is very clear in the digital displays, which are also very easy to read in direct sunlight. The analog speed indicator has become smaller, which I think is a shame.... My iPhone was immediately paired and connected to the speedometer - whether you need something like that is a moot point.
Nice is the remaining km display, which helps especially the Pisa damaged math geniuses not to lie dry
Whether the display is also reasonably accurate, must show the practice. The tank was half full (according to display) and showed a remaining range of 139km
Trip 1 and 2 are still there. The clock displays 24h and the operation of the menu via the "stick" on the left works smoothly and without delay.
There is now a flasher! That's progress
The bench release on the right switch unit instead of on the glove box is a matter of getting used to it....
The switch units in chrome color is really a matter of taste, but the switches seem more solidly finished and also the turn signal switch is a step forward from my point of view....
Here, the accessories trade will certainly find a lucrative field of activity.
Seat position:
For my 196cm the position has remained the same, the edge in de seat, however, somewhat less pronounced. The upholstery is much firmer than on the predecessor and it seems to have a higher quality finish. About wider it has also become and should thus be more comfortable on longer trips.
Chassis:
What is immediately noticeable is the now firmer chassis. The GTS almost no longer dips under heavy braking and the front damper no longer goes to the stop. Rough bumps hardly reach the handlebars and braking stability has improved significantly.
No, a Bitubo or BGM damper is certainly still ne track better, (soft or "comfort-oriented" the chassis is still) but to an extent where I almost want to question the sense of an accessory damper for general use.
On cobblestones, the stuttering is significantly reduced and only remotely noticeable.
Handlebar flutter was none present!
Brakes:
Here there was the biggest change in my opinion.... The brakes still require a spirited grip, but the braking performance has clearly improved. Compared to my 2020 Notte stands the FL model from speed 50 almost a whole Vehicle length sooner and although my Notte is 10kg lighter (exhaust, battery).
Even if I tested this only with the help of a line on the road and the speedometer accuracy was not taken into account, the significantly better deceleration and dosability of the brake is noticeable. This is a real progress and really remarkable, since Vespa had changed nothing on the brakes for ages (except ABS).
Engine:
No changes at all to the engine! Only the speed limiter no longer exists. Without Windshield the speedometer showed 133km/h at full throttle. GPS (tomTom Navi) were thereby 122km / h..
Quality and workmanship:
Very solid, the gap dimensions are better than on the predecessor - especially the leg shield bar now sits perfectly flush. Probably due to the now two-piece whereby far less tension sits on the bar. The paint quality on my demonstrator (matte gray) was very good. Paint thickness I have not measured for lack of instrument.
Conclusion:
The whole Bohei (especially here in the forum) and the partly very unobjective criticism of the facelift model I can not confirm.
It rides much better in stock trim, brakes much better and seems solidly built and finished.
Only the switch units in the handlebars and the license plate holder at the rear disturb the overall picture....
She remains a Vespa (thank God) and I personally will buy the new one in the spring...."
Source:
https://vespaforum.de/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=59213#p816157