Modern Vespa

I've been riding a 50cc Kymco for several years and am ready to step up to a more powerful scooter. On the top of my list are the Vespa GTS and Granturismo, which seem very similar to me.

My local dealership informed me that these two bikes are virtually identical in acceleration and top speed. I'm wondering if the Vespa enthusiasts on this list can confirm this statement.

I really don't think I can go wrong with either of these scoots, especially if we're just talking about a few miles an hour difference.

Thanks for your help.

-Dave

I have heard that the performance is very similar. The biggest difference is that the GTS has fuel injection and I don't think the Grantourismo does. Secondly I was told that the Grand Tourismo is being discontinued and the GTS will be in the current/ future product line up for the next year or so. I just bought two GTS and love them!

Thanks Stogie8. You're right about the Granturismo -- it's carbureted rather than fuel injected.

Your midnight blue scoot looks great with the tan seat. If I go with the Granturismo, I'm thinking about the plum with tan, which I think people either love or hate. Turns out I love it

-Dave

After riding my husband's GT and my new GTS, I can tell you that the GTS is much zippier and has a sharper turning radius than the GT. It is very comfortable and has a quick response. The GT is sluggish and I have to take the turns a little wider than I do with my GTS.

My 2 cents.



Mel

I have heard the GT is to be discontinued if it is not already. The GTS has fuel injection vs a carb for the GT. I believe the steering geometry was changed as italianscoots alluded to. The stock tires are different. The gauge cluster is analog on the GT and digital on the GTS. The horsepower ratings are very close 21.7 for the GTS and 21 for the GT. Torque ratings are 14.9 for the GTS and 12.9 for the GT. On a percentage basis that is quite a bit more torque which means better acceleration and load carrying (passenger?)

Dave

I have a 2003 GT, and often wish I had waited another year for the GTS to come out. My GT can just manage 120kph (130 downhill), while the GTS I test-rode could do 130kph with ease. The GTS has better acceleration, and is probably slightly more economical due to the fuel injection. It also has improved suspension.

On the other hand, I prefer the looks of the GT, although the differences are pretty subtle. I don't like the digital rev-counter and fuel gauge of the GTS, although I wish my GT had a rev-counter. I don't like the retro carrier of the GTS, especially for a top-box, where the GT rack is much better. And I don't like that silly running-light on the front. I don't like the hump in the GTS saddle, as I like to sit in the middle of the saddle. But these preferences are all a matter of taste. Maybe you like chrome. I had chrome all over my first GS150 back in 1960, but have never gone that way again with any of my later scooters.

So if you are going to ride on freeways, go for the GTS to keep up with the traffic. Otherwise it is a matter of taste.

Mike

Find a dealer that will let you ride them both the same day, on a speedy curvy stretch of highway and decide for yourself.

I won't question anyone else's choice but for me it was no longer a question of GT vs. GTS, the only question I had was "What GTS colors do you have in stock RIGHT NOW?"

Being a female rider I was a little disappointed in the color choices of the GTS vs the GT. I know that color shouldn't be a major factor in your decision but ....when will they come out with some new GTS colors in the US?

Custom Paint Job....
That solves everything.
Lucky~

You may be able to save some cash if you go with the GT, particularly in Plum, which there seems to be more of on dealers floors I've noticed. And you're right, you really can't go wrong.

Actually, I'm also engaged in an internal GT/GTS debate. My dealer makes it harder. I'll explain. In addition to the Vespa factory's deal of either no interest/no payments for six months -OR- two free years of extended warranty, the dealer (Vespa of Nashville, nee Bloodworth Motors) is offering $300 off MSRP on leftover '07 scooters, and $600 off of '06 scooters.

Here's the thing, he has two '07 GTSs and two '06 GTs for sale. So until the end of October (or until he runs out of them) my choices are:
a) GTS for $5,699 -or-
b) GT for $4,699.

The GTSs are both grey (I think) and the GTs are one black, one dark blue.

I rode the GT extensively on Saturday, but didn't get to the GTS. The GT, no passenger, got up to 65mph on the freeway (barely 70 if I get an aero tuck.) I weigh 215#. But even with a passenger, accceleration to 50mph didn't seem notably slower.

Opinions? Thoughts? Is the bigger price spread enough reason to lean in favor of the GT? Or will I miss the GTS's extra giddy-up? BTW, I despise chrome, as the former owner of a giant Harley Road King, which I spent more time polishing than riding.

And, Thanks, everyone.

I have both and like my GTS better. However, there is something about the GT that is indefinable...I love it, too! I think it has something to do with the noise the carbuerated scooter makes...it's louder!


Honestly, the steering is better on the GTS.

Thanks to everyone for all the information. It sounds like given the choice, most people prefer the GTS for its superior driveline and chassis. Davet -- How did you end up with a GT200 and GTS? Is your GTS considerably faster than the GT as others have suggested? This issue if of particular importance to me because I am tired of struggling to keep up with traffic on my 41 mph (actual, not indicated) 50cc scooter.

I also have the same dilemma as The Aerodynamic Head. I can score a new '06 GT200 for $4395 + tax, which makes it an attractive alternative to the pricier GTS.

Thanks all.

-Dave

Lordy Dave, an LX 150 would feel like a Ferrari compared to that Kymco! I ended up finding a good deal on a used bike and got a GT, but having put some miles on each, I was open to either a GT or GTS.

The GTS had literally only 3-4 mph on the GT at the top end. They both can pounce off the line. They handled slightly differently, but after five minutes you get used to whatever one you're on and they both feel great.

Shoot, if'n ya like purple and it's cheaper--go for it...then love the one you're with, 'cause you won't know no better! (and there really isn't that much difference).

Now go buy something, replace all the chrome with flat black stuff and post pictures...we're waiting!

Don

I bought my GTS first after realizing that a BMW GS wasn't the best choice for daily transport. The GTS is able to handle my large frame very adequately; I will continue to use it as my daily rider, especially in the rain during the winter.

I bought the GT for the little lady as a surprise- she just didn't get into it as much as I did...trying to sell it but don't want to give it away either.

I have to climb a very large hill everyday on my daily commute. MY GTS steams along at 60 MPH , the GT slows down to 50+mph as I navigate it.

The price is nice but the GTS handling is far superior to the GT. With a Givi V46 top case, and a lap apron plus a couple of windscreens, you can't beat it for daily transpo.

That said, I just bought a 650 VStrom dualie for longer trips.

Ride em both, if the money is tight, the GT will be fine! You can always enhance the performance later.

In any event, the money you save by not using a car will make either choice pay for itself in the short term anyhow!

1) Stock GTS = faster than stock GT, 99.99% of the time. Some GTS' have been a bit slower, some GTs have been a bit faster, not worth even mentioning. Chalk it up to a guy hung over at the Piaggio plant the day yours was made. This goes for off the line, or at top end. The difference is not as negligible as people would have you believe, and that's mostly due to throttle response.

2) GTS steering geometry has changed, makes it a little twitchier than the GT. Kind of a "neutral" thing - your riding style and needs will determine if thats' good or not.

3) GT's pretty much out, as I understand it. Not a bad thing. Don't worry too much about parts, that LEADER200 is used in other bikes as well (BV200, specifically), and I doubt part supply for that will be much of an issue.

The question is how much you want to spend, more than anything, for most day to day tasks. Short commute vs. long commute, highway riding, etc. If you have the money, there's no reason to avoid the GTS with the exception of #2 - you may prefer the GT's steering over the GTS'. If you have to ask yourself how you're gonna justify the price difference, though, just go with the GT. You won't be upset.

If I hadn't bought the GT already, I probably would have bought a GTS (had it come out at the same time, which of course it didn't). The differences, to me, though, aren't enough to make me sell my GT and trade up. A GTV on the other hand..

Oh yeah, and a pretty solid bit of advice: if you get a GT, don't think that you can throw a few hundred dollars of mods at it and turn it into the equivalent of a GTS: You can't. You buy a GT, you get a GT. You buy a GTS, you get a GTS. Modding a GT to react like a GTS off the line is a costly business, and will probably nullify the point of buying a GT over a GTS anyway.

End of the day, just ride what you buy and enjoy it

One other minor thing - for some reason it's much easier to get a GTS on the centerstand than a GT. I have no idea why.

This is true!

I like the carb. Probably last 200+ that will have one.

I don't understand

BV250 = carb'd.

Redrox and aerohead,

I have a GTS and briefly owned a 06 gt too, and I would have been happy with either. Just remember though, if you do get the GT (which I prefer the looks of) don't let people on this forum make you regret your decision. Many people here are strong advocates for the GTS and if hang out here long enough, you might start to wonder if you made a mistake. You didn't. Both choices are great. Compared to what you have, these scooters aren't even in the same category. You will love either of them.

What ever you do, just enjoy it.

Thanks everyone. This has been a very informative thread.

I've inquired with the dealership about the cost and availablity of a GTS. If the price is right and the dealership has a color that suits me, I'll go with the GTS. Otherwise, I'll go with the plum GT200 (still like the color ).

In the end, it seems that I won't go wrong either way. I'll post my decision once it's been made, hopefully within the next day or two.

Thanks again.

-Dave

Dave, I'd also say if it works for you $$$ wise and all to keep the 50cc scoot.

Having been without a scoot for over 2 months, it SUCKS not to have a ride!!!

I have an 05 GT, 12,300 miles, no trouble with it at all. The only upgrade I added was a Malossi Clutch. I use it for commuting, 50 miles round trip. It has a full windscreen and top box. I can reach and hold about 70-75mph indicated and sometimes have hit 80 indicated with the flow of traffic still passing my by. I do a majority of my own maintenance on it. I prefer the analog instruments and the carb. The less electronics the better. LOL
I have seen the Blue and Tan and also the Plum and Tan, both very nice combinations. You will be happy with either the GT or GTS, but the performance numbers between the two are not enough for me to upgrade to the GTS.

RedRox,

I bought an '06 GTS at the end of June this year, and I also debated the 200 vs 250 choice. I rode both, back to back. I weigh about 185 lbs/ 84kg. As is often the case in my experience, at lower speeds there is little difference between the two bikes and engines. At higher speeds, say 80 kph/ 50mph on up the GTS does have more in reserve, and so 100 kph/ 62 mph is a little 'less work' on the GTS. So, think about where you will ride, and how fast you need to go- comfortably. I use my scoot as much as I can as real transportation, so I wanted the extra capability.

I will also say that the GT actually felt a bit better than the GTS in the handling department, a bit more compact, almost as though the package of weight, balance, geometry, etc, was a little more 'correct'. It was hard to describe, but I did notice a handling difference right away. Perhaps a subjective difference, as I didn't shop by the numbers.

And it's true; color does matter. I bought a red bike, and there were no red GT's. Vespa owners tend to have an unnatural fondness for their bikes, so get one you can look at without regret. As another local GTS owner said, she always looks back at her bike with a smile after she parks it.

BTW, I would consider the BV 250 if you have the interest. The Europeans are mostly into the big wheel bikes, in my experience.

The 200 is at the end of it's production life, but parts are available for Vespas of all era's, so that is not likely to be an issue.

Keep us posted!

Ciao

I chose the GT because I liked the dash and the flatter seat. Plus someone on this site sold me on the "modern vintage" notion.
I never took the GTS for a ride so I can't give you my opinion on it, but I can tell you that all 32 miles so far on the GT200 have been glorious!!
I'll post pics when I figure out how.
I couldn't wait any longer to post, my "lurker" status was making me feel creepy!
Thanks for all your help Modern Vespa,
Jay

I just heard from the dealer and learned that I could buy an '07 GTS for $5,795, or $1400 over the cost of the Granturismo.

Given what everyone has said here, my needs, and the fact that I do like the plum color, I am going to proceed with the Granturismo.

Thanks to all who replied. I'll post pics once I get the bike.

-Dave

At what elevation will you be riding? I had trouble with my GT slowing down to 35 mph at high altitudes (something to do with the lack of fuel-injection - the gearheads can explain). My GTS also had issues at 7,000' but not as drastic.

I live at about 5,300 ft above sea level. While I don't know the specifics of the fuel injection system in the GTS, I do know that most, if not all modern fuel injection systems measure or compute the amount of intake air and simultaneously monitor the amount of oxygen in the exhaust stream. With these measurements and some others (e.g., throttle position - again, I have no idea how sophisticated the GTS system is), the engine management computer dynamically determines the correct amount of fuel to inject. As a result, a fuel injected system automatically compensates for changes pressure and temperature so the air/fuel mixture is always correct.

Unlike the fuel injected engine in the GTS, a carbureted engine such as the one in the GT200 in unable to adjust to changes in temperature and pressure. As a result, carbureted engines sometimes need to be rejetted to add less fuel at altitude.

While I do not know the specifics of the GT and GTS, this is my general understanding of carburetion versus fuel injection.

So, in your case, the GT probably became overly rich as you went up in altitude, which caused the engine to lose power. The GTS compensated for the changes in atmospheric conditions dynamically and added less fuel as your altitude increased, maintaining a proper air/fuel ratio.

I should note that both scoots will lose power at altitude, due to the lower density of the air. The GTS just isn't affected as much as the GT because it's able to maintain a proper air/fuel ratio.

Anyway, I didn't mean to carry on there. Given that I live in Colorado and I am purchasing a carbureted scooter, I've been thinking about this issue. While it will never be as good as the GTS, I figure that I can do reasonably well with a properly jetted GT200, especially since I don't often ride in the mountains.

Given the choice, of course, I'd opt for the fuel injected engine.

-Dave

We have both.
They are very similar, greatest differences are the GTS handles better and the GT starts sluggish in hot, humid weather (carbs).
However, there are great deals available on the GT and the GTS goes for list price.

Here in SF there are GTSs available on CraigsList from time to time, so it is possible to get one a bit cheaper.

As for the handling, I'd say the GT is more stable, slower to turn, and takes more effort to hold a line in a turn. The GTS, despite being bigger, is more nimble and flickable in the corners, but sometimes can develop headshake. I prefer the GTS handling, but others like the stability of the GT.

GT can be rejetted, though getting at the carb is a PITA.

GTS? I don't know what you can do with that. At the Royal Bastards rally in Lake Tahoe, we noticed most GTS' running like crap above 5000ft, really bogged down, etc. Not sure how much tuning can be done on those FI units stock...

It's true. I've actually been looking for a scoot all summer, waiting the the right Vespa to come along or for the prices to drop somewhat as winter approaches, etc. The problem is that very few Vespas have been available for sale in my area, and the ones I've seen for sale elsewhere are too expensive once shipping is factored into the equation -- not to mention the additional logistical issues and the inability to inspect the scoot before purchase.

Over the course of the summer I've actualyl seen number of scoots that I'd have probably purchased if they were local -- but unfortunately most of these bikes were over a thousand miles from Colorado.

-Dave

I think this is because the grease wears away with time. Grease up the stand hinge and the gt should get easier! Oh, and they've redesigned the stand on the gts too, which might also have something to do with it!

A Plum GT, huh? A very intelligent choice.

Ya don't say...

So, after thinking that I really wanted the plum GT, I made a last-minute decision to change the color when I actually placed the order. As a result, I am the proud new owner of a silver (or is it Excalibur Gray ) GT200. I took delivery of scoot today, and as everyone her informed me, there is absolutely no comparison between it and my old 50. Everything about the GT better suits my needs.

Thanks so much to everyone for all the input. Now it's time to head out and ride my awesome new scoot.

-Dave

Congrats Dave, and great choice!!