Modern Vespa

After totaling out, then riding on salvage title, and then "retotaling" (long story, another thread) my 2015 GTS 300 Super Sport, I decided to push it to the side of the garage and buy a 2018 GTS 300 Super. In bright green.

Here are the physical differences I've noticed:
- the plastic covers above the brake cylinders were removed and the headset is now one solid piece
- remote control (which works about 15% of the time)
- seperate ASR button instead of holding down starter button
- ASR on/off display is now in the LCD and no longer an LED under speedo
- when removing the left plastic knee cover, there are now plastic panels you need to pop out to access the wires

Here are the behavioral differences I've noticed:
- throttle band is much more linear. my 2015 was very jerky in acceleration
- brakes are much "stiffer" and require significantly more squeezing force
- throttle is much stiffer
- runs silky smooth on initial start-up even in 30F degree weather. My 2015 would struggle for at least the first few miles
- both stall in the cold, although my 2015 appears to have stalled more often

Despite the "jerky" feel my 2015 had, so far I actually prefer how it rode and am now considering fixing it instead of parting it out. Curious others thoughts?

The other big difference between the 2015 and the 2018 is the front suspension. The '15 has the ESS while the '18 suspension is more similar to the pre-'15 configuration. Out of curiosity, did the total and retotal destroy the front column and suspension or is it salvageable? I would think those components would have significant value as used parts.

(Looks like I answered my own question by reading your "For Sale" listing. Sounds like the front end of the scooter is in undamaged condition.)

yea - it was a rear end impact. But even when you look at the rear end, the suspension, swing arm, engine case, etc are all fine. Not really sure why it was totaled.

I need to ride it more to see if I notice the difference in the suspensions. If what I'm reading is accurate, my '15 should ride much better than the '18. Solidifies my decision to keep both.

I am in a similar position. My '16 GTS had a problem, intermittent not starting. I took it into two Vespa workshops, and they "fixed" it, got the scooter running, and blamed my mods. Next day same problem.

I missed a lot of club rides because I was worried about getting stuck far from home with a scooter that wouldn't start. I didn't trust the scooter anymore. So I bought a new '18 GTS300. But then, having checked everything else on the old scooter (engine turned over, there was fuel squirting out of the injector, spark was good) I replaced the ECU. And that fixed the problem. My old blue is perfect again.

So I now have two scooters. The new white one is nice, but a bit boring. The old blue one has all the mods, Malossdi V4 kit, Brembo brakes, Bitube shocks, etc, and is a dream to ride. So do I spend $2000 on the new one to make it handle like the old? I think I am going to trade it in on the new '19 model when it comes out here. That 18% more torque appeals to me.

The new scooter goes in for its first service tomorrow. I have Frando brake callipers and a front shock waiting to go on it, Maybe I'll leave them in the shed until the '19 arrives.

Mike

The difference between 2015 and 2018? Nothing worth paying for.

I would argue it's a downgrade

Your 2018 is still pretty new, the throttle will loosen up as you get some miles on it. I can tell the different with 2000 miles on mine over when it first came home. I suspect the brake levers may also loosen up a bit since I don't think of mine as being too stiff.

As cd says, the brakes will feel a bit looser and much more powerful very soon. They need to bed in (approx 1000 miles is usual but you may know that). Until then, don't go using too much pressure on them ie: don't do harsh quick stops unless you have to. Let them bed in naturally. Power of the motor will also improve, and stalling will cease with a few hundred miles on the clock. It's often caused by laggy automatic idle speed control which is a bit stiff when new. You'll soon see you haven't downgraded...

thanks! this makes me feel a lot better.