Modern Vespa

I'm closing in on 6,000 miles on my 2016 GTV 300, so my plan is to take it to AF1 to have the 6K service done. I'm also considering having AF1 do the performance mods I've read so much about on MV (cylinder kit, exhaust, etc.). I'd like to have more power and speed for the times I get on the highways (speed limits are 75 mph). For example, I did my longest ride ever last weekend - a 230-mile round trip - and while the scooter did fine, it sure would be nice to have some extra speed at hand when it's needed.

I know it won't be cheap, and that's OK. There's the argument that it's best to leave the engine alone and use that cash to step up to a more capable scooter, such as a BV. However, I love the styling of the Vespa and don't want another scooter.

While I know from reading past posts that lots have had the performance mods done, my questions to you folks are: Do you highly recommend it? Would you say it was money well spent? Have the mods resulted in any unforeseen maintenance problems or other negative issues?

I know this topic has been discussed a bunch in the past, and I've tried to read through what I can dredge up, so I appreciate any info or suggestions the forum can provide.

In your avatar picture, if that's your GTV, I don't see a windscreen. Adding a mid-size windscreen is the one and only mod I would do for highway riding. Just my $0.02.

That's an older photo. I've added a mid-height Cuppini screen with a 10" Laminar Lip on top, which is really nice.

Yeah it's worth it if you have the cash handy. Here is a thread on what I've had done to mine. Don't think I've added much since.

The GTV is finally back and better than ever

I would suggest the gearbox upgear kit too if you go for the cylinder kit. This is very easy to fit and doesn't cost much. The extra power can pull a slightly higher gearing to allow for better high speed cruising.

Is this the "gearbox upgrade" you speak of? If so, it's included in the full Malossi kit (which I have on order BTW). Once the kit arrives, I'll make the 6-hour drive to Austin, TX and AF1 Racing to drop off my scooter in order to have it all installed. My upgraded GTV will be my Christmas present to myself!

https://www.malossistore.eu/secondary-gears-htq-z-2245-6714844-P

Congrats! Oh your GTV will move all right. I've had mine up in the 100 MPH range and one recommendation I have is get good shocks. They really will help you feel more planted and in general add to the performance of the scoot.

I'm assuming you are also putting in the Force Master 2 and have a performance exhaust? Many here will argue the performance increase per $ spent for an exhaust but the Malossi really likes it and recommends it for the highest seeing on the FM2.

I don't have a clue about aftermarket shocks. I weigh about 175 lbs (don't know if that matters regarding shocks).

Yes, Force Master 2 & exhaust included in the full kit: https://www.malossistore.eu/upgrade-kit-vespa-gts-300-ie-4917972-P

I'm about 185 and weight matters but not that much. It's about how they respond to changing road conditions and absorb bumps. Hard to explain but they make a pretty big difference.

That's not the right kit for your Vespa.
That's for the Euro 4 engine, not the US Version engine. The exhaust in that kit isn't the correct one for your scooter. Also, there are a couple of different upgear kits you can do, depending on the terrain and how much power you end up making. But there are other choices for exhaust that work extremely well with the Malossi cylinder kit and will make it perform even better.

Oh, sh*t! Please explain further.

The exhaust in the kit is not the right one for your engine. It has a much smaller diameter header pipe and restricts the performance compared to the correct exhaust for your engine, which is a different Malossi part number. That's why you don't see the kit for sale in the US.
Because we run Malossi's booth during the public part of AimExpo, we have ended up with the kit after each of the last two, because it's one of the items they send over for the booth. I have to break up the kits and end up exporting the exhausts to countries that got the Euro 4 engine. It's better than the stock Piaggio Euro 4 exhaust, but not as good as the Malossi exhaust designed for the Euro 3 engine, which is pretty much what we got before the HPE, and what you have on your bike.
I don't know if you are under the impression that you are getting your parts directly from Malossi, but you're not. I am pretty sure malossistore.eu and malossistore.us are run by the Belgian distributor, and they might not know we didn't get the Euro 4 engine. The guy in New York who has the malossiusaonline site is also a distributor, and not part of Malossi.

This sort of thing is exactly why I had my GTV kitted out by the Piaggio dealer. Maybe I paid a but more but honestly not much more. The differences between regs and standards in the EU and North America can be confusing.

Thank you for the input! I've reached out to try to cancel my order or at least I'll hopefully be able to return it.

Damn!

It sounds like you need the 2020 HPE to be honest. It might wind up being cheaper than all the mods needed to get you up to that mph and torque desired.

There is a marginal power output difference between the HPE and the US Model pre-HPE engine. If you modify the pre-HPE US model, it will walk away from the HPE. There is a very noticeable difference between the HPE and the Euro 4 engine.

Here are the correct parts for the best performance. Some of them are in the kit, and some aren't, but they are worth installing at the time you install the Malossi cylinder kit.

https://scooterpartsco.com/vespa/gts-300/gts-300-performance/malossi-force-master-cdi-for-vespa-300
https://scooterpartsco.com/vespa/gts-300/gts-300-performance/malossi-performance-air-filter-for-vespa-gt-gts-and-gtv-mp3 Not in the Kit
https://scooterpartsco.com/vespa/gts-300/gts-300-performance/malossi-racing-cylinder-kit-and-v4-head-for-vespa-300
https://scooterpartsco.com/vespa/gts-300/gts-300-performance/malossi-racing-exhaust-for-vespa-gt-gts-gtv Different Exhaust than the one in the kit.
https://scooterpartsco.com/vespa/gts-300/gts-300-performance/malossi-secondary-gears-22-45-vespa-250-300
https://scooterpartsco.com/vespa/gts-300/gts-300-performance/malossi-torque-driver-for-vespa-piaggio-aprilia NOT IN THE KIT, but worth adding.
https://scooterpartsco.com/vespa/gts-300/gts-300-performance/malossi-torsion-controller-for-vespa-piaggio-150-300 NOT IN THE KIT
https://scooterpartsco.com/vespa/gts-300/gts-300-performance/malossi-variator-for-vespa-gts-gtv-and-gt
https://scooterpartsco.com/vespa/gts-300/gts-300-performance/malossi-variator-outer-pulley-for-vespa-piaggio-250-300 New this year and not in the kit.
https://scooterpartsco.com/vespa/gts-300/gts-300-performance/malossi-kevlar-belt-for-vespa-piaggio-250-300 Not in the kit

Here are other things to consider

https://scooterpartsco.com/vespa/gts-300/gts-300-performance/polini-15-49-primary-gears-for-250-and-300
https://scooterpartsco.com/vespa/gts-300/gts-300-performance/pm-tuning-scomadi-exhaust-for-vespa-gts-pm80

Your reasons are pretty much the same as others - the style of the Vespa is undeniable, and the performance mods get you what you really want - pulling power throughout the power band.

I've done the top end upgrades (Malossi cylinder, head, and Forcemaster 2, and exhaust), and it does pretty much what everyone says. You'll get a significant increase in power and off-the-line torque, and your butt-dyno will notice it.

Cruising at highway speeds (65mph) is a breeze, and leaves you with enough torque left to accelerate when you need to. Top end is around 85-90mph on flat ground. If you do an upgear mod and variator mod, you may get more. I don't know for sure, as I haven't personally done those modifications.

I haven't noticed any maintenance issues. I'm on my second oil change since the top end work. I did do all of the mechanical work myself. Not everyone is willing or able to do that, but I enjoy wrenching...

For me, it's totally worth it. I love having a handful of throttle whenever I want.

Worth it? Well, money is for spending, so that's what I do with it. I spend it with vendors who treat me decently, and I have no problem recommending places where I get good value. I purchased my Malossi kit from Scooterwest (they'll bundle it for you, as well as include all required o-rings, washers, other gaskets and do-dads you'll need for the upgrade), and everything I've read about AF1 seems to be pretty positive as well.

Best of luck on your upgrades!

Well put and I do think I have all the upgrades and can hit about 100 MPH though mind you it's not like you can really do that anywhere. I find the happy spot for the scoot is about 140 KMH (85 MPH) and I find myself having to throttle back on the highway or risk a speeding ticket. While my BMW C650GT is stock engine wise it is still is a more powerful scoot but I find I park it at about 120 KMH on the freeway and it's happy there. The Vespa at 120 KMH feels slow and really seems to want to go faster. I'm not sure why I feel that way but the Vespa just seems to want to go fast. Stability? No problem at all and it feels very planted to the tarmac. However I also have performance shocks front and rear and it DOES make a difference IMHO.

If you have the coin kitting a Vespa is a blast. YES you CAN get a faster bike for MUCH less money. BUT it's just a hell of a lot of fun to have a properly setup Vespa with a Malossi kit the smiles pay for themselves soon.

One thing I would add to Motovista's list is the Polini camshaft. I haven't tried one, but from what I have read it is worth investigating. I would fit one if I was installing a Malossi cylinder/head kit again.

Then comes handling to go with the performance. The front shock must be replaced. I like the Bitubo, but there are several other good ones available, BGM, Zelioni and such. And aftermarket brake callipers like Brembo or Frando increase your confidence when entering a corner, etc. The Frandos don't need mounting brackets, and look very neat.

Have fun.