Modern Vespa

What is the real world top speed of the new GTS and Primavera models.
I have read and heard so many conflicting numbers.
Not looking for results from modded bikes. Strictly 2023 stock models.
I am looking at purchasing either a Primavera or a GTS and I am wondering what the real top ends are?
I have heard everything from 57-58mph to 63-65 mph for the Primavera.
And I have heard everything from 75-78 to 83-85 for the GTS models. Please help me out here!
My suspicions are 60 mph would be a good result on a Primavera, and 80 would be quite good result on a GTS

I think with the top speed it is similar to the gasoline or oil consumption: it depends...

With the speed:
How is it measured (speedometer or GPS), if speedometer then with/without Kübler tone wheel?
What does the driver weigh?
How tall is the driver?
Does the driver sit upright or slouch down?
Windshield mounted (if so which)?
What are the conditions (temperature, terrain elevation, slope, etc.)?
etc.

Fact:
The pre-facelift GTS 300 had a speed limiter at 120km/h or 74.5 mph (at the speedometer then 130km/h or 80 mph without Kübler tone wheel). And I know some vehicles that easily drove up to the limiter.

With the facelift GTS the limiter is omitted, the maximum speed is given with 123km/h or 76.4 mph (I could not test yet).

What is not to be neglected: there seems to be a series dispersion of around 5km/h.

and condition of the belt, rollers, sliders, both pulleys, tire pressure & wear...


depending of the condition of the above parts sometimes sometimes I reach the 9000rpm limiter (in the ecu) at 127kph on speedo sometimes I reach 130kph speedo at 8700-8800rpm. (in fair conditions - level, no wind etc)

I wonder what the rpm limiter in the 2023 is? I don't remember reading anywhere that it's been increased

German press says: no speedlimiter…

On a 2017 GTS ABS/ASR I just GPS checked my top speed yesterday. Standard roller weights, new (under 600km) belt, tyres at recommended pressures. I got 125kmh GPS speed. It didn't hit an artificial rpm limit, just couldn't push my >100kg frame upright through the air any faster. This was done on good, recent chip seal expressway with 110kmh limit. A good long straight section allowed me to wind it up without encountering traffic while I did so. That's the best I have ever seen on the 20,000km scoot. It was showing in excess of 130kmh on the speedo.

can have no speed limiter but still have rpm limiter. press could easily miss this subtle point

We get along...

The 2020-2022 HPE had both a speed limiter based on the ABS disk AND a rev limiter. Every Vespa GTS has a rev limiter and I've hit it a few times. The 2023 does not have the speed limiter according to press reports die to modifications to the engine it can meet Euro 5x without limiting it per Piaggio press release. The tone while should still correct the speedo, it did on our 2019 making it within 1 mph of my GPS.

There are ways to eke out a bit more performance even after hitting the rev limiter but only 1-3 mph and it's finicky about getting the absolute top number. Real world most GTS 82-84 is best you will get.

is your focus of top speed a concern for the types of roads you'll be riding on or just an interest is what the bike will do?

for instance, a primavera might have a 60~65 top speed after break in but I wouldn't consider it to be a capable bike on the freeway. much more well suited to 55mph secondary roads.

My interest in the top speeds on a Vespa is directly related to the type of roads that I use often and hope to continue to use. Touring is a large part of my riding interests. Having traveled extensively in my various money earning jobs, have found myself in need of the ability to travel at posted speeds of up to 85 mpg. Running a vehicle at or close to peak ability to match what the bigger and heavier vehicles a motorcycle shares the roads with does not inspire confidence in longevity of the power plants I depend on. I sure hope the Vespa company will SOON introduce a model that better suits Americas super highways.

Part of the reason for varying Primavera top speed figures could come from the fact that they are sold, in some countries, with 125cc and/or 150cc engines.

Mine (Sprint, quite the same) here was a 125cc, never ridden a 150cc, so don't know how much the difference feels. I never checked the real GPS speed, but had a feeling that the speedo was quite optimistic.

I seldom used top speed, but I'll guess somewhere around 65- close to 70 mph was realistic for a light weight guy like myself. I did not have a windshield and had to pretty much lean on the bars to get to those speeds.

As greasy says, Primavera/Sprint is best enjoyed at a bit lower speed. GTS is your tool in the Vespa range for faster roads.

That's just it, though. Vespa and American superhighways go together like toothpaste and orange juice. If you are planning to spend all day on the super slab you do not want a Vespa.

I often ride my Vespa on major highways such as I-95. I don't feel that the top-speed of the GTS 300 is lacking for that. I am usually able to quite comfortably keep up with traffic around me.

if you need to do 80+ all day long then you need a different bike. but who needs to do that?

if you need to do 75-80 to keep up with traffic and are doing 1/2 hour on the freeway it's no issue at all. my gts is happy to oblige.

I've ridden 101, I-5, I-10, I-15, I-25, I-40, I-70, I-80, I-90 and I-95 without feeling like my GTS is lacking. Though I prefer more scenic routes than droning down the freeway unless I have a reason to be on the interstate. Secondary roads are usually much more enjoyable but in many parts of the country no slower as FM roads in Texas and state highways in Colorado can have posted speed of 70+ mph.

Same here.

Riding near the top speed capable on a vespa for long periods of time is often a factor in my travels so I will continue hoping that larger hp, larger wheels, longer wheelbase et all might appear sooner then later. Needs and wants do not always blend as well as some would like.

To add a little more detail, most of the riding I am planning to do will be on state hwys, city streets, county and rural roads, and some gravel. Jaunts on I-5 would be limited to exit-to-exit riding to connect the backroads.
I sold my Triumph tiger 800 3 years ago. To big, too fast, too heavy, too complicated, and TOO expensive to get serviced.
I like certain aspects of both the Primavera and the GTS
I love the simplicity of the Primavera, no water cooling, only 3 valves, and under 300 lbs. And I am pretty sure that loping along at under 60 mph would be fine for me 90% of the time. Also, it will all be 1 up with no more than 20 kg of gear added to my 85 kg.
On the other hand, the GTS has more power, always a good thing when riding in the mountains and in high wind areas, and the extra 100 lbs or so would be nice when riding over 60 mph. Also comes with nice Euro-style turn signals.
Really, my biggest concern is 1up ergos. I am 6'1" with a 34-35 inseam and 12 1/2-13 shoes. I guess a test ride of each will settle the issue
I really do like the Primavera better for most of what I plan to do.
Now the question: are there any simple and relatively inexpensive ways to squeeze about 3 mph more top end out of the Primavera without sacrificing reliability and rideability?

A comment about the ergos. I am apparently very very close to you in size and shape and have had a Sprint in addition to currently having a GTS. The Sprint was just a skosh too small for me to fit well and I spent most of the time sitting on the pillion seat (with WOT or breaking). For reasons, I got the Corbin lowered seat which fixed some of the ergo issues I had, but is ended up giving me a bit of a wedgie with the way it curved up the farther back you sat. I was never fully comfortable on the Sprint, but overall preferred sitting on the pillion seat to the Corbin. I miss the bike a lot—it was so light—but after a little time on it I'd want to be elsewhere. Amazing for around town and getting into tight spaces, but not so fun after half an hour.
The GTS is definitely heftier and can't be yanked around like the Sprint, but the seating gives me sooo much more to work with.

I think JenniferJ has the correct perspective. Vespa has the classic
appeal for models both in the city and on the open road.

If you have a need for speed get a larger motorcycle. If you are
in to scenery, enjoying the side roads, scooters are the answer.

I am definitely not into circling the metro on the freeway slab.
For that matter, I am not into long distance riding at high speed
on the freeway slab. I leave that up to my Harley brothers.

Give me the back country roads. Scenic vistas, wind in my face
and frequent stops.

Bob Copeland
2013 Vespa GTS330ie Dragon Red - Heaven!

the absolute fastest any engine ever gets is right before the KABOOM.

Does going to 13" Rims and adding a Tone Wheel KUBLER Racing for the conversion to the 13" rear Rim, help in any way?
( I want a chance to make it from 26 Mile Marker, on the I-45 Gulf Frwy, to the 286 Mile Marker) Other words "Houston Bay Area -to- Dallas".

Once you get through Huntsville, You feel as if you are on the AUTOBAHN, Speed Limit (75) everyone is doing somewhere between "83-to-90"

12.5 or 13 gram roller weights will usually do that and give you slightly better acceleration. Any of the good European aftermarket variators will do that and more.