Modern Vespa

I have a 2022 GTS 300 in silver blue or sky blue with chrome with 1,400 miles. I like the black out theme of the 2023 GTS 300 supersport. I was thinking of doing the full black out (black out kit plus black front wheel, bar-end weights, tail light bezel, rack, and mirrors (and horn cover in black or carbon if I can find one). Total cost for parts is around $800 - $900. (I will have dealer switch out front wheel and possibly replace the leg shield trim, I can install everything else). So roughly $1600 to complete.

OR, should I just trade it in and buy a 2023 SS (I like the Orange and the Matt Olive colors) and gain some of the improvements in suspension, keyless, etc?

Cost is not a factor. (always wanted to say that )

What would you do?????????????

If cost isn't a factor rip the bandaid off and get the 2023 if you want it more. Most buyers purchase a Vespa with their heart not mind anyway.

Used market value is strong right now in Canada so you wouldn't be too far behind here but I can't speak for your area.

Anecdotally, I love my 2023 but I don't feel the keyless is an upgrade - it feels like an answer to a question nobody asked.

Federale, thanks for your input. I agree, keyless can be good/bad. I am leaning towards the "ripping the band aid". approach

I stick with the pre-2023 as I don't personally want keyless. plus you'd get to stay with euro4 instead of euro5

Thanks!

I'm curious as to why a Euro 4 Vespa is more desirable than a Euro 5?




And if it was me Paluss, I'd buy the new model in Matt Orange

Thanks Coddy

Yup please tell us more, also curious.

I'd keep silver blue and do everything yourself except mount and balance the front wheel.

You'd be into it for parts and about $50 mount and balance.

Plus when you get a proven, late model GTS300 with no ECU/electrical/fuel pump/ABS control unit issues, you hold onto it like you would a hot low drama woman or Toyota pickup truck.

Taking the leg shield and floor off is no big deal after watching a couple videos on you-tube and as always a lot of good info on it here at MV.

One of the fellows in my riding group gets a new scoot almost every year. Obviously not a money issue. I am still content with my 2013 GTS300 Super.

I do agree with Federale, I am not a big fan of keyless. My new Kymco 550AD has it. I love the scoot, not the keyless. The fobes' battery dies every Season. I have to constantly keep the scoot on battery tender. Each to our own.

I say buy the new one.

Bob Copeland
Minnesota

thanks guys, good advice and insight....

the following is to be taken in the context that the op already has a happy 2022 hpe e4 and was not complaining about it just pondering style.

If I was to buy a new bike today I would be happy to buy a 2023 e5 supertech. so not completely against just don't think it is a great trade from a happy e4 hpe

anyway, the most obvious difference is the exhaust. different. if you wanted to stick a different exhaust on then there are a lot less choices. have also read that the e5 is about .5hp less but not taken that as proven (iirc claim was made on the german forum and I think it did involve a dyno). the engine mapping is almost definitely different to match the different exhaust so the power curve could be slightly different ..


PS Apart from E4 vs E5 exhaust difference there is also less choices in changing the front suspension or brakes although might not be worth worrying about


PPS and the cosmetics of that horrible chrome bit where the handlebar switches are ...

I have just pulled out a ten year old Akra exhaust and fitted it to my 2023 GTS300. Fits perfectly. I have had the same exhaust on my GTS250 and my 2015 and 2018 GTS300s. I have replaced the wadding in it twice. It gained me nothing. I wanted a deeper note, less like a sewing machine, but it is too loud and will come off again. But it looks great!

I have ordered a Bitubo front shock from SIP. They are in stock at last and I should have it in a week or so. Bitubos made a big difference on previous scooters, but I don't know how much benefit I will get with the new suspension. Someone has to be the guinea pig.

Your Australian 2023 is not an E5. American and European are E5. interesting to hear how you go

So after going back and forth on trade or mod and visiting 2 dealers, I decided to mod and "black out the trim" on my GTS. Here are a few pics of the final results. I also added a new front wheel adding to the theme. I was able to bolt on most of the parts myself, but had the dealer change out the front wheel and install the leg shield trim. About $600 dollars in parts for the transformation...

Looks good dude 😎

Thanks!!

Hey SB, for some reason I never got (or noticed) a notification that you replied. TY for sharing this. Taught me a couple new things to consider... one day.

Bob, is that house in your photo really that lopsided? Or is it the Coriolis effect in Frostbite Falls?

Shebalba,

The photo is accurate I expect the street is graduating down a slop.

Bob Copeland

I hate sloppy streets!

Also? If the photo is to be believed everything in Frostbite Falls costs $17.99.

Shelbalba, Dibasio, JBlacklund,

Like you good friends, I also look closely a the background of all photo posts. Kind of peaks my imagination seeing where people live or the scenery in their area - especially in other countries. Love those photos. I guess I need to "get a life" and get out more.

News from Frostbite Falls: Tomorrow will probably be the last group ride for the Season. It is going to be colder "Than a witches tit in a brass bra". I am so desperate to ride, I am heading out with temperature in the 40 degree zone.

Bob Copeland
Frostbite Falls