Modern Vespa

well i looked at the lx 150 and someone suggested that if I could afford the power then I should consider looking at the gts 250.

so this week the I learned that the local dealer is now accepting pre orders for the 300. Is the 300 really coming to Canada or is this still a concept. I cant find any info on when they are coming.

I figure if I am going to spend the money on the 250, what is a couple hundred more for the 300.

thanks in advance for the responses.

anyone?

From what I've read...............
1. You get 34 more cc's and a little more torque
2. You lose some of the features in the instrument panel
3. The 300 does not come with a rear rack (very important to many riders)
4. The 300 is a nice looking scooter but I don't see the point of Vespa making two different models that are so close together in engine displacement and performance.

Personally, if both had been available when I bought our two, GTS', I would have still purchased the GTS over the 300.

You won't go wrong with either the GTS or the 300. It's a subjective thing. Enjoy!

If I was in your situation, I would go for the 300 too. Not for real spec advantages but the Super still is the newest kind from Vespa.
Since summer has passed, waiting somewhat longer would not be an issue.

Actually earlier this year I was in your position but chose to have an 'as new' 2007 Vintage Red GTS250ie.

This was purely for color as I already have a white LX...if I would have failed on finding a VR GTS and did not have my LX...I would have a nice white GTS 300 Super now

I dont really want to lose out on some of the features for the sake of a scooter just a little more powerful.

So what exactly will I be missing in the panel and is the rear rack really that important??

The GTS250 panel is a digital one...it has a usefull outside temp display. Warns for freezing conditions. Also a rev counter that the 300 is missing. But I never ever check it on my 250
Digital or analog is the issue here...it is a style taste matter.

I have a front AND rear rack on my LX. I have never used the rear rack but I do use the front rack often.
On the GTS my rear rack is used for my topcase.

PS: Adding a rear rack afterwards would be possible for a few dollars more

Yes the GTS 300 Super is coming to canada. I believe it will be several hundred dollars more than the GTS 250. If I didn't need the rear rack and I wanted the extra torque, I would get the 300 if I was in the market now.

The rear rack costs money and you need it if you want to have a topcase on your scooter.

I'm not positive but I think I also read that the 300 does not have a trip meter. I use mine to measure how many miles I have left before I need to gas up rather than relying on the low fuel light or gas gauge. I was going to buy a GTV but passed because the dealer said that it did not have a trip meter so it's an important feature to me.

Someone who knows, please clarify this.

wow, i cant believe that my decision may come down to digital or analouge. I love new technology and it is going to eat me up that I did not get all the gadgets and gizmos.

The 300 seems like it will be able to retain value for future trade etc. and the extra power is always a plus.

I just cant decide if I want to give up some of these features or not.

More thoughts and opinions please!!!!

I'm agnostic on a 250 or 300, though if the 300 doesn't come in red, then I'd go for the GTS

However, if you're at all considering whether or not to go from the LX150 to a larger scooter then go for the larger one. I love my Lemon Squeezy and she meets my needs, but it took about 3 weeks for me to start thinking about upgrading to a GTS.

Its been said that the 300 has the same power just more torque than the 250. You also lose a little mpg with the 300. The 250 has the trip odometer, thermometer and tach the 300 does not. The rear rack on the 250 is VERY useful, you could most likely add one for about $200 to the 300. The 300 has black wheels opposed to the silver ones on the 250. The 300 also has the retro styled vents on the right rear cowl. For me it would come down to available colors and price. You will most likely get abetter deal on the 250.

That was my biggest dislike for the 300...I fancy the hi-tech speedo 8)
Also the missing rear rack and the black painted rims.

Get the GTS... Its fast It has a rear rack and you will love it!!!!

And its less expensive...

That will only last until Vespa introduces their next engine bump.
2003: GT200L
2005: GTS250ie
2008: Super 300

http://www.scootersales.com.au/News-271-60-years-of-the-vespa.aspx


Regards
Harvey

IMHO the leap from GT200 to GTS250ie was a real progression regarding the engine and perfromance.
The leap from GTS250 to 300 is more or less just a stylish one...

PS: My GTS205ie dash when I just bought her second hand

From the pics posted in the gallery of the 300 Super the instrument/ gauge panel is the same as the GT 200 ... analog not mixed like the GTS 250's. I do like the RPM gauge on the GTS, though.

great information here. I think from what I am reading, that I am leaning towards the GTS 250 now.

1. better gas mileage
2. a better instrument panel
3. rear rack
4. cheaper
5. other then a little more torque, very similar in speeds


So maybe I will save that extra money for a cool helmet or something. and to tell you the truth, im not really buying the scooter for speed, but if im in a situation, I want the power to get me out of the way if I need it to.

oh yeah, what color is the instrument panel at night on the 250?

Beautiful red glow from instrument panel at night

I found a youtube video with the scooter in the dark. It looks great. I cant believe that I need to wait through the winter. This is going to kill me!

Note that this is the old LCD display. It was replaced by an improved version during 2007. The new one has the same information but is better looking and easier to read (IMHO).

No need to wait when you go for the 250...but it will be cold nevertheless

PS: The biggest difference with the new version are 'bold' style numbers...couldn't find a pic to compare though

Who needs a RPM gauge on an automatic
Although you will give full throttle it nevers revs up to maximum

That would make a philosophical question as why we need a car that can do over 200 kmh with speedlimits at 120 kmh.
Or moving around in a 3000 kilogram vehicle, alone

Its a gadget and I never had a functional look at it 8)

[quote="Sakkerju"]
That would make a philosophical question as why we need a car that can do over 200 kmh with speedlimits at 120 kmh.

1) to return back home very fast to take the GTS
2) to see how a RPM gauge works were it is made for
3) sponsoring Shell by increased MPG
4) keep the cops alive
5) a man has to relax once in a while

If purchasing today, I would still opt for the 250 over the 300. To me, the only real advantage of the 300 over the 250 is torque. The 250 has enough for my needs.

What I don't like about the 300 is the lack of the rear rack. It holds my top box, which is used every time I ride the scooter, either for purchased items, or to hold books and papers. If not full, then my armored jacket while I'm inside the store or wherever I'm visiting. I couldn't live without it. (Also have a front rack that sees usage often.)

I do very much like the instrument cluster of the 300. The thermometer readings on the 250 are very inaccurate. So inaccurate to be worthless. How can a reading go from the low 90's while in motion to over 100 when at a stop light? It changes that fast. Maybe the sensor is misplaced and heat from the engine affects the readings too much.

Also, about the tachometer...just how useful is such a device on a "one speed" automatic? These things have a governor, so we not need be concerned about over revving the engines. Only time I glance at it is when stopped. "Yup, three bars at idle. Now what?" The nature of a digital display does not allow for a quick, less than one second, glance to ascertain the engine speed. You have to look at it for a few seconds, and it is unwise to take your eyes off the road for more than just a quick glance.

The 250 serves my needs perfectly, but I do wish it had the analogue instrument cluster. The trip odometer would be missed, however.

I think the ambient temp gauge is misleading like on most all autos. When stopped on pavement, the pavement can reach 120+ in the summer time. Here in Alabama I could feel my work boots getting "fried" on some fresh pavement a few summers ago.

I guess wat I am saying is that the bike reads the hottest temp around not really the true outside temp. ok, i'll hush....

In a world that is sometimes "bigger is better" and "later is greater" - you may well benefit from the presence of the the 300 causing 250 prices to drop, so there might be some virtue in being patient. I bet ultimately there will be more than a couple of hundred dollars difference ...

Certainly, when the GTS arrived there was stagnation with GT200 sales causing price drops. It all depends on the preference of new buyers - will they bite in the 300's direction? I say yes - although the 250 is amazing and probably as powerful / torquey as it should be - given the brakes / stock suspension etc.

The lack of a rear rack is a minor consideration for me, barely worth mentioning. Some GTS owners removed theirs and I bet you could pick up a used one ...

I love the white GTS300 but my sooped up GTS is not a bike I would surrender easily...

Di

I would totally get the GTS Ive been on both and I love the GTS!! what color do you want???

The real use is when it is a way to get triggered for having frost (thus slippery roads).
Maybe there is an offset/exageration, but it might indicate when to be carefull. Specially in times when frost temp. is unpredictable.

Obviously, you must be an Alfa Romeo owner

Minor point, hasn't been mentioned:

On my dash which is a US 250 "Super" so it should resemble a standard 250, there are separate left and right turn arrow signal lights.

I think the 300 Super only has a single light to denote a turn.

Correct me if wrong.

I like knowing if I hit the switch the wrong way...I have done it a few times.

Btw, so far I don't miss the rack. Been using a tail pack on the pillion seat.

Oh, also, I didn't get the half running light/horn grille in the front. So if you get the 300 you give up the little half circle light near the horn as well.

Update!!!

I went to the local vespa dealer here, and they had the black 250GTS sitting in the show room. It is the scooter that I want, 100%, until.......................

the guys were telling me how slick the new scooter is and how it looks like the old retro ralley style. Man they like the 300.

It is going to have to come down to if I can afford another 800.00 when it comes time to make the purchase. It honestly took everything in my power not to buy the scooter right there, the only thing keeping me from going through with it was the thought of my wife killing me tonight.

I found this and thought, that this is what I would have to do.

I just traded in my GT for a GTS (after considering the 'interim' Super) for the following reasons:

-Noticeable difference off the line and acceleration at speed
-Better response for my size (225 lbs.)
-More power for 2-up riding
-Way easier to see instrument cluster in the dark (for old eyes anyway)

I really loved my GT but made the mistake of test-riding a GTS; the difference is very noticeable, making a fun ride even better for me.

I liked the 'interim' Super but needed a rear rack which would have cost extra. The idea of paying more for the Super badge, a vent and nice seat without the rack did not make sense to me. This may be the way the evolution of the GT went in Canada. I am told the GT was discontinued here after the 250 came out because they competed for the same buyer. I think the same thing is happening with the 250 and the current Super.

You will enjoy whatever you buy but if there is only a small difference in price get the GTS for the most fun-for-the-buck.

thanks so much for the info

That is correct, but mine is a GTA 8)

Correct, see http://www.vespags.it/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/big_vesta_gts_300_super_live_11.jpg

Sigh...

Clearly, both have cowl vents

that looks great. I have been thinking about it all day, and think that the 250 is good enough for me at this time. I still have time to decide but really think that the extra 1000.00 could be used for something else.

This will more than likely change but we will see.

[quote="bosco0633"]that looks great. I have been thinking about it all day, and think that the 250 is good enough for me at this time. I still have time to decide but really think that the extra 1000.00 could be used for something else.



Jacket with armour, riding boots, gloves and a good helmet should have all of your money spent quickly.