Modern Vespa

Interested in getting a consensus from the board. I'm thinking about upgrading from the LX 150 to a larger Vespa. My options are:

2008 GTS 250 for $5850 out the door.

or

2010 GTS 300 for $6950 out the door.

Both scooters are new, with factory warranty and from a dealer.

What do you think?

I test rode and can't decide so would like to hear opinions of others.

Thanks,
Brad.

Brad-I did the same thing a couple years ago. Went from a LX 150 to a GTS 250 and absolutely would do it again. I thought my wife would be happy with the 150, but six months later, she was riding a GTV 250. She wanted the extra power too. Can't go wrong here-both are about the same power. Search the boards here about some complaints with the 300, but they are very minor. But I'd save my $$$ and go for the GTS 250. Bob

best engine made is the 250...easy, quiet, and quick

You could use the extra $900 to accessorize the 250. Or, you could justify the $900 to get you out of trouble by getting out of hairy situations (slightly) faster on a 300.

Never ask a Libra. We're indecisive. I think we are. I'm not sure. See?

Don't forget to factor in resale value.

Even though both are "new", the 2008 is already two model years "old" and would be priced as such on the used market the instant you drove it off of the lot.

The GTS300 will see less immediate depreciation since they started selling them as 2010 models as early as the Spring of 2009.

The price you were quoted for the GTS300 is around $500 better than I got. Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.

No doubt about it: Go big or go home.

I'd personally go for the 250.

The 250 engine has plenty of oompf to it for me, and I honestly don't need that little bit extra that the 300 offers (so the extra $$ would be wasted, at least for me). I also like the fact that the 250 comes standard with the rear rack, and the little horncover light.

As it is, I rarely take a passenger, so I already wasted $100 on the chrome backrest (although I admit it does look nice). Woulda wasted more on the 300 as I wouldn't have used the tiny bit of extra power. I can get wherever I need to go, even up into the mountains, just fine with the 250.

That is very, very much a matter of opinion.

I AM home, and I'll be going out a lot more because I ride small and nimble.

There are a lot of us out here who don't consider going bigger to be an upgrade.

I'd pick the 250

Yes, I believe most of what I write on here in response to somebody asking my opinion is, in fact, my opinion.

Just speaking up for the opposing viewpoint...

Both the 250 & 300 are great machines. You have to decide if an extra 34cc's and more torque are worth the money.
Personally, my wife and I are happy with the GTS & GTV that we own. I wanted a lot more power than the 300 could offer because I do a lot of riding in the mountains every weekend so I added a BV500 to our stable. (39 hp vs 22 in the GTS and 300)

Is that a new 2008 or used? I assume new. It is a tough call. I went through a similar thought process and ended up with the Super with no regrets, but if the savings were $1100 as you are being quoted, I can see taking a pause and possibly taking the savings. Like I said though, no regrets. I love the 300S.

If I were my $ I was spending...I'd opt for the 300. I like them both, I just like the 300 more.

300

The 250 has all the power I need but I prefer the instrument display on the 300.

Money can be spent and forgotten about. I've owned any number of bikes over the years and cant remember how much I spent on each. What I DO remember is how each felt, and what I liked about them.

SO...which would you enjoy more from a completely emotional level. If you could get the smaller one, and not wish you bought the 300 every time you see one, then save your coin I say. But if you'd always kind of wish you had the bigger scoot, then spend the coin.

BUT...If your just buying the scoot to use as a tool to transport you about, then I'd think the 250 would perfecto.

Opinions...I've got'em. =)

And 1 or 2 at least who have a 50, and are fine with it. It's just for the city in my case and I am satisfied with my walloping 4 horsepower 8)

Go small and go out!

I have a 2008 gts 250 and very happy with its power, I'm not sure the extra 1k is worth 4hp, but its your money and only you know whats best for you.

If you can afford the 300 why buy the 250?
Money is only money but your scooter is everything!

I'd go for the 300.....mainly because it's newer and I hear the 300 is better for 2-up riding...................but they haven't changed the passenger foot beg position, which is a pain in the ass for most passengers!!!

One month ago almost to the day I was in your same exact shoes. I chose the 250, as it serves my needs in terms of commute and color (silver). You may also be able to get the price down on the 08 a bit more as well.

Are both scooters from the same dealer?

Another thought, They have different seats, do they not? I hate the seat on the 250 but have not tried the 300. That may be an issue. The 2 yr old 250 will be worth less as previously stated but you should save some money on insurance and license fees depending on your state.

Are they the same color??? I would pick the one I liked the color of...

So did you choose one yet? Are you any closer to making a decision?

What are the colors of each model?

Do these prices include the $ 500.00 rebate that I believe Vespa is offering during the month of July?

Just my opinion, and without knowing the type of riding you will be doing.

If I was going to spend almost $7000 for a 278CC scoot...
and say I was going to do a fair amount of
Xway & 2 up riding I'd start looking at something
with even bigger displacement!

I'm very happy with my GTS250, since I don't
do a lot of 2 up or highway riding!

I just underwent this same dilemma, and opted for a new 2010 300GTS.
I decided that since I was specifically getting it for highway driving (as a commute vehicle) that I wanted the extra torque the 300 put out for passing or avoidance.
Both are equally well made. I did have to get the seat shaved down, because of my height (62 inches with a 28 inch inseam) but the suspension, the smooth exceleration, the purring motor, I am in love all over again.
Go with whatever you feel will best fit your needs, in terms of comfort, passengers or add-ons. (as well as looks).
I have not noticed any of the handlebar 'shimmy' that previous 300 owners have experienced, so maybe they finally nailed it in the 2010 model year.

it depends how you fit on the gts. gts is mighty sexy..

A 250 with 900 skillets in your pocket is a lot better then an empty pocket with 2 extra horses!

Def 250