Modern Vespa

Any thoughts on the new 2010 GTS300? Why by GTS250 is the 300 is only $200 more?

In Canada the difference is something along the lines of $800 more for the 300 over the GTS 250.

Wow that is a big differance. I am just looking at the MSRP GTS250 $5999 and GTS300 super $6199

Benny compared to the GT200 how is your GTS300? Any issues?

The 300 does not come with the rear rack ($250). Is that important to you?
If performance is your thing, I suggest you ride them both, that is if you haven't yet.

I traded in my GTS 250 to get the 300. I've only had the 300 just shy of one week. I'm more than pleased with the 300. The torque is what I'm most impressed with, it is so much fun to ride in the city. I love the new styling changes on it.

Compared with my GT 200, it is way more powerful and the handling is better. I find that the steering on the 200 is heavier in comparison. The steering is lighter and the scooter seems better balanced for some reason.

Thank you - I have not ridden any to compare. Hard to find a dealer that would allow you to test ride it. For insurance reasons. Performance is more important to me then accessories. So I guess the 300 would be good, plus I plan to have a passanger onboard.

According to the spec sheets on vespausa.com, the 250 makes more power, the 300 makes more torque.

They list for the 250 16.2KW vs 15.8KW for the 300

20.2NM torque for the 250 vs 22.3NM for the 300.

What does this mean? 300 has more 'grunt', 250 has more top end (even though the site also lists the 300 as having a higher top speed - 80mph vs 76mph).

From what I have read on this site, people that have ridden both find that the 300 indeed does have more grunt, but the 250 seems better at freeway speeds.

The instrument panels are different between the 2 bikes, the 250 seems to have more info. Also as others have mentioned, the 250 comes with a rack that costs severlal hundred more for the 300 as an option.

Digression, but that is so bogus when they give that excuse. My personal insurance covers any bike that I may ride eg when renting a bike. Plus the shop can make you sign a waiver etc.
If this was the case, then why are there lots of dealerships eg BMW, Ducati, Harley, that let you test ride bikes?

They just don't want you test riding bikes. Bottom line.

True that. I would play hard ball with your dealer, let him know you are not just wasting time, that you really are going to buy now. Sales of Vespas are not setting any record at this time and most are hungry for a sale. If he still won't, he is an idiot and you will be better served elsewhere.

Good advice thank you

Do you have a full motorcycle license? It is hard to get a dealer to allow a test ride if you aren't full licensed to ride a motorcycle, around here anyhow.

Staying on the original question:
IMHO, it is just about a no-brainer to go for the GTS 300.

The best things, according to me:
1. The added power of the GTS 300 is worth the price alone.
2. I like the analog dash, and did not like the GTS 250 digi-dash.
3. I like the seat of the 300 better, for looks and for comfort (it does feel better to me, who knows!?). Particularly cool looking with the top case pad.
4. The GTS 300 has better tires than the 250.

There you are. Go get one.

igf1r: Carrying a passenger on a GTS or 300 Super is not the most comfortable thing due to the poorly designed, passenger pegs. Many posters have complained about this. The pegs hit me in the back of my calves when I have to put my feet down at a stop and the two people that have ridden on the back have complained that their leg position was very uncomfortable. Some posters on this forum have "Jerry-Rigged" some extensions to their passenger pegs to help with this problem. Personally, I've just quit riding anyone on the passenger seat rather than screwing around with peg extensions and other solutions of this type.

Thank Guys...This very good Advice. I am going to get my MC license in a few weeks.

Definitely the 300!

With the price different what it is now, I don't think there's any point buying a brand new 250 - unless you just CAN'T live without the digital display, of course...

With regards to the footpegs; yes, they are poorly designed. I would not want to tour with a passenger, but if it's journeys of less than half an hour or so then I find I'm okay. I only ever carry a pillion to drop a friend home, or pick them up from the station or something - and for that, the pegs are adequate. If I was going around the UK for a week or more, I doubt very much I would want to do so with a pillion because they push you so far forward on the seat.

But yeah; definitely the 300! 8)

My husband has the 250 and I have a 300. The 300 accelerates much better, and climbs hills better. But on a straight highway, the 250 seems to have a higher top speed. But then, my 300 is only a month old and has only 1600 miles, so perhaps the top end will be higher after more time and mileage.

Regarding the rack, talk the dealer into adding it for only his cost when you buy the bike. That will save you having to pay full retail later.