Modern Vespa

what is the benifit of getting the 300 vs the 250
the 250 has a dig tach and the 300 has no tach
300 has 1 hp more than the 250
am i missing something?

The 300 makes more torque lower in the rev range so has more pick up at city speeds. So it accelerates a bit quicker. But it revs lower so the 250 has a few more mph on the top end on a flat motorway.

The 250 comes with a rack - optional extra $$ for the 300.
The 250 has an outside air temp gauge - a gimmick but still it's there.
The 250 has a rev counter - but quite frankly I don't know why this is needed on an auto transmission (CVT) scoot as you can't shift gears...

Finally, the actual important difference for me - the 250 has a separate trip meter that you can reset to zero every time you fill up, so you can instantly see how far you've gone on the tank o gas. I find this bit of equipment invaluable (as the fuel gauges on the 300 are notoriously inaccurate) and am truly bummed that Vespa cheaped out and did not provide that on such an expensive machine.

The 300 has really cool black wheels and blacked out trim parts, and a nicer looking seat. Also the groovy vented rear cowel.

Me? I want a 300 with a trip meter!

The 300 has 34 more cc's (278 vs 244) and the engine produces more torque. You lose the digital display with the outside temp gauge, trip meter and tach and you also don't get the chrome, rear rack that is standard on the 250. If you want that rack, it's around $330+ dollars. Some have traded in their 250's for the 300 and like the machine. To me, it seems like too many $$$$ just to get some more torque but if you're not trading in anything, you should ride both and then make a decision. I believe (along with many others) that Vespa will drop the 250 in the near future leaving the 300 as the only large displacement scooter that carries the Vespa name.

**Edit.........Oops! Looks like I was typing while Desmolicious was posting.

Just to note, the air temp guage comes into it's own when you ride in near freezing weather and are worried about ice.

Harvey

air temp
a true concern up north

my main cause for question on this is I am a mc rider
had a Elite 250 bought new in 1989 (a 1987 left over)
sold last summer with 140k and bought the malaguti
as a 70cc bike it's nice but I need a bit more ummph for my 225lbs frame
the local dealer to me is looking to deal
the % discount is greater on the 300 which he has a white and red
he also has a 250 in silver
two carb'd 200
and a piss load of lx's
he says $$ talks and is looking to deal towards the end of the year

I rode motorcycles for over 38 years before switching to scooters. I am 6'1/225 lbs. and the 250cc engine has no problems carrying my weight. If he will let you test ride both machines, you'll get a clearer picture of which way you want to go. I also own a Piaggio BV500 (460cc) that I bought for more spirited riding in the mountains, of which we have plenty where we live.

I was having that same exact issue between the 250 and 300 super. I finally chose the 300 super for these reasons.

If you plan on going out of town, they both are perfect, however, in more realisitic terms, a higher powered engine, i feel, is more safer. If you need to jam out of a tight spot on the freeway, it can only be done with more power and torque. I love the tinted headlamp on the 300 super. Its brand new. It has some cosmetic upgrades, and I feel absolutely confident in climbing random hills (grapevine in SO. California, and in the hillls where i live).

If you like the 250 with the temp guage, thats a major plus if you live in the north where it gets cold/snows. However, i live here in California, and the last time it snowed in my city was in the 1930's. If it really matters, just carry around a thermometer.

Good luck! I'm all for Vespa's, and more adequately the 300 Super.

You put 140,000 miles on an Elite?! Wow!

I have two burt pistons in my garage to prove it

Agreed - the 300 is just a bit zippier in slower city traffic than the 250. I also found the digital display difficult to read. Do miss the rear rack however! For me, it was a $200 difference, so that helped the decision.

No comment except that a 300 would FAR better for you than a 250.

ice formation? I am a dodo and ride in freezing temps. what will happen if there is "ice formation"?

I am also excited to hear the 250 has a trip o meter. who knew?

I think the asthetics of the 300 are great, but like the goodies on the 250

Don't forget the little things too...the 250 has chromed rear passenger footpegs....the footpegs on the new 300 are silver but not chromed...the front cover on the side of the wheel is chromed on my 250 but just silver on the 300's. IMO, if you are thinking of going from a 250 to a 300, it is such a minor difference that it doesn't make sense to do...for a little more torque...you aren't racing anyone, are you? Good luck in whichever one you choose.

Thanks for pointing that out, I've corrected it.

Keep the shiny side up.


Harvey

I weigh about 250. Just got the 300 last week. I find that around town the 300 has plenty of oomph from spot lights. Took a rider out and we still were pulling on cars around town. Did highway speeds of 70-75 2 up with no problem. Solo on the highway again 70-75 is easily maintained. Seems aerodynamics will help with speeds 75-85.

Gts250 has rev limiter at 140km
gts300 has rev limiter at 150km/h

Bollocks. Rev limiters are set at the revs, not (disputed) speeds. Wake up at the back...

You err in focusing on numbers and words, because what you need is to ride both of these over the same course, and make your decision. I rode both and there was no question that the 300 was somewhat better on the road--power, handling, and better lookin' IMHO.

There has been some speculation that the front end geometry of the 300 might be different, evidence being its shorter wheelbase, a slight handling edge (in some folks opine), and seemingly less tendency to shake it head under "those" conditions.

Of course rev limiters are set for revs but for most people on here it is easier to translate into approximate speeds given at the RPM Limit.

300 Super ftw.

Forget the accessories, just enjoy the ride.

It is more fun to ride than the 250, and that's the reason to buy it. Responsive, no shakes, and gets better when it is broken in.

At 150 pounds the Super lives up to its name. It flies along. It is better, more thrilling and enlivening than a 250. In top speed there is a negligible difference between the two. But the way you get there is much more fun.

If you care about the farkling then buy the 250.

Think youve got something wrong there... the 300 has a lower rpm limit, and is actually slower than a 250...

I've owned both the GTS 250 and the 300. They are quite similar in most ways except for small styling differences, gauge cluster and engine. The biggest difference for me was the torque of the engine. That extra torque turns the 300 into the perfect urban attack vehicle. You have immediate torque without the small lag that you have on the 250. This translates into a distinct advantage at stop lights. You can easily get ahead of most other scooters from a stop light as well as most cars. If you do a lot of riding in the city this is the big advantage of the 300. This extra torque is very helpful when going up hills and with a greater passenger weight load on board.

Given your stated weight, the 300 would be the preferable choice. Not that the 250 is a slouch by any means, but the extra torque you'll really find beneficial.

I haven't found the top speed and highway performance to differ greatly so far, but my 300 is far from broken in with only 1300 kms on it so far. But those 1300 kms have been all with a huge grin on my face.

+1

I have both a 250 and a 300.

250 has a higher top speed due to the higher rev limiter. 300 has more torque and is a beast between 20-60mph.

Going downhill at the limit with the 250 my speedo will hit 90mph.
Going downhill at the limit with the 300 my speedo will not go over 80mph.

Both are fun to drive.

By this months scootering magazine, im guessing by your location your in the UK. Theres some good stuff about this, they have had the 300 for the last year on road test. There is a bit of a comparism between it and the 250 as well.

I think another point to be made is that there are really three bikes to compare, the GTS 250ie (with digital guage and rear rack), the GTS 250 Super (with analog guage, no rear rack, left rear side grills, etc.) and the GTS 300 Super, that latter two of which are identical except or the displacement of the engine. I read somewhere that the Super has a lighter and more rigid frame, and is reputed to handle a little crisper because of it.

Don't forget the 250 Super has the same gauges as the GTS 250, it has the digital set with the trip odometer, tach etc.

Quite right!

Hope this is relevant to this post. . . is it possible to upgrade the 250ie to get more torque around town to make it more comparable to the 300super?

Only mod that will really make a difference is the Polini variator, which will change the acceleration curve. Take off comes higher up the rev range, therefore you are more up the slope of the torque curve, so a bit less lag.

Nope... 250 and 300 have the same Silver pegs...
I believe Vespa changed the digital display in 08 on the GTS (your bike has the old digital display) and the pegs too are all silver.. no more chrome.

The foot pegs all seem to be more of a brushed metal look now to more closely match the leg shield trim and the new transmission cover as well.

well I am no further ahead with the choice 250 or 300
I was surprised with the amount of info

If the difference in appearance between the Supers vs. non-Supers is not an issue, and if you don't notice much difference in handling between the Super vs. non-Super, then it probably comes down to price or perhaps color. The Supers only come in Shiny Black, Montebianco White or Dragon Red. The GTS 250ie come/came in many other colors.

There are Vespa dealers selling 2008 leftover GTS 250ie scooters for $4,900 (with no delivery or prep ad-ons). The best you'll likely get a new GTS 300 Super for is about $5,500 - $5,800.

The used market opens up even more options.

When faced recently with the same dilemma, I opted for a used Shiny Black 2009 GTS 250 Super which I got on eBay for $4,000. I would have preferred to buy new, but not for an additional $1,500 - $1,800.

I'm 6'1", 200lbs and my 300 will reach 85 (speedo) on the flats. But, I have to be in a tuck behind my flyscreen to get there. However, sitting up straight it won't get above 80 speedo. I assume I can get it above 85 on a downhill, but haven't tried that yet.

I think both are top notch, but will give the nod to the 300 because it is a bit more stylish and has a larger motor.

I loved my 250.

250 is >

if you plan on using your vespa to travel 50+ miles the GTSie 250 is cadilac/touring model.