Modern Vespa

I was in the Vespa shop today having some work done to the GT 200. Out of curiosity I asked what the 300 was going for and he quoted me $5000 and would give me $2500 on a trade in.

I love my GT 200 and it runs perfect. That's a great price compared to what I paid for mine originally back when gas was $4 a gallon. I drive my Vespa 8-9 months out of the year as my primary mode of transportation.

My only concern is that Vespa may be pushing the envelope with 278cc's in the same size motor as my 200cc's. Also, I do like the simplicity of a carburetor on the 200.

Is the 300 still manufactured in Italy or is it made in Mexico/China now?

I want something reliable and even the 200 has had it's share of warranty work.

Opinions wanted???

I like the Vespa Non Super 300 GTS, Just not sure right now,
Would I be buying a future fuel pump problem?

I think I'll stick with my 2006 tried and true made in Italy GTS 250.

As your mulling it over, ask for a test ride. That's the only way you can tell if it's worth doing.
If the 300 blows your socks off, trade. If not, don't.
There's something nice about having a bike that's paid for and it's niggles worked out.

You are right there, I have no reason to trade up, It's paid for.
All the niggles are worked out and I won't have to worry about new engine mounts for awhile yet.

I'm up to 23,000 km's on it now and I have a friend that has over 50,000 km's on his.

Oops!...I thought you were replying to me, Without a quote I had no way of knowing for sure.

Cheers! anyways

If you're happy with the GT, I'd keep it. Just my opinion. Looking back, I wish I would have kept my GT. I love my GTS250 but it doesn't really do any more for me than the GT did. I would have been money ahead.

I have both the GT 200 and the GTS 300 Super in my garage. You need to ask yourself, are you happy with the performance of your GT 200. If the performance leaves nothing wanting, then why trade it in? If on the other hand, you love to smoke cars off the line at intersections then by all means upgrade to a 300. There is a significant difference in torque between the 200 and the 300. There isn't a huge difference in top end speed though, so just don't expect the 300 to be a ton faster on the highway.

As far as reliability goes, I've been pleased with my solid 300, however, that said, the gas gauge sucks and isn't accurate, on my Super anyhow.

If you really want a GTS300, add it to the fleet, don't trade-in the GT.

Is the GT 200 a Quasar or a Leader?

Leader based. Best version ever produced as stock.

Not sure what you mean. Yes, there's more electronics at work with the I. E., but in terms of reliability and performance (and environmental friendliness), I doubt the carb is better.

EFI meters more efficiently, but a carburetor can be serviced without the help of a dealer if you're mechanically inclined. You can shim the needle and tweak the airscrew in the 200's carburetor to get a bit more power out of the engine.

Regarding the OP's question....

The 200 rides smoother while the 300's suspension is more sporty and tends to send every road surface divot to your backside.

The 200's seat is more compliant compared to the 300 Super which has stiffer foam. The new 300ie uses the GTS250 seat which is a compromise. The 250/300 seat is lower than the 200's, so if you're a short rider it is easier to put your feet on the ground when stopped.

The 300 has more low and mid rpm torque so it pulls hills and away from traffic quicker and easier than the 200, but top speed isn't much different. The increased torque will eat the rear tire quicker.

The 300's engine isn't as smooth running at all rpms like the 200.

I would recommend staying with your GT200.

That's very correct, and I loved this level of involvement and control when I owned my 2CV.

My point with the fuel injection is that you don't have to, because it is already running optimally and doesn't need any of that service. So, while a carburetor can be simple, a fuel injection doesnt' have to be complicated or daunting. The GTS' isn't.

A carb would make the Malossi head so perfect. You could tune the fuel to your hearts content. That is the only place where a carb beats fuel injection on a Vespa....tuning.

Dynojet, hear this plea for a correct power-commander.




........crickets.........

i'll say it again ... no way

Scooter
"A machine of less than 250cc capacity with the bodywork giving considerable weather protection and having a smart, clean appearance" (J. Simmonds: Design no 94. 1957

When it comes to Vespas, less is more. Definitely pass and keep the GT 200.

It's also a classic.

Sounds like everybody's got an opinion on this one ... Perrysburg, like you, I went into my local dealership, saw the 300, and asked how much. The only difference is that I test drove it. Fell in love with it immediately. I had the LX150, and the dealer offered to take it in trade for $2,500. But mine was the 300 Super, and I certainly didn't get a price of $5,000 (mine was $6,199).

You gotta do what you gotta do. Me, I love fuel injection over carbueration. But hey, that's just me. And the 300 Super is unbelievable, though I'm having some initial response power issues which I've posted about. I go for my first 600 miles service in 10 days. But otherwise, what a beautiful scooter this 300 Super.

Why was the non-Super 300 priced so low? I thought they were going for around $6,000?

Not sure how many mountains you have in Ohio - my GT200 and GTS250 had performance problems at high altitudes (6000'+) that didn't happen with my GTS300 (non-super).

At my dealer MSRP for the 300ie was only $100 less than the 300 Super.

I would keep the GT 200 since they don't make them anymore. Personally i'd wait a bit to buy at 300. Seems like they have a few bugs to work out. It's your call in the end. Test ride one. That said the GT series is one of the better scooters piaggio has put out regarding problems. The ET'S, LT's are good also. You hardly ever see anybody complaining about something not working on them (other than normal wear and tear). Can't say that about the 150's (Lx),250's or 300's. If you wait a good used one might come up on CL and then it wouldn't hurt the wallet as much so you could keep the GT

ToppiSF--it's a 300 super but last years model (1 mile on the Odometer).

Thanks everyone for the comments/opinions. The is a tough decision. I do love the 200 but $5k for a 300 super is an amazing price. That's less than I paid for my 200. I haven't taken it for a test drive because I know it's all over if I do.

Pull the plug and get it. You know you want it.

That actually is a good reason to take it for a test ride. Otherwise what's the point of posing the question?

Smokin deal on the 300 (if they dont add on a ton of set up fees). I moved a few years ago from a 200 to a 250GTS fuel injected scoot and thought it was a MAJOR move so stepping up to the 300 will be BIG in my opinion. Let us know if you take the plunge and your thoughts about buyers remorse or not! I rode the 300 thinking a move up from the 250 and the spend seemed substantial but your in another place for sure. Keep us posted!

The 200 is a classic, I'm keeping mine. I'll add a new one when something truly different comes to market.

Yup, you test drive that thing, and you'll be back a week later asking if they take personal checks.