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VESPA GTS 300 SUPER
June 14th, 2011 
dave787 
The Vespa with the largest displacement ever produced since 1946
The Vespa GTS 300 Super brings the exclusive elegance of Vespa to the over 250 class. The classic, unique Vespa style is combined with a distinctly sporty and modern personality, giving the clean Vespa lines a decidedly rugged look. With its sporty design, the Vespa GTS 300 Super embodies the style, convenience, safety and sturdiness of the Vespa brand.
With an ultra-modern, powerful 4-valve liquid-cooled engine, electronic injection and Euro3 approval, what sets the Vespa GTS 300 Super apart is the incredible flexibility and exuberance of the engine, which means it can really take off at the lights.
The Vespa GTS 300 Super is here, continuing a line of sporty elegance which boasts legendary models like the 1955 Vespa GS, the 1964 180 SS, the ’65 90 SS, the 1972 200 Rally, the 1976 Vespa ET3, and the 1985 T5 “Pole Position”.
Legendary names in the history of the most famous and – with over 17 million produced since 1946 – most widely ridden scooter on planet Earth.
Ever since its very first years of life there have been sporty versions of the Vespa, often used in speed road racing, and sometimes in major off-road racing events too. This meant that some tantalising racing prototypes were created, as well as the “6-day Vespa”, which consistently dominated the 1951 International Six Days, winning 9 gold medals.
This road racing experience gave rise to the model that many people, to this day, regard as the most beautiful scooter in Vespa history: the 1955 Vespa GS, which was later immortalised in the film Quadrophenia, the rock opera by The Who, and ridden by a young Sting.
Today, the Vespa GTS 300 Super picks up this outstanding sporting tradition which has characterised some of the happiest years in Vespa history. And it does so in a golden age for the Vespa brand: in just a few years production has more than doubled, from around 50,000 Vespas produced in 2004, to 100,000 in 2006, and over 117,000 in 2007 – in testament to a fascination that is still intact after 62 years of history and 145 different models.
STYLE
Once again the Vespa gets a new look, to enhance the range.
And this time it gets a new body, built without compromise, which emphasises its sporty character. A body with forms, details and colours that all express its sporty dynamism. The Vespa GTS 300 Super blends not just sportiness and performance, but distinctiveness and character too.
The Vespa GTS 300 Super, thanks to its design and technology, reinterprets a sporty classic from the great Vespa collection.
The frame (the metal heart of the Vespa) has undergone some major modifications. On the right side panel there is an eye-catching grille with horizontal slots – an obvious reference to the most stylish Vespas of the past – which gives an elegant sporty touch to the side of the vehicle.
The new two-tone alloy wheel rims recall the removable ones of past times and highlight the sportiness of the 145th model in Vespa history.
The suspension cover is painted racing red on the front spring, a racing detail that makes the new GTS 300 Super stand out.
The new front shield also underlines its sporty personality: the parking light has been replaced with a stylish air intake enhanced with chrome features.
And the headlight – which is round, in the best Vespa tradition – now has a black rim, giving the Vespa a more serious look.
The instrumentation, which is completely analogue as in the best racing tradition, has new graphics, with white numbers against a black background: easy to read and highly distinctive.
The seat features forms and materials typical of sporty Italian vehicles. The black upholstery has a contrasting light grey outer trim – an explicit reference to the past. Two versions are available: the “Touring”, fitted as standard to maximise comfort and usability, and the “Sport” version, available as an option, which enhances the dynamic overall line of the Vespa GTS 300 Super with its single seat configuration.
The Vespa GTS 300 Super comes in two strong colours which emphasise its sporty personality: Shiny Black and Montebianco White.
TECHNOLOGY
The increased engine performance has been designed to provide maximum performance in pick-up and acceleration – essential qualities for city commuting.
The displacement of the 4-valve single cylinder Quasar, with electronic injection and liquid-cooled, is now 278 cc thanks to the increase in both the bore (now 75 mm), and the stroke (63 mm).
The new GTS 300 Super is different from the GTS 250 because the new engine has a higher level of torque (22.3 Nm as opposed to 20.1) along with fewer revolutions per minute (5,000 rpm as opposed to 6,500 on the 250). On the road, these numbers translate into flexibility and pick-up from low speeds that are unequalled in this displacement category. So the Vespa GTS 300 Super is the perfect vehicle for the city, where it can show off the very best of what it has to offer.
Vespa is the only scooter in the world with a steel frame – an exclusive design feature that has set Vespa apart from other two wheelers ever since the first model was brought out in 1946.
Put simply, the Vespa does not have a welded plastic-covered tube frame. Instead it is the “body”, made entirely of steel, which supports the engine and all the mechanical parts.
It’s a design philosophy that gives Vespa superior rigidity (up to 250% more than a scooter with a tube frame), providing incredible precision control and sturdiness that is now legendary.
Inside the Vespa GTS 300 Super frame, underneath the seat, is the fuel tank. Although it can hold a good 9 litres of petrol, giving all the advantages of fuel distance, this does not restrict the under-seat storage space or easy access to the engine once the helmet carrier, which can hold two demi-jet helmets, has been lifted off (no tools required).
To the rigidity of the frame, the Vespa GTS 300 Super adds a chassis featuring 12” wheels with a size 120/70 tyre on the front and a size 130/70 on the rear.
The front suspension has the classic link arm, a traditional feature in Vespa history with excellent dynamic functional characteristics: this system separates the support and shock-absorbing functions, resulting in neutral braking and an anti-lunge effect. The spring in racing red is a distinctive feature of the Vespa GTS 300 Super.
At the rear, two spring pre-load-adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers are fixed to the transmission crankcase and exhaust support.
ACCESSORIES
The new GTS 300 Super has a wide range of accessories so you can personalise your Vespa and make it unique.
Rear top case: elegant and roomy, harmonising with the unique shape of the Vespa GTS 300 Super.
Soft bag: handy and functional for everyday use. Perfectly matches the shape of the top case to maximise capacity.
Chrome tube front carrier: a clear reference to Vespa history.
Chrome tube side protector: an eternal classic in the iconography of Vespa.
Plus:
Hot cover with magnetic attachment
Flyscreen
High windscreen
Electronic alarm
Footrest mat
Front mudguard protector
Anti-theft device
Vehicle cover.
Vespa GTS 300 Super – Technical Data
ENGINE
Type : Single-cylinder, 4 stroke, 4 valve, electronic injection, catalysed
Displacement : 278 cc
Bore / Stroke : 75/63 mm
Max power : 15.8 Kw (22 hp) at 7,500 rpm.
Max torque : 22.3 Nm at 5,000 rpm
Fuel : Unleaded petrol, RON min. 95
Distribution : SOHC
Injection : Port injected Alfa/N type with lambda closed loop control and three-way catalytic converter
Ignition : Electronic with inductive discharge, variable spark advance and three-dimensional mapping
Cooling : Liquid
Lubrication : Wet sump and chain driven lobe pump; intake and delivery filters
Start : Electric
Gears : CVT with torque server
Clutch : Automatic centrifugal dry clutch with dampers
VEHICLE
Frame : Sheet metal with welded reinforcements
Front suspension : Single arm, dual chamber hydraulic shock absorber with coaxial spring
Rear suspension : Two dual effect shock absorbers with adjustable preload
Front brake : Ø 220 mm disc
Rear brake : Ø 220 mm disc
Front tyre : Tubeless 120/70-12”
Rear tyre :Tubeless 130/70-12”
SIZE
Length : 1,930 mm
Width : 755 mm
Wheelbase : 1,370 mm
Seat height :790 mm
Running weight : 148 kg
Fuel tank capacity : 9 l
Emissions : Euro 3
The Vespa GTS 300 Super is here
June 14th, 2011 dave787 
The Vespa GTS 300 Super is here, continuing a line of sporty elegance which boasts legendary models like the 1955 Vespa GS, the 1964 180 SS, the ’65 90 SS, the 1972 200 Rally, the 1976 Vespa ET3, and the 1985 T5 “Pole Position”.
Vespa S press release, legendary scooters.
June 14th, 2011 dave787 Found this in my inbox this morning from Piaggio. For those in the know, it’s old hat, but for the rest, it’s a history lesson as well as a learner for the present. Enjoy!
“Piaggio Group USA Announces the New 2008 Vespa S
Classic or customized, this Vespa celebrates the rebel in you
NEW YORK, March 10, 2008 – Italian manufacturer Piaggio, renowned for revolutionary ideas in personal transportation, announces the debut of the2008 Vespa S, a retro-forward 150cc interpretation of the iconic “Vespino”scooters that dominated the European street scene in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Combining advanced technology and iconic styling, the new Vespa S embraces the rebellious spirit that inspired an entire generation to change the world. With its pure, minimalist lines, sporty performance, inconspicuous carbon footprint and creative customization options, the Vespa S is now ready to empower a whole new generation of riders to challenge the conventions of our time.
Vespa Heritage: Designed to Change the World
When Italian manufacturer Piaggio introduced its first Vespa scooters in the post-war 1940’s, they were born of functional necessity: personal mobility for the masses in a changing era. Though designed to be simple, sturdy and economical, the sense of Italian style was never an afterthought. The Vespa’s aircraft-inspired unibody frame, with its clean, efficient lines, stylish contours and revolutionary features set a design benchmark that introduced comfort and elegance to the sensibility of personal transport.
Prominently featured in the 1952 film Roman Holiday, the Vespa began to play a role in popular culture and became an international phenomenon. Beloved by bohemians, artists and actors, Vespa also remained a populist icon, a testament to its charm. In the 50’s, European Vespa clubs numbered in the tens of thousands, while American screen icons John Wayne and Marlon Brando took to the streets on Vespas between takes. British mods, celebrated in such films as Alfie and Quadrophenia, rallied around Vespa a decade later.
During the 60’s and 70’s, the Vespa Special and Primavera models became symbols for the revolutionary ideas of the time. As the protest movement raged, Hollywood stars such as Steve McQueen and Dennis Hopper chose Vespas for their personal style statements and Innovative advertisements and style refinements kept the Vespa ahead of the cultural curve during the 70’s. Today, the Vespa S continues the company’s unique ability to capture its rebellious spirit in one technically advanced package.
Trademark Styling, Advanced Engineering
The spirit and soul of the 2008 Vespa S is in the authentic details.C lassic Vespa trademarks such as chrome trim, the minimalist front shield, the unique rectangular headlight first seen in the 50 Special, the rounded rear light and a 70s-inspired single-seat saddle with contrasting piping all pay homage to the Vespa S’ legendary predecessors.
The Vespa’s structural integrity is just as innovative as its design. The Vespa’s high-strength steel body acts as the scooter’s structural frame, a design solution unique in the world of scooter production. In addition to superior strength, the frame is exceptionally rigid, resulting in excellent road holding and precision control. The scooter’s low center of gravity also makes riding it supremely simple.
Equipped with an advanced front disc/rear drum brake system, the Vespa S offers confident stopping power. The 11” front and 10” rear wheels with light alloy rims add to the Vespa S’ excellent stability, and a 150cc single-cylinder, four-stroke engine delivers sporty acceleration. Located inside the body, the 2.3 gallon fuel tank allows easy access to the engine and maximizes the size of the under-seat storage compartment.
Sporty and agile performance combined with low emissions and high fuel economy reflect Vespa’s commitment to safety, reliability and environmental respect. Like all Vespa scooters, the clean-running Vespa S sips fuel while delivering miles of riding thrills – over 90 miles for every gallon of gas. And, with a top speed of 59 miles per hour, the four-stroke Vespa S is ready to get you to your next protest march, reunion tour – or the office – in record time. Make Your Vespa Your Canvas
Vespa has always been synonymous with freedom of expression, and the Vespa S invites buyers to show their creative side with six new optional graphic kits. Easily applied at the dealership, each decal collection celebrates an element of Vespa’s heritage and personality. For example, buyers can show their passion for la dolce vitae with stylized Italian flag decals or rock on with a very “Mod” United Kingdom flag theme. A Sixties-style flower motif and a retro rally theme complete the collection.
Additional accessories for the Vespa S include a matching body-color 8 ½ gallon top box, a chrome-plated tilting rear luggage rack and a European-style half-helmet. The 2008 Vespa S has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $4099. Available colors include Dragon Red, Shiny Black and Optic White. For more information on the Vespa S visit www.vespausa.com.
About The Piaggio Group:With over 6,700 employees, an annual production of more than 680,000 vehicles in 2006, 5 R&D centers, 7 production facilities in Europe and Asia, and operations in over 50 countries, the Piaggio Group has a consolidated leadership in the European 2 wheeler market. Its production includes scooters, motorcycles and mopeds in the 50cc to 1,200 cc displacement range, marketed under the Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Derbi, Aprilia, Scarabeo and Moto Guzzi brands.”
A couple interesting things to note from the press release. If the MPG estimates are correct, then the current L.E.A.DE.R engine is getting slower but increasing it’s fuel effiency with each new model. First the ET4 with 60 MPG and 65 MPH, then the LX150 with 70 MPG and 60 MPH, now the Vespa S with 59 MPH and 90 MPG! Nice!
