The 2025 Vespa GTS 426

The new GTS 310 has an all-new engine, making it the most powerful and responsive Vespa of all time.

Meagan Kusek is the editor of Motorcycle & Powersports News. Since 2016, she has been covering various aspects of the B2B automotive markets, including professional carwashes, auto dealerships, motorcycle/powersport dealerships and collision repair shops.

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Published: Nov 6, 2024

A New Engine for the Flagship GTS

The new GTS 310 has landed, declaring itself the Vespa to beat all records: It is the most powerful, responsive and rapid ever made in the near 80-year history of the Vespa.

Using the state-of-the-art liquid-cooled 278cc engine as a starting point, this extraordinary unit introduces further key improvements, with more than 70% of the components completely new, along with new dimensions which usher in new and improved performance.

The stroke of the single-cylinder increases from 63 to just over 70 millimeters, boosting the displacement from 278 to 310cc and the power to 25 horsepower. The torque has also been increased, and the longer stroke offers even greater flexibility when riding.

These technical advancements serve to further enhance the already extraordinary ease of riding the Vespa. The torque — which is delivered even at low speeds and is available as soon as the throttle is opened — gives the scooter powerful yet progressive acceleration when navigating urban environments that require the rider to slow down and then speed up again, and while the vibration and noise levels were already minimal on previous models, the new engine slashes these even further.

All in all, this engine represents a clear technical evolution that provides completely new riding sensations when in the seat of the Vespa GTS 310, combining power and smoothness and rendering every ride even more effortless and enjoyable. The “Sporting Gran Turismo” qualities of the Vespa flagship scooter are thus enhanced by unprecedented performance levels and an even more thrilling ride.

Accordingly, the new engine ensures that the Vespa GTS is as ideal for metropolitan environments as it is for the weekend trips or summer escapes that have always been a core part of the Vespa’s character.

Among other components, the power train incorporates new injectors, a tilted cylinder, a new starting system and a crankcase design that significantly reduces mechanical and drive belt noise. The new engine meets the Euro 5+ standard and is not only more powerful but also more efficient, further reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

As such, the new GTS 310 serves to reiterate Vespa’s status as a technological leader. The continuous efforts to ensure that the Vespa is always fitted with the best technological solutions of the time is one of the secrets to its success — a success that can be measured in the 19 million-plus units sold across all continents of the world, or the 2 million new Vespas that have rolled out onto the roads across the globe in the last decade alone.

This success has made Vespa an icon of the contemporary world, which remains impervious to passing fashions and trends.

Style and Functionality

The lines of the GTS strike a delicate balance between tradition and modernity and are refined with obsessive attention to even the smallest details: This has served to raise the perceived quality of every part of the Vespa family’s flagship bike.

As has been the case throughout Vespa’s history, the full-steel bodywork also acts as a chassis, bearing the weight of the centrally-mounted engine unit and the mechanical parts. This totally unique construction philosophy is the key to Vespa’s unrivaled robustness, as well as its one-of-a-kind safety and dynamism. The ride is always superb, whether in the city or out of town, and the Vespa skillfully combines excellent handling with reassuring stability, thanks in part to the generously-sized tires fitted on the 12-inch rims and the disc brake system on both wheels.

The Vespa GTS is equipped with an advanced ASR system — the electronic traction control function that prevents rear wheel spin. The package of electronic safety controls is completed by the anti-lock braking system (ABS); both are fitted as standard across the entire Vespa GTS family.

The graceful handlebar, which has always been one of the key stylistic features of the various Vespa models, incorporates the characteristic full-LED round headlamp, while the controls are grouped across two chrome-plated command units, evoking the handlebar gearbox of early Vespa models — a solution that enables the rider to manage the various commands in a simple, intuitive manner. The overall clean feel of the styling continues behind the countershield, where the keyless system knob replaces the traditional ignition switch and the black dashboard surface is united in a single element which integrates the bag hook in its center.

At the rear of the bike, the light cluster features LED direction indicators and a tail light that creates a distinctive square light profile.

The Vespa GTS 310 is fitted with a seat that offers a higher level of comfort, and the rider benefits from optimized ergonomics, making it easier to place his or her feet on the ground; meanwhile, the passenger seat is spacious and inviting. The compartment in the countershield adds to the load capacity of the Vespa GTS 310: Inside is a USB port, for recharging a mobile phone or other electronic devices.

Versions and Colors

The Vespa GTS comes in four distinct versions designed to reflect the lifestyle of the rider in the seat.

Vespa GTS

The most classic version of the Vespa GTS is simplified and pared back yet sophisticated, and it comes in Beige Avvolgente, Nero Convinto and Verde Amabile metallic colors. Every detail is enhanced with stylish chrome plating, including the edge of the body, the typical “tie” shaped badge, the front suspension spring, the headlight surround and the exhaust muffler cover. The grey seat, with vertical heat-sealed seams on the seat and tone-on-tone stitching, matches the grips and rubber inserts on the footrests, which are also grey. The wheel rims are painted grey.

Vespa GTS Super

The Vespa GTS Super version adds a high level of sportiness, drawing on the heritage of legendary sports models such as the Vespa GS 150 of 1955, the Vespa 180 SS of 1965 right up to the T5 “Pole Position” of 1985. Immediately recognizable from its graphite-tone rims with diamond finish and the double-covered seat with piping, it comes in two shiny pastel colors: Bianco Innocente and Rosso Coraggioso, as well as the metallic Nero Convinto. The host of chrome finishes are complimented by sporty black details, such as the grips and rubber inserts on the footrests, as well as the front suspension spring.

Vespa GTS SuperSport

The Vespa GTS SuperSport is the ultimate sports version of the Vespa. Its bold, edgy character is immediately clear from the graphite-colored rims with dedicated graphics and the range of black details, including the profile which runs around the edge of the bodywork. The typical “tie” shaped badge on the front shield boasts a new carbon-look finish, made even more striking by the fluorescent orange details. The seat is black and features a seat with horizontal heat-sealed seams and contrasting double stitching in fluorescent orange.

This model five different colors, further enhanced by specially-designed new graphics: the glossy colors Blu Eclettico and Bianco Innocente are accompanied by Grigio Travolgente Opaco, Nero Convinto Opaco and Verde Ambizioso Opaco.

Vespa GTS SuperTech

The Vespa GTS SuperTech confirms the ultra-modern technological position, with the inclusion of a TFT color display and integrated Vespa MIA connectivity system as standard. Tech-forward, but classic in style, the GTS SuperTech offers modern solutions matched with timeless GTS style.

The SuperTech is available in three colors, each accented by an electric yellow giving the traditional style a more modern touch to complement the technological features: Bianco Innocente, Blu Energico, and Grigio Ottimista.

Always Connected with VESPA MIA

The VESPA MIA connectivity system (which comes as standard on the GTS Supersport and is available as an accessory across the entire GTS family) and the Vespa app connect iOS or Android mobile devices via Bluetooth to the Vespa on-board system, offering exclusive functions that provide an even more rewarding and fun riding experience.

Once the smartphone is connected, all notifications regarding incoming calls and messages are shown on the Vespa’s display. The system also enables the rider to manage calls via the convenient joystick on the command block and to use the smartphone voice commands to make calls or play music.

In addition to the infotainment functions, the app is also a superb source of useful information on the vehicle status, driving parameters and travel statistics, which can be viewed directly on the rider’s smartphone.

Accessories

As per Vespa tradition, the new GTS 310 is accompanied by a wide range of accessories that allow riders to personalize their bike and increase both comfort and functionality.

The arrival of the Vespa GTS 310 also ushers in the new Vespa Argentario helmet. This new exclusive jet helmet is made from ABS material, and features stylish chrome edging, a transparent main visor with scratch-resistant treatment and a comfortable inner sun visor. The new ventilation system helps to dissipate heat rapidly whilst keeping the inner fabric cool and comfortable. The inner lining can be easily removed and washed. In the best Vespa tradition, which focuses on sophistication and style, the Vespa Argentario helmet is available in a range of colors to perfectly match the scooter.

The 36 liter top box is painted to match the bodywork of the bike and comes with a padded backrest for optimal passenger comfort. As a stylish alternative to the top box, the Vespa leather bag, with special reinforced panels on the bottom and handles, is designed to be carried conveniently on the rear luggage rack. The bag is designed as an accessory to be carried in total comfort and is attached to the luggage rack via a quick release system.

The front and rear luggage racks, available in chrome or black finish, are among the most classic and popular accessories available for the Vespa. They serve as a bold and easily-recognizable symbol of Vespa’s personality and long tradition as a scooter made for traveling. As of this year, a new sporty version of the rear luggage rack is now available. A distinct sloping design over the rear light highlights the sporty lines of the GTS.

The perimeter kit and the front fender guard — protective components crafted from steel tubing — ensure the best possible protection for the Vespa and a strong aesthetic appeal; they are also available in chrome or black.

The on-board protection of the rider is ensured by the windshield, made from shock- and splinter-proof methacrylate and available in two different versions: high, for maximum protection, and medium.

For those who prefer more compact, sporty lines, a high-quality fairing is also available in a transparent or smoked version.

The leg cover is made from thermal material and is easy to install, ensuring riding comfort all year round. The accessories collection is completed by the non-slip, waterproof rubber mat, the outdoor vehicle cover and the electronic anti-theft device.

The sporty single-seater seat features a double-covered seat with water-repellent treatment and bold contrast stitching.

The VESPA MIA connectivity system, which comes as standard on the SuperSport version, is available as an accessory for the Vespa GTS and GTS Super.

For maximum comfort even during the winter season, heated Comfort+ grips and seat are available; these can be conveniently adjusted via the heated accessory management module. The latter requires the VESPA MIA system to operate and enables the rider to adjust the heating settings of the grips and seat via the switch cubes.