The Vespa (Italian for little wasp) was conceived and developed after the Second World War by aircraft builder Piaggio to provide transport for the masses. The rest is history, but the brand remains a characterful and exotic fixture in the motorcycle market to this day.
Vespa Cape Town provided us with one of the latest models to take for a spin, and the weather offered up an ideal opportunity to buzz around the city. The gloss-black GTS pictured here was the steed of choice for this test, but we will try out some of the other Vespa models out in due course.
With emissions a global concern, most Vespas now utilise single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engines, although the base LX 150 is still air-cooled with a two-stroke engine. The GTS 300 has a four-valve head, o-h-c with electronic ignition and fuel injection. The bike’s seating position is quite high, which seems incongruous with the Vespa’s sleek and compact appearance, but it engenders a feeling of safety and results in much better visibility than you would have on a conventional bike. Comfort levels are excellent, with lots of legroom and ample seat padding that will be an advantage on longer journeys.
Chromework is kept to a minimum and neat, foldaway aluminium footrests for a pillion passenger show attention to the finer details. Rubber running strips are fitted to the floor area just as with classic Vespas. Apart from the underseat storage bin (removable for access to the engine and to empty out the ice used to chill your Pinot Grigio), the traditional glovebox is still there in front of your knees, as is a parcel hook. Disc brakes front and rear bring the 12-inch wheels shod with Pirelli tyres to a stop.
Top speed is around 140 km/h, so cruising at the national speed limit is not a problem. Still, the small screen is more of a wind deflector, so long trips might be tiring. As is common with CVT scooters of higher capacity and power outputs, it is difficult to ride them slowly, since the speed picks up very quickly with a minimum of drama or noise. Therefore, it’s prudent to keep your eye on the GTS 300’s speedometer, but the ride quality is smooth and pliant and the turning circle is tiny, of course…
The Vespa is pricey, yes, but quality and desirability are tangible attributes that translate into a surprisingly steady stream of customers, even in these financially squeezed times. This scooter represents one of the trendiest ways to cruise your favourite scenic route, as long as you can avoid the taxis and trucks, and you’ll save tons of time, let alone fuel.
The GTS 300 offers comfort, elegance and class, and is very easy to ride. If you don’t have the garage space (or budget) for a Ferrari, just get yourself the Prancing Horse of scooters. And, if you want to further embrace the brand, you can always add a Vespa watch, clock, helmet, jacket, pen or sunglasses. Time to go – my pasta and pesto are calling. Ciao!
Specifications: *
Engine: four valves per cylinder, fuel-injected, liquid-cooled
Displacement (cm3 ): 278
Max Power (kW/r/min): 17/7 550
Transmission: CVT automatic
Tyre sizes: front 120/70 12; rear 130/70 12”
Frame: pressed steel monocoque
Safety systems: immobiliser
Mass (kg): 148
Seat height (mm): 790
Fuel tank capacity (L): 9,1
Fuel consumption (L/100 km): 2,8 at 70 km/h
Price: R85 950
Website: www.vespa.co.za
*Manufacturer's figures