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2012 Vespa GTS300 I.E.

 

2012 Vespa GTS300 I.E. Review

2012 Vespa GTS300 I.E.

Vespa GTS, the patriarch of modern Vespa sportiness, grows in engine size and performance. The 300 engine – the most powerful Vespa has ever adopted – adds aggressiveness and power to the elegance of the design.

Vespa GTS 300 presents itself as a distinctive choice among GT scooters. It is the only one that can offer all the class and exclusivity of Vespa, but also agility and dynamic features, combined with performance and technological standards of the 300 class.

Design

The lines of the shield, strictly in steel, are those of the successful Vespa GTS series which, launched in 2005, redefined the technical and aesthetic standards of the most sporty Vespa. The rear light group, the rich instrument panel, the large saddle with a dynamic line, the evocative rear luggage rack, are just some of the distinctive signs of a decisive and strong charactered Vespa.
The original placement of the daylight running light in the cowl by the horn is an explicit reminder of the Vespas from the 1950s which gives a further touch of elegance to this version.

At the front, Vespa GTS 300 can be immediately picked out of a crowd by the chromed moulding on the mudguard. The visual flow of the modern and decisive lines of the cowls, the round and sloping front headlight, the passenger footrests which fold out from the body, are characteristics which make the Vespa unique and they are highlighted in the line of the new GTS 300 i.e.

Vespa GTS maintains the fundamental characteristics which makes every Vespa a unique vehicle in the scooter world: the monocoque body, made entirely from steel: a construction philosophy which ensures legendary sturdiness, reliability and superior rigidity, all to the advantage of riding precision.

Its perfect ergonomics and the natural seating position have always contributed to the easy ride of the Vespa. The saddle of the new

Vespa GTS provides superior comfort even on medium to long routes. The meticulously crafted trimmings and double stitching bear witness to the care and attention to detail which makes every Vespa stand out.

The spacious storage compartment under the saddle can hold two demi-jet helmets plus other objects, while the space in the leg shield back plate is ideal for smaller objects such as sunglasses, documents, mobile phone and anything else that the rider may need to keep within reach. The analogue instrument panel is practical and functional with white numbers which contrast well against the black background.

Body and chassis architecture

The Vespa body, made entirely in steel, also acts as the monocoque chassis. Since 1946 it has been the characteristic which has always made Vespa stand out from other scooters.

Within the body of the Vespa GTS 300 Super, beneath the seat, is the fuel tank. In spite of an impressive 9.2 litre capacity offering outstanding range, the tank does not compromise under-seat storage space or access to the engine once the helmet carrier has been lifted off (no tools required). Complementing the legendary rigidity of the steel body, the Vespa GTS 300 Super boasts a chassis architecture featuring 12″ wheels shod with a 120/70 tyre at the front and a 130/70 tyre at the rear.

The front suspension uses the classic link arm layout, a traditional feature in Vespa history with excellent dynamic functional characteristics. At the rear, two pre-load adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers are fixed to the transmission crankcase and exhaust support. Vespa GTS 300 boasts high braking power thanks to two 220 mm discs.

 

 

 

2012 Vespa GTS300 I.E. Model Highlights

A new 300 engine for Vespa GTS

The new 300, single cylinder 4 stroke, 4 valve, liquid cooled, electronic injection engine provides maximum power of 22 HP at 7,500 rpm and puts out a maximum torque of 22.3 Nm at just 5,000 rpm: values which guarantee the Vespa GTS quick throttle response and extremely brilliant performance, making it an ideal vehicle both in city traffic and for touring, even at long range, in complete comfort, whether alone or with a passenger.

The new Vespa GTS engine is fast, sporty, spirited and silky smooth thanks to electronic fuel injection, but also silent running and compliant with the strictest anti-emissions standards (Euro3). An oil bath free wheel system reduces noise on starting, while normal use is attenuated by new engine casings, that also contributed to improved transmission cooling.

The fastest most technologically advanced Vespa ever.

Max. Speed: 129 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 27-29 km/l

Max. Speed: 80 mph
Gas Mileage: 65-70 mpg

 

 

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2012 Vespa GTS300 I.E. – International Specifications/Technical Details
MSRP Price: TBA

ENGINE

Type Single cylinder Q.U.A.S.A.R. 4 valves, electronic injection, catalytic converter
Engine capacity 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
Power P.I. injection (Port injected)
Ignition Electronic inductive ignition with variable advance
Cooling Liquid
Lubrication Wet sump
Transmission Twist-and-go CVT with torque server
Clutch Automatic dry centrifugal clutch with vibration dampers

VEHICLE

Bearing structure Sheet metal with welded reinforcements
Front suspension Single link arm with coil spring and dual action hydraulic shock absorber
Rear suspension Coil springs with adjustable preload (4 positions) and two dual action shock absorbers
Front brake Hydraulically operated ø 220 mm stainless steel disc
Rear brake Hydraulically operated ø 220 mm stainless steel disc
Front tyre Tubeless 120/70-12″
Rear tyre Tubeless 130/70-12″

DIMENSIONS

Length/Width 1930/755 mm
Step 1370 mm
Seat height 790 mm

Fuel tank capacity 9.2 litres
Emissions compliance Complies with Euro 3 Standards

 

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2012 Vespa GTS300 I.E. – US Specifications/Technical Details
USA MSRP Price: $6,199 USD

ENGINE TYPE
Single cylinder four-stroke four-valve
CYLINDER CAPACITY
278 cc
BORE X STROKE
75 mm x 63 mm
MAX POWER AT SHAFT
15.8 kW at 7,500 rpm (22 hp)
MAX TORQUE
22.3 Nm at 5,000 rpm
MAX SPEED
80 mph
FUEL TANK CAPACITY
2.4
GAS MILEAGE
65-70 mpg
DISTRIBUTION
Chain driven SOHC (Single OverHead Camshaft)
COOLING SYSTEM
Liquid
LUBRICATION
Wet sump, chain-driven lobe pump
IGNITION
Electronic
GEARS
Automatic CVT with torque server
CLUTCH
Automatic dry centrifuge with damper
CHASSIS
Load-bearing sheet steel chassis
FRONT SUSPENSION
Single arm, dual-chamber hydraulic shock absorber
REAR SUSPENSION
Two dual effect shock absorbers
FRONT BRAKE
200 mm disc
REAR BRAKE
200 mm disc
FRONT TIRE
Tubeless 120/70-12″
REAR TIRE
Tubeless 130/70-12″
LENGTH
76.4″
WIDTH
29.7″
WHEELBASE
53.9″
SEAT HEIGHT
31.1″
DRY WEIGHT
326
TYPE APPROVAL
EPA and CARB
COLORS
Gray, Volcano Black, Dragon Red, Montebianco White, Shiny Black

 

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2012 Vespa GTS300 I.E. – Canada Specifications/Technical Details
Canadian MSRP Price: $6,925 CDN

ENGINE TYPE
Single cylinder four-stroke four-valve
CYLINDER CAPACITY
278 cc
BORE X STROKE
75 mm x 63 mm
MAX POWER AT SHAFT
21.1 cv at 7,500 rpm
MAX TORQUE
16.4 ft.lbs at 5,000 rpm
MAX SPEED
129 km/h
FUEL TANK CAPACITY
9.0 litres
FUEL CONSUMPTION
27-29 km/l
DISTRIBUTION
Chain driven SOHC (Single OverHead Camshaft)
COOLING SYSTEM
Liquid
LUBRICATION
Wet sump, chain-driven lobe pump
IGNITION
Electronic
GEARS
Automatic CVT with torque server
CLUTCH
Automatic dry centrifuge with damper
CHASSIS
Load-bearing sheet steel chassis
FRONT SUSPENSION
Single arm, dual-chamber hydraulic shock absorber
REAR SUSPENSION
Two dual effect shock absorbers
FRONT BRAKE
200 mm disc
REAR BRAKE
200 mm disc
FRONT TIRE
Tubeless 120/70, 12″
REAR TIRE
Tubeless 130/70, 12″
LENGTH
1940 mm
WIDTH
755 mm
WHEELBASE
1370 mm
SEAT HEIGHT
790 mm
DRY WEIGHT
148 kg
TYPE APPROVAL
EPA and CARB
COLORS
Titanium, Dragon Red, White, Black