Vespa GTS 250 and 125By Thierry WeylandEncouraged by its success in the 250 cc category, Piaggio is now offering a 125 version of the sportiest Vespa. At the cutting edge of modernity, the GTS range combines style, performance and riding pleasure. Inspired by the 1955 Vespa 150 GS (Gran Sport), the GTS 250 ie was launched in May 2005 and immediately became a huge success. At the last Milan Show, at the end of 2006, Piaggio, which owns the marque, logically decided to produce a 125 cc version, which can be ridden by holders of a car licence plus CBT in the UK. This GTS 125 replaces the Granturismo model (2003-2006), from which it only really differs in a few aesthetic details.  © Piaggio Style first and foremostThe unmistakable Vespa style is proudly on display here, whichever part you look at. Distinctive characteristic of the marque since its creation in 1946, the steel body (which also acts as a frame) still has its place on the GTS, the only difference compared to the past being that it is now designed by computer. The lines are certainly more refined, but the curved rear with widened wings, the large headlamp on the handlebar unit and the massive mudguard with its chrome trim leave no doubt: this is indeed a Pontedera creation! Compared to the old Granturismo, the GTS is distinguishable by the presence, as standard, of a folding chrome rear rack, as well as by a square-shaped instead of round tail light. The luggage rack also acts as a passenger grab rail, which is a little too low down, but the splendid folding aluminium foot pegs more than make up for this slight inconvenience. Another difference between the 125 and 250 GTS models is the entirely analogue instrumentation of the former, the latter giving pride of place to digital with a dial grouping together the fuel gauge, rev counter, mileometers, clock and an outside air temperature gauge. The dashboard of the 125 is slightly less well equipped, but both models have an electronic coded key immobiliser. Small underseat storage compartmentIn addition to the above-mentioned rear rack, the luggage capacity of the Vespa GTS is split between a flat floor - very handy for carrying bulky items - a large glove box in the fascia panel and an underseat storage compartment. The dimensions of the latter are smaller than average on GT scooters, but it is still big enough to hold a jet helmet with visor or two Vespa demi-jet helmets. Euro 3 enginesThe engine of the GTS, whether it be the 125 cc with carburettor fuel supply or the 250 cc with electronic injection, complies with Euro-3 environment protection standards. Unlike the old Vespas with their manual gearboxes, this new generation is of course equipped with fully automatic transmission. Although the 14 hp of the 125 version is perfectly adequate in the context of mainly urban use with a few forays onto expressways, motorcycle licence holders should not hesitate to go for the 250 version. It is priced at £550 more than the 125, but the character of the Piaggio Quasar engine is much more attractive than its little brother. Combining flexibility and vigour at all engine speeds whilst remaining particularly low on fuel consumption, this engine is probably one of the most attractive in the 250 cc scooter category. On the motorway, it boasts a top speed of 122 kph/76 mph (only 104 kph/65mph for the 125) and very reassuring engine pick-up.  © Piaggio The sportiest VespaThe particular handling of the old Vespas, with their engine positioned to the right and their tiny wheels, has been consigned to oblivion. The Vespa GTS makes the most of its 12-inch wheels fitted with modern tyres, excellent mass distribution and good rigidity to offer superior road-holding. The original front suspension with a tilt mechanism results in rather responsive steering, but one quickly gets to grips with it and can subsequently enjoy particularly playful handling - lots of fun on winding mountain roads, for example. In short, there's no contradicting the press kit's assertion that this GTS is the sportiest Vespa! Very dynamic, the GTS nonetheless manages to preserve comfort, which is very reasonable as regards the rider.  © Piaggio Optional ABS on the 250The brake system of the GTS 125 and 250 is entrusted to two discs that offer sufficient power as well as reassuring progressiveness on poor road surfaces. The first Vespa to benefit from this technology, the GTS 250 is available with ABS as an option in some countries (not in the UK). The system adopted here curbs any front-wheel lock, automatically distributes brake power between both wheels via the left-hand lever and amplifies the force exerted by the rider to assist in emergency braking. Although this latter aspect is sometimes deemed a little too abrupt, the benefit of this equipment remains undeniable in the context of everyday use, whatever the weather. All in all, the Vespa GTS therefore offers all the comfort and safety of a modern scooter without renouncing anything of the character and style that are still behind the success of this legendary marque, 60 years after its creation. Technical dataEngine type: 4-valve, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke single cylinder Displacement: 244 and 124 cc Fuel supply: electronic injection (250); carburettor (125) Starter: electric Max. power output: 22 hp (250); 14.3 hp (125) Max. torque: 20.2 Nm (250) ; 12 Nm (125) Front brake: 220 mm disc, 2-piston calipers; Rear: 220 mm disc (ABS available on the 250 in some countries) Front tyre: 120/70 x 12; Rear: 130/70 x 12 Seat height: 790 mm Fuel tank capacity: 9.2 litres (reserve: 2 litres) Dry weight: 148 kg (250); 144 kg (125) PRACTICAL: Colours: silver, red, black and blue (yellow also available in some countries) Warranty: 2 years parts and labour, unlimited mileage Price: GTS 125: £2,861; GTS 250: £3,411 Place of manufacture: Italy Web site: www.vespa.com OUR MEASUREMENTS: Top speed: 250: 122 kph (76 mph); 125: 104 kph (65 mph) Average fuel consumption: 250: 4.5 l/100 km; 125: 4 l/100 km Average fuel range: 250: 180 km (112 miles) before reserve; 125: 200 km (124 miles) |
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