vespa tft display navigation factory

Oh, to be 19 in Rome. That’s the age Vespa turns officially with its newest incarnation of the GTS scooter, given that the Granturismo line was born in 2003. It gives poetic significance to Ernest Hemingway’s famous adage: “One doesn’t grow old in Rome, but they grow up quickly.”

What better way to become indoctrinated to the new Vespa than with total immersion in the adoptive home of this iconic brand. The advantages scooters offer in urban situations was on full display in Rome’s notoriously jammed streets. Weaving in and out of gridlocked traffic, I fully grasped the pragmatic roots of this deeply beloved and histrionic machine.

In America, we tend to equate the Vespa with whimsy, but it evolved out of necessity. Following World War II, plane manufacturer Piaggio faced manufacturing restrictions, so Enrico Piaggio made the decision to transform the factory and create an affordable means of transportation for war-weary Italy’s recovering masses. The result was the Vespa, which earned its name from its resemblance to a wasp.

Ruggedness was built into the Vespa to withstand Italy’s war-torn streets and roads. In the years since, the Vespa has become a worldwide phenomenon. Imbued with romance, exuding style, and offering a sense of freedom, the brand has ascended to exclusivity as a premium scooter. Yet at its heart is a practical, fun, and amazingly rideable machine.

Vespa offers the 2023 GTS in multiple configurations—Classic, Sport, SuperSport, and SuperTech, each presented in either 125cc or 300cc configurations. The differences between the models are primarily cosmetic—tasteful color schemes and accents—with the exception of the SuperTech, which has a TFT dash screen. The other three models sport a redesigned analog LCD dash.

Although exuding modernism in terms of design and technology, engineers have managed to retain the classic lines and established Vespa character with uncanny loyalty. With a focus on comfort, the Vespa retains the signature step-through design and flat floorboards, augmented by a redesigned, ergonomically-sound seat for the rider and passenger. The seating position, at 31.1 inches, allows for limited knee bend, while reaching the slightly wider bar—which grants better leverage—is incredibly comfortable.

Vespa’s MIA connectivity system comes standard on the SuperSport and SuperTech models, allowing smartphone calls, notifications, voice commands, and music through Bluetooth. The SuperTech has a 4.3-inch full color TFT screen which doubles as a navigation system, with easily readable pictograms enhancing directions.

Vespa’s most powerful engine to date (on the 300 version) puts out 23.8 hp—if you want to rev it to 8,250 rpm. The 278cc SOHC high-performance single-cylinder engine is fuel-injected and liquid-cooled with four valves (the 125cc is badged with the moniker of “i-get,” for Italian Green Experience Technology). Both configurations are Euro 5 compliant. The 300 delivers a delightful punch, with torque peaking at 19.2 lb-ft at 5,250 rpm, while being predictable enough to not intimidate new or beginning riders. The automatic dry centrifugal clutch and torque server transmission with vibration dampers is reported to be more durable and provides exceptionally smooth operation. The power available on the 300 pushes the claimed curb weight of 348 pounds right along.

Designers re-worked the famous necktie that runs down the front of the body screen and brought a more modern flow to the bodywork, giving the machine a sleeker look without disturbing the legendary lines. The tail light has been completely redesigned and the placement of the new LED turn signals has changed. They’re now sleekly worked into the leg cowling. The new lateral grids maintain that signature Vespa look. The brand has managed to modernize the beloved scooter without losing any of the original character.

The Vespa gets a new frame for 2023 but retains the time-honored sheet metal body construction with welded reinforcements for structural strength. In this day of green awareness, it should be noted the materials are 100% recyclable.

In a city that embraces and rewards the holeshot at stop lights, the Vespa GTS 300 delivers. The responsive throttle will definitely get you ahead of traffic, while the ABS and ASR traction control (ASR is only available on the 300) served the Vespa well on the slippery stonework of backstreets, as well as on wet roads. The GTS 300 has compliant, balanced manners in terms of turn-in—a far cry from the original Vespa scooters that were horrifically lopsided due to the engine placement.

It’s stable and comfortable at speed and highly maneuverable in slow, tight situations. There was an unexpected test of the ABS system when I rounded a blind corner into dead-stop traffic. Grabbing both brakes with a good deal of pressure resulted in a fast and controlled stop with impressive stability. The Vespa never lost its composure.

The madness of Roman traffic was somewhat subdued by the ease at which I could navigate the streets aboard the agile GTS, splitting traffic and dashing through the maze of the city’s many sights. There’s nothing quite like riding a scooter in the place it was designed for. An energetic scooter for an energetic crowd, the Vespa is a great deal of fun, and its impressive level of performance takes it well beyond a plaything. It’s a sensible and practical steed, possessing immense ridability.

I was left wanting for nothing with the GTS 300. It does everything it’s intended to do and does it extremely well. The miles chalked up in the countryside outside Rome spoke volumes to the GTS 300’s ability to provide a platform for a weekend getaway with a passenger—the notion bolstered by Vespa’s aftermarket front and rear luggage racks. Fuel capacity on the 300 is 2.24 gallon with an estimated (factory) 71.2 mpg, rendering a potential range of about 150 miles—depending on how liberal you are with the throttle. That’s enough to get you out of the city and into some greenery or off to a lake. These are the types of romantic wanderings the Vespa inspires.

The attributes and performance of the GTS 300 translate well to a number of American cities, making it a viable commuter and sensible urban vehicle. As scooters find increasing acceptance stateside for their ease of mobility, as well as the inherent saving in gas—not to mention a viable tool against congestion—it may not be long before the U.S. develops its own love affair with Vespa.

The price point of the 2023 Vespa ($7,799-$8,499) definitely elevates it to a luxury item. That said, the ride, performance, and build quality, as well as the iconic status of the brand, are thoroughly justified. And with a total of 14 striking paint schemes (spread over the entire range) you’ll certainly find a color that moves you.

The four-cylinder, in-line 999 cc engine cranks out 165 horsepower and 84 lb.-ft. of torque. Standard equipment includes a TFT display with connectivity, full LED lighting, and Three Ride Modes, including Rain, Road, and Dynamic and adjustable handlebar position. If touring the open-air country style is what you love, the 2023 BMW K 1600 GTL may be the motorcycle for you. This bike is built for two to take those long journeys in comfort. The K 1600 GTL is powered by a six-cylinder, in-line, 1,649 engine that delivers 160 horsepower and 132.7 lb.-ft. of torque. The design is all about comfort and smooth travel, with its heated seats, top case and side cases, heated grips, and a 10.25-inch color TFT display with integrated map navigation and connectivity. Head on over to San Jose BMW Motorcycles, and let us help you find the BMW motorcycle best suited to your riding needs.

The Vespa flagship model receives power, technical and style updates.The new 300hpe engine promises to deliver more than 23hp (at the crank) as the ‘SuperTech’ version makes its debut, with new instrument cluster and integrated Nav-system.

For 2019, the entire Vespa GTS range is further improved, with a series of updates to boost performance, comfort and style. The new Vespa GTS range, packed with standard equipment, now comprises five versions: Vespa GTS, GTS Touring, GTS Super, GTS SuperSport and the brand-new, technological Vespa GTS SuperTech, with colour TFT display that maximises connectivity to the smartphone with the VESPA MIA system.

Two engine sizes are available, the already well-known and appreciated 125 i-get single-cylinder is now joined by the new 300 hpe (High-Performance Engine), the fruit of the latest Piaggio Group technology, which aims to create engines that are increasingly advanced and efficient in terms of limiting emissions and consumption. Able to deliver nearly 24HP, this is the most powerful engine ever adopted by a factory Vespa.

Modifications have also been made to update the design of the new Vespa GTS, while still retaining certain distinctive traits: the front headlight and rear lights now adopt full LED technology. The front section also features a redesigned shield.Also new is the shape of the handlebar, the chrome crest of the front mudguard, the rear view mirrors and the grilles to the sides of the shield, characterised by a brand-new honeycomb motif. At the rear, the side panels undergo a restyling, running under the body, while versions driven by a 300 HPE engine stand out for a new engine crankshaft cover and a new silencer cover.

The new Vespa GTS boasts the latest evolution of the 300 cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke, 4-valve, liquid-cooled engine with electronic injection. Known as 300 hpe (High-Performance Engine), the unit has increased performance while at the same time reducing fuel consumption. With respect to the previous version, maximum power comes in at 23.8 HP at 8250 rpm, which translates into a 12% increase, while maximum torque, equating to 19.2ft-lbs at 5250 rpm, has been boosted by 18%.

All models in the new Vespa GTS range are also available with a 125 i-get electronic injection engine, with four valve distribution and liquid cooling.  Engines in the i-get family stand out for the adoption of the Piaggio patented Start & Stop system known as RISS (Regulator Inverter Start & Stop System). The 125 i-get engine is accredited with power of 12hp at 8250 rpm, and a torque value of 8ft-lbs at 6750 rpm.

VESPA MIA connectivity system allows you to connect your smartphone to the Vespa GTS on-board electronics system via Bluetooth. VESPA MIA and the new Vespa app are specifically designed to connect iOS or Android mobile devices to the latest Vespa models equipped with an instrument cluster with TFT display: Vespa Elettrica, Vespa Primavera S and Vespa Sprint S, and the brand-new model in the Vespa GTS range, the SuperTech version.

Once connected the TFT display will clearly show all notifications relating to incoming calls and messages in the centre of the screen. The system also allows for call management via a joystick and the use of vocal commands to make calls or listen to music, by activating a playlist. To fully enjoy all these functions, Vespa GTS SuperTech offers a special dedicated Jet helmet as an accessory, the helmet complete with built-in earphones and Bluetooth intercom.

CHOOSE SUPERTECH DETAILS: Technology plays a role in even the smallest details. A special matt black finish on the wheel rims sets off the yellow found in the designs on the iconic front shield “tie”, the rear shield and front suspension springs, a color also used in the two-color stitching on the seat’s double upholstery and just one of the many details that make the Vespa SuperTech such a standout.

CONNECT WITH THE ROAD IN EVERY SENSE: The GTS SuperTech is the first large body Vespa to adopt a totally digital instrument panel. Its full-color 4.3" TFT display includes all the usual information such as speed, total and partial miles, outside temperature, fuel level, and much more. With the Vespa MIA app, your smartphone becomes an extension of the vehicle, giving you access to navigation data and allowing you to easily and safely manage calls and your music playlists. What’s more, the display also functions as a navigation tool, with easy-to-read pictograms accompanying you all the way.

TAKE ON THE ROAD WITH GRIT AND DETERMINATION: The Vespa GTS SuperTech 300 with its 300 HPE (High Performance Engine) and ASR traction control as standard is the fastest, most powerful Vespa of all time. Its single-cylinder, 4-stroke, 4-valve, liquid-cooled 300 cc engine with electronic injection delivers up to 23.8 Hp and its first-class quality construction makes for remarkable acceleration from a standstill. In short, the word Super is the perfect description.

Vespa rolled into 2020 with the new GTS SuperTech 300 HPE as its top-shelf entry for the GTS Super line. The SuperTech carries the updated high-performance engine with a handful of electronic safety features to make your rides safe and comfortable. Special paint and trim sets this unit apart visually from the rest of the family and adds an air of exclusivity to the mix.

These figures make this the most powerful lump ever to power a Vespa product. The four-valve head, higher valve lift, and 3 mm increase in valve diameter combine to provide efficient aspiration and exhaust-gas scavenging to make for cleaner, more-powerful air-fuel charges.

In another old-school move, the factory enclosed the handlebar, headlight, and instrumentation within the fairing to keep the control area clean as a whistle. Rather than going the analog route, the factory installed a 4.5-inch color TFT screen to deliver all the critical metrics.

The screen is configurable in its layout. An ambient-light sensor allows the display to automatically shift between the daytime screen with its light background and dark characters and the night-friendly screen with a black background and light characters.

A Bluetooth wireless connection networks with your smartphone for turn-by-turn navigation, hands-free phone calls, and a virtual-jukebox feature. If you like to collect your metrics, a ride monitor keeps tabs on your top speed and trip time among others. There"s also a GPS function that lets your phone remember where you last parked via the Vespa app.

Vespa uses a stressed-skin structure on the GTS SuperTech 300 HPE rather than an underframe for its support. This produces a strong-but-light assembly with lots of interior space for the internal equipment.

This is a top-shelf bike, so you can expect to pay a premium price for it. The Vespa GTS SuperTech 300 HPE costs $7,749. It comes in a choice between two matte colors in black or gray.

The Burgman 400 carries itself as a maxi-scoot with ample angular body details and a tall windshield for rider comfort and protection. The downside of such bodywork is that the step-through is all but completely obstructed, so if ease-of-mounting is a consideration for you, the Vespa is definitely the way to go.

Underseat storage is expanded a bit to 42 liters under the duplex, two-up seat on the Burgman, and it will carry a pair of smaller full-face helmets versus the single bucket tub under the Vespa"s seat to give it some extra utility as a grocery-getter/commuter.

Suzuki supports the front end on telescopic, hydraulically-dampened, motorcycle-style forks, but since they are non-adjustable, they really don"t have any sort of advantage over the Vespa"s link-and-shock arrangement. Out back, a coil-over monoshock takes care of business, but it looks like it"s non-adjustable to cede the advantage to the SuperTech.

The Burgman carries a larger engine – 399 cc to be exact – so it achieves speeds in the mid-nineties for a definite speed advantage. However, fast enough is fast enough, and the Vespa is fast enough with traction control for added stability so I"d argue that the engines more or less break even with one another.

Even though Vespa isn"t one to use price as a selling point, it outperforms Suzuki at the checkout. The Burgman 400 fetches a premium price at $8,499 against $7,749 for the SuperTech.

“Sure, some folks just want a scooter, I get that, but when you get up around the $8k mark there is a wide range of proper motorcycles for the same money, even ones with an automatic transmission so you can count on twist-and-go operation. That said, Vespa certainly does not disappoint with its SuperTech. It"s got the look, and the technology, to make for a well-rounded if premium-priced, machine.

Images, where available, are presented as reasonable facsimiles of the offered unit and/or manufacturer stock images. Non-standard options or features may be represented. No guarantee of availability or inclusion of displayed options should be inferred; contact dealer for more details.