PIAGGIO VESPA GTV300 VIA MONTENAPOLEONE (2010 - on) Review

Via Montenapoleone is no longer just a trendy shopping district in Milan (we all knew that, right?) – It’s also a limited-edition trendy 278cc scooter from Vespa that offers performance, practicality and style. It’s a beautiful machine that will undoubtedly prove popular with fashion-conscious commuters, especially since it has the go to match its show.

The Vespa GTV’s handling is refreshingly stable for a scooter. Some scoots have a very vague front end and a wobbly feel at both high and low speeds, but the GTV feels planted and secure at all times and the brakes are satisfyingly powerful without being intimidating. Overall it’s neutral, easy and safe.

The Via Montenapoleone is powered by a 278cc motor with 22bhp, but it feels like more, maybe because you don’t initially expect a scooter of this size to have so much go. It rips away from the lights and pulls well all the way past 70mph to a top speed of around 85mph. It’s a fantastic engine that’s fun to use and strikes a great balance between power and economy – perfect for the city.   

Modern Vespa scooters are all high-end machines and the GTV is no exception. The build quality, finish and handling mark it out as something a bit special compared to the competition. The brand power of Vespa isn’t to be over-looked either – people can and do pay extra for the quality and just to be seen on one. They’re like the Ducatis of the scooter world.

In some ways it’s hard to think of the GTV as good value because it costs a fairly hefty £4,499. But the quality and finish is in a different league and the GTV (and the whole Vespa range) are objects of desire rather than just commuting tools. They hold their value well too, so you won’t get stung on depreciation. Fact is you can get a scooter for a lot less if you want to – but it’s not a Vespa. And for a lot of people, that matters. Don’t believe me? Just check any motorcycle parking bay in London… Find a Vespa for sale.

There’s no shortage of cool stuff on the Via Montenapoleone. As standard you get a stylish (a world first?) fly screen, motorcycle-style handlebars, a luggage rack, plus a retro mudguard-mounted headlight and plush split seat. The only slight niggle is that the underseat storage bay isn’t big enough for a full-face Shoei XR-1000 lid, but there is a top box available as an optional extra. Compare and buy parts for the Vespa in the MCN Shop.