PIAGGIO VESPA GTV300 VIA MONTENAPOLEONE (2010 - on) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Power: 22 bhp
Seat height: Medium (31.1 in / 790 mm)
Weight: Low (326 lbs / 148 kg)

Prices

New £4,499
Used N/A

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
5 out of 5 (5/5)

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.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

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.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
5 out of 5 (5/5)

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.   

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
5 out of 5 (5/5)

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.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

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.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

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.

Specs

Engine size 278cc
Engine type 4v l/c single, automatic
Frame type Pressed steel
Fuel capacity 9 litres
Seat height 790mm
Bike weight 148kg
Front suspension none
Rear suspension preload
Front brake 220mm disc
Rear brake 220mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 12
Rear tyre size 130/70 x 12

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 70 mpg
Annual road tax £55
Annual service cost -
New price £4,499
Used price -
Insurance group 7 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 22 bhp
Max torque 16.4 ft-lb
Top speed 85 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 170 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

Introduced as a limited edition in 2010.

Owners' reviews for the PIAGGIO VESPA GTV300 (2010 - on)

1 owner has reviewed their PIAGGIO VESPA GTV300 (2010 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your PIAGGIO VESPA GTV300 (2010 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 3 out of 5 (3/5)
Engine: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Value vs rivals: 3 out of 5 (3/5)
Equipment: 3 out of 5 (3/5)
4 out of 5 good but not great
21 October 2014 by duc848

the MCN review is very very positive and although I like my GTV a lot it's not perfect. Firstly it's not a light scooter, with a 300cc lump and this seems to give the handling issues from the single sided suspension - there is a twisty feeling and the shocks aren't great, it isn't as planted as you may expect although to be fair I come from a sports bike background. There is a noticeable front end wobble and this is much discussed on GTV forums, I think its a back heavy machine which causes this. Day to day it's reliable and practical but its a heavy lump if you are trying to drag it into a front garden or manoeuvre it in a small space. It looks great and with the rack, under saddle and top-box storage can carry loads but its a shame the under saddle can't fit a full-face. The front rack and retro style are cool but sacrifice functionality as the headlamp on the mudguard is low and useless on low beam if its less than bright daylight so I use mine of full-beam full-time. Also the 'fly-screen' is for show only and annoyingly can't be swapped for a taller screen so weather can be intrusive. Look out for insurance too as Vespa's standard alarm isn't well viewed by insurance firms so this adds to the cost - very nickable apparently hence my extra locks/alarms. All in all I am happy and its very cool but you pay to be cool don't you? ;-)

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
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