Vespa GTS300 Super Sport

Melbourne's recent flooding rains are partly to blame for this learner rider's delayed approach to the roads. As it turns out, the rain hasn't stopped and with the probationary-plate test looming it's now a case of no guts, no glory.

It's almost a shame the first time out is on something as special as a limited-edition Vespa, complete with titanium grey paint and bespoke decals. It absolutely can't be dropped, scratched, whatever… So on grimy roads we tread, with an extra dose of apprehension.

There's a lot of scooter here: around 150kg, 300cc engine and room for two. Learner riders aren't allowed passengers but in the meantime the Vespa's seat is well-contoured for one with narrow thigh padding and decent room before the 'step' to the rear pew.

With a good dose of power on board it's easy to move off and into traffic, without feeling like you're holding up other road users. From standstill the 300's CVT takes a moment to wind up but its delivery is smooth, and the auto is always in the right gear at lower speeds.

The scooter's comfort and no-compromise output helps build confidence. Admittedly we chose suburban roads at first but they were busy and wet, leaving no room for confusion. Presumably the indicator lamps in the legshield and large taillight are easily observed because other road users were quick to give way when required… Even smile at the rare-sight Vespa.

Its ability to gain speed from local to arterial road allowances is impressive. Pick-up from sub-60 to 80km/h is swift and quiet… Learners will be quick to licence-affecting limits, so watch the (attractive, clear) speedo.

Steering feel isn't too bothered by broken surfaces but there's plenty of feedback. Same goes for the ride: this isn't a squishy set-up -- as implied by the 'sports' tag -- making for sharp, balanced cornering but also at-times pronounced reaction to road seals and so on, which added feedback as to how a bike will react to less-than-average road conditions: All good for a learner.

Under-seat storage has room for two helmets and there's a convenient load area behind the panel under the handlebars. Otherwise, the width of the foot deck makes moving the scooter a little awkward compared to a 'usual' bike, and the smaller wheels don't help matters. In addition to gathering riding skills, this learner also needs to develop more upper body strength.

This 'serious' scooter makes for an exciting and informative outing. The well-working CVT auto and good response from the sizable four-stroke engine means the learner rider can focus on the road and traffic with less fear of causing annoyance, even out of city domains.

Vespa’s in a very enviable place. Piaggio, Vespa’s parent company, still produces models which would bring an aesthetic nod of approval from the company founders, but with crisp and clean-burning modern engines to power them – a far cry from the smoky two-stroke mills of yesteryear.

The GTS300 Super Sport is the latest model to follow that recipe, based on the GTS300 Super which first went on sale in Australia in the third quarter of 2008 as the largest capacity Vespa in history.

The Super Sport is one with the lot – except perhaps, the Pope’s blessing – which includes the ‘Quaser’ 278cc, fuel-injected, Euro 3 compliant liquid-cooled engine, which is good for a claimed 22hp (15.8kW) and 22.3Nm pumping though the effortless CVT ‘twist-and-go’ transmission.

The Super Sport’s… err… super handling is probably its greatest trait, even to the extent that it could even – shock horror – make the crossover into motorcycle land. By that I mean it’s stable, it steers well and the suspension is honest, which means a decent corner speed can be maintained on the 12-inch wheels tracking on a 1370mm wheelbase. And it pulls up well with the 220mm disc brakes, complete with braided lines.

The charm offensive doesn’t end on the open road, and around town the Super Sport is the quintessential scooter – easy to manoeuvre and capable of turning on a dime.

Its torque is what makes it an unflappable proposition in 99 percent of riding scenarios, where even fairly steep inclines are of only minor nuisance. – Mark Fattore

Model: Vespa GTS300 Super Sport (LAMS approved)
Engine: Single-cylinder, 278cc, air-cooled
Output: 21.1hp (15.8kW) and 22.3Nm
Emissions: Euro 3 
Transmission: Twist-and-go CVT
Weight: 148kg
Fuel Tank: 9.2 litres
Rider capacity: Two
Seat Height: 790mm
Price: $8290