2023 Vespa GTV 300 Coming to the US

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Vespa has officially announced the release of the production 2023 GTV 300 scooter. (Piaggio Group/)

When it debuted in 2006, Vespa’s GTV scooter instantly garnered headlines for its powerful 250cc engine, retro-heavy good looks, and stylish accessories. The GTV was offered as a premium variant of the GTS, adding vintage-inspired instrumentation, a small windscreen, chrome handlebars, and the now-signature, fender-mounted low headlight.

Then came the unveiling of the second-generation GTV 300 at EICMA 2022, which doubled down on the more-is-more theme with a new liquid-cooled 278cc single-cylinder engine—the most powerful in a Vespa to date. But that was just the preproduction teaser; the Italian company is now formally introducing the 2023 Vespa GTV 300.

That signature low fender-mounted headlight cluster and shapely seat readily distinguishes the GTV from its stablemates. (Piaggio Group/)

So what’s changed in the trip to the production line? Not much, save for a few cosmetic tweaks. You still get that familiar Vespa design language, with a steel unibody featuring a complete cowling enclosing the engine, integrated floorboards, and a prominent front fairing, all of it inspired by the original Vespa 98 from 1946. Leading the way, of course, is that instantly recognizable Cyclops-like round headlight cluster and the famous Vespa “neck-tie” panel with triple air vents and grilles on the fairing above.

New handlebar-mounted circular instrument panel is totally digital and is designed for use with Vespa Mia (optional) meaning you have access to a host of extra functions. (Piaggio Group/)

The retro vibe continues from there with curvy panels up front and a bulbous rear side profile, topped with a scooped single-piece two-tone seat that could probably accommodate two riders if you really tried. The vintage theme is sealed by a two-tone paint scheme of beige with orange splashes of color on the body and wheels.

The signature Vespa “neck-tie” with its triple air vents on either side and orange central grilles on the front of the fairing. (Piaggio Group/)

It’s not all old-school on the GTV 300 though; that “faro basso” headlight cluster is a full LED unit, and the also-round instrument panel is now entirely digital, giving you access to trip data on your smartphone (provided you add the optional Vespa Mia connectivity system). The round instrument display is mounted to a tubular handlebar with a cantilevered bracket, but the arrangement is mostly covered by a swoopy top fairing Vespa says is “inspired by the racing world” (that top fairing is one of the changes from the preproduction version).

Other modern touches include a standard keyless ignition, so you don’t need to fumble around in your pockets to start the bike. The same remote opens the seat and includes the handy Bike Finder function, which will activate the indicators from a distance. A handy built-in USB port on the inner fairing completes the menu of practical, everyday features.

The GTV 300 gets a sleeker, more modern profile and now packs Vespa’s largest engine to date, the 278cc HPE2 single. (Piaggio Group/)

But the big news on the 2023 GTV 300 is Vespa’s most powerful (and Euro 5–approved) engine to date. The fuel-injected 300 HPE2 (High Performance Engine) unit on the new GTV (also found on the GTS 300) claims an output of 23.8 peak horsepower, and apparently that’s punchy enough for Vespa to have added front and rear disc brakes, dual-channel ABS (one channel on each wheel), and ASR traction control, which uses ABS sensors to prevent the rear wheel from slipping.

New five-spoke alloy wheels carry 12-inch tubeless rubber; rear shock is preload adjustable. (Piaggio Group/)

Down where the rubber hits the road you’ll find new, five-spoke 12-inch blacked-out wheels connected to a single arm coil-spring hydraulic shock up front and a double hydraulic rear shock absorber with a four-position preload adjustment. Power is dispensed via a CVT transmission with an automatic dry centrifugal clutch for incredibly simple twist-and-go operation with a rider-friendly saddle sitting just 31.1 inches off the tarmac.

2023 GTV 300 in Avvolgente Beige, rear view. (Piaggio Group/)

Although the global press release shows two color options for the 2023 GTV 300 (black or beige), for the US market there is just one: Beige Avvolgente Matte, which translates to Enveloping Matte Beige. The MSRP is $8499.

2023 Vespa GTV 300 Specs

MSRP:	$8,499
Engine:	278cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke single-cylinder HPE; 4 valves
Bore x Stroke:	75.0 x 63.0mm
Horsepower(claimed):	23.8 hp @ 8,250 rpm
Torque (Claimed):	19.1 lb.-ft. @ 5,250 rpm
Transmission/Final Drive:	CVT w/ torque server
Fuel Delivery:	Port fuel injection
Clutch:	Automatic dry centrifugal
Frame:	Sheet steel body w/ welded reinforcements
Front Suspension:	Single arm hydraulic shock; N/A travel
Rear Suspension:	Double hydraulic shock, preload adjustable; N/A travel
Front Brake:	220mm disc, hydraulic control, w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	220mm disc, hydraulic control, w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Cast alloy; 12 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	Tubeless; 120/70-12 / 130/70-12
Wheelbase:	54.1 in.
Seat Height:	31.1 in.
Fuel Capacity:	2.2 gal.
Contact:	vespa.com

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