The new Vespa GTS scooter range includes stop-start technology to switch off the engine when stationary and automatically restart when the brake is released.
Stop-start technology has been used in many cars for several years now and was introduced by Honda on the PCX 125 scooter in 2010.
Honda PCX 125 with stop-start technologyYamaha has added it to their Janus 125 scooter specifically for the Vietnamese market.
We are bound to see more of this type of technology filtering through to other scooters and even motorcycles.
Do we need stop-start?
Do we really need stop-start technology in motorcycles?
Since filtering was made legal we don’t stop for as long as cars in heavy traffic and we don’t see the point of adding extra expense to a bike or scooter for the minimal economic advantages.
Stop-start technology also requires more powerful and expensive batteries and starting system with uprated starter motors, solenoids, alternators and more. All of this adds to the price of the vehicle.
If it were added to bigger bikes, the extra wear and tear on the crankshaft may also reduce the lifespan of the bike.
If you are really that worried about fuel economy, the starter button is right by your thumb, so you could easily switch off at the lights and fire up again when they change.
With modern EFI engines, they start quickly and don’t waste fuel.
WHY DO MOTORCYCLES HAVE LOW ECONOMY
However, we don’t recommend that if you are lane filtering as you need to get away promptly before being swamped by traffic. That momentary lapse to restart your bike could be a little dangerous.
Vespa also gets GTS traction control
2017 Vespa GTS300The classic Vespa GTS comes in 125cc, 150cc and 300cc versions, but we won’t be getting the 125cc model.
The GTS 300 includes traction control which seems ludicrous as it has just 15.6kW of power.
The first scooter with electronic traction control was the Aprilia SRV 850, but now many others scooters have the feature, including the Piaggio BV350 and MP3 500.
We believe that the Vespa GTS 300 is the smallest yet to have traction control.
However, with a 130mm rear tyre on a tiny 12-inch wheel, it could be handy on oil-soaked wet city streets to prevent wheelspin.
Standard features
These features are standard on all GTS models:
- remote opening saddle;
- “Bike Finder” button on the keyfob that activates the indicators so you can find your bike in a crowded carpark;
- a USB charging port, in the compartment of the leg shield;
- front indicators have LEDs that act as daytime sidelights; and
- digital instruments with a classic round speedometer and a digital screen showing fuel level, clock and two trip meters.
The GTS Super also features black rims with diamond-shaped finish and double-upholstered saddle with clasp. It comes in black, red, white and a new green. The others come in white, grey, green and yellow.
They arrive later this month at $7490 (plus on-road costs) for the GTS 150 i-Get ABS which is an increase of $900 over the previous model.
Surprisingly, the GTS 300 Super ABS ($9290) and the GTS 300 Super Sport ABS ($9590) cost $100 less than before.
Accessories
2017 Vespa Sprint Sport with accessoriesThe GTS range has a wide range of accessories such as a colour-coded top box that fits a full-face helmet and has a padded back rest.
The most requested accessories are the chrome front and rear luggage racks.
There is also a chrome perimeter guard kit, thermal leg cover, mechanical and electronic anti-theft devices, luggage rack straps, and a “Country & Leisure” travelling rug.
Vespa GTS 150 – Technical Specifications
| ENGINE | ||
| Type | Single cylinder, 4-stroke Piaggio i-get with “Start & Stop” system | |
| Engine capacity | 124.7 cc | 155.1 cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 52 mm / 58.7 mm | 58 mm / 58.7 mm |
| Max power at crankshaft | 9 kW /8,250 rpm | 10.8 kW /8,250 rpm |
| Max Torque | 11.5 Nm/ 6,000 rpm | 13.5 Nm/ 6,750 rpm |
| Fuel system | Electronic injection | |
| Ignition | Electronic, with variable advance | |
| Cooling system | Liquid | |
| Lubrication | Wet sump | |
| Gearbox | CVT with torque server | |
| Clutch | Automatic centrifugal dry clutch | |
| VEHICLE | ||
| Load Bearing Structure | Sheet metal body with welded reinforcements | |
| Front suspension | Single arm fork with coil spring and hydraulic control | |
| Rear suspension | Double hydraulic shock absorber with four-position spring pre-load adjustment | |
| Front brake | Hydraulically operated 220 mm stainless steel disc | |
| Rear brake | Hydraulically operated 220 mm stainless steel disc | |
| Braking system | Two-channel ABS system | |
| Front tyre | Tubeless 120/70 – 12″ | |
| Rear tyre | Tubeless 130/70 – 12″ | |
| DIMENSIONS | ||
| Length/Width | 1,950/740 mm | |
| Wheelbase | 1,350 mm | |
| Kerb weight | 140 kg | |
| Fuel tank capacity | 7 (± 0.5 ) litres | |
Vespa GTS 300 – Technical Specifications
| ENGINE | |
| Type | 4-stroke single cylinder, 4 valves, electronic injection |
| Displacement | 278.3 cc (278 cc for China only) |
| Bore x Stroke | 75 mm x 63 mm |
| Max Power at crankshaft | 15.6 kW (21.2 HP) at 7,750 rpm |
| Max Torque | 22 Nm at 5,000 rpm |
| Fuel system | P.I. injection (Port injected) |
| Ignition | Electronic with variable advance |
| Cooling system | Liquid |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Gearbox | Twist-and-go CVT with torque server |
| Clutch | Automatic centrifugal dry clutch |
| VEHICLE | |
| Bearing structure | Sheet metal with welded reinforcements |
| Front suspension | Single arm suspension with coil spring and hydraulic shock absorber |
| Rear suspension | Double hydraulic shock absorbers with adjustable preload with 4 settings |
| Braking system | Two-channel ABS system/ ASR |
| Front Brake | Hydraulically operated 220 mm stainless steel disc |
| Rear Brake | Hydraulically operated 220 mm stainless steel disc |
| Front tyre | Tubeless 120/70 – 12″ |
| Rear tyre | Tubeless 130/70 – 12″ |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Length/Width | 1950/755 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1375 mm |
| Kerb weight | 160 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 8.5 (± 0.5 ) litres |