Vespa GTS 310 Super Review

The Vespa GTS 310 Super has arrived at our 1000PS Best Time Test Track in Bad Fischau—this compact supermoto racetrack not far from our office that has already featured over 120 different vehicles in our comparison chart. As always, we measure with the impartial Ridelink Wingman data recorder and document everything with the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 onboard camera. As the stopwatch counts down, one fundamental question arises: Can a vehicle that epitomizes Italian flair also deliver on a racetrack?

First, a confession to our German readers: We Austrians have a massive sympathy bonus for Vespa. This brand embodies the Italian vibe, holidays, and the beautiful life for us—an emotional connection that's deeply rooted. However, this passion also harbors risks. In certain details, Vespa reveals a discrepancy between high expectations and the reality of steep prices with occasionally disappointing quality. Cheap switches and mediocre displays seem out of place in a premium product. But then—you lean into the first corners, brake hard, and throttle up again. Suddenly, you think, "Man, this is one hell of a ride!"

At the heart of the GTS 310 Super lies a liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine with 310cc displacement, delivering 25 HP at 5250 rpm and 28.9 Nm of torque at 6500 rpm. However, these bare numbers only tell half the story. What really sets this engine apart is its exceptionally smooth torque delivery and precise throttle response. No annoying vibrations, no inconsistencies—just a transparent translation of my desires to the rear wheel. The centrifugal clutch and automatic transmission perfectly complement the engine's character, creating a synergy that Vespa has perfected through decades of experience.

On the tight 1000PS Best Time Test Track, the Vespa GTS 310 Super reveals its true strengths. Despite the characteristic 12-inch wheels, the chassis demonstrates astonishingly stable and confidence-inspiring performance. In the braking zones, typically a weak point for small scooters, the Vespa delivers impressive deceleration. The hydraulically operated 220-millimeter brake discs at both front and rear, supported by ABS, allow for sporty braking both in hectic city traffic and on the racetrack. Steering is precise, and the scooter remains controllable even under more aggressive riding, instilling confidence in the rider.

The bottleneck of sporty performance is clearly the limited lean angle. The mounted center stand quickly becomes the limiting factor, followed by the exhaust. This limitation is typical for all scooters in this category—you reach the point where the center stand scrapes due to the nimble handling and confidence-inspiring ride quite swiftly. The other components of the vehicle could certainly handle much more. Here, the conflict between everyday practicality and sporty potential becomes evident.

The Vespa GTS 310 Super is equipped with modern rider assistance systems like ABS and traction control, which prove their effectiveness on the test track. The integration of these systems with the engine and chassis tuning provides a high level of safety and control. With a ready-to-ride weight of 163 kilograms and an 8.5-liter tank, the Vespa positions itself as a practical companion for urban daily life, without entirely neglecting its whimsical and fun ambitions.

In the category of large scooters, the Vespa GTS 310 Super competes directly with models like the Honda Forza 300 and Yamaha XMAX 300. While the Japanese alternatives often boast better equipment and more pragmatic solutions, the Vespa plays to its strengths in ride dynamics and emotional appeal. The Vespa is more beautiful—let's make that clear!

Our 1000PS Best Time Test Track in Bad Fischau serves as the benchmark for all motorized two-wheelers in our fleet. The tight supermoto circuit with its sharp turns and short straights simulates realistic conditions on varied Alpine roads better than large racetracks. Here, good handling, perfect front-end confidence, precise throttle response, and controllable brakes matter more than sheer top speed. We document each ride with the Insta360 Ace Pro 2, while the Ridelink Wingman unerringly measures lap times. SP Connect mounts ensure secure attachment of the equipment. The complete 1000PS Best Time series features over 120 tested vehicles.

• To the Ridelink Wingman
• SP Connect Motorcycle Mounts Overview
• Onboard Footage: Insta360 Ace Pro 2
• NastyNils Apparel at Louis
• All Videos of the 1000PS Best Time Series (You can find the lap times at the end of the videos. Sometimes we release the videos a few weeks after the report is published!)
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