2023 Vespa GTV First Look

Evans Brasfield
by Evans Brasfield

A Vespa icon gets a makeover

With its distinctive “faro basso” (low headlight), the Vespa GTV has been turning traditionalist heads since 2006. Today, in Milan, the 2023 Vespa GTV was unveiled. While retaining the profile that put the vintage into the GTV, it has clearly been updated to modern standards.

The GTV has always been a classic design, thanks to its tubular handlebar and front fender-mounted headlight, but now, it gets a dose of modernness in the form of the 300 hpe (High Performance Engine), fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, 4-valved Single. Rated at 23.8 hp, this scooter will have the power to get you through most urban environments in vintage style while incorporating ASR electronic traction control and ABS to protect you when traction is limited.

While the instrumentation retains its classic round shape, it is a fully digital LCD item. Riders will have maximum speed, average speed, instant consumption, average consumption, range, and battery charge status all at their fingertips on this flexible screen. Additionally, the GTV can take full advantage of the optional Vespa MIA connectivity system, which can display a smartphone’s call, message, and music notifications on the go. The electronic fob means that fumbling for your key is as vintage as the GTV’s style. Instead, just turn the power button and go.

The saddle can comfortably hold two people and features a two-toned construction to match the Beige Avvolgente Opaco color scheme.

If this has whet your appetite, read the full release below.

NEW VESPA GTV

VESPA ASTONISHES WITH GTV, THE MOST AUTHENTICALLY SPORTY MODEL EVER

VESPA GTV IS THE EXTRAORDINARY COMBINATION OF LEGEND AND MODERNITY: THE LOW HEADLAMP AND THE EXPOSED TUBULAR HANDLEBAR COMBINE WITH BRAND NEW SPORTY FINISHES AND A HI-TECH EQUIPMENT PACKAGE, CREATING A NEVER BEFORE SEEN VESPA!

NEW DIGITAL INSTRUMENTATION, FULL LED LIGHT CLUSTERS AND KEYLESS SYSTEM. IT IS POWERED BY THE 300 HPE ENGINE, WITH MORE THAN 23 HP, THE MOST POWERFUL EVER TO EQUIP A VESPA

From its birth in 2006, Vespa GTV has been the ambassador of purest classicism within the Vespa family thanks to the use of the “faro basso” (low headlamp), positioned on the front mudguard, and the exposed metal tubular handlebar, stylistic throwbacks to the most iconic models.

Note the famed Vespa necktie above the headlight.

At EICMA 2022, Vespa GTV débuts in a completely revolutionized look, maintaining the inevitable traits of the legend’s origins, but combining them with an ultra-modern technological equipment package and brand-new sporty finishes. The result is an extraordinary marriage of tradition and modernity, classicism and aggressiveness, which manifests itself in the most authentically sporty Vespa ever.

The new Vespa GTV is powered by the gritty 300 hpe (High Performance Engine) single cylinder, with 4-valve timing, liquid cooling, and electronic fuel injection. Accredited with power of 17.5 kW (23.8 HP), it is the highest performance engine ever fitted on a Vespa.

An authentic style, even sportier

The new Vespa GTV evolves under the sign of sportiness and includes the significant stylistic improvements introduced in the new GTS range, with even more painstakingly detailed finishes and a construction quality that elevates it to unprecedented levels.

The headlight clusters are now full LED, including the characteristic low headlamp, whereas the new instrumentation maintains the elegant circular shape, but it is now entirely digital, a solution that makes it possible to take full advantage of the features offered by the Vespa MIA connectivity system, available as a separate accessory.

The instrumentation is connected to the handlebar using an original cantilevered bracket and enveloped by a small, yet aggressive top fairing clearly inspired by the racing world. Enhanced by three horizontal slits, it is painted orange, a shade that also characterizes the Vespa Gtv’s graphics and contrasting details.

At the center of the front shield, the unmistakable “neck-tie” has sporty lateral slits and is enhanced by decorations with orange edging. The five-spoke design of the wheel rims is also new, painted matt black with an orange graphic on the channel.

Another distinctive element of Vespa GTV is the single-seat two-tone saddle with a racing look and the rear part which is installation read for a hard cover color coded to match the body, reminiscent of the typical racing Vespa fairings. The cover is available as a separate accessory and can be removed. In any case, the saddle is street legal for two-up riding and features ample and comfortable seating, characterized by a technical pattern and horizontal thermobonding with contrasting orange stitching on the edges.

The overall look of the Vespa GTV stands out for its matt black finish that characterizes the frame of the low headlamp and the rear light cluster, its profile along the perimeter of the body, its passenger grab handle and foot pegs, its silencer cover, its rear-view mirrors, and the instrumentation bracket and frame.

The new Vespa GTV is available in the dedicated Beige Avvolgente Opaco color scheme with contrasting orange graphics that run diagonally across the side panels.

Hi-tech equipment package

Vespa GTV embraces the technology and the travelling vocation typical of the extremely recent evolution of the Vespa GTS family, the famous “Vespone”. Therefore, the ergonomics are perfectly Vespa, enhanced by the comfort of the large body; the seat position is natural and allows total control over the vehicle and absolute comfort even over long distances.

Convenience and practicality are highlighted by the introduction of the keyless system, which lets you start it without having to insert a traditional key. On the back of the shield, the classic ignition switch with lock is replaced by a practical knob. To start the vehicle, simply press it and turn it to the ON position. The engine is started in the usual way, via the button located on the right-hand control block.

The implementation of new digital LCD instrumentation allows a wealth of travel information to be displayed (maximum speed, average speed, instant consumption, average consumption, range, and battery charge status), as well as all call, message, and music notifications if the vehicle is connected to a smartphone through the VESPA MIAsystem (available as a separate accessory).

The USB port comes as standard equipment, located in the storage compartment on the back of the shield, whereas the spacious compartment under the seat features a mat and a practical courtesy light.

On the safety front, standard features include ASR electronic traction control and the anti-lock braking system (ABS).

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Evans Brasfield
Evans Brasfield

Like most of the best happenings in his life, Evans stumbled into his motojournalism career. While on his way to a planned life in academia, he applied for a job at a motorcycle magazine, thinking he’d get the opportunity to write some freelance articles. Instead, he was offered a full-time job in which he discovered he could actually get paid to ride other people’s motorcycles – and he’s never looked back. Over the 25 years he’s been in the motorcycle industry, Evans has written two books, 101 Sportbike Performance Projects and How to Modify Your Metric Cruiser, and has ridden just about every production motorcycle manufactured. Evans has a deep love of motorcycles and believes they are a force for good in the world.

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