There’s a certain magic to riding a Vespa. It’s not just about the mechanics or the mileage — it’s about how the thing makes you feel. Maybe it’s the upright riding position, the subtle whir of the engine, or the knowledge that somewhere in Pontedera, Italy, these machines are still being assembled by hand. The 2023 Vespa GTS 300 isn’t trying to reinvent that magic. Instead, it refines it — sharpening the ride, polishing the details, and delivering a flagship scooter that wears its heritage with quiet confidence.

Launched originally in 2005, the GTS — short for Granturismo Sport — has long represented the larger, more capable end of Vespa’s range. The latest generation is available in two trims: the Classic and the SuperSport. Both share the same 278cc, single-cylinder engine and recyclable steel body, but each gets a unique visual identity. The Classic is a nod to Vespa’s roots, while the SuperSport adds matte finishes and bolder accents for those who prefer their style with a bit more edge.

The moment you swing a leg over the new GTS, you feel the incremental progress. Vespa has widened the handlebars slightly, giving riders a more natural stance and improving control at speed. The revised front suspension — long a point of contention among Vespa loyalists — now tracks more cleanly over uneven roads, eliminating much of the vague steering feedback that once defined big-frame models. These changes are subtle, but they add up. This is the most composed GTS yet.

Performance, too, has been dialled in. While the engine’s output remains broadly the same on paper — 17.5kW and 26Nm — the fuelling has been noticeably improved. Throttle response is smoother, acceleration feels more linear, and the scooter handles the transition from stop-start traffic to open motorway with aplomb. On a recent ride from Melbourne’s inner north to the Mornington Peninsula, the GTS delivered the kind of stress-free ride most small cars struggle to offer. Even two-up, the engine never felt laboured.