DRIVES LIKE THE CAT THAT GOT THE CREAM
I could be wrong, but I think I’m turning into Audrey Hepburn. Firstly, I’ve got a cat called Cat who’s a dead ringer for her cat called Cat in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Secondly, I’ve just spent the day whizzing around Rome on a Vespa like her and Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday. However, since the thought of me turning into a dead female screen icon might be a bit of a shock to my wife, maybe I’m Gregory Peck instead.
Anyway, where was I? Ah yes, the new Vespa GTS. The GTS was introduced in 2003 as a larger version of a classic Vespa, at first with a 125cc engine, then 200, 250 and 300cc.
With 24bhp, this latest incarnation is the most powerful yet, with new suspension for better stability at speed and over rough surfaces, better Brembo brakes, new frame and wider bars for lighter handling, more ergonomic switches, keyless ignition, a more comfortable seat and a new LCD rear light.
The four models are Classic, Super and SuperSport, which are all basically the same with different details and colours, and SuperTech, which instead of the standard analogue dash has a 4.3in TFT one.
There’s also a 125cc range with the same four models, and although with only 14bhp they’re not as frisky as the 300, they’re perfect for anyone who’s just passed their CBT.
Climb aboard the 300, and the new seat is splendidly plush, with a neutral riding position and enough legroom for even the tallest scooterist. The mirrors are good, the new switches works of art, and the classic dash suits the bike more than the TFT one.
Acceleration, with more horses under your belt than ever before, was more than sprightly enough to be first away from the lights in Rome traffic, and even when I was faced with more traffic ahead, the lightness of the bike, its curves and those wide bars made it a delight to dance elegantly through the throng.
The new suspension laughed off the city’s roughest streets, and the brakes are also superbly smooth and effective, especially used together.
In the hills above Rome, it proved just as delightful to soar elegantly along the sundappled straights and go lightly through the twisties. Or possibly Golightly. Oh wait, that was a different movie. With a cat in it.