Part 2: Vespa GTS Buyers Guide | 2018-2024 (HPE/RST22)

If you missed Part 1 of this Vespa GTS Buyers Guide you can check it out here, that part details the model from its 2005 inception until 2018.

Summer 2018 was a crossover time for the GTS, a facelift model arrived with a remote keyfob for the first time, an improved side stand, different moulding for the headset and a slightly different front mudguard. Some pre-facelift models had already been arriving in the UK with the new-style front mudguard. They were visually hard to tell apart but suddenly some of our SLUK Guards weren’t fitting so it seemed like Piaggio were phasing the old parts out in favour of the new (although interestingly now even six years later new Touring and GTV models have the original style front mudguard).

ABS and ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) had already been introduced to the GTS and GTS Super by Piaggio in mid-2015, although the SuperSport came with conventional brakes until mid-2015. Those safety aids have since carried on across the GTS range.

First sighting of the new HPE SuperSport pictured in Milan 2018

EICMA 2018 – HPE breaks cover

In November 2018, the updated HPE was revealed for the first time at EICMA in Milan. It was the first significant update for the GTS since the 300 was introduced in 2008.

HPE launch

We were at the Italian press launch for the new HPE 300 in February 2019 and first impressions were pretty good. The scooter had been subtly restyled with a new style horncast, new headset plastics (no removable master cylinder covers), different mirrors, LED lighting, new hexagonal radiator grills, different side panels with sporty cutouts, a chrome headlight surround and of course the new style HPE engine (more on that below).

It was problems like this on the older models that led to us developing our own range of Vespa GTS SLUK Guard products – including a Chassis Guard (undertray) for beneath-the-frame 

Rust protection?

When we asked if anything had been done to help prevent corrosion on the new model, a Piaggio spokesman seemed very surprised, he told us “I’ve never heard of this problem before, maybe it’s a British issue? Perhaps the salt on your roads?” We’ll take that answer with a pinch of salt for sure…

HPE engine

HPE stands for ‘High-Performance Engine.’ The new HPE engine was (and still is) an evolution of the existing 278cc single-cylinder lump. It was built to meet Euro 4 and Euro 5 regulations so it’s cleaner and more efficient than the old lump. It has a new head, improved valves, new springs and cam chain. The mapping was also revised and it has a new airbox and quieter starter motor. These improvements gave it a 12% power increase and 18% more torque than the old 300 engine. Service intervals were also doubled from 5,000km to 10,000km. The engine also has a new look, its prettier than the old engine and can be spotted quite easily thanks to its distinctive side casing. The dipstick is also located on the opposite side of the scooter on the HPE.

Increased range and MPG

Those changes meant it now achieves 31.2km per litre of fuel on the WMTC testing cycle, that’s up from 29.4 on the old engine. It may not sound a lot but in use the increase in range is very noticeable, despite the HPE fuel tank holding 1.5 litres less than the  8-litre original.

Real-world HPE use

Although the increased torque (26NM @ 5,250 rpm) and extra bhp are noticeable from a standing start, if you’re a rider who likes to push the limits the early HPE engine wasn’t all good. The GTS has always been limited (literally) by its rev limiter. As we said in Part 1 of this feature, many riders opt to fit a larger 140-section rear tyre to increase the gearing and allow the engine to reach a higher speed before the limiter cuts in. With the release of the HPE engine that limiter came in earlier (around 74mph, rather than a GPS speed of 78mph on the original 300). Not only that but the limiter is more pronounced and quite frankly annoying at motorway speeds.

Speed Ring

Enter the Kubler Speed Ring, or ‘Tone Wheel.’ This is a calibrated ABS sensor ring that improves the accuracy of your speedo and more importantly, moves the rev limiter higher up the rev range. We fitted one to our long-term GTS HPE SuperTech (we had it in 2019) and it transformed the scooter. A very worthwhile modification for any early HPE owners who suffer rev limiter annoyance.

2019 GTS SuperTech

Following on from the standard HPE came the HPE SuperTech, basically an HPE with the added advantage of the Piaggio Multimedia Platform. It had an all-singing and dancing dashboard that can be used as a sat nav. Back then it added around £800 to the cost of a GTS 300 (£5999  as opposed to £5199). Was it worth it? Probably not unless you need a sat nav every time you ride but if you’re buying a used SuperTech you’ll certainly benefit.

The app was a bit flaky at times but the latest updates have improved things. We did a video (above) to show you around it.

HPE issues

Brake fade: Some owners of 2019 HPEs started to complain of brake fade (models manufactured between 12th March 2019 and 6th September 2019 were affected). The problem was said to be a badly galvanised brake line that was allowing hydrogen to be released into the brake fluid and causing the system to lose pressure. It took a while for Piaggio to suss out what the problem was. The USA began a recall in November 2019. In the UK it took until October 2020. Owners could have their scooters fixed at a Piaggio dealer for free. You can see if yours was affected here. There were 510 UK scooters recalled.

Oil use: It wasn’t too long after the HPE engine arrived that owners started reporting high oil usage. For some, the oil level would drop to a third within as little as 600 miles and a fair few engines went bang as a result. Low oil level on a four-stroke can be catastrophic in a very short space of time.

If you own (or owned) a pre-HPE GTS you’ll know that you very, very rarely need to top up the oil in-between services. As a result (if you’re anything like me) you probably don’t even bother checking the level.

The HPE oil issue seemed to resolve itself as the engines gained mileage and as owners realised they needed to check levels more frequently. It takes less than a minute to check your oil level so always have a look before setting off on a long journey. There are aftermarket oil sumps with a sight glass that makes a visual check of the oil level quick and easy. The dipstick itself is a weak point on the HPE, it’s quite easy to snap the end off. Again aftermarket ones are usually stronger and easier to use. Like this CNC machined one from Ron Daley

Fuel pumps: The old GTS fuel pump issue reared its ugly head again in 2022, you can check if your scooter is affected by a batch of rogue pumps by entering your VIN number into the Vespa Recall portal.

GTS HPE/RST22 Owners

We asked for owners of HPE and RST22 models to get in touch and share their experiences to help give fellow owners and future buyers a good idea of the good and bad points of GTS ownership.

John Anness: 2018 GTS 125 Super

• Is this your first GTS? Yes, I bought it used, it’s a 2018 125 Super
• How many miles has it done? It has done 3550 miles
• Have you had any problems? I have had no issues with it at all
• What do you like/dislike? Love the handling and smooth ride, I find the side stand a bit wobbly and I would have liked a deeper underseat space to store a helmet
• What are your favourite accessories? Best accessories are front and back racks and removable back box
• Are you likely to trade it in for another model? Not planning to change it anytime soon

Pete Fryer: 2017-2019 HPE owner

I’ve had 4 GTS’ – I started with an old 250, I sold that and bought a new Euro 4 2017 GTS 300. I then traded that in for a new 2018 Euro 5 HPE, that one set on fire at a petrol station whilst filling up, that was an experience! The insurance company gave me a good deal on the settlement so I bought my current GTS in 2019 – another HPE 300.

• My current HPE has now done over 22k as I use it every day, all my new scooters have been serviced through dealers at the correct service points
• I have had a few problems with the two HPE scooters but all minor ones, as I did on the Euro 4 2017
• I had the brake issue on my first HPE, Fowlers changed the brake line and the problem was solved under warranty, I never had any issues with the second one
• I do a lot of hard riding and check my oil every week, I usually top it up with 35 mm of oil regularly, so if that’s high I don’t really know.
• My latest scooter had to have a replacement fuel sender unit, this was done under warranty no problem at all. I also had a problem when my scooter was cutting out, and it was easily fixed, the dealers found the fuel pipe to the injector had had a knock as I put too much stuff in the bucket under the seat, I’ve never had a problem since.

I do like my GTS HPE, as for me it has everything I need from my scooter, the only thing I would change is the ugly-looking and dated exhaust. My front and rear rack are the best accessories I’ve added as I do a lot of touring, as for trading it in for another one yes I would definitely.

Lee bishop: 2019 HPE SuperSport 300

• Is this your first GTS? Not only my first GTS but also my first scooter – I came from a Honda CB1000 “Big One”
• Did you buy it new or used? New in September 2019. It’s an HPE SuperSport in matt blue, the SuperSports weren’t supposed to be an option in the UK (so supplying dealer, Deardens of Southampton told me), but 45 matt grey and 45 matt blue were coming in and I bagged a blue one.
• How many miles has it done? 2540 miles covered
• Have you had any issues? I had the brake recall done as per all early HPEs. Also had to have the hot start decompressor replaced, it wouldn’t start when warm (i.e. after refuelling) sounded like a flat battery but wasn’t. The starter can’t turn the engine over with an incorrect functioning decompressor, it should lift at 8lbs pressure and mine was at 13lbs pressure. Internet experts think the problem is battery or fuel pump-related, so I’ve stopped trying to explain it. All covered by warranty. My ignition switch is playing up now. I’ve also got play in the front hub bearing – picked up on MOT (2540 miles).
• What do you like/dislike about it? I don’t use it enough, 400cc or 500cc would improve it…
• Favourite accessories? BGM front damper, mudguard shield and ceramic coated it
• Are you likely to trade it in for another model? It was a toe dip for something in the garage which didn’t take much room up, but I might go back to full-size bikes this summer

Rob Warren: 2019 300 HPE

• Is this your first GTS? My first, after many years of PX200 ownership (which I still own)
• What year is the HPE? 2019, I still own it
• Did you buy it new or used? New
• How many miles has it done? 14k miles, mainly spring/summer/autumn commuting, also did the VCB Regional Riders Competition and travelled to Switzerland for VWD ’23
• Have you had any issues with it (and if so what)? Recall for brake upgrade, but otherwise none
• What do you like/dislike about your GTS HPE? Like: Ease of use, power, comfort, handling, size, storage/luggage carrying capacity. Dislike: Servicing schedule and cost, but willing to pay it for the above reasons. Rust protection issues, we really shouldn’t have to worry about or purchase additional products to address this, on such a premium product.
• If you could improve or change one thing what would it be? Fit the oil pan sight glass as standard
• What’s the best accessory you’ve bought for it? Rear luggage rack/windscreen/SLUK Guards
• Are you likely to trade it in for an RST22 (or another scooter)? Yes, I intend on doing so this year

Lee Flatworm: 2019 300 HPE

• My wife bought me a new 300 HPE in 2019. I’d been riding a GT60  previously (I still own it). I’d always had Lambrettas before that and still have a GP
• After only ten days of ownership, I took the GTS to Normandy (I’m from Gloucestershire), with a bunch of mates on various bikes and another new GTS. The guys on Harleys were impressed with the scooters keeping up on long stretches and we left the Harleys behind on the twisty French backroads.
• The small fuel tank/range was the biggest issue with ours being the smallest
• I ride it every day to work in summer but not in winter. I have treated with Lanoguard and painted the underside
• It’s coming up to five years old now and 6500 miles
• I have serviced it myself and find it straightforward to work on
• Accessories-wise, I love the SLUK driver-style screen I fitted (I hate the slopey headlight and it’s well hidden) and have a rear carrier which is invaluable
• Trading it in? Not sure, it’s practically been the best scooter I have owned but the range isn’t impressive
• I like the look of the RST but not sure if I can justify the cost…

David Allan: 2020 HPE 300

• Is this your first GTS? Yes, I also have a PX200 and had several Rally 200s in the 70s… yes I know I shouldn’t have sold them!
• What year is the HPE and do you still own it? 2020 and yes still own it
• Did you buy it new or used? Used
• How many miles has it done? 11,000
• Have you had any issues with it (and if so what)? None other than the engine oil usage
• What do you like/dislike about your GTS HPE? The ride, reliability, power and storage
• If you could improve or change one thing what would it be? Indicator buzzer or auto cancel
• What’s the best accessory you’ve bought for it? After-market exhaust and speed ring
• Are you likely to trade it in for an RST22 (or another scooter)? Possibly an RST22

Timon Mutter: 2020 HPE 300 Supertech

I’m a proud owner of a GTS300 HPE Supertech (2020 model)

• Is this your first GTS? Yes, this is my first GTS. I did have a Vespa Primavera 50 2T before getting the GTS, plus a selection of motorbikes over the years
• Did you buy it new or used? Bought new
• How many miles has it done? Just over 10,000 miles
• Have you had any issues with it (and if so what)? ECU packed up, it completely failed leaving me stranded, the scooter was recovered and ECU replaced on warranty. The starter relay failed, easy replacement which I did myself.
• What do you like/dislike about your GTS HPE? Likes: Looks, comfortable & smooth, build quality, decent low/mid-range performance, pretty frugal
• Dislikes: Could do with a bit more top-end power/top speed, annoying rev limiter (I know you have mentioned this a few times as well!), struggle to get 2 x helmets underseat
• If you could improve or change one thing what would it be? More performance/top speed
• What’s the best accessory you’ve bought for it? Bought a mid-height touring screen as I do a lot of commuting on the GTS. Wish I had bought it sooner!
• Are you likely to trade it in for an RST22 (or another scooter)? Possibly trade in for an RST22 as I have covered a few miles now but really what I want is a bit more speed & power – GTS350/GTS400 please Piaggio!

Jamie Kerr: 2021 HPE 300

• This is the first GTS I have owned, I bought it brand new from Colchester Kawasaki
• It is a 2021 model and I still own it
• It has covered 5890 miles so far
• I have had no issues with it so far (touch wood)
• I love the GTS as it is so reliable and really smooth to ride
• I would like a little more top speed in an ideal world
• The best accessory I have bought is a big grandad screen for use in the winter/wetter months
• I’m really happy with it and have no plans on changing it for anything else for the foreseeable future

Richard Hunt: 2021 HPE 300

I’m currently running a 21-plate 300 Gts HPE as my daily runner, my commute is a 96-mile round trip mostly dual carriageway way then some city riding. As a result, it’s high mileage 21k but I stick to the service schedule and it’s been great. I previously had an ET4 then a GT 200 and the 300 is a big improvement

No mods apart from SLUK mudguard extenders which are great.

The last service revealed I need a new variator as the existing is quite pitted, it’s on order but lead times from Italy are quite poor at the moment.

Russell Hatcher: 2021 Sei Giorni

• Although not a GTS as such, I have had this Sei Giorni from new
• It’s a great-looking scooter I have always liked the look of the GTV. I also have a 2014 GTV and a 2015 GTS300 I have owned from new. The Sei Giorni is a fabulous machine, however, I have had a couple of issues: The floor was repainted when a year old. The quality of the paintwork underneath wasn’t great however the scooter shop Downend Scooters is a brilliant family-owned business that always goes above and beyond. The brakes have been spongy from new but I’m used to it and cable tie the brakes now and again and it’s fine. Would I buy another? I wouldn’t rush out to get one but I would yes. Quality-wise it’s not as good as the older ones, however, I work in the motor industry and you can say this for most modern cars so I can’t pick fault massively. I can’t really think of anything more I would like from it. Performance-wise it’s a big improvement on my old GTS 300. Overall a great scooter that gets plenty of looks.

Andy Hoy: 2021 125 HPE 75th Anniversary Special

I bought my current GTS new from Via Moto in Sheffield in 2021. It’s the 125 HPE 75th Anniversary Special Edition. I’ve ridden 7,000 mostly trouble-free miles on it, the only issue was a faulty fuel gauge (which incredibly started misbehaving during the last fuel crisis on a VCB rally to Colchester!) This was eventually resolved with the fitting of a new ‘sender’ in the fuel tank, done under warranty by the dealership.

This is the third GTS I’ve owned, the last being the 70th Anniversary SE. I really like it, it hasn’t had any engine modifications & still has the standard exhaust. I don’t think it needs anything doing to it, it’s powerful enough for me, reliable, economical and easy to maintain. I don’t like the leg shield toolbox, though, a tiny useless space, and it would be nice to have underseat storage big enough for a full-face helmet. Accessories added include a front rack, rear rack, flyscreen & top box.

I’ll probably keep the scooter for a couple more years, then see what Piaggio comes up with for the 80th anniversary Vespa, if there is one!

Chaz Scholefield: 2022 HPE 300

• Is this your first GTS? It’s my first one
• Did you buy it new or used? New
• How many miles has it done? 1100
• Have you had any issues with it (and if so what)? None
• What do you like/dislike about your GTS HPE? I love it!
• If you could improve or change one thing what would it be? More poke
• What’s the best accessory you’ve bought for it? SIP bar end mirrors
• Are you likely to trade it in for an RST22 (or another scooter)? No, she’s a keeper
• Added a Vespa screen and a couple of graphics since this was taken, it also has a ScooterLab mudguard extension too!

Andrew Huckstep: 2022 HPE 300

• Is this your first GTS? Yes, first HPE but have had other motorbikes, mainly off-road
• Did you buy it new or used? Used, late 2023
• How many miles has it done? 600
• Have you had any issues with it (and if so what)? None
• What do you like/dislike about your GTS HPE? Very easy to ride, brakes feel a bit slow to stop
• If you could improve or change one thing what would it be? Full-face helmet storage
• What’s the best accessory you’ve bought for it? Crud catcher for front mudguard
• Are you likely to trade it in for an RST22 (or another scooter)? Probably not yet, but maybe in a few years

2022-2024 Vespa GTS RST22

The GTS had its most significant model update ever back in 2022. The RST22 – or ‘Restyled 2022’ may still look very similar to the HPE at first glance but if you know your GTS models you’ll spot that virtually every body panel and fitting is different to the previous model.

We covered the launch in November 2022 in this feature. You can read Chad’s first impressions and get a load more info about the various changes. The RST22 also arrived with keyless ignition for the first time and the Piaggio system is pretty good in comparison to some others out there.

RST 22 SuperSport

When the RST22 SuperSport arrived in the UK we had a press bike for a few weeks and our feature was titled “Is this the best Vespa GTS to date?” Answering my own question, I have to say yes it is.

The RST22 is stunning, (especially in SuperSport trim). Here are a few reasons why:

• The improvements to the forks and suspension make it feel far superior on the road
• The engine mapping has been sorted so you don’t have to worry about the rev limiter
• It’s good on fuel
• Tank capacity increased back to 8.5 litres (7 litres on 2019 HPE)
• The clocks are lovely with loads of info
• Most of the chrome stuff an owner would usually swap to black (mirrors, bar ends, pegs, exhaust heat shield etc.) are already blacked out

As it stands right now the RST22 is well worth splashing out on. They’re already coming up as used bikes so if you can’t afford a brand-new one keep your eyes peeled for a secondhand one. You really won’t be disappointed.

RST22 owners have their say

Here’s what some RST22 owners had to say about their curent scooters…

Gary Roberston: 2023 RST22 Supersport

• Did you buy it new? Yes, March 2023
• Which variant is it? SuperSport 300
• How many miles has it currently done? 6849 miles
• Does this scooter replace a previous GTS model (if so what year)? Yes, 2018 Euro4 non-HPE
• How does the RST 22 compare? Superior, build quality seems better, not so rattly on the headset area. No handlebar wobble, No burning oil (although neither did my last GTS)
• What do you like most about the RST 22? Power delivery, top speed, comfort and smoothness. Headlight flash, I like the dash with fuel range data, I also like the app where I can look at a journey and its data ie. fuel used, economy, speed, altitude etc.
• Have you had any issues with it? If so, what? The main beam dip switch messed up pretty early on. If you were not careful selecting the main from dipped the headlight would extinguish. Also, after a long run on a motorway and you need to ride at 30mph in a town the engine seems like it doesn’t want to sit at 30mph, 35 ok and 25 ok but not 30. It felt like the belt was not sliding in its plates and was sticking. I spoke to my local dealer about it and they thought I was mental and after the belt and roller change it appeared better but I am not convinced…
• Were they covered by warranty? They fitted a new switch pretty quickly under warranty
• What do you like the least? The keyless switch can be a pain in the arse turning it off or on if in a rush
• Is there anything you’d change on your GTS? Option for heated grips and I don’t like that it’s a pain to add a 12v aux socket on the LH “knee pad” too much gubbins in the way

Simon Bonsors: 2023 RST22 300 SuperSport

• Did you buy it new? Yes
• How many miles has it currently done? 300
• Does this scooter replace a previous GTS model (if so what year)? Yes, 2013 Touring
• How does the RST22 compare? Handling, it actually handles, nearly zero wobble, about the same top speed and acceleration feels better, not keen on the switchgear
• What do you like most about the RST 22? Its handling
• Have you had any issues with it? Plastic trim chipped prior to delivery which will be fixed first service
• Was it covered by warranty? It will be
• What do you like the least? Speedo MPH view not great, why can’t we have an American one? Not a big fan of the Vespa app either
• Is there anything you’d change on your GTS? Flyscreen to be added, I would like a sloping rear rack but a pig to get. I would like a proper review on exhausts, is the upgraded Vespa one any good?

Dave Fagan: 2023 HPE 300 SuperSport

• Did you buy it new? Yes summer 2023 from Via Moto Sheffield. Approx £2200 down and rest on 0% finance
• How many miles has it currently done? 900
• Does this scooter replace a previous GTS model? Yes 2010 Vespa GTS SuperSport
• How does the RST22 compare? Smoother and more assured ride, better brakes and front shock, no front end wobble. Performance-wise it’s slightly quicker on acceleration and top speed is about the same
• What do you like most about the RST22? Looks and handling
• Have you had any issues with it? None as yet
• What do you like the least? Poor paint thickness, especially underneath, seams not welded, which let in moisture (notoriously rusting problems to come) although SLUK Guard and Chassis Guard fitted. Keyless ignition is a pain. Naff chrome switch surrounds. Vespa app pairing with phone useless and never records data even when paired successfully…
• Is there anything you’d change on your GTS? More paint and measures taken at the factory to protect the frame from rust (it’s a £6000+ bike!), the location and quality of the dipstick. I have wired a port to attach my trickle charger. Under seat storage which can actually store a full-size full-face helmet would be good!
• I still love it though. A very capable machine for all occasions. Will be getting a lot of miles on it this year

Stuart Forrest: 2023 RST22 SuperSport 300

• Did you buy it new? Yes, I bought it in March 2023 and a few days later rode it 2000 miles down to Montenegro along with an older GTS riding friend and three Harley Davidsons
• How many miles has it currently done? 2500
• Does this scooter replace a previous GTS model (if so what year)? I also own a 2006 GTS 250 in the UK which I have owned from new. That has done about 6000 miles
• How does the RST22 compare? The new one is considerably more stable and smooth. Much more sure-footed and no handlebar wobble
• What do you like most about the RST 22? Solid and safe feeling compared to my older one
• Have you had any issues with it? The digital dashboard is rubbish on mine and the control stick doesn’t work. I want to take it for a warranty fix but there are no dealers in Montenegro. I am shortly (next week) collecting it and moving it (by van) to Spain and will take it for the warranty work. I am eventually going to register it in Spain
• What do you like the least? Nothing, it’s awesome
• Is there anything you’d change on your GTS? The digital dash controls, even when they worked briefly they were unfathomable. The keyless start is a bit clunky to use sometimes although it is better than a key

RST22 accessories

One thing worth bearing in mind is that hardly any HPE accessories fit the latest RST22. We had to make a completely new SLUK Driver screen just for this model.

We also had to make a new SLUK Guard and SLUK Catcher.

One bonus was that our Chassis Guard fits, so that’s compatible.

Aftermarket exhausts

The GTS exhausts changed for Euro 4 in 2019-2020. It meant previous aftermarket exhausts wouldn’t fit (Euro 4 exhausts come as slip-ons rather than a full system). The exhaust changed again for Euro 5  (2020-present) so Euro 4 exhausts may not work with the RST22. We supply Scorpion, Remus and Akrapovic for the RST22.

The story so far

As it stands in January 2024, that’s the GTS story so far. The model has evolved since 2005 and (like anything mechanical and made of steel) has the odd fault but not many GTS owners would be without one. As a long-distance scooter it takes some beating on both style and practicality. You can load one up to the hilt and take a passenger in comfort, safe in the knowledge that you’re likely to arrive without hassle.

Sensible choice?

If you’re an average commuter looking to cover a few miles to work and back then there are cheaper, more practical and less nickable scooters on the market. One of those can often make a better option (plastic bodywork is always going to be less hassle than a mild steel monocoque chassis).

Bought with love

Buying a Vespa isn’t just like buying a washing machine, it’s bought with love. It’s an aspirational product, rather than a cheap commodity. An owner is likely to look after it, treat it to nice accessories and keep it well-serviced. Whether you’re buying new, or used, a Vespa GTS can be a great machine to own, just buy wisely and look out for any of the problems we’ve highlighted in these two features and you won’t go far wrong.

Iggy