Intermot show: Here’s the 2017 Vespa GTS 125 and 150 models

Intermot show: Here’s the 2017 Vespa GTS 125 and 150 models.

Vespa is getting two new versions of the GTS125 and 150 for 2017 with the GTS 125 and 150 running on the new i-get engine which is making its debut in the two models.

The Vespa GTS i-get motor gets liquid-cooling, electronic fuel injection, 4-valve timing and, for the first time on a Vespa, the “Start & Stop” system.

The new Piaggio Start & Stop system called RISS (Regulator Inverter Start & Stop System) makes its début on the Vespa. This system does away with the traditional starter motor, which is replaced by a brushless “direct mount” electrical unit installed directly on the crankshaft.

This provides several benefits; extremely quiet start-up, lighter weight, more reliability and better fuel consumption. The Piaggio Start & Stop automatically switches off the engine 3 to 7 seconds after the vehicle stops (depending on whether or not the engine has reached the correct operating temperature). A slight twist of the throttle instantly restarts the engine, in complete silence, given the absence of the traditional starter motor. If the side stand is lowered or if the tilt sensor is activated, the ECU bypasses the Start & Stop function and the engine switches off. If this happens then the motor does not restart automatically.

The i-get engines have come in for a lot of development including:

– thermodynamics (head, cylinder, piston, rocker timing with rollers); also, all of the parts in motion have been optimised to reduce weight and operating friction.

– the crankshaft, for a clear reduction in vibrations

– starter: no longer the classic gear drive starter motor, but now an electric “direct mount” type “brushless” motor on the crankshaft. The result is the total absence of friction in order to obtain a quiet, durable and reliable starter.

– cooling system, with radiator built into the engine: this reduced the overall weight of the vehicle and the warm-up times (thermal management), with clear benefits in terms of consumption and emissions.

– the gearbox cover, to reduce the noise even more.

– the latest generation double toothed belt to minimise passive losses, once again all to the advantage of consumption and emissions.

– the gearbox setting that improves rideability, performance and consumption.

– the air filter, which improves filtering action to reduce intake noise.

– new built-in engine electronic control unit with the S&S management part (Alternator, S&S Inverter, RISS), entirely developed by Piaggio.

The eighth-litre version makes 12bhp @ 8,250rpm. The more powerful 150cc option puts out 14.6bhp @ 8,250rpm. Torque-wise the scooters make 11.1Nm @ 6,750rpm for the 125cc and 14Nm @ 6,500rpm for the 150cc.

The new engines also guarantee lengthy service and maintenance intervals. Fluids and filters are changed every 10,000 km and valve clearance only needs to be adjusted every 20,000 km.

New technology

Now standard on all models in the Vespa GTS range is the remote control to open the saddle and Bike Finder, extremely convenient for finding your Vespa in a crowded car park by making the turn indicators flash.

The USB port is in the leg shield back plate compartment, convenient for recharging any external device, while the front turn indicators contain a series of LEDs that act as daylight running lights.

New safety features

The Piaggio Group was the first company in the world to introduce electronic systems on scooters which were once available only on the best motorcycles, such as ASR (available on the GTS 300 version) and ABS, which also equip the GTS 125 and 150. Each wheel has a revolution detection system – a sensor and a tone wheel – which instantly reads the speed and deceleration of the wheel with respect to that of the vehicle. The sensors dialogue with a 2-channel hydraulic control unit which activates the ABS system if one of the two wheels decelerates abruptly with respect to the vehicle, avoiding locking and ensuring stability and efficient braking even on road surfaces with a low friction coefficient.

Vespa GTS Accessories

The top box, large enough for a flip up helmet, is painted to match the body and fitted with a padded backrest to optimise passenger comfort.

The front and rear chromium plated luggage racks are some of the most popular accessories.

On board protection is guaranteed by the windshield in impact resistant, chip resistant methacrylate and the high quality clear top fairing with its compact and sporty lines. The leg cover made of thermal material, easy to install, also guarantees riding comfort in any season of the year. The set of accessories is completed by the mechanical anti-theft system, the electronic anti-theft system, the top box internal bag, the luggage rack straps, the genuine leather “Made in Italy” saddle and the elegant “Country & Leisure” plaid.

Vespa GTS 125 e 150- Technical Specifications