Vespa GT 200. September 2007

Since its conception, Vespa has set trends rather than follow them. Small wonder then that 58 years since the launch of the very first model, the Vespa manages to simultaneously be a style icon and a sales success worldwide.
The Vespa Granturismo is the
latest chapter in the story of the world's best known scooter that has given us 138 models, versions and variants (marked by different chassis codes) from 1946 to today.
Granturismo, an elegant and modern scooter, is the biggest, fastest, most powerful and most technologically advanced Vespa that Piaggio has ever produced. Its cutting edge design is un- mistakably and characteristically Vespa. With its large steel body, the Vespa Granturismo is the perfect mix of classic Vespa style and state of the art technology.
Available in 125cc and 200cc engine versions, this is the first ever Vespa to have sparkling four-stroke, four-valve, liquid cooled engines that meet the new Euro2 emissions standards, as well as 12-inch wheels and a two disc brake system.
Design
The modern lines of the steel body retain the classic styling expected of a Vespa. The Piaggio Style Centre's challenge was to renew the Vespa tradition without falling victim to nostalgia. "The fastest, most powerful and technically advanced Vespa of all time has linear, functional design. They didn't include 'retro' details because a real Vespa doesn't need them - they simply applied conceptual and stylistic continuity to retracing the shape of a unique tradition."
The Vespa Granturismo was created around the strong points that have decreed the Vespa's worldwide success: its unmistakable look; its practicality and ease of use; the sturdiness of its steel body; and its mechanical reliability. Special attention was paid to comfort and riding pleasure as well as aesthetics.
The headlamp, which has always been one of the Vespa's major features and marked its design evolution, now has an absolutely unique shape and size. A contemporary version of the classic round headlamp, the new design is more elongated to make it aerodynamic and stylistically in harmony with the angle of the front shield.
The chromed frame follows the curve of the lamp so closely that frame and lamp seem to be one single element. The overall effect of the front of the Granturismo is stylish and clean. The wide front shield offers optimal aerodynamic rider protection and indicator lamps set flush into it add to the smooth appearance. The liquid cooling radiator is located in the hollow beneath the shield.
The rear cowls still have the classic Vespa 'curves'. One of the priorities in creating this new model was to keep this design element, which is so reminiscent of 1970s models. The rear lamp fits seamlessly into the bodywork, continuing the sinuous and stylish progression of the vehicle's lines.
The double stitched seat is large and wide for ultimate rider and passenger comfort and the 790-mm seat height is ideal for riders of any stature.
The Vespa Granturismo 125L and 200L have both a central stand and side stand; the latter goes up automatically when not in use.
Engines
The Vespa Granturismo's engines belong to the latest family of
environmentally friendly engines entirely designed, developed and produced by Piaggio. The two four-stroke engines have been developed in classic 125 and 200 displacements. Both use an advanced four-valve distribution system and are liquid cooled.
The 200cc in particular places the Vespa Granturismo at the top, performance wise, in the entire evolution of the Vespa.
The Vespa Granturismo 200L has a hefty 14.7kW maximum power output, a figure that only much higher displacements could achieve until today. The top torque figures (17.5Nm at 6,500 rpm) ensure that pickup is strong starting from low rpm. This allows for exceptional agility and ease of use especially in city
riding, completing an engine
configuration that offers top performance, acceleration and a maximum speed around 120kph.
The 125 and 200cc engines offer riding pleasure with the lowest levels of air and noise pollution. These engines are already in line with Euro 2 standards, the most advanced European legislation today for two wheeler emissions - a result of a two-way catalytic converter and secondary air
system. RRP $7,790
Vespa GT Grandturismo
Engine: Single cylinder, 4 stroke, 4 valve with 2-way catalytic converter and secondary air system
Bore & stroke: 72 x 48.6mm
Displacement: 198cc
Max. Power: 14.7kW @ 8500rpm
Max. Torque: 17.5Nm @ 6500rpm
Transmission: Automatic CVT - Constantly Variable Transmission
Induction: SOHC
Ignition: Electronic CDI, variable spark advance
Start: Electronic with automatic choke
Suspension front: Single arm with dual acting hydraulic shock absorber and co-axial spring.
Suspension rear: Twin dual action shock absorbers with adjustable pre-load
Brakes front: 220mm disk, floating caliper with two pistons
Rear: 220mm disk, caliper with two opposed pistons
Overall length: 1940mm
Overall width: 755mm
Seat height: 790mm
Dry weight: 138kg
Wheelbase: 1,395mm
Fuel tank: 10 litres
Acceleration: 30 metres in 4.1 sec