Vespa GTV Via Montenapoleone (2010-current)

The Via Montenapoleone is powered by a 278cc motor with 22bhp, but it feels like more, maybe because you don’t initially expect a scooter of this size to have so much go. It rips away from the lights and pulls well all the way past 70mph to a top speed of around 85mph. It’s a fantastic engine that’s fun to use and strikes a great balance between power and economy – perfect for the city.   

The Vespa GTV’s handling is refreshingly stable for a scooter. Some scoots have a very vague front end and a wobbly feel at both high and low speeds, but the GTV feels planted and secure at all times and the brakes are satisfyingly powerful without being intimidating. Overall it’s neutral, easy and safe.

There’s no shortage of cool stuff on the Via Montenapoleone. As standard you get a stylish (a world first?) fly screen, motorcycle-style handlebars, a luggage rack, plus a retro mudguard-mounted headlight and plush split seat. The only slight niggle is that the underseat storage bay isn’t big enough for a full-face Shoei XR-1000 lid, but there is a top box available as an optional extra. Compare and buy parts for the Vespa in the MCN Shop.