Piaggio Vespa Gts 300

"The scooter that makes proper motorcyclists quietly jealous."

The GTS 300 is genuinely one of the best urban two-wheelers money can buy used, and I say that as someone who's spent time on proper motorcycles. The HPE engine (post-2019 bikes especially) pulls hard enough to embarrass stoplight warriors, and that single-sided front suspension actually handles better than it has any right to. Build quality is Italian, meaning the chrome and paint age beautifully but electrical gremlins are absolutely a thing — budget for that upfront. Used examples pile up mileage fast because owners actually ride them daily, which is either reassuring or a red flag depending on service history. Check the variator rollers and belt religiously — neglected CVT maintenance is the silent killer here. Pre-2019 carb models are cheaper but thirstier and slower; the fuel-injected HPE is worth the premium. Avoid anything with front fork knocks or weeping fork seals, as parts aren't cheap. Bottom line: find a dealer-serviced example with receipts and you're buying something that'll outlast most motorcycles in the urban jungle.