Vespa GTS 300, Lambretta X300, Lambretta G350 and Royal Alloy TG 300 - the big comparison test
There has probably never been a more comprehensive test of these modern scooters. Jesco and Nico compare the Vespa GTS 300, Lambretta X300, Lambretta G350 and the Royal Alloy TG 300, but this time they don't just check the horsepower and cubic capacity, they get down to the nitty gritty. The scooters are put on the test bench and have to prove themselves on the test track. Our experts assess eight categories: Engine, Chassis, Chassis/Brakes, E-Technology, Quality, Dealer/Parts/Placement Parts, Lifestyle/Fashion/X-Factor and Price.
In this video, the Lambretta X300, Lambretta G350 and the Royal Alloy TG 300 were pitted against each other. Finally, in another Tester, we pit the winner of this comparison against the Vespa GTS 300 to decide the overall winner. The professional impressions of our experts are summarised in a points system and evaluated in around 30 aspects. Finally, a table clearly shows the strengths and weaknesses of the individual scooters. It is in the nature of such tests that Nico and Jesco do not always agree.
Click here for the big comparison table!
Test procedure
Category 1: Engine
Firstly, Jesco and Nico look at the heart of the scooters and discover many interesting facts. While the Royal Alloy's Engine is pretty much a Piaggio licence build of the GTS Quasar engine, this remains unclear for the new Lambretta X300. The Lambretta G350, on the other hand, is powered by a SYM engine with exactly 330 cc. Interestingly, manufacturers like to generously round up the cubic capacity figures: The Royal Alloy TG 300 actually only has 278 cc, and the Lambretta X300 only has 275 cc in real life.
A good sound is also not unimportant. Nico describes the Royal Alloy as "pithy" and the G350 as "elegant". Jesco is undecided and not very enthusiastic, but attests that the X300 has the "nicest" sound overall. As expected, the G350 has the highest fuel consumption, which is no surprise. The manufacturer's performance specifications should also be viewed critically, but we at SIP Scootershop have the incorruptible test bench for that. After the test runs, the truth comes to light and has a surprise in store: The G350 achieves the lowest value with 20.1 hp, behind the Royal Alloy (20.8 hp) and the X300 (21.8 hp).
The next tests are carried out on the ADAC test track just outside Landsberg am Lech. The Royal Alloy wins the 100 metre acceleration race with 11.2 seconds, just ahead of the X300 with 11.7 seconds. Beaten: the GP350 with 15.8 seconds. Jesco insists on an everyday test, but the GP350 also loses out in the "traffic light sprint", while the Royal Alloy once again comes out on top. The GP350 also confirms its poor performance in the final "pull-through test".
To determine the top speed, Jesco drives onto the motorway and accelerates at full throttle. It quickly becomes clear that the speedometer is not to be trusted, so we rely on the values determined by the GPS. At 136 km/h, the X300 is clearly ahead of the other two scooters, which only reach 128 km/h. While the two Lambrettas can be ridden smoothly and safely even at full throttle, the Royal Alloy has to give up some Springs at higher speeds - Jesco finds it "unstable and nervous" above 120 km/h.
Vespa GTS 300 update: The speedometer even showed 140 km/h at some point, but hopes were dashed, as the GTS "only" travelled at 128 km/h according to the GPS. While the X300 has a higher top speed, it cannot keep up with the GTS in terms of acceleration. In the end, the two scooters shared 1st place in this category.
Winner Engine: Lambretta X300 & Vespa GTS 300
Category 2: Chassis
Jesco and Nico discuss and compare unladen weight, wheelbase, seat height, Glovebox and other important "little things" that have a significant influence on the overall impression of a scooter. These details can be decisive when it comes to comfort and suitability for everyday use.
Update Vespa GTS 300: There is a lot of plastic on both scooters and the Vespa has a decent unladen weight of 160 kg, but the X300 weighs as much as 174 kg without man and mouse. Other astonishing facts come to light, for example, neither scooter can carry a "reasonable" Helmet under the Seat. Ultimately, our experts come to the conclusion that the GTS 300 is clearly ahead.
Overall winner chassis: Vespa GTS 300
Category 3: Chassis/brakes
It's back on the road, and the three scooters take a short tour through picturesque Upper Bavaria - uphill, downhill and through numerous bends. Now it becomes clear how much riding pleasure each of the scooters provides on longer excursions. This is where the two Lambrettas clearly set themselves apart, as they offer noticeably more riding comfort than the Royal Alloy. We return to the test track for the various brake tests with ABS. Despite its lower weight, the Royal Alloy shows weaknesses here. Finally, the two experts scrutinise the chassis and equipment of all three scooters once again and also uncover hidden defects.
Update Vespa GTS 300: Even though there is not much to criticise about the GTS 300 in this category, it is still narrowly beaten by the G350. The "warhorse" from Lambretta impressed with its high riding comfort and solid braking performance.
Chassis/brakes winner: Lambretta G350
Category 4: E-technology
It's all about the lighting system, Indicators, Rear Lights and the Display - the devil is in the detail here. Jesco and Nico can't pick a clear winner in this category, but they can pick a loser: the Royal Alloy.
Update Vespa GTS 300: Actually a close run thing too, Lambretta and Vespa are hardly any different here, but because the X300 constantly beeps it gets a deduction and the GTS 300 wins this category.
E-technology winner: Vespa GTS 300
Category 5: Quality
When it comes to quality, Nico and Jesco agree: the Royal Alloy is only moderately convincing. Terms such as "China scooter", "cheap" and "poorly made" are used in this context. The feel of the Lambrettas left Jesco with a "surprisingly good" impression, while Nico simply described the look of the Royal Alloy as "terrible". Overall, many details of the Lambrettas seem more "functional" than "high quality", but both Testers were far more impressed by them than the Royal Alloy, which clearly falls behind in this category.
Vespa GTS 300 update: Nico has a dark feeling that the GTS 300 is also equipped with many parts that are produced in the Far East. And Jesco also discovers "hidden cost-cutting measures". And who can say how the scooters will cope with the ravages of time gnawing away at them? We don't know. In short: Neither the Vespa nor the X300 can fully convince here and share the victory in this category.
Winner Quality: Lambretta X300 & Vespa GTS 300
Category 6: Dealers/Parts/Replacement Parts
The Royal Alloy is naturally ahead in the dealer category, as it has been on the market for some time. Lambretta is only just building up a dealer network and still has some catching up to do. Supposedly, Lambretta already has all the spare parts in stock, but they still have to find their way onto the market. The Royal Alloy is also ahead in terms of Replacement Parts, as a wide range is already available, especially in England.
Vespa GTS 300 update: Well, this topic has been discussed extensively and there are no new findings. Of course, the new X300 has no chance in this category against the GTS 300, its dense dealer network and kilometre-long shelves of spare parts and accessories. There can only be one winner.
Winner Dealer/Parts/Accessories: Vespa GTS 300
Category 7: Lifestyle/Fashion/X-Factor
When it comes to these soft factors, our two experts get emotional and opinions differ. A picture is worth a thousand words - it's best to watch Nico and Jesco's comments in the video. The discussion becomes lively at the latest when Jesco shoves "one of the most beautiful two-wheelers ever built" into the picture. While Jesco has favourable words for the G350 and X300, he has little to say about the Royal Alloy. Nico tries to remain diplomatic, but has a hard time against the Lambretta fanboy. After all, there's no accounting for taste.
Vespa GTS 300 update: Even though the two gentlemen praise the X300 and see many a highlight, the Lambretta can't compete with the tradition and image of the Vespa. The GTS is the clear winner here.
Winner Lifestyle/Fashion/X-Factor: Vespa GTS 300
Category 8: Price
Numbers don't lie, so there's not much to discuss in this category. At €5,850, the Royal Alloy is simply the cheapest scooter in the Tester. The X300 is on offer for €6,759 and the G350 costs €7,059.
Vespa GTS 300 update: The price of the Royal Alloy remains unbeatable, because at €6,990, the GTS 300 is a lot more expensive even in its cheapest configuration. If you want more Replacement Parts and better comfort, you have to put €7,499 on the counter for the Vespa. That's more than a few dollars more than the X300. Tradition is not only an obligation, it also costs more.
Winner price: Royal Alloy TG 300
Overall winner: Vespa GTS 300
Click here for the video Comparison between the Lambretta X300 and the Vespa GTS 300.
Video: Comparison of Lambretta X300, Lambretta G350 and Royal Alloy TG 300
Jesco's conclusion
1st place: Vespa GTS 300
The top dog can defend its territory. You can tell from the Vespa GTS 300 how tried and tested and mature the technology is. However, you can't hope for any big surprises or innovations. However, its victory is primarily due to its market position. The parent company Piaggio has the longest tradition. In the categories of dealer network, spare parts supply and Replacement Parts, it is far ahead of the competition. Leaving these categories aside, the victory over the new/old rival is surprisingly close. Vespa should not rest on its laurels for too long.
2nd place: Lambretta X300
With the X300, Lambretta has once again created a real competitor for the Vespa - almost like in the 60s. However, the new brand is not in the tradition of the classics, which could put off traditionalists. In addition, some details are still missing, such as the fine-tuning of the automatic transmission. The controversial design is both an opportunity and a risk compared to the pleasing Vespa. I like it.
3rd place: Lambretta G350
The Lambretta G350 is the most comfortable touring scooter with the best space, the most superior sound and the best brakes. Unfortunately, the nominally largest displacement Engine simply cannot convince in terms of driving performance - and that at a self-confident price. Lambretta should make improvements here. It's a shame that it lags somewhat behind in this respect, because the pleasing design definitely has the potential to poach in the Vespa hunting grounds.
4th place: Royal Alloy
The cheapest scooter in the Tester offers really good performance and is therefore at the top in two very important categories. However, the chassis and quality cannot keep up with the standard of the competition. You have to like the look, but it certainly has its Pendants.
