Thanks to our friends at Polini, we’re pleased to give a preview of their latest products, in this blog we’ll take a look at the existing range designed to suit the 310 engine, and get a sneaky look at a soon to be launched exhaust.Beautiful Bergamo
The large sliding door of Polini’s Racing Department in Alzano Lombado, near Bergamo in northern Italy, opens with a sharp and confident sound. Inside, time seems suspended among workshop carts, disassembled engines, and roller test benches. But today, it’s not about a racing scooter, but something more accessible and usable every day: a Vespa GTS 310 designed for the road, but equipped with six components developed with the same precision as for racing.
This is undoubtedly a ‘road-going’ Vespa, but one with the heart of a racing special: variator, clutch, bell, shock absorbers, brake pads, and even the oil filter, everything is by Polini Motori. This isn’t about extreme tuning or wild modifications, but about certified, reliable, and concrete upgrades aimed at improving performance, riding pleasure and safety.
Bringing the kit together
The assembly begins under the watchful eyes of Polini’s technicians. The first part installed is the Maxi Hi-Speed Evolution variator. The 20x17 mm rollers (20 g) are calibrated to offer quicker throttle response and higher top speed. The pulley is designed for better heat dissipation and smoother power delivery.
Next comes the Maxi 3G For Race clutch, featuring three centrifugal shoes that ensure uniform engagement and perfect balance. This clutch is adjustable without disassembly it and can be fine-tuned for optimal performance. A solution developed and tested in competition, but also useful for touring use. To complete the CVT, the Speed Bell Evolution clutch bell is machined from forged stock and features cooling fins to prevent overheating and improve clutch engagement response.
Suspension hasn’t been overlooked. The rear hydraulic monoshock is adjustable for preload and designed for sporty road use: better support under braking, enhanced control in corners. Firmer than stock, it actually provides superior comfort, especially with a pillion or at full load.
Lastly, two often underestimated but critical components: Polini brake pads, designed for strong, progressive braking even under load, and the metal oil filter, durable and long-lasting, deal for high-mileage riders looking for reliability and longer service intervals.
On the road: a livelier Vespa than ever.
Once out of the workshop, just a few meters; truly just a few, are enough to understand this is not an ordinary Vespa. The style is still elegant, the riding position familiar, the comfort unchanged, but from the first twist of the throttle, something’s different: the response is quicker, more direct. Not an explosive burst, but an immediate, instinctive pull that better connects rider and engine.
The Hi-Speed Evolution variator eliminates any hesitation between throttle and rear wheel response. Thanks to the 20 g rollers, starts and mid-range acceleration are optimised. It seems that the Vespa feels quicker to think. At traffic lights, it launches briskly, pulling ahead of other scooters with a smooth, never jerky, progression.
As revs increase, behaviour remains consistent: the mid-range thrust is strong and steady. Torque is always present, and even when pushed, acceleration remains constant up to top speed. The speedometer indicates a 5/6 km/h increase compared to genuine model; a noticeable gain on this kind of vehicle. But more than the numbers, it’s the fluidity that impresses.
The Maxi 3G For Race clutch plays a big role in this, becoming a more important part compare to the original. Its engagement is quicker and snappier but always controlled. Even during the most demanding starts, uphill or with pillion, there’s no slipping. Everything feels in its place, even after extended rides. When the road gets twisty; ups, downs, tight curves, the Polini rear shock absorber really shines. Stiffer than the genuine one, but never uncomfortable. On bumpy roads, the scooter stays stable and precise, more reactive without sacrificing its trademark comfort. In corners, the rear end stays composed, giving the confidence to push the pace.
With power comes responsibility and Polini’s brake pads take the braking performance up a notch: the lever becomes more precise, modulation improves, and overall control grows with every curve. These are available in standard or sintered versions, depending on use and preference: with the sintered version offers more bite and consistent performance under heavy use. Even under repeated braking, on downhill stretches or in dense city traffic, performance remains strong: power is always available, smoothly delivered without grabbing.
The metal oil filter, though invisible during riding, plays a key role in mechanical durability, extending service intervals while maintaining effective filtration under harsh conditions.
What’s remarkable about this Vespa 310 by Polini is that it doesn’t betray the soul of the original, but it enhances it. What works on the racetrack becomes here a guarantee of safety, dynamism, and smoothness for everyday use. Comfort remains unchanged, noise levels are the same, but the Vespa feels livelier, more fun, more enjoyable. An intelligent, well-balanced upgrade, developed with racing experience but tuned for real-world roads. And the result is tangible, corner after corner.
More to come; a 310 exhaust
Just as the test was finished, Polini’s technicians called us back: “We have a surprise for you,” they said with a knowing smile. That’s how we ended up at the heart of their experimental department: the test bench where a new exhaust system for the Vespa GTS 310 has been in development for weeks.
Still in prototype form, the exhaust is the result of dynamic testing, mapping, and track sessions. It complements the transmission, not to alter the Vespa’s character, but to elevate it. Installation takes just a few minutes, and the effects are immediate.
The exhaust gives the 310 a different ‘voice’, one that’s deeper and more assertive. Not an intrusive noise, but a full, rich sound that responds to engine revs. The famous Piaggio single-cylinder rustles have new life: sharper throttle blips, a more engaging sound that make you drive more consciously.
It’s on the road where the exhaust shows its full potential. No brutal power surge, but a livelier throttle response, especially in transitional phases. The difference is clear when exiting corners at 40–50 km/h, where automatic engines often lag before picking up: the Vespa no longer hesitates. It surges forward instantly, like a spring releasing with every throttle input. The exhaust works in perfect harmony with the Hi-Speed variator: one anticipates torque, the other unleashes it. Acceleration, especially in the midrange, becomes more assertive and linear. It’s not just a feeling: the transition between rpm gains fluidity, naturalness, and intensity.
Although the other components mentioned are already in stock (just follow the links above) Polini hasn’t yet announced a release date for this new exhaust system, but one thing is clear: this isn’t just a styling exercise. It’s the missing piece that completes the package, transforming a refined Vespa into a true road-going sport scooter, one even the most discerning rider could love.
Tuning for the real world
This preview confirms once again how vital Polini’s racing experience is for developing real-world products. It’s not just about performance, it’s about a richer riding experience; one that you really shouldn’t miss out on.
Of course, Polini hasn’t forgotten owners of HPE engines and we’ve a full range of products to enhance that model’s performance. You can read all about that in our test ride blog, or if you prefer to experience things first hand, call our sales team on 01226 203377 to experience our 300 demonstrator for yourself.
