Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde Forte: Vespa GTS and GTV Get Electronically Adjustable Sound

• First Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde exhaust system for Vespa GTS/GTV 300 and 310
• Three electronically adjustable sound modes selectable via handlebar button
• Full street legal approval with European type approval, TÜV and CARB/EPA certification
• Pre-orders available now through the webshop and authorized dealers

With the introduction of the Forte exhaust system, The Jekill and Hyde Company B.V. is entering a completely new market segment after more than 25 years in the motorcycle business. The Dutch company, which has made a name for itself with electronically adjustable exhaust systems for brands such as Harley-Davidson, BMW Motorrad and Indian, is now targeting premium scooter riders for the first time. The system was specifically developed for the Vespa GTS, GTS Super and GTV model ranges with 300 and 310 HPE engines of the Euro 5 generation.

Why Did Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde Develop an Exhaust for Vespa?

The manufacturer describes the Vespa development as one of the most elaborate projects in company history. The reason: a Vespa requires a fundamentally different approach than a conventional motorcycle. While riders of a Harley-Davidson or BMW GS typically expect more presence and volume from their exhaust, the development team sought a different solution for the Vespa. The goal was not to make the scooter louder, but to give the rider control over the sound. According to the manufacturer, the central question was how to translate the Vespa lifestyle into sound without changing the elegant character of the scooter.

How Does the Forte Exhaust System Work?

At its core, the system uses the proven electronically adjustable valve technology from Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde. A button mounted on the handlebar controls a valve inside the silencer that opens, closes or partially opens depending on the selected mode. This changes the sound character of the exhaust while riding.

The electronic heart of the system is the so-called Smartbox. This control unit reads signals from the Vespa’s engine control unit via the CAN bus and permanently monitors operating parameters. As soon as legally defined limits are reached, the software intervenes automatically and, according to the manufacturer, almost imperceptibly. This ensures the system remains fully within the permissible emission and noise levels in every mode.

What Sound Modes Does the Forte Exhaust Offer?

The system features three sound profiles selectable at the push of a button:

The Dr. Jekill Mode is the quietest setting. According to the manufacturer, it is designed for city riding and quiet environments and is intended to blend discreetly and refinedly into traffic.

The Dynamic Mode represents the middle ground between the two extremes. It delivers a more balanced sound for everyday use and is said to come closest to the original sound while offering more character.

The Mr. Hyde Mode is the most expressive setting. Here, the valve opens fully, releasing a fuller, more powerful sound. According to the manufacturer, this mode is aimed at riders who want to make the character of their Vespa more audible on country roads or in appropriate situations, without sacrificing the typical elegance.

Which Vespa Models Are Compatible with the Forte?

The Forte system was developed for the Vespa GTS, GTS Super and GTV with the 300 HPE engine in Euro 5 specification. Additionally, the 310 models are supported. The Forte Tetragon variant listed at the dealer Scooter Center (article number JH153038) in black finish is explicitly designed for these engine variants and model years.

The manufacturer states that particular attention was paid to ensuring the system integrates seamlessly into the lines of the Vespa models. Surface finish, fitment and proportions are intended to look as if the exhaust were part of the original design. Especially with a Vespa, where aesthetics traditionally play a central role, this matters more than with most other two-wheelers, according to the manufacturer.

What Sets Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde Apart from Other Exhaust Manufacturers?

The Jekill and Hyde Company B.V. claims to be the only manufacturer worldwide offering electronically adjustable exhaust systems with full street legal approval. The company has existed for over 25 years and describes its products as a combination of German engineering and Dutch craftsmanship. According to the manufacturer, the development of new systems involves computer simulations, prototype construction and extensive testing phases in a dedicated test laboratory.

All systems come with a standard 4-year warranty. The materials are sourced exclusively from European suppliers, according to the company. The Forte system for the Vespa holds a European type approval and is ECE, EG-BE and TÜV certified. For the North American market, an additional CARB/EPA certification is available.

Where Is the Forte Exhaust for Vespa Available and How Much Does It Cost?

Pre-orders for the Forte system are available now. Sales are handled through two channels: the official Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde webshop and selected authorized dealers in the company’s dealer network. The black Forte Tetragon variant is already listed at Scooter Center. The manufacturer has not yet announced an official retail price.

With the move into the Vespa segment, Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde is expanding its portfolio beyond the classic motorcycle market for the first time. The company has previously been active primarily in the Harley-Davidson, BMW Motorrad, Indian and Triumph segments. Whether additional scooter models will follow in the future is currently unknown.

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