Derbi GP1 250i

Pocket rocket - for good roads – Derbi have produced a great mule by crossing the motorbike and the scooter, but it's one fast mule. The motorbike bit is the rigid frame that takes away the body twisting of scooters. The upside is a very sure-footed, precise handling and superb maneuverability that is crying out for winding roads. The downside is that the machine is thus not a step-through: no carrying of slabs between your legs on this one. Keep in mind also that, being a Euro machine, it does not like uneven roads. The hardish suspension and short wheelbase will make it bounce on road ulcers.

Mechanicals are not as unique: they are from the Piaggio corporate parts bin. This is fine, though, as the Piaggio/Vespa/Aprilia 250cc Quasar engine is a great piece of machinery. Even in standard form, the bike is pretty zippy, being only 125 kg. It is fast off lights, and very comfortable doing the legal speeds on motorways. There are plenty of aftermarkets parts are available, and they apparently make the bike even livelier.

True to Euro form, electrical components are the weakest bit in my experience. Fuses keep blowing for no apparent reason, and I had to replace the voltage regulator at 4000 km. The standard horn is embarrassingly puny. An unpleasant surprise was how easily the unpainted plastics mark and chip, causing my bike to look shabby at 10000 km. I replaced the mirrors: the OEMs have a thin wire stalk and vibrate badly. Sooooo much fun to ride, runs rings around other scooters Euro design flair unfortunately comes with Euro quality of materials and weak design features