The Gilera GP800

Here's the demonstrator from Thompsons Scooters http://www.piaggio-center.co.uk/. If you're considering a Gilera, Piaggio or Vespa, John Thompson should be your first port of call.

My K75 is a bit long in the tooth and although I'll be keeping it (and "fettling" it for high days and holidays), it's getting too tired for the daily commute. I loved my X9 500 and when I decided to get a second bike, I didn't look too hard at anything other than scooters (although the Kawasaki Versys and the Suzuki V-Strom did get a quick glance). I rode the Gilera Fugly (Fuoco 500) and although I was convinced by it's stability and general road manners (and general all round cool), I felt it lacked a bit of oomph. Of course it is pretty powerful by scooter standards but compared with a 750 BMW it felt slightly lacking.

When I had the opportunity to test ride the GP800 I was sold immediately. All the advantages of a scooter with the performance of a big bike. If I had to describe it in a single word, it would be effortless.

I've placed an order (in February) but I want a black one and these are going to be in short supply (to be honest, so are the red ones, these are never going to be common sights on our roads) . I'm hoping for delivery in March so with luck it will arrive in the next week or so.