Gilera DNA

"That's alright, just makes sure it contains phosphate and the sugar deoxyribose, and is linked by hydrogen bonds between the complimentary bases adenine and thymine or cytosine and guanine. And grab us a packet of fags while you are at it."

With sincere thanks to the Macquarie Dictionary, that's probably the most ludicrous introduction to a bike test I've written during my reign at AMCN - and it's all the fault of Gilera's DNA scooter.

The historic Italian marque, which won last year's world 125cc grand prix title with Manuel Poggiali - and is now a part of the huge Piaggio two-wheel empire - has a six-bike range of scooters on the Australian market, with the two liquid-cooled DNA models (125cc and 180cc) representing the "motorcycle design - scooter convenience" end of its offensive. The balance of the machines is completed by the Runner - in both two and four-stroke incarnations. Still not sure about Gilera's claim that all the machines are descendants from the racing team though...

However, I can't take issue with the fact that the DNA's genetic code is part motorcycle, because there aren't too many scooters that are blessed with a high-level combination of clip-on handlebars, front and rear disc brakes, a perimeter-type frame, upside-down 35mm forks, preload adjustment and quality Pirelli rubber.

But that's the lot of the sultry little DNA, which was immediately obvious once I began a one-week dalliance with the smaller $6745 125.

For a start, a majority of the weight bias is on the wrists, which can be reduced (or increased) via five-way adjustable footpegs. Coupled with the first-rate suspension, this is one scooter that corners with some measure of aplomb - notwithstanding that it only pumps out a claimed 15ps at 9700rpm (19ps at 8500rpm for the 180). That's probably on the mark, as noticeable power doesn't kick in until around 7000rpm, after which the bike showed quite some anger to get me up to speed. I saw 110kmh on the digital instruments during highway use, which is more than acceptable for a 125cc scoot.

Despite the "real" motorcycle capabilities, the DNA hasn't totally seceded from its scooter roots, and that's explained by the huge 12lt storage area under the tank (or leftover spaghetti holder in my case), the automatic clutch, great mirrors and all-round ease-of use.

The DNA is a little marvel, but in a market which is expanding at a great rate of knots, quality and constituency have to count for something. The DNA has got them in spades.

Mark Fattore, Photos: Ellen Dewar