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Gilera DNA 50 - Is it is bird? It it a plane? No, it is Gilera's motorbike/scooter hybrid. Andy Evans explains why you will love one… assuming you have even heard of it in the first place

(With an introduction from Bob Pickett)

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Erm, well actually it is a bit of a mix between a bike and scooter The DNA 50 -well just what is it? Essentially, it is a hybrid somewhere between a bike and a scooter. It looks like a bike. But it features automatic gearing… years before Honda got in on the act. Would you want one? Well to be honest I've always fancied a go - so when long-term owner Andy Evans asked me if the site would like a review, I was keen to see just what owning and riding one of these was like. Here are his findings.

"I truly love this bike. I purchased it in a vibrant red with black trims and covers. It has (in my eyes) a sleek and modern look about it.

The clocks have a good size analogue dial and the speedometer is digital with a menu options for trip counter and clock.

The helmet storage is hidden in a fake petrol tank. When you open the lid store, the cap for the fuel and coolant is also held here. This means that any splashes of fuel will linger inside the compartment, which has led to my waterproofs smelling of fuel. Additionally, the cap for the water comes up from the floor and abuts into the helmet storage space. This has led to my helmet getting damp before now. It is essential to put locking washers on the lock catches on the helmet storage lid, as it loosens up every 100 miles or so due to vibration.

The 2 stroke oil and battery are under the seat, along with connectors for an alarm and immobiliser (assuming you (i) feel the need and (ii) are prepared to run the risk of draining the battery).

The twin headlights are set up to run left high and right low beam. I did think about wiring them up so both light up at once. However there is the drain on the battery to consider.

Nice, clear clocks My last scooter felt a bit like riding around a kitchen chair. Why do I say that? Because that's the leg position I have to adopt. However the DNA feels like a "real" bike should. The bike forces you into a sleek and low position. Although as I am 6'3" that might have something to do with it.

You feel much more to the centre of gravity (than on a standard scooter) and this makes cornering a joy. Not just that but the bike feels like it has much more grip and gives much more stability than any other scooter I have ridden.

The front and rear suspension is adequate. The DNA 125cc has 2 springs at the back but the DNA 50 has only one. The bike is equipped with front and rear disc brakes; these have more than enough stopping power to cope with the engine and chassis.

Talking about the 49cc engine; it is situated at the back and connected to the wheels by a drive belt. Think of two dinner plates back to back with a rubber band in-between them going to another set of plates and that is my gears and drive.

This didn't come as standard... Restricted (as it comes from the shop in standard trim), it will happily plod along at 27 mph top speed. So I invested in I invested in a viper exhaust system. It was easy to fit and now with some very minor modifications my bike will run at 50-60 mph… well when I say 60mph, that is with no headwind on a long straight. Otherwise it will reach about 50.

The engine is easy accessible for servicing. I like to run the engine just a smidge rich. Don't ask me how but I think it makes the bike run better.

The bike hates cold mornings and you will have to spend time warming it up or face difficulties. Other then that it's a smooth ride.

Fuel consumption is not an issue. On a full tank I get 60 miles+. I work it out at 10 miles to the £1. I fill my bike once a week to use for work and spend £5.

The seat is very comfortable to sit on."

Verdict All in all it's very functional and practical.

(Additional verdict from Bob) My thoughts on the DNA have tended towards it being a great little machine for image-conscious 16 year olds. Rather than ride a scooter, why not ride something that at least looks (a little) like a "proper" motorcycle.

But on reading Andy's comments (Andy is over 30, I'm sure he will not mind me saying), there is a place for the DNA in the adult market. I can see one of these being worth tucking away in the garage and hauling out rather than running the "big" bike. This will lap up lots of little bits and pieces runs and the economy makes it worth having around.

It'll make for a fun little runabout for local trips - though Andy was planning a cross-country hike… good luck to him, what with not being allowed on any motorways, major A roads etc!

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