insured

50ccSHOOTOUT
CONCLUSION
IGGY SAYS:
Deciding a winner is never an easy task, especially when they are all such
good machines. From the scooters we tested there was something good
to be said about all of them. The scooter market is such a diverse place
that no matter what age you are, how limited you are by budget or how
fashion conscious you are, there will always be something that fits the bill.
The machines we rode last month started at just under a grand and we
were both impressed with the overall quality and ride of them. All the
machines were well built, finished nicely and very affordable, so they are all
worth checking out. Personally, if I was limited by budget or wanted
something that I wouldn’t be scared to leave, I’d be tempted by the KYMCO
Vitality and the SYM Jet. Both scooters are lovely machines and give excellent
value. But I’m a sucker for a sporty-looking scoot so the SYM would probably
tempt me to part with £1499 if I had to choose one of the two.
From the scooters we’ve ridden this month, deciding a favourite is a
very tricky job. I like the gadgets on the Aprilia, the ride of the DNA,
Peugeot’s C-Tech is a lovely looking scooter and then we have the
gorgeous Derbi and the CPI GTR. I’d be happy to have any one of these
sat in my garage, preferably all five.
If I could afford it I’d probably plump for the Derbi GP1. It is a stunning
machine that’s backed by the largest scooter empire in the world, but at
£2350 it’s a tad pricey for what is essentially a moped. The CPI GTR, on the
other hand, comes from a manufacturer who’s fairly new to the scooter
game, but they’ve put a lot of thought into getting it right first time. There’s
no mistaking that the GTR is a unique machine and at just under two grand
it makes the decision harder to make, so I think I’ll leave that up to you!
If there’s one good thing to come out of this test it’s the realisation
that no matter how old you are it’s still possible to enjoy riding a 50cc
machine. For any middle-aged car drivers out there who’d like an
economical machine to commute on they are definitely much more
user-friendly than the machines you used to ride years ago. Maybe it’s
time to get your old Centurion helmet out, dust it off and get back out
on the road ’cos there’s fun to be had even on a fifty!
CP SAYS:
After riding all bikes back to back, all I have managed to do is
get more confused. One thing is staggeringly clear
though. It’s no longer true to say that you get what you
pay for, as the cheaper machines were just as capable
in use as the more expensive versions only without the
bells and whistles.
The only four-stroke in the bunch was handicapped by what I
thought was a transmission aimed at a two-stroke motor’s power
delivery and unable to use the low down grunt and sustained torque of
the four-stroke motor. This has been mentioned to the importers and
they are looking into making a few changes within the CVT system to
rectify this. Once the Agility was actually moving it was a real flyer, the
engine just took its time, arguing with the rollers along the way, before
being allowed to get on with the job.
Of the others, the GTR was the clear leader in every respect. It
handled in the same sharp manner as the Peugeot and slightly better
than the Derbi, but was by far the quickest off the mark, being half a
second more sprightly up to 30mph than anything else. This makes the
whole package feel far faster than the any of the others tested here and
when price is taken into consideration there is little to beat it.
It would appear that the fancy chassis and chain drive set-up of the
GP1 add up to little in the real world and only increase the retail price
(and consumables if chain wear is considered), rather than anything
performance-wise. Having said that however, it did feel to be geared
incorrectly, so maybe a change of rear sprocket will perk it up.
It is good to know that whatever price range you are looking at there
are good quality products to be had. Cheap no longer has to mean
compromise in any way and with a little research the scoot you need is
sat waiting in a showroom near to you. For under a grand you can get a
cracking little commute scoot, while for a little more you can enter the
world of style and performance.
If we were awarding points, I would have to give them all top marks,
albeit for various reasons, there isn’t a bad bike here. There are
expensive ones bristling with attitude for the fledgling youngster just
coming to terms with their testosterone-filled glands and cheaper ones
that get on with the job for those more concerned about getting to
work on time. Those in the know appreciate that a pocket full of cash
is always more attractive to the fairer sex than any sports scoot on the
planet. The choice is yours.
64 NOVEMBER 05