Gilera On the Move

GILERA ON THE MOVE

Piaggio Is dusting off Its most storied brand: Gilera. While the legendary “Double Ring” has surfaced on Piaggio’s fanciest scooters, last year’s DNA semi-scooter and the world roadracing scene, where Manuel Poggiali leads the 125cc Grand Prix title chase on a Gilera (actually a Derbi painted Gilera Red), the company’s first motorcycle in more than 10 years is a sporty 600cc inline-Four.

The Suzuki GSX-R600-powered machine has an aluminium twin-spar frame and inverted fork, a sleek fairing with Honda RC51-style intake,

320mm Brembo front brakes and 17inch wheels shod with 120/70 and 170/60 Pirellis. Question is, will Gilera fans cotton to the idea of the glorious marque returning to the scene with a Japanese engine?

Bruno de Prato