The Wheel Deal goes for a spin on Fuoco’s fiery three-wheeler…

If you thought Vespas were the pinnacle of commuting cool, then best you think again. You see, Gilera, a member of the Piaggio family, has just brought its radical three-wheeled Fuoco scooter into the South African bike market. Resembling something that escaped from Batman’s lair, the Fuoco offers consumers an individualistic riding experience that combines killer looks with unrivaled performance.

A sticky situation

The coolest feature of the Fuoco is obviously its two front wheels. Offering twice the traction of regular scooters, it provides riders with incredible levels of front-end grip. This makes commuting in rain or over slippery surfaces an absolute pleasure and, when equipped with the optional ABS braking system, significantly improves your stopping distance. And after spending a good 30-minutes on the back of one, I can tell you that this bike feels incredibly stable. Cornering takes a little getting used to, feeling somewhat more pronounced than on a regular two-wheeler, but once you’ve become accustomed to it the Fuoco is incredibly confidence inspiring.

Grunt to go

Powered by a 500cc engine producing 29.5kW and 42Nm, the 244kg Fuoco can go from 0-100kp/h in around 4.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 160kp/h. This makes it well suited to wide range of applications, not just slow inner city commuting. And while its performance is certainly spritely, the Fuoco sips fuel, giving its owners a significant operating range from its 12-litre tank. Unfortunately I don’t have the Fuoco’s exact consumption figures, but Vespa SA assures me it’s comparable to its two-wheeled cousins.

Safety in numbers

Given its unique three-wheeled design, the Fuoco offers a lot more protection in the event of a collision. For example, the front of the bike incorporates a unique tubular bumper that helps to absorb frontal impacts. There’s also a special suspension locking system that automatically keeps the bike upright when you’re stopped at a traffic light. This allows you to keep your legs tucked inside the scooter’s structure, thereby minimising the severity of injuries should another vehicle accidentally knock into you.

In the detail

Unlike most so-called “scooters,” the Fuoco looks very masculine with it’s Predator-like nose cowling, metal mesh inserts and stealth-black wheel rims. There’s also a sizable storage bin under the seat for stowing oddments and five headlamps to ensure the best night vision in its class. Another nice touch is the use of grooved road tyres that heighten the Fuoco’s sporty overtones.

Cashing in

So the Fuoco rides well, looks good and gets you a massive amount of attention at the local coffee shop, but does it justify its R119 000 price tag? Somehow I just don’t think so. I really enjoyed my time on it and I can see that makes a lot of sense in our overcrowded road conditions, but when you consider you can pick up a fully specced BMW F800 GS for R94 700 or a Honda CBR 1000RR FireBlade for R119 999, it kind of pus things into perspective. Unless you absolutely have to have one, you’re money would probably be better spend elsewhere.

Fast Facts

Engine: 492.7cc, electronic fuel injected, 4-stroke with double ignition, 4-valve, single cylinder

Max Power: 29.5kW @ 7 250rpm

Max Torque: 42.23 @ 5 500rpm

Dry Weight: 244kg

Fuel Tank: 12 litres

Max Speed: 160km/h

Emissions: Euro3

Security: Built-in Immobiliser

Warranty: 1 Year/Unlimited Kilometers

Retail Price: R119 000