Piaggio USB
Piaggio presented a gas-electric concept scooter at EICMA - the 'USB' (Urban Sport Bike). Designed by Marco Lambri at Piaggio's Pontedera Style Centre, the USB has a distinct futuristic look about it with its flowing lines and Persil white cleanness. But like many concept bikes, you just know the machine won't ever hit the streets, however the design ideas and the styling may eventually filter down into production models. As it turns out the technology inside the USB has already been incorporated by Piaggio in the MP3 Hybrid which was also on display at EICMA. The USB runs on a gas-electric hybrid system which utilises lithium polymer batteries to power an electric motor attached to the rear wheel. The electric power is mated with an internal combustion engine. Surprisingly the USB's gas engine is a direct-injection two-stroke as opposed to the MP3 Hybrid's four-stroke engine. Performance claims aren't much to shout about with a top speed of 62mph. Eco-friendliness and fuel economy are the main selling points for the machine, Piaggio claim you can get 155mpg out of the bike and running on battery power alone the USB can be ridden at an average speed of 37mph for 31 miles.Gilera Trofeo GP800
If maxi-scooters and tuned four-strokes are your thing, then Gilera's Trofeo 839cc GP800 should be of interest... Spec as follows: Ported engine, larger intake/exhaust valves and a larger throttle body. Improved air flow, K&N air filter. Rapid Bike II remapped ECU. Transmission mods include a lightened and tuned variator, lightened and tuned clutch, lightened drum clutch, D.I.D ERV3 520 size final drive chain, a 49-tooth ergal rear sprocket and an OEM front sprocket modified to 520 size. The exhaust system is made from steel and carbon and dyno tuned and flowed by FF FRESCO.To match the performance of the bike, the handling of the GP800 has been improved with an adjustable front fork made by Alex Racing Suspension and an adjustable MUPO rear shocker again by Alex Racing. Stopping power has been improved with PT evo II oversize master cylinders front and rear and sintered brake pads. Finally, the seat has been modified for racing and is the work of Gabriele Musco. We'd love to see the bike in action.