Italian scooter giant Piaggio is bridging the gap between the tiny two-wheelers and their motorcycle cousins with the introduction of the Gilera DNA, a hybrid that has the ease of use of a scooter and the looks of a motorcycle, writes David Duffy.

The DNA is aimed firmly at the younger audience and Piaggio claim that the funky new scooter will handle more like a bike than a scooter and with its large 14-inch wheels should corner much better than the conventional machine.

The new Gilera is available in Dragon Red, Sun Yellow and Black and retails at 1,999.

For more information check out the web site at www.dna.gilera.com or call 0800 203010 and quote reference number FP015.

Meanwhile, Yamaha has gone a stage further with the introduction of what they claim is the 'world's most advanced superscooter'.

Powered by an automatic 500cc twin cylinder engine the XP500 Tmax has twice the power of Yamaha's 250 Majesty and is expected to have a maximum speed of around 100mph. In common with all maxi scooters the Tmax promises comfort with a deeply padded seat and practicality thanks to a huge 32 litre illuminated under-seat storage unit.

With aerodynamic styling unashamedly borrowed from the superbike design-book the super-scoot certainly looks the business.

It combines a high performance engine and chassis technology with sports performance and with enough room in the storage box for a B4 size briefcase or a laptop computer it should appeal to the businessman or woman commuting from out of town as well as a fun machine for weekend blasts to the country.

The Tmax is available in Impact Yellow, Laser Blue and Electric Silver and comes with a host of bolt-on accessories for anyone wishing to be slightly different.

For more information and details of your nearest dealer ring 01932 358121.