The new Gilera Fuoco 500 looks crazy but is surprisingly practical.

It looks like something from a Mad Max film, but forget the Australian outback – as this is an ideal companion on Britain’s city streets and motorways.

Meet the new Gilera Fuoco 500. It follows on from parent firm Piaggio’s three-wheeled MP3. The difference is, the Gilera has a larger 500cc engine.

The unit is a bigger, slightly modified version of the motor in the Piaggio X9, and allows the Fuoco to keep up with motorway traffic easily. It claims a maximum speed of around 90mph, although once you’re cruising along motorways and A-roads, there is buffeting and pressure on the rider’s arms. Still, this isn’t an issue at slower speeds – and it’s in town that those two front wheels really come into their own, making the bike incredibly stable.



We also like the locking front fork, which prevents riders having to put their foot down when they stop – a real benefit for motorists looking to switch from their car, but who aren’t sure about two wheels.

The Fuoco returns 48mpg, and its luggage compartment will take a full-face helmet. Our only criticisms are the cramped seating position, especially for tall riders, and the transmission judder as you pull away. It’s expensive, too, especially as drivers would not only need to do a day’s Compulsory Basic Training, but also a full Direct Access course, given the 500cc capacity.