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Anyway, I know I've been a bit of a critic of them, not really wanting to subscribe to the hype but they deserve all the hype they get. They are a tasty piece of machinery. I've test ridden a Bug Hawk 250 in the past but for $6,499 + orc, it's not an overly inspiring mount and nothing special since Zoot has got their hands on them,  I know where I would be directing my funds.  The 250 had a very noticeable throb that you felt through your feet. Not too sure if I felt it was intrusive or just a presence you rode with. It did certainly give you the impression that there were some horsies available at the twist of the right hand.  Awesome!!!  If I had to choose between a Import type CBR/RVF/ZXR etc 250 4 stroke screamer and the Derbi GP1250i as a commuter, I'd be slapping Brendon with some hard earned folding stuff.  If I was looking for a track weapon, I'd take the Import 4 stroke screamer purely for the fact that's what I'd want to ride on the track. I'm not saying the Derbis aren't worthy of the track, Brendon has shown that at a previous track night (where some embarrassing incriminating photographs were taken) but I’d just prefer to race something else. Chalk and cheese.

But for a commuter and it would be a shame to pop a top box on it for fear of ruining the nice line at the rear., the 250 just impresses.  The engine certainly provides the power and whilst it wasn't rubber burningly scorching (in stock form), it just got up and went. Did the job of getting you to the limit without a fuss.  I found it funny that the obvious throb/vibration of the engine just dissappeared when it dropped off the revs to idle like when you're coming up to lights. I had to check that the tacho was still registering any engine activity at all.  Whisper smooth!!!  Now just about that tacho, nice and bright and Visual but a little out of balance with the more important piece of information required for a commuter. The Speedo!!  A small but not unidentifiable little display in the lower left of the dash. I suppose one would get used to checking it/looking for it but I think it would been nicer to have a bigger speedo and smaller tacho.  Another little attribute of the Derbis was the silent indicator. Scoot and I are used to the very vocal dinker dinker from the Agilities but the silent indicator even caught out the the more proficient derbi Pilots ( B & T) as we'd be following them and they still wanting to turn. 

The general cockpit fit and appearance for me was fantastic. I was impressed that everything that needed to be anywhere just was there and fitted like a glove. The Handlebar rise and angle was sweet. The seat where you plugged your bum into that curve you can see below just fitted. Didn't push me too far forward and didn't let me wobble back. The foot boards whilst small compared to your average step-through were ample and still let you move your feet around.  I took a little to get used to not being able to swing the leg through instead it had to go over. But again, not something to worry about. You only get on and off it once per ride and I'm sure a ride is going to last longer than your dismount.

Overall an awesomely sweet dialled-in package. Well balanced and predictable. Awesome Brakes, one finger either side was ample. The suspension package handled the Bridge across to Redcliffe superbly. The Agility with it's one sided springer certainly feels it.

I don't have much to write about the 125. No major difference except the engine. A lot more buzzing before it got up and went but smooth. I wish I knew what a good whiskey tasted like because it was smoother than that. No deep throb like the 250 and not the initial acceleration of the 250 but impressive all the same.

Like Mike, My choice would be the 250 but like anything. You set your needs, makes your choice then takes your pick!!!!  Enjoy!!!!!

Thanks Brendon and Tim and escort Pilot, Denni!!!

 sounds like an awesome machine. i would love to give one a test ride, just to compare with the hawk.

Well said, K-star,

The first thing I noticed on both the GP1 125 and 250 was the instant response of the throttle, and only minimal squeeze of the brake levers required to wipe off speed.  The NS 125 is renowned for being no slouch, but there is noticeable lag between throttle twist and faster forward prepulsion, and much more effort is required to achieve similar stopping power.  B and T did some rolling accelleration tests between the various scoots and said that the GP1 125 is the first 125cc scoot to outpace the NS 125 that they have had it up against, which after my ride of the GP1 125 I wasn't too surprised.

The next thing I noticed on the GP1's was how well-balanced and stable they felt, much more like a natural extension of the rider than any other scoot I've ridden.  They really are a precision machine in the handling department.

This is one scoot that certainly lives up to all the hype, and has the performance to back up its hot, sporty looks.  Although unfortunately a bit out of my price range at the moment , it seems to be very well priced when compared with other quality scoots with the 250cc engine.  I can't imagine any other scoot on the Oz market that could match it in the handling stakes.

As K-Star mentioned you do notice a 'buzzing' through the floorboard to your feet, but Brendon said that he hadn't noticed it to be annoying (and they'd ridden to Brissy from the Gold Coast).  Also as a 'commuter' scoot (as with most larger wheeled scoots) the underseat storage is not as generous as most smaller wheeled scoots and there is no mounting bracket for a top box, but various luggage carriers can be fit for extra storage (but who would want to mess with the sporty curves?)  I think I would miss the convenience of being able to store my helmet, jacket and accessories on the scoot, as well as fit a reasonable grocery shop's worth of stuff, but saying that is like buying a Porsche 911 and complaining about rear seat space, and luggage capacity under the bonnet.

The power and precise handling of the GP1's would guarantee a smile on the dial for even the most mundane of rides to get the bread and milk, and I'm sure will inspire all sorts of great new excuses to go out 'for a quick ride'.  But for now I will have to just day dream about what it would be like to have one of my very own.  One hot scooter indeed!

PS  A big thanks to Scooter HQ for letting us play with their awesome new toys!

 Brendo is certainly getting it all out in the open early!!!!...... They look very smart and sounds like both models have hit a positive chord with those who have ridden them.

Whats the pricing on the 125 , i would suspect that this is still going to be pretty pricey but will certainly give performance far in excess of its capacity.
 

hey and I must say a big thanks to you guys for posting this up as its great feedback and "seen first on the scooter community". Great work I know its providing a benefit to a model  but its so great to see this story hit here first . Thanks again for the feedback K and Paul. Love it guys........  

 So what speeds have you been able to get out of these scooters

The 125 cc will do what ?

And the 250 ?  

Wouldn't the answer be:

125cc -110km/h

250cc - 110km/h

Im talking on the track of course

The 250 tops out at around 140. Dont worry Allen, they are impressive. If you ride one, chances are you'll want one.

Not sure about the 125, but I think with the small difference in price most will go the 250.

As for comparing it to a Bug Hawk....... No comparison.

Absolutely awesome, although I didn't get a chance to see how fast it would go...it was more of a case, how it handled...and of course being a test ride, making sure you were 'riding within your means'. The throttle only got about a quarter but you just knew there was heaps more AND it was going to be availale IMMEDIATELY!

I particularly liked the stability of the ride, over varying road surfaces, and also the way it would stick to the corner going in, and coming out of the corner with a little extra speed.

Certainly my pick from pretty much any other 250 out there, but as they say, riding all candidates is the only way to truly find out!

As for budget, quite a step up from my original Vino ($2500), then current CygnusX ($3500), but I think it's all relative to what you plan for in your next upgrade! So here's hoping, when they've been out for a little while, I'll be knocking on ScooterHQ's door with my order!

Can't thank Brendon and Tim enough for the opportunity, especially considering it was just on a local scooter run! And thanks to Denni for initial interest, who initially made me think twice about the height (& mine) of the Derbi...I am now satisfied my 165cm height is adequate for the Derbi..

Let me just say if you are looking for a 250cc scooter, do NOT leave the Derbi GP1 250 off your list!!!!!

I've managed neraly 1,000k's on the GP1-250 & am absolutely loving it, I'll do a full review on our website once its done over 1,000kms.

A GP1 is heading down to Melbourne to go on display at Motogalleria & Scooter Garage so if you are in Melbourne give either Dean or Bryant a call to have a look & secure one.

I have an idea.  If somebody rode it to Melbourne then that would be an opportunity for a great review. I wonder if there would be any volunteers.

Oh, okay [arm twisted].....I volunteer to ride the GP1 to Melbourne in exchange for writing a review!

mttttt:

Oh, okay [arm twisted].....I volunteer to ride the GP1 to Melbourne in exchange for writing a review!

How could such altruism be ignored?