Dynamite in a small package

Take a quick glance at the Megelli 250R and it looks like Japanese and Italian designers got together for a brainstorming session but couldn't decide on the engine.

It looks a bit like a Yamaha or a Ducati and even sounds like a Ducati 1199 with that whole dry clutch sound.

The Megelli 250R is a European-designed, Chinese-manufactured 249cc motorcycle that looks amazing - it is one to look out for if you're in the market for a 250 motorcycle.

With me, first impressions last so, in the looks department, it gets a yes. Then we got to ride it.

Puzey Motor Corporation is the South African distributor of the 250R - a bored and stroked version of the nearly identical 125R.

Powering the Megelli 250R is a liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine, with a bore and stroke of 77mm x 53.6mm. There is a six-speed gearbox and a wet multi-plate clutch. It has a dry weight of 112kg but feels even lighter when you ride it.

What makes the design of the Megelli 250R unique is that the front end looks like a caterpillar or even the Yamaha R1. When you look at the side farings and stance then you see the Ducati 916. Maybe this was done to give the small bike a larger-than-life impression

Curves and angles create a flow-through effect on the Megelli 250R, making it one of the most attractive bikes in its class and the trellis chassis provides the ride of a true sportsbike.

Around town, the under-seat exhaust is loud and has quite a bark. I was pulled over, because the metro police thought I was riding around on a monster.

I first though they just wanted to have a look but it was actually because they couldn't see the number plate.

The striking white colour didn't go unnoticed either - turning heads as cars drove by.

The Megelli Racing team recently entered their bike in an endurance race, in conjunction with Megelli Japan.

It performed quite well, completing the race in mid-pack against the 77 teams entered, providing tremendous encouragement for future races.

The Megelli 250R is a definite must-have for entry-level riders and, at the risk of sounding sexist, female riders too.

It is priced at R32999 while the 125cc version costs R25990.