Gilera Runner
The Gilera Runner is a scooter manufactured by Italian company Piaggio under the Gilera brand, designed by Luciano Marabese of Marabese Design Srl.[2] It is noted for its unusual style, high performance and good handling.[3] The Runner was initially only available with two stroke engines with 125 cc and 180 cc four stroke versions arriving in 1998 and the larger two stroke versions phased out. The model range was revised in 2005 with an all new model introduced in 2009. All 50 cc Runner models were restricted to 28 mph (45 km/h) to comply with European law.[4] The 125, 180 and 250cc models were not restricted.
 Gilera Runner FXR180 | |
| Manufacturer | Gilera |
|---|---|
| Parent company | Piaggio & Co. SpA |
| Production | 1997–present |
| Class | Scooter |
| Engine | Two-stroke water cooled 50 cc (3.1 cu in), 125 cc (7.6 cu in), 180 cc (11 cu in), single Four-stroke water cooled 125 cc (7.6 cu in), 180 cc (11 cu in), 200 cc (12 cu in) four valve SOHC single |
| Bore / stroke | 50 cc 40 mm × 39.3 mm (1.57 in × 1.55 in) FX/SP 125 55.0 mm × 52.0 mm (2.17 in × 2.05 in) FXR/SP 180 65.6 mm × 52 mm (2.58 in × 2.05 in) VX 125 57 mm × 72 mm (2.2 in × 2.8 in) VXR 180 69 mm × 72 mm (2.7 in × 2.8 in) VXR 200 73 mm × 72 mm (2.9 in × 2.8 in) |
| Ignition type | Capacitor discharge ignition |
| Transmission | Belt-driven continuously variable transmission (CVT) |
| Suspension | Two-stroke models: Front upside-down telescopic forks; rear monoshock Four-stroke models: Front conventional telescopic forks; rear swingarm with twin rear shocks |
| Tyres | Front 120/70-12 Rear 130/70-12 (130/60-13 (1999 on FX/R & SP125/180)) |
| Wheelbase | 1,290 mm (51 in) (all 50cc models) 1,303 mm (51.3 in) (FX/R, SP125/180) 1,350 mm (53 in) (VX/R) |
| Seat height | All models 815 mm (32.1 in) except Purejet 830 mm (33 in) |
| Weight | Purejet 89 kg (196 lb) VX/R 132 kg (291 lb) (dry) 98 kg (216 lb) (Runner 50) 93 kg (205 lb) (DD & SP) 115 kg (254 lb) (FX/R SP125/180) (kerb)[1] (wet) |
| Fuel capacity | 8.5 l (1.9 imp gal; 2.2 US gal) (50, 50SP & DD) 9 l (2.0 imp gal; 2.4 US gal) (1998 FX/FXR) 12 l (2.6 imp gal; 3.2 US gal) (FX/R, Purejet, SP125/180 & VX/R) |
| Oil capacity | 1.8 l (0.40 imp gal; 0.48 US gal) (all two-stroke models) |
| Related | Gilera DNA |
Two stroke models
The first incarnation of the Gilera Runner was a 50cc that was released in 1997 in Europe. The 50cc model went through a number of revisions; in 1998, a rear disc brake was added with the Gilera Runner 50DD (Double Disc). The colour scheme was also revised with the release of the Runner 50SP. The direct injection Runner Purejet 50 was released in 2003 with lower emissions.[5]
In 1998, the 125 cc (7.6 cu in) FX Runner was introduced which had the same styling as the 50cc. In 1999, the SP model was released. The biggest difference between the FX (FXR) and the SP is the FX had a 9 l (2.0 imp gal; 2.4 US gal) petrol tank and battery stowed near the spark plug and a rear drum brake. The SP has a 12 l (2.6 imp gal; 3.2 US gal) petrol tank, the battery is stowed under the seat and it has a rear disc brake.[5]
In 1999, the FXR 180 cc (11 cu in) was introduced and was by far the fastest of the Runners including the new generation 200 cc (12 cu in) four strokes.[5] It was noted for its high performance and great handling. Unfortunately it has a high fuel consumption.[3]
| FX [6] | FXR [6] | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | ||
| Engine Type | 123.5 cc (7.54 cu in) single cylinder two stroke | 175.8 cc (10.73 cu in) single cylinder two stroke |
| Bore/Stroke | 55.0 mm × 52.0 mm (2.17 in × 2.05 in) | 65.6 mm × 52 mm (2.58 in × 2.05 in) |
| Compression Ratio | 9:8 | 9:9 |
| Carburation | PHVB 20,5mm Carburator Weber / Dell'Orto | VM 20mm Carburator Mikuni / Dell'Orto |
| Ignition | Electronic CDI module with separate H.T. coil | |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Automatic speed variation system by means of variable diameter pulleys, vee belt, centrifugal clutch and gear final drive | |
| Front Suspension | Up-side down forks with double acting hydraulic damper; 83 mm (3.3 in) travel | |
| Rear Suspension | Hydraulic monoshock and coiler spring with four position rate adjustment. Engine frame linkage with swinging arm; 60 mm (2.4 in) travel | |
| Front Brakes | Disc brake 220 mm (8.7 in) diameter discs with hydraulic linkage | |
| Rear Brakes | Drum brake 140 mm (5.5 in) diameter with mechanical linkage | |
| Front Tire | 120/70-12" | |
| Rear Tire | 130/70-12"(130/60-13" for Rear Disc brakes) | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Trail | 71 mm (2.8 in) | |
| Wheelbase | 1,303 mm (51.3 in) | |
| Saddle Height | 815 mm (32.1 in) | |
| Kerbside Weight | 115 kg (254 lb) | |
| Fuel Capacity | 9 l (2.0 imp gal; 2.4 US gal), including
1.5 l (0.33 imp gal; 0.40 US gal) reserve | |
| Performance | ||
| Power Output | 8.9 kW (12 hp) @ 7500 rpm | 11.4 kW (15 hp) @ 8000 rpm |
| Torque | 14 N-m @ 7000 rpm | 19 N-m @ 7000 rpm |
Four stroke models
The first generation of Gilera Runner had four-stroke variants added initially in VX 125 (124 cc) and VXR 180 guises. The VXR 180 was replaced by the larger capacity VXR 200 (198 cc) in mid 2002.[7] The four-stroke Runner was equipped with a liquid cooled, four valve version of Piaggio's LEADER engine. All of these models came with a factory fitted immobiliser with programmed keys.
A second generation of the Runner saw the first major redesign since its original introduction. The revised models were launched in 2005 with a line up of three models which consisted of the two-stroke carburettor SP 50, fuel injected Purejet 50 and the four-stroke VX 125.[8] A revised VXR 200 became available in spring 2006.[9]
The current model line up consists of Runner ST 125 and Runner ST 200 which utilize the LEADER 4-valve engine.
References
- Gilera Runner, DNA, Ice & SKP/Stalker Service and Repair Manual: 1997 to 2011 (Haynes). J H Haynes & Co Ltd. 15 Aug 2011. ISBN 978-0857335456.
- Josh Sims (10 Sep 2015). Scootermania: A Celebration of Style and Speed. A&C Black. ISBN 978-1844862771. Retrieved 2015-06-14.
- Sterling, Ketzal. "Gilera Runner 180 SP - The Scooter Review". thescooterreview.com.
- "Annex 2. Motorcycle licence requirements - The Highway Code - Guidance - GOV.UK". www.direct.gov.uk.
- "Bike reviews, New & Used motorcycle reviews & ratings - MCN". www.motorcyclenews.com.
- Haynes Book 4163Gilera Runner, DNA, Ice & SKP/Stalker (97 - 07) . ISBN 978-1-84425-765-2
- "Bigger Runner at the ready". Motorcycle News. 10 June 2002.
- Farquhar (12 August 2005). "We ride New Runner". Motorcycle News. Retrieved 2015-06-14.
- "Gilera's new Runner 200". Motorcycle News. 8 April 2006. Retrieved 2015-06-14.
