The Gilera Runner is a scooter manufactured by Italian company Piaggio under the Gilera brand, designed by Luciano Marabese of Marabese Design Srl. It is noted for its unusual style, high performance and good handling. 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 to comply with European law. The 125, 180 and 200cc models were not restricted.
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.
In 1998, the 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 petrol tank and battery stowed near the spark plug and a rear drum brake. The SP has a petrol tank, the battery is stowed under the seat and it has a rear disc brake.
In 1999, the FXR was introduced and was by far the fastest of the Runners including the new generation four strokes. It was noted for its high performance and great handling. Unfortunately it has a high fuel consumption. 50/DD/SPPurejetFX125Haynes Book 4163Gilera Runner, DNA, Ice & SKP/Stalker (97 - 07) . FXR180EngineEngine Type single cylinder two stroke single cylinder two stroke single cylinder two strokeBore/StrokeCompression Ratio11.5:1 (±0.9)9.8:19.9:1Fuel systemCarburetor | PHVA 17.5mm Dell'Orto Carburetor Fuel injectionCarburetor | PHVB 20.5mm Dell'Orto / Mikuni VM 20mmCarburetor | PHVB 20.5mm Dell'Orto / Mikuni VM 20mmDrivetrainTransmissionCVTFront SuspensionUpside-down telescopic forksUpside-down forks with double acting hydraulic damper; travelRear SuspensionSwingarm and hydraulic monoshockSwingarm and hydraulic monoshockHydraulic monoshock and coiler spring with four position rate adjustment Engine frame linkage with swinging arm; travelFront BrakesSingle discØ disc brake with hydraulic linkageRear BrakesDrum (50) Single disc (DD/SP)Single discØ drum brake with mechanical linkage Ø disc brake with hydraulic linkage (1999-on)Front Tire120/70-12"Rear Tire130/70-12"130/70-12" for rear drum brake models (1998) 130/60-13" for rear Disc brakes models (1999-on)IgnitionElectronic CDI with internal H.T. coilElectronic ignition with H.T. coil controlled by the ECUVariable ignition timing electronic CDI module with separate H.T. coilDimensionsTrailWheelbaseLengthWidthSeat HeightKerb weight (50) (DD/SP)Liquids capacityFuel (50/DD) (SP) (1998) (1999–on)Fuel reserve (50/DD)
(SP) (1998) (1999-on)Engine oilEngine oil reserveCooling system
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. The four-stroke Runner was equipped with a liquid cooled, four valve version of Piaggio's LEADER engine. All of these models came with an immobiliser with programmed keys. VX VXR Engine single cylinder four-stroke & single cylinder four-stroke Bore/Stroke (180) (200) Compression ratio 10.5:1 10.5:1 Drivetrain Transmission CVT Front suspension Conventional telescopic forks Rear suspension Swingarm and adjustable twin shock Front brakes Ø disc brake with hydraulic linkage Rear brakes Ø disc brake with hydraulic linkage Front Tire 120/70-12" Rear Tire 130/70-12" Ignition Electronic CDI module Dimensions Wheelbase LengthWidth Seat height Kerb weightLiquids capacity Fuel Fuel reserveEngine oilCooling system
Second Generation (2005)
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 carburetor SP 50, fuel injected Purejet 50 and the four-stroke VX 125. A revised VXR 200 became available in spring 2006.
The current model line up consists of Runner ST 125 and Runner ST 200 which utilize the LEADER 4-valve engine. Now Runner has an analog-digital board, bigger wheels, the seat opens by pressing the steering wheel lock.
On two-stroke models the oil filler hole has now been moved under the front of the seat, and there is a basic tool in the small compartment at the back.
The 2008 models had minor updates.
50SP Purejet VX/ST VXR/STEngine single cylinder two-stroke single cylinder four-stroke single cylinder four-stroke Bore × stroke Compression ratio12:1 (±0.7)11.5:1 (±0.9) 12:1 (±0.5) 11.5:1 (±0.5)CarburationCarburetor Dell'Orto PHVA 17.5 IDN/A30mm Keihin CVK30 Carburetor Drivetrain Transmission CVT Front suspensionUpside-down telescopic forks with Ø 30 mm stanchion and dual-effect damper Hydraulic double-acting telescopic forks with Ø 35 mm stems Rear suspensionSingle hydraulic shock absorber, coaxial helical spring, frame engine attachment with swinging arm Coaxial spring and hydraulic shock absorber. Chassis to engine support with swinging arm Front brakeØ disc brake with hydraulic linkage (r.h. brake lever) Ø disc brake with hydraulic control activated by handlebar right lever Rear brakeØ disc brake (hydraulically controlled via lever on left hand side of handlebar) Ø disc brake with twin plunger calipers, with hydraulic control by a handlebar left lever. Front tire120/70-14" Rear tire140/60-13" IgnitionElectronic CDI module with incorporated H.T. coilElectronic ignition with H.T. coil controlled by the ECUElectronic CDI and variable advance, with separate H.T. coil Dimensions Wheelbase LengthWidth Seat height Fuel capacity
References
External links
Official Gilera website