The Gilera Runner is a scooter manufactured by Italian company Piaggio under the Gilera brand, designed by Luciano Marabese of Marabese Design Srl.[1] It is noted for its unusual style, high performance and good handling.[2] 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.[3] The 125, 180 and 200cc models were not restricted.

Gilera Runner
red and silver Gilera Runner SP 180
Gilera Runner SP FXR180
ManufacturerGilera
Parent companyPiaggio & Co. SpA
Production1997–2020
ClassScooter
EngineTwo-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
Ignition typeCapacitor discharge ignition
TransmissionBelt-driven continuously variable transmission (CVT)
RelatedGilera DNA

Two stroke models

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The first incarnation of the Gilera Runner was a 50 cc 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.[4]

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.[4]

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.[4][failed verification] It was noted for its high performance and great handling. Unfortunately it has a high fuel consumption.[2]

50/DD/SP[5] Purejet FX125[6] FXR180[6]
Engine
Engine Type 49.3 cc (3.01 cu in) single cylinder two stroke 123.5 cc (7.54 cu in) single cylinder two stroke 175.8 cc (10.73 cu in) single cylinder two stroke
Bore/Stroke 40.0 mm × 39.3 mm (1.57 in × 1.55 in) 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 11.5:1 (±0.9) 9.8:1 9.9:1
Fuel system Carburetor Fuel injection PHVB 20.5mm Carburetor Weber / Dell'Orto VM 20mm Carburetor Mikuni / Dell'Orto
Drivetrain
Transmission CVT
Front Suspension Upside-down telescopic forks Upside-down forks with double acting hydraulic damper; 83 mm (3.3 in) travel
Rear Suspension Hydraulic monoshock Swingarm and hydraulic monoshock Hydraulic monoshock and coiler spring with four position rate adjustment

Engine frame linkage with swinging arm; 60 mm (2.4 in) travel

Front Brakes Single disc Ø 220 mm (8.7 in) disc brake with hydraulic linkage
Rear Brakes Drum (50)

Single disc (DD/SP)

Single disc Ø 140 mm (5.5 in) drum brake with mechanical linkage
Front Tire 120/70-12"
Rear Tire 130/70-12" 130/70-12"(130/60-13" for Rear Disc brakes)
Ignition Electronic CDI module with separate H.T. coil
Dimensions
Trail 71 mm (2.8 in)
Wheelbase 1,290 mm (51 in) 1,303 mm (51.3 in)
Length 1,780 mm (70 in) 1,800 mm (71 in) 1,780 mm (70 in)
Width 720 mm (28 in)
Seat Height 815 mm (32.1 in) 830 mm (33 in) 815 mm (32.1 in)
Kerb weight 98 kg (216 lb) (50)

93 kg (205 lb) (DD/SP)

89 kg (196 lb) 115 kg (254 lb)[7]
Liquids capacity
Fuel 8.5 L (1.9 imp gal; 2.2 US gal) (50/DD)

12 L (2.6 imp gal; 3.2 US gal) (SP)

12 L (2.6 imp gal; 3.2 US gal) 9 L (2.0 imp gal; 2.4 US gal) (through 1998)
12 L (2.6 imp gal; 3.2 US gal)(1999– )
Fuel reserve 1.5 L (0.33 imp gal; 0.40 US gal) (50/DD)

3 L (0.66 imp gal; 0.79 US gal) (SP)

3 L (0.66 imp gal; 0.79 US gal)
Engine oil 1.8 L (0.40 imp gal; 0.48 US gal)
Engine oil reserve 0.4 L (0.088 imp gal; 0.11 US gal)
Cooling system 0.9 L (0.20 imp gal; 0.24 US gal) 1.7 L (0.37 imp gal; 0.45 US gal)[7]

Four stroke models

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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.[8] 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[9] VXR[9]
Engine 124.2 cc (7.58 cu in) single cylinder four-stroke 181.7 cc (11.09 cu in) & 197.7 cc (12.06 cu in)

single cylinder four-stroke

Bore/Stroke 57.0 mm × 72.0 mm (2.24 in × 2.83 in) 69.0 mm × 72.0 mm (2.72 in × 2.83 in) (180)

73.0 mm × 72.0 mm (2.87 in × 2.83 in) (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 220 mm (8.7 in) disc brake with hydraulic linkage
Rear brakes Ø 220 mm (8.7 in) disc brake with hydraulic linkage
Front Tire 120/70-12"
Rear Tire 130/70-12"
Ignition Electronic CDI module
Dimensions
Wheelbase 1,350 mm (53 in)
Length 1,900 mm (75 in)
Width 750 mm (30 in)
Seat height 815 mm (32.1 in)
Kerb weight 132 kg (291 lb)
Liquids capacity
Fuel 12 L (2.6 imp gal; 3.2 US gal)
Fuel reserve 3 L (0.66 imp gal; 0.79 US gal)
Engine oil 1 L (0.22 imp gal; 0.26 US gal)
Cooling system 0.9 L (0.20 imp gal; 0.24 US gal)

Second Generation (2005)

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EngineTwo-stroke water cooled Piaggio Hi-PER2 PRO 49.4 cc (50SP)
Four-stroke water cooled 124.0 cc (125), 198.0 cc (200)
TransmissionBelt-driven continuously variable transmission (CVT)
 
2007 Gilera Runner Purejet 50cc (two stroke)

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.[10] A revised VXR 200 became available in spring 2006.[11]

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[12] Purejet[13] VX/ST[14] VXR/ST[14]
Engine 49.4 cc (3.01 cu in) single cylinder two-stroke 124.0 cc (7.57 cu in) single cylinder four-stroke 198 cc (12.1 cu in) single cylinder four-stroke
Bore × stroke 40 mm × 39.3 mm (1.57 in × 1.55 in) 57.0 mm × 48.6 mm (2.24 in × 1.91 in) 72.0 mm × 48.6 mm (2.83 in × 1.91 in)
Compression ratio 12:1 (±0.7) 11.5:1 (±0.9) 12:1 (±0.5) 11.5:1 (±0.5)
Carburation Carburetor Dell'Orto PHVA 17.5 ID N/A 30mm Keihin CVK30 Carburetor
Drivetrain
Transmission CVT
Front suspension Upside-down telescopic forks

with Ø 30 mm stanchion and dual-effect damper

Hydraulic double-acting telescopic forks

with Ø 35 mm stems

Rear suspension Single 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 brake Ø 220 mm (8.7 in) disc brake with hydraulic linkage (r.h. brake lever) Ø 240 mm (9.4 in) disc brake with hydraulic control activated by handlebar right lever
Rear brake Ø 175 mm (6.9 in) disc brake (hydraulically controlled via lever on left hand side of handlebar) Ø 220 mm (8.7 in) disc brake with twin plunger calipers, with hydraulic control by a handlebar left lever.
Front tire 120/70-14"
Rear tire 140/70-13"
Ignition Electronic CDI module with incorporated HV coil Electronic ignition with H.V. coil controlled by the ECU Electronic CDI and variable advance, with separate HV coil
Dimensions
Wheelbase 1,270 mm (50 in) 1,340 mm (53 in)
Length 1,840 mm (72 in) 1,890 mm (74 in)
Width 750 mm (30 in)
Seat height 815 mm (32.1 in)
Fuel capacity 7 L (1.5 imp gal; 1.8 US gal) 8.5 L (1.9 imp gal; 2.2 US gal)

References

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  1. ^ Josh Sims (10 Sep 2015). Scootermania: A Celebration of Style and Speed. A&C Black. ISBN 978-1844862771. Retrieved 2015-06-14.
  2. ^ a b Sterling, Ketzal. "Gilera Runner 180 SP - The Scooter Review". thescooterreview.com.
  3. ^ "Annex 2. Motorcycle licence requirements - The Highway Code - Guidance - GOV.UK". www.direct.gov.uk.
  4. ^ a b c "Bike reviews, New & Used motorcycle reviews & ratings - MCN". www.motorcyclenews.com.
  5. ^ Runner 50, Runner 50 Dd, Runner 50 Sp Model Identification; Runner 50, Runner 50 Dd, Runner 50 Sp Servicing Specifications And Lubricants - Gilera Runner 50 1997 Service And Repair Manual, p. 18
  6. ^ a b Haynes Book 4163Gilera Runner, DNA, Ice & SKP/Stalker (97 - 07) . ISBN 978-1-84425-765-2
  7. ^ a b Runner Fx125 And Fxr180 Model Identification; Runner Fx125 And Fxr180 Servicing Specifications And Lubricants - Gilera Runner 50 1997 Service And Repair Manual, p. 22
  8. ^ "Bigger Runner at the ready". Motorcycle News. 10 June 2002.
  9. ^ a b Runner Vx125 And Vxr180/200 Model Identification; Runner Vx125 And Vxr180/200 Servicing Specifications And Lubricants - Gilera Runner 50 1997 Service And Repair Manual, p. 24
  10. ^ Farquhar (12 August 2005). "We ride New Runner". Motorcycle News. Retrieved 2015-06-14.
  11. ^ "Gilera's new Runner 200". Motorcycle News. 8 April 2006. Retrieved 2015-06-14.
  12. ^ "Manual GILERA Runner SP 50 - [PDF Document]". vdocuments.mx. Retrieved 2021-05-18.
  13. ^ "Gilera Runner RST Purejet (EN) - [PDF Document]". vdocuments.mx. Retrieved 2021-05-18.
  14. ^ a b "Gilera Runner 125 - 200 (EN) - [PDF Document]". vdocuments.mx. Retrieved 2021-05-18.
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