Scooter News Gilera Nexus 500 Italian manufacturer Gilera has taken the maxi-scooter one step beyond
- Ever since the Yamaha Majesty kick-started the trend, maxi, or Gran Turismo (GT) scooters have grown in capacity and popularity. The new Gilera has combined DNA from sports motorcycles with scooters and has produced what the company claims is the most sporty scooter in the world.
With a top speed of more than 160km/h the Nexus is certainly more than a plain and simple commuter and Gilera claims it “was conceived for pure sensation and the pleasure of sport riding”.
Gilera has a history of cross-breeding the sport character of the Gilera brand with the scooter, taking freely from motorcycle technology without giving up the ease of use. The Runner, from 1997, was proof enough of that, but the Nexus takes this philosophy to its furthest extreme.
The under-seat storage swallows a helmet and has an interior light as well as a power socket to recharge a mobile phone. More storage is available in a glovebox and there is an accessory top-box on offer as well.
The dash is a multi-function trip computer and the rider can even check service schedule information. The Nexus is equipped with an anti-theft Immobiliser that prevents the scooter from starting if a key (even one that works mechanically) is not electronically recognised by the engine control system.
The Nexus also has some interesting mechanical design elements, including mounting the engine solidly in the chassis and allowing riders to adjust the ride-height of the scooter at the rear to better suit their style or riding preference.
There is also an integral braking system, the left lever operates the right front disk and rear brake. The right lever manages front disc braking.
There are even hot air vents: very useful when riding in winter as they draw hot air towards the rider. Toasty!
As published in TW SCOOTER MAGAZINE - 28/10/2003
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