Gilera Runner
The Gilera Runner is a moped/scooter made by the Piaggio Group which also incorporates Gilera. The Gilera Runners come in a variety of engine sizes and all Runner versions come equipped with a liquid-cooled engine and sporty paintwork which are the features that make Runner a performance scooter. The Runner is currently available with 50cc, 125cc or 200cc engines and comes with powerful disk brakes front and rear.
The Runner 50 is available in SP version (liquid cooled) and Purejet (injection). The Runner over 50 is also available in two versions: Runner VX 125 and Runner VXR 200: performance, technology and low fuel consumption with L.E.A.D.E.R 125 and 200 liquid cooled 4-stroke, 4-valve engine.
In earlier years there were also 2 strokes available and these were and still are the most popular, but unfortunately production was stopped due to new European emission standards. The 2 stroke versions were called Runner FX 125 and Runner FX 180, later updated and renamed Runner SP 125 and Runner SP 180 respectively. The Gilera Runner FX/SP 180 featured a top speed of around 85mph. They had a perfect weight/power balance for long distance riding on only the rear, called "Wheelies". There are numerous videos posted on youtube which showcase the use of this bike to perform these stunts.
The biggest difference between the FX and the SP is the FX had a 9 litre petrol tank and battery stowed near the spark plug and a rear drum brake. The SP has 12 litre petrol tank, the battery is stowed under the seat and it has a rear disc brake.
Gilera made a daring release in 1998-1999 with the Gilera Runner 'DD' otherwise known as the DarkDream. These Runners were all SP versions and featured a Dell'Orto 17,5 mm carburetor which was limited but easy to undo and were fabric fitted with a 50 cc Fast Cylinder. This resulted in a large popularity for this version which still keeps on. The DarkDream is well known for its speed and durability. The cylinder itself is made in the factory where the Gilera Runner is made.
See also