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Gilera is doubling the number of models within the Nexus family, and the good news is that the company is introducing a 250-class version alongside the original Nexus 500, which makes the super-sporty scooter available to more riders than ever before.
The Nexus 250 is powered by a new-generation four-stroke, four-valve, liquid-cooled QUASAR 250 engine with electronic injection. It's clean enough to meet upcoming Euro 3 standards, and with a power output of 22bhp and 21Nm of torque, it gives the Nexus 250 speed, acceleration and pick-up that perfectly suit town use as well as medium-range trips.
Gilera has given the Nexus 250 exactly the same frame as the 500cc, with a double shock absorber at the rear to enhance lightness and build simplicity.
Like its more powerful sibling then, the 250 boasts motorcycle-style engineering features never seen before on a scooter - the engine is fixed firmly to the tubular steel frame, the rear height is adjustable, and there is a forward-oriented riding position for total control. The result is steering precision and road grip worthy of a supersport bike.
Along with the new 250 variant, the Nexus itself gets some useful updates for the current model year, as well, incorporating styling changes that improve on its racy looks and modifications to enhance practicality.
The Nexus 250 is powered by a new-generation four-stroke, four-valve, liquid-cooled QUASAR 250 engine with electronic injection. It's clean enough to meet upcoming Euro 3 standards, and with a power output of 22bhp and 21Nm of torque, it gives the Nexus 250 speed, acceleration and pick-up that perfectly suit town use as well as medium-range trips.
Gilera has given the Nexus 250 exactly the same frame as the 500cc, with a double shock absorber at the rear to enhance lightness and build simplicity.
Like its more powerful sibling then, the 250 boasts motorcycle-style engineering features never seen before on a scooter - the engine is fixed firmly to the tubular steel frame, the rear height is adjustable, and there is a forward-oriented riding position for total control. The result is steering precision and road grip worthy of a supersport bike.
Along with the new 250 variant, the Nexus itself gets some useful updates for the current model year, as well, incorporating styling changes that improve on its racy looks and modifications to enhance practicality.
The frontal styling reveals the high-performance character of the Nexus, with a strong design statement in the form of a new central air intake, positioned between the headlights to underline the scooter's aggressive look. The new Gilera logo, a stylish update of the historic two-ring insignia, has been placed just above the air intake, while the rear view mirrors, which are now lighter and more minimalist in design, have been removed from the frontal shield and placed on the handlebar.
Naturally, Piaggio has filled in the gaps left by the repositioning of the wing mirrors. Two aerodynamic deflectors now take their place, and also serve to protect the rider's hands. And to give the front-end a superbike touch, the front fairing has been lowered.
The turn signals have also been repositioned. They are now located on the side panels in front, rather than on the rear view mirrors as on the previous model. This contributes to the overall lightness of the design and is more adapted to the avant-garde styling of the new Nexus.
Over at the rear, the restyling incorporates a new set of taillights, with white instead of the usual red plastics to add a modern touch in line with the turn signals on the side panels. Finally, the wheel rims are now painted a sporty Racing Black to round off the eye-catching looks.
To improve riding comfort, the seat is now 25 mm lower and has revised moulding. The redesign also takes in new colours and stitchwork for the upholstery.
Gilera says it paid special attention to the riding position and ergonomics for a set-up that is much better suited to town and sport use, proving that sport riding can be comfortable. A slightly higher handlebar position also ensures increased comfort on tougher rides.
The dashboard graphics are totally new, with the instrument faces receiving a comprehensive restyle to make them resemble those on a chronometer. Attractive red backlighting makes the instruments easier to read, while the gauges themselves have been repositioned for to give the rider a better overall view of all the scooter's important functions.
All the numerous changes add up to a significant overhaul of the Nexus, and should help to cement its position as the sportiest scooter in the world.
In what looks set to be a busy 2006 for the Piaggio Group, the Singapore launch of the Gilera should take place around September or October.
Prior to that, however, the company will be busy rolling out a 400cc-class version of the popular Piaggio X8, most likely in June or July.
Naturally, Piaggio has filled in the gaps left by the repositioning of the wing mirrors. Two aerodynamic deflectors now take their place, and also serve to protect the rider's hands. And to give the front-end a superbike touch, the front fairing has been lowered.
The turn signals have also been repositioned. They are now located on the side panels in front, rather than on the rear view mirrors as on the previous model. This contributes to the overall lightness of the design and is more adapted to the avant-garde styling of the new Nexus.
Over at the rear, the restyling incorporates a new set of taillights, with white instead of the usual red plastics to add a modern touch in line with the turn signals on the side panels. Finally, the wheel rims are now painted a sporty Racing Black to round off the eye-catching looks.
To improve riding comfort, the seat is now 25 mm lower and has revised moulding. The redesign also takes in new colours and stitchwork for the upholstery.
Gilera says it paid special attention to the riding position and ergonomics for a set-up that is much better suited to town and sport use, proving that sport riding can be comfortable. A slightly higher handlebar position also ensures increased comfort on tougher rides.
The dashboard graphics are totally new, with the instrument faces receiving a comprehensive restyle to make them resemble those on a chronometer. Attractive red backlighting makes the instruments easier to read, while the gauges themselves have been repositioned for to give the rider a better overall view of all the scooter's important functions.
All the numerous changes add up to a significant overhaul of the Nexus, and should help to cement its position as the sportiest scooter in the world.
In what looks set to be a busy 2006 for the Piaggio Group, the Singapore launch of the Gilera should take place around September or October.
Prior to that, however, the company will be busy rolling out a 400cc-class version of the popular Piaggio X8, most likely in June or July.
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Picture 1. The instrument package has been given a complete makeover. The gauges sport a chronometer-like look and come with attractive red backlighting.
Picture 2. Storage is excellent, too. Despite the fact that the seat has been lowered by 25mm, the lockable cubby underneath it still has space for a full-face helmet.
Price TBA
Engine 244cc single-cylinder QUASAR 4 stroke with 3-way catalytic converter and electric starter
Power 22bhp at 8,050rpm
Torque 20Nm at 6,500rpm
Transmission Continuously Variable Transmission
Front tyre Tubeless 120/70-14?
Rear tyre Tubeless 120/60-14?
Length 2,100mm
Width 780mm
Wheelbase 1,530mm
Seat height 810mm
Dry weight 174kg
Fuel tank 1.5 litres (including 2.8-litres reserve)
Speed 125km/h
Contact Piaggio Asia Pacific, 6547-4266
Picture 2. Storage is excellent, too. Despite the fact that the seat has been lowered by 25mm, the lockable cubby underneath it still has space for a full-face helmet.
GILERA NEXUS 250 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Price TBAEngine 244cc single-cylinder QUASAR 4 stroke with 3-way catalytic converter and electric starter
Power 22bhp at 8,050rpm
Torque 20Nm at 6,500rpm
Transmission Continuously Variable Transmission
Front tyre Tubeless 120/70-14?
Rear tyre Tubeless 120/60-14?
Length 2,100mm
Width 780mm
Wheelbase 1,530mm
Seat height 810mm
Dry weight 174kg
Fuel tank 1.5 litres (including 2.8-litres reserve)
Speed 125km/h
Contact Piaggio Asia Pacific, 6547-4266