GILERA NEXUS 300 (2008 - on) Review

At a glance

Power:	22 bhp
Seat height:	Medium (32.1 in / 815 mm)
Weight:	Low (384 lbs / 174 kg)

Prices

New £3,699

Used N/A

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Gilera Nexus sits between the Nexus 125 and the Nexus 500 as the mid-capacity sporty scooter in the Gilera range. The design is based around the concept of a sportsbike, but adapted for a CVT step-through scooter. It’s certainly sportier than most big scoots – but essentially it’s a commuter with a sports image.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

4 out of 5 (4/5)

It’s quite a shock to turn a corner on the Nexus 300 for the first time, because unlike most scooters it responds like a motorcycle. The wheels and tyres are closer to a bike which helps, but the design is sports orientated too. Suspension quality isn’t great and high speed corners require effort and accuracy, and the brakes can’t be grabbed too hard because there’s not much feel for the front tyre.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Nexus 300’s single-cylinder four-stroke engine is typical CVT fare – open the throttle and it accelerates forward smoothly at a respectable pace without any excitement. Top speed is around 90mph on the dial and acceleration is enough to see off most cars, but it’s fairly unexceptional.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Gilera Nexus 300’s design is snazzy, and the sporty looking panels fit of, though the infill panels look cheap. Like all Piaggio group scooters, the finish on the metal parts suffers horribly with neglect, so it’s vital to wash and protect it if you want it to retain value.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Gilera has tried hard to make a commuter scooter snazzy and sporty, but scooters in the UK are sold as transport – there’s no need for them to emulate a sports bike, which is why there are very few Nexus’ seen on UK roads. Find a Gilera Nexus 300 review.

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

There’s enough room under the seat for a helmet, and the electronic dash provides useful info for the rider. Two vents in the leg shields open to allow hot air from the radiator to wash over your legs in cold weather. There’s a room for a medium-sized pillion too. Compare and buy parts for the Gilera Nexus 300 in the MCN Shop.

Specs
Engine size	278cc
Engine type	4v liquid-cooled single cylinder, CVT transmission
Frame type	Tubular steel double cradle
Fuel capacity	15 litres
Seat height	815mm
Bike weight	174kg
Front suspension	None
Rear suspension	Preload only
Front brake	260mm single disc, two-piston sliding caliper
Rear brake	240mm disc, two-piston sliding caliper
Front tyre size	120/70-15
Rear tyre size	140/60-14

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	55 mpg
Annual road tax	£57
Annual service cost	-
New price	£3,699
Used price	-
Insurance group	7 of 17 How much to insure?
Warranty term	Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power	22 bhp
Max torque	16.9 ft-lb
Top speed	85 mph
1/4 mile acceleration	-
Tank range	220 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

Gilera Nexus 250 (2006-2008) - The Nexus 300’s predecessor is almost identical in power, and has slightly less torque, but largely offers the same experience. A mint used one offers better value than a new 300.

Other versions

Gilera Nexus 125 – Same style, but with a learner legal 125cc four-stroke engine. It costs £3049, and isn’t any quicker or more useful than cheaper 125s, so few are sold.
Gilera Nexus 500 (2003-current) – Until Gilera introduced the 70bhp GP800, this was its flagship sports scooter. Good for over 100mph on the speedo, it never managed to match the success of the Yamaha T-Max in Europe. Handles well because the engine is mounted on the chassis, not the swingarm like smaller scooters.