2003 Gilera Runner 125 SP review from United Kingdom

Normal wear and tear punctures, bulbs blown.

Has been excellent, 20,000kms so far and no mechanical problems at all.

This scooter is the best 2 stroke available without a doubt, and will stay that way as you can only get 4 strokes now, which are rubbish. I had the Runner VX 4 stroke - big problems from the beginning.

Very nippy, even with my 15 stone carcass on board. The brakes are excellent, the handling is not great, but this is due to the small wheels. It could never compete with the big wheel bikes for cornering stability.

Super reliable, no problems in 20.000kms.

Good paint as long as you don't get a dayglo orange version, which fades badly.

Easy access to bulbs, fuses etc.

HIGHLY sought after by thieves. If you don't have a garage, don't get one!

Rough handling, but much more chuckable than four strokes due to its light weight and stiffer suspension.

Class leader in its day, need I say more?

I have yet to be beaten by another 125 scooter off the lights. The only thing that has beaten me was another 2 stroke runner.

Excellent potential for uprating. The engine is highly tunable and there are lots of after market kits about. Look for Mallosi 172cc kits if you want to go quicker. These are reputed to the quickest things on two wheels off the lights when tuned.

Only problem is theft. You have to be aware about where you leave it, and always lock it to immovable objects. Even then it does guarantee that the panels will be stolen. I recommend replacing the standard fairing screws with security screws, and fitting an alarm and immobiliser, and a marking system ie. Datatag. You cannot be over secure with these.