Many of us, when we think of scooters, think - small, noisy, very underpowered. We imagine their riders as people with little regard for themselves or anyone else on the road.
So, when I was asked a few months ago to test an automatic scooter, I have to admit to being a little sceptical. However, when it was explained that the Gilera Nexus 500 was aimed at the business commuter, I decided to give it a go with an open mind.
The Nexus 500 is categorised as a maxi-scooter. It has proper bike numbers - a 1,515mm wheelbase, motorcycle-sized wheels, 15-inch front and 14-inch rear with disc brakes front and back.
Angular and sporty, it looks very good in red.
Build quality seems solid but only time will tell. Mirrors, with integrated indicators, are well placed, giving great rear views - but at speed they vibrated a lot on their long stalks.
The screen, with three height adjustments, provides very good wind protection but you have to move it up or down manually if it is getting in the way.
The seat tapers in from the back, is amply padded and provides enough comfort even for wider bottoms. Ample secure underseat storage is provided - enough, Gilera claims, to take a full-face helmet.
There is a good-sized seat for a pillion passenger, grab rails on either side and an optional 28-litre top box with padding to give good back support.
Foot pegs tuck neatly away into the fairing when not in use. Handlebars are at a comfortable height and make for a relaxed ride.
The only problem I found with the riding position was that the foot board is a little too wide. I had to move well forward in the seat to get my legs on the ground when stoping - it's something you get used to, maybe a regular thing on scooters.
Controls are easily reached with a handy button on the bars to change between the trips, clock and so on.
Power comes from a 460cc single cylinder Master four- stroke engine producing 40.12bhp at 7,500 rpm with a 92mm bore and 69mm stroke. Transmission is "twist and go", with automatic clutch and continuously variable transmission.
What this actually means is a very linear delivery of power when opening the throttle. It feeds in nicely with no noticeable dips or surges, right up to its top speed of 100 mph.
The Nexus 500 accelerates well, but if you're looking for that rush of speed generally associated with sports bikes, look elsewhere. However, I found that there was more than enough power for any overtaking.
Surprisingly enough for something weighing in at 216 kg fully fuelled, the bike handles well at high speeds. There is no buffeting, as I had expected with something this size.
The Kayaba front telehydraulic forks and Kayaba gas rear shock provide a smooth ride and it corners really well, considering it's a scooter.
Stopping power comes from double front 260 mm diameter discs with floating callipers and Brembo pistons and single 240 mm diameter fixed calliper rear.
A pull on the left lever engages one front disk and the rear disk. The right lever activates the other front disk when full braking is required.
Brakes are sufficiently powerful to stop the bike from any speed although they can stab a bit in traffic.
If you're looking for a comfortable, easy-to-use and relaxed commuter, Gilera has you covered.
It travels very well, is suitable for all weathers and has more storage space then a typical motorcycle - but you don't get the same ride as you would from a clutch-and-geared bike.
TechSpec
ENGINE: 460cc, four-valve, single cylinder MASTER , SOHC, four-stroke, 40.12bhp at 7,500 rpm, 43 Nm torque at 5,500 rpm, CVT transmission
FRAME: Double cradle, high-tensile steel tubes, Kayaba telehydraulic front forks and progressive power drive rear, 15" front and 14" rear wheels
DIMENSIONS: Seat height 780 mm, running weight 216 kg, fuel capacity 15 ltrs
INSURANCE: Group 6 PRICE: €7,900