Gilera Runner 50 (2011–2021): A Decade-Defining 50cc Scooter Reviewed

For over a decade, the Gilera Runner 50 carved its niche as one of Europe’s most recognizable 50cc scooters. Part commuter tool, part sporty urban companion, this Italian-designed two-stroke machine blended practicality with a dash of racing DNA. Having spent time with several variants of this generation—including the Black Soul, White Soul, and SP 50 editions—it’s clear why this scooter developed a cult following. Let’s dissect what made the Runner 50 tick and why it remains relevant for riders today.

Design: Aggressive Lines Meet Functional Ergonomics

The Gilera Runner 50’s design screamed “scooter with attitude.” Unlike the curvaceous Vespa-inspired models dominating city streets, the Runner adopted sharp, angular bodywork reminiscent of sportbikes. The Black Soul edition, with its gold-accented 6-spoke wheels and matte black finish, looked particularly menacing parked outside a café. Even the more subdued White Soul variant retained an athletic stance thanks to its 120/70-14 front and 140/60-13 rear tires—unusually fat rubber for a 50cc machine.

At 1,840 mm (72.4 inches) long and 750 mm (29.5 inches) wide, the Runner felt planted without sacrificing lane-filtering agility. The 810–815 mm (31.9–32.1 inches) seat height accommodated riders from 160 cm (5’3”) tall upward, though the narrow seat profile had taller testers craving more thigh support during hour-long rides. Underseat storage? Forget it—this was a scooter prioritizing style over grocery-hauling practicality.

Engine and Performance: Two-Stroke Snarl in a Euro II World

The heart of the Runner 50 was its liquid-cooled Hi-PER2 Pro engine—a 49.3–49.4cc single-cylinder two-stroke that punched above its displacement. With 4.4–4.5 HP (3.2–3.3 kW) peaking at 7,250 RPM and torque ranging between 4.6–4.7 Nm (3.4–3.5 ft.lbs), acceleration felt brisk for a restricted 50cc. The automatic CVT transmission eliminated gear shifts, allowing riders to focus on weaving through traffic.

Cold mornings highlighted the dual electric/kick starter’s value—a few prods on the kick lever often worked better than relying solely on the battery. Once warmed up, the engine settled into a characterful two-stroke burble. Top speed? Expect 45–50 km/h (28–31 mph) stock, though many owners couldn’t resist derestricting the exhaust or ECU for 65+ km/h (40+ mph) thrills.

The liquid cooling system (rare in 50cc scooters) proved its worth during summer gridlock, preventing the power drops that plague air-cooled rivals. Fuel economy hovered around 33–35 km/l (78–82 mpg), translating to 230+ km (143+ miles) from the 7-liter (1.85-gallon) tank—a week’s worth of commuting for most urban riders.

Ride Experience: Sporty Handling With a Caveat

Swing a leg over the Runner 50, and you immediately sense its sportbike aspirations. The flat, wide handlebars encouraged an aggressive lean-forward posture—a stark contrast to the upright ergonomics of competitors like the Honda Vision 50. On twisty backroads, this setup paid dividends. The Runner carved corners with stability atypical of small-wheeled scooters, aided by its upside-down telescopic forks (on SP and Soul models) and hydraulic rear shock.

Braking performance surprised too. The 220 mm front disc (175 mm rear) with hydraulic calipers offered bite and progression missing from drum-brake rivals. During emergency stops from 50 km/h (31 mph), the Runner shed speed confidently, though the 103 kg (227 lbs) wet weight reminded you this wasn’t a featherweight machine.

Urban commuting revealed compromises. The stiff suspension that shone on smooth tarmac transmitted every pothole through the seat on battered city streets. At walking speeds, the CVT’s engagement felt jerky compared to Honda’s smoother transmissions. Still, the compact 1,270 mm (50-inch) wheelbase made U-turns a breeze—a boon in cramped European alleys.

Competition: How the Runner 50 Stacks Up

Aprilia SR 50: The Runner’s archrival shared its Italian DNA and two-stroke engine. While the Aprilia offered more premium touches (like digital dashboards on later models), the Gilera countered with better corrosion resistance and simpler maintenance. Both topped out around 50 km/h stock, but the Runner’s liquid cooling gave it an edge in stop-and-go reliability.

Peugeot Speedfight 4: Lighter at 92 kg (203 lbs) and cheaper to insure, the Speedfight appealed to budget-conscious teens. However, its air-cooled engine wilted in traffic, and the plasticky build quality couldn’t match the Gilera’s robust steel frame.

Yamaha Aerox 50: Yamaha’s answer blended Japanese reliability with radical styling. The Aerox’s larger 13-inch wheels provided better bump absorption, but its 4.1 HP engine felt lethargic next to the Gilera’s livelier power delivery.

The Runner 50 carved its niche by balancing sporty aesthetics with mechanical substance. It wasn’t the cheapest, lightest, or most practical 50cc scooter, but few matched its character.

Maintenance: Keeping the Two-Stroke Spirit Alive

Owning a Runner 50 means embracing two-stroke quirks. Here’s what to watch:

1. Oil Mixing System: The automatic oiler is generally reliable, but check lines for cracks annually. Many owners switch to pre-mixed fuel (1:50 ratio) for track days—just remember to disable the oil pump first!

2. Carburetor Care: The 19 mm Dell’Orto carb loves to clog if left sitting. A quarterly clean with compressed air prevents cold-start dramas. Consider upgrading to a performance air filter for better airflow.

3. Cooling System: Flush the coolant every two years or 5,000 km (3,100 miles). Watch for weepage around the water pump—a common failure point after 15,000 km (9,300 miles).

4. Suspension Refresh: The upside-down forks benefit from a seal kit every 10,000 km (6,200 miles). Stiffer aftermarket springs (available at MOTOPARTS.store) enhance cornering for aggressive riders.

5. Exhaust Upkeep: Derestricting the stock pipe wakes up the engine but expect to repack the silencer annually. Many opt for aftermarket expansion chambers, though these require rejetting the carb.

Conclusion: A Scooter That Refuses to Fade Away

The Gilera Runner 50’s 2011–2021 run proved that 50cc scooters needn’t be disposable transportation. Its liquid-cooled engine, sporty chassis, and head-turning design created a package that still resonates today. While emissions regulations have sidelined new two-strokes in Europe, the Runner remains a compelling used buy for urban riders craving mechanical engagement.

Would we recommend one in 2024? Absolutely—provided you’re willing to embrace its quirks. With proper maintenance (and maybe a performance exhaust from our catalog), this Italian underdog transforms from grocery getter to urban rocketship. Just don’t blame us when that two-stroke grin becomes permanent.

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