GILERA NEXUS 300 (2008 - on) Review

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.

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.

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.   

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.

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.

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.