Vehicle Type:
Maxi-scooter
Brand Positioning:
Gilera, a Piaggio Group brand, is known for performance-oriented scooters and motorcycles.
Competitors 2005 2006:
Yamaha TMAX 500, Suzuki Burgman 650, Honda Silver Wing 600, Aprilia Atlantic 500.
Design Philosophy:
The Nexus 500 was positioned as a sporty, agile maxi-scooter with motorcycle-like handling and performance.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners and technicians to perform comprehensive maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs, reducing reliance on specialized workshops.
Content Organization:
Features a numbered table of contents for quick information retrieval and utilizes bold figure numbers to link illustrations with instructions.
Engine:
Detailed repair, maintenance, and rebuilding procedures for the 500cc engine.
Transmission:
Covers maintenance, repair, and diagnostics for the transmission system.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive coverage including detailed wiring diagrams, troubleshooting, and electrical service procedures.
Chassis And Suspension:
Includes procedures for suspension, steering, and chassis components.
Brakes:
Detailed information on brake system maintenance and repair.
Fuel System:
Covers fuel delivery, injection (if applicable), and related components.
Cooling System:
Maintenance and repair procedures for the engine's cooling system.
Exhaust System:
Information on exhaust system components and service.
Bodywork And Trim:
Procedures for body panels, trim, and related components.
Routine Maintenance:
Covers all routine maintenance tasks as per service schedules.
Troubleshooting:
Extensive troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues, including electrical diagnostics.
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for engine rebuilding and overhaul.
Component Replacement:
Guidance on replacing all major and minor vehicle components.
Diagnostics:
In-depth diagnostic procedures for all vehicle systems.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
Detail Level:
Detailed sub-steps, notes, cautions, and warnings provided for each procedure.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, single-cylinder
Displacement:
493 cc (approx.)
Bore X Stroke:
Typically around 94 mm x 71 mm (specifics to be confirmed in manual)
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Valve Train:
SOHC, 4 valves
Horsepower Output:
Around 33-35 HP (Specific dyno figures may vary, manual will provide official specs)
Torque Output:
Around 40-45 Nm (Specific figures to be confirmed in manual)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Keihin or similar ECU likely
Ignition System:
Digital electronic ignition
Oil Type:
Full Synthetic SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 (Specific Gilera recommendation in manual)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.5 - 1.7 liters (check manual for precise capacity and filter change amount)
Length:
Approximately 2170 mm (specifics in manual)
Width:
Approximately 780 mm (specifics in manual)
Height:
Approximately 1450 mm (specifics in manual)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 1505 mm (specifics in manual)
Dry Weight:
Around 185-190 kg (specifics in manual)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not explicitly stated, but implies capacity for rider and cargo.
Front Tire Size:
120/70-15 (Typical, verify in manual)
Rear Tire Size:
160/60-15 (Typical, verify in manual)
Crash Test Results:
N/A (Motorcycle/Scooter safety is assessed differently than cars, but chassis integrity and braking performance are key)
Braking System:
Front: Dual hydraulic disc brakes; Rear: Single hydraulic disc brake. ABS may have been an option on some models, verify for 2005-2006.
Lighting:
Dual headlights, LED taillight (typical for the era).
Instrument Cluster:
Digital and analog display for speed, RPM, fuel level, engine temperature, clock, odometer, trip meter. Indicator lights for turn signals, high beam, oil pressure, etc.
ABS Availability:
ABS was an optional feature for some models in this range. Manual will clarify if ABS is covered and its operation.
Charging Port:
Likely features a 12V auxiliary power outlet for charging devices (verify in manual).
Oil Change:
Every 6,000 km or annually (verify specific interval in manual)
Air Filter Check:
Every 6,000 km (clean/replace as needed, verify in manual)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 12,000 km (verify in manual)
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 12,000 km or 24,000 km (verify in manual)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant (e.g., Piaggio Coolant or equivalent, verify in manual)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (verify in manual for specific requirements)
Common Wear Items:
CVT belt and rollers, suspension bushings, brake pads.
Potential Electrical Gremlins:
While not endemic, any older Italian scooter can have minor electrical connection issues if not maintained. The manual's electrical diagrams are invaluable.
Engine Reliability:
The 500cc engine is generally robust, but regular maintenance is key to longevity. Overheating can be an issue if the cooling system is neglected.
Manufacturer:
Gilera is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer with a long history dating back to 1909, now part of the Piaggio Group.
Nexus Lineage:
The Nexus 500 represented Gilera's strong offering in the performance maxi-scooter segment, emphasizing sportiness and comfort.
Manufacturing Location:
Italy (Piaggio Group plants)