Gilera Fuoco 500ie, racy performance on three wheels

Gilera Fuocos tail design is stark and minimalist. © Grupo Piaggio. Three wheels for people who want "Safe fun", this is the new Gilera Fuoco 500ie phylosophy. The three-wheeler equipes the new double ignition MASTER 500 engine and a revolutionary parallelogram front suspension.

The latest product from the two-ring brand boasts top engine performance, ideally backed up by revolutionary running gear to provide astonishing ride quality. The Gilera Fuoco 500 streaks away from traffic lights and takes all kinds of terrain in its stride, handling twisty mountain roads and long motorway rides in all safety whatever the weather conditions thanks to its two front wheels commanded by an extraordinary parallelogram front suspension. This revolutionary technical set-up ensures impeccable road holding in all riding conditions, with stability and braking power that no conventional scooter can provide.

The Gilera Fuoco's innovative looks get its rider noticed. The front end of the Gilera Fuoco 500 is attention grabbing: its decisive shape expresses strength and character and hints at the incredible performance of the all-new 500cc single cylinder engine.
The two-wheel frontal is marked by a steel tube bumper with metal mesh inserts that give the vehicle a rugged look. The front design protects the rider and the mechanicals while putting the unique front suspension technology on display. Other wicked touches are the sleek ‘naked' handlebar in chrome-plated metal, black ten-spoke wheel rims and grooved tyre treads reminiscent of off-road bikes. The five-lamp headlight unit is not only striking to look at but highly effective as well; the two biggest lamps are equipped with off-road-style shockproof covers. The ash-grey front fairing and front shield fairing offer remarkable aerodynamic protection. There is a wide, comfortable footrest panel behind the front shield fairing.

The tail design is stark and minimalist, a mix of plastics and tubes that picks up on the styling of the frontal with a very useful rear rack, while the wide, comfortable seat ensures total comfort for both rider and passenger thanks to its ergonomic design and negligible height difference between the two parts of the seat.

The steel tube frame conceals the powerful, reliable new MASTER 500 double ignition engine, a 4 valve, 4 stroke unit with electronic injection and liquid cooling. The capacity of the new MASTER engine has been upped to 492 cc to obtain maximum power of 40 hp at 7,000 rpm and maximum torque of over 42 Nm at 5,500 rpm. The introduction of the twin spark system has also made it possible to optimise fuel combustion inside the cylinder, with a reduction in noise and gas emissions. The result is a smooth, high-performance engine, very torquey at low and medium range rpm, that takes the Gilera Fuoco 500 ie to top speed of over 150 km/h while fully respecting Euro 3 norms thanks to the advanced closed loop injection circuit with a Lambda sensor and three-way catalytic converter in the in the exhaust pipe.

The engine's exuberance is skilfully managed by the sophisticated running gear. The innovative parallelogram front suspension's tilt mechanism is composed of four cast aluminium arms, with four hinges fixed to the central tube and two guide tubes on either side of the parallelogram, connected to the arms via suspension pins and ball bearings. This means that the Gilera Fuoco 500 ie as easy to ride as a traditional scooter, while its incredible stability, especially when cornering and braking, comes from its two front wheels.

Standard equipment includes an electro-hydraulic front suspension locking system that keeps the Fuoco 500 upright without a central stand. This makes it extremely easy to park anywhere. What's more, there's no need to put your feet on the ground to keep your balance when stopped at a traffic light.

Optimal rear end stability is guaranteed by a 14" rear wheel with a generous 140/70 tyre, while three 240mm disk brakes with dual-piston calipers ensure fast, efficient braking.
(Grupo Piaggio)

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