Gilera CX125 : Unusual Futuristic Bike From The 90s

The Gilera CX125: One of the most futuristic and hardly known motorcycles from the 90s!

The Italian manufacturer Gilera revealed their futuristic CX prototype in 1989. Federico Martini was in charge of the design of the CX. Moreover, Federico Martini is the same man who was in control of Bimota DB1 and Tesi projects.

Gilera aimed to mass-produce the CX  in Arcore plant to attract the Italian youth market. In 1990 at the Bologna Show Gilera revealed the production version of the CX. The CX125 later appeared in the dealers the very next year in 1991. Back in the 90s, the CX125 looked like a motorbike from the future. The CX125 also led to the development of various other “unique”  motorcycles later. However, other unique batch manufactured bikes such as the Yamaha GTS and the Bimota Tesi stood out more to the public than the mass-produced CX125.

What is unusual about the CX125?

The Engine

The CX125 featured an unusual 125cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine capable of producing 28 Hp at 10,500 rpm. The CX125 could have been more successful if only Gilera used a bigger engine such as any big-bore V-twin, V4 or any 680cc four-stroke single which were getting popular that time. However, the chassis of the CX125 was remarkable and way ahead of its time.

The SSS suspension

The iconic SSS, single suspension system with a single-sided front fork and swingarm made the bike look futuristic. Unlike the Tesi and the GTS, the front suspension was not hub-centre type but more like a halfway inverted telescopic fork. The lower triple clamps connected to the mainframe by articulated alloy rods held the structure together. While the single damper at each end with the front fork improved the rigidity by 40% and reduced the weight by 30%.

The Braking System

To incorporate braking system on the CX125, a fully floating single disc four-piston piston callipers were used. On top of this, 17-inch wheels accommodated the assembly of the braking system . Since the CX125 weighted only 120Kg the effect of suspension travel affected by the wheels in use was not a problem.

The Frame

As for the bare frame of the CX125, a steel twin-spar frame from Gilera SP02 melds the assembly together. Though steel was used instead of Aluminium, the frame weighed 10Kg.

The Fairing

Aside from the unique engineered quirks of the motorcycle, one of the attention-grabbing features is the CX125’s fairing. The unusual fairing which wraps around a modern instrument cluster still stands out in today’s standards.

Where is Gilera now?

Gilera’s owner Piaggio shut down the production of their motorcycles including the CX in 1993. The current Gilera motorcycles are mostly scooters and the Gilera Fuoco by Piaggio. However, the 2009 Guzzi Diamante contains some of the CX 125’s unique quirks. The designer Filippo Barbacane used the front end of the CX 125 to make the stunning bike.