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Hi All,

I'm new to the forum, but not Gilera GFR ownership. I've come across the forum and read the thread about owning a GFR so wanted to note for counting that I have one. I've got a standard GFR125 in my garage that I bought in 1998 and used for 3 years (when it worked), before being broken down and stored. Been into bigger bikes since - Honda CBR, Triumph 955i, Ducati's (996 & now a Monster 1100).

I keep tripping over the resprayed frame in the garage, and have decided it is time to start slowly (I have a 3 year old child) slowly restoring it. From memory, the ignition and stator got rewound by Wrex Gaunt Racing in 1999, the original motor has a Kawasaki KX125 big end and conrod fitted into the standard crank - stronger case hardening, the airbox was ditched for a pod filter, and it went like Jo stink.... on a good day. So I've ordered some engine seals and gaskets from PJME, and have the english version of the SP01/02/Crono manual. is there an english GFR 125 manual out there? Any help on the manual front would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks, Andy B

i also own a GFR but mine did never work like it should do

For a manual, have a look at the Handbook & Manuals area here around

ciao Joachim

Only in Italian for the workshop manual unfortunately unless you know of a link to an English version Joachim?

i suppose there is just no english version.
I also have only the italian (and spanish?) one

Sorry, Joachim

PS although i can neither read nor speak italian it is usefull. Together with the manual of the CX, Crono

I used to have two GFRs. Makes for a complete spares kit - though they were usually both running at the same time to be fair.

If it hasn't been used much then you shouldn't have too much trouble with worn suspension components etc. Some of the linkage bearing parts seem to be unobtainium now. I had to have the forks hard chromed on the GFR I still have, but that has done 45000 Kms.

Who did the crank work?

Every day's a good day on a GFR that runs

When I had to have the other one seen to after a top end seizure Bob had still got pistons. King of Piston in Italy list replacements for the SP01, Crono and CX. Not sure if the GFR is the same Joachim?

Hopefully you won't need one though.

SAny problems remembering what screws to what ask on here and I can always go out in the garage and take a photo if it doesn't need the fairing taken off.

Good luck with your rebuild and keep us informed on progress.

Thank you all for your responses and support, I'll have a look at the italian manual and see if Google Translate can make head nor tail of it.

Unfortunately I do need a replacement piston..... PJME list a kit at an eye watering £155.00 and Bob Wright has OEM's left at £130.00, so if I can better either of those costs by going directly to Italy then I'll give a whirl. I don't remember them being that expensive back in the late 90's (relative).


Dave East Engineering in Enderby, Leicester did the crank work after the big end crank pin case hardening failed, possibly due to incorrect oil pump/carb settings which were eventually sorted. Proper job and really reasonable price. I might whip an old piston over to him to see if he can measure up an alternative from a more readily available bike - if I remember correctly, there's a few older (80's vintage) jap make off roaders that run the same cylinder/piston/crank dims as the GFR. Dave East also straightened a magnesium Marchesini front hoop of my old 996 Biposto after running it up a kerb - man of many talents.

Agree that everyday is a good day with a running GFR! I remember having to pay an additional fee to the AA during my first year of ownership as I'd surpassed the 7-8 breakdown limit in one year. Turns out that the primary ignition timing coil was breaking down and going open circuit at high temp, but wouldn't show a problem at ambient temperature. That and a sinking carb float, pod filter and wrong jetting, and a split clutch push actuating rod & ball bearing, was scuppering the awesome ride. She's a proper tempermental mistress.