Aprilia Scarabeo 500: ease of use

Sixty years ago they invented the Vespa, but today they are proving that in big cities, you can overcome the annoying city crowd and get to work in a good mood and without stress. Maxi scooters could be the logical outgrowth of the situation for more than a decade (more car metal on the roads) as they are faster, more comfortable, roomier and cleaner than the little 50cc buzzers.

Living with one like the Aprilia Scarabeo 500, which was updated and replanted for the first time this year (donor Piaggio), comes during the months when morning temperatures aren't too close to freezing and rain doesn't blow the pavement nearly every day. a great alternative to a car. If you are not a motorcyclist, we conclude that you have not yet experienced the beneficial effect when, instead of waiting drearily in a motionless sheet metal column, you slowly slip past and save time. Today, however, it is a valuable commodity because it is missing from everything.

The good thing about all this is that you don't have to become a motorcyclist to use a scooter like this every day. We are not saying that riding on two wheels will not impress you so strongly that you will one day become one, but the Scarabeo can do more than just make you work. You can go anywhere with him. For example, on a ride with the most expensive one, who sits in a comfortable seat, supported by just the right soft suspension, is much more comfortable than on most motorcycles. The single-cylinder engine with 38 "horses" is capable of developing good speed.

Over 160 mph is masochistic as the engine is not athletic and there are also slight hesitation, but between 100 and 140 mph it rides beautifully at a relaxed touring pace. We also appreciated the wind protection, which effectively protects the knees and upper body in the morning cold, and the spacious under-seat trunk where we store our helmet and bag. In addition, in front of the knees there is an additional box for gloves or documents. There really is no shortage of space to load and store small items.

We only missed it in front of the driver, as the handlebar is too close to the body for the ergonomics to be said to be completely flawless.

Aprilia's ease of use has been successfully added to the convenience of two-wheeled newcomers. The brakes are just right, the grip is soft but effective enough to stop the entire 200kg.

he holds the Scarabeo when he's ready to ride. Since this mass is not felt while driving and is maneuverable enough even for the narrowest lanes, it brings another smile to the driver's face.

Petr Kavchich

Aprilia Scarabeo 500

Test car price: 1.249.991 SIT.

Technical information

engine: 4-stroke, 1-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 459 cc, 3 kW (29 hp) at 38 rpm, 7.750 Nm at 43 rpm, electronic fuel injection.

Switch: automatic centrifugal.

Energy transfer: Automatic transmission, continuously variable, chain.

Frame: tubular steel double.

Suspension:The front is a classic 40 mm telescopic fork, the rear is a double shock absorber.

brakes: front 2 coils with a diameter of 260 mm, back 1x coil with a diameter of 220 mm, built-in.

Tires: before 110 / 70-16, back 150 / 70-14. Wheelbase: 1.535 mm.

Seat height from ground: 780 mm.

Fuel tank / test flow: 13, 2 l / 3, 9 l.

Dry weight: 189 kg.

Contact person: Auto Triglav, Ltd., Ljubljana, tel. №: 01-588-45.

We praise:

• ease of use in urban and suburban transport
• windshield is sewn up
• equipment (alarm, remote trunk lock, built-in brakes)
• funky lining with a retro twist
• plenty of space for small items and small items of luggage
• undemanding to use

We scold:

• the driving position is a bit tight for tall drivers
• oscillation at a speed of 160 kilometers per hour