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COPYRIGHT 2004 Ehlert Publishing Group
When we last visited the world of mega-scooters with the Honda Silver Wing and Suzuki Burgman comparison in the October 2003 issue, Italian-based Aprilia hadn't yet introduced its latest scooter offering, the Scarabeo 500, into the American market. With its larger wheels, motorcycle-style hard luggage and freeway legal cruising speeds, the Scarabeo 500 blurs many of the traditional scooter paradigms.
It manages to combine characteristics of motorcycles--such as copious cargo capacity, high-speed performance and stability-with step-through access, automatic shifting and extensive weather protection in a unique, hybrid fashion. Speaking of fashion, the Scarabeo's styling is definitely a leading edge modern European design. Scooter riders tend to think outside of the motorcycling "box" to start with, and like its 150cc predecessor the Scarabeo 500 is pretty much outside the scooter box as well. More traditional scooter ists can turn to Aprilia's Atlantic 500 model with its more angular lines, but we found plenty of enthusiasts who thought the Scarabeo's curves were quite sexy indeed.
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Motivation comes from a liquid-cooled, 460cc single-cylinder SOHC engine with four valves for improved output. Aprilia rates the engine's peak at 39 crankshaft horsepower at 7.250 revs; maximum rated torque is 29.5 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm. Electronic fuel injection eliminates the need for a carburetor and cold-start control while helping to limit exhaust emissions. A catalytic converter that meets strict new Euro 2 standards further reduces...
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