Aprilia Scarabeo 500 IE-Likes/dislikes/problems

[Cortez]

Originally Posted by btcn

Your looking into a bigger scooter though? I mean if bikes are cheaper than big scooters over there, then maybe a bike that meets your needs better? Or find a good deal on a used scoot. I personally love scooters, but if a bike costs less and makes more sense, I won't have much of a choice.

No, bike's are as expensive as scooters generally, but the burgman (and
majesty/silverwing) is a special case for some reason, they're hugely overpriced.

All Jap bikes (and scoots) went up in prices in the last 2 years by a lot.. only
Kawasaki remained about the same.

I really enjoy riding my ER6F, but other then it being fun, it's not checking
any of the other important boxes (cheap to run, practicality/storage, 2up
comfort, wind protection, no-gears smoothness for around town etc) and
I can only afford to keep one bike, and even that is streching it a bit if
it's anything over 250cc.

I should just probably get the Downtown 300 and be done with it, but I've gotta
sell my Kwak and my car first, and no one even called in 2 months that they've
been in online ads!

[gumshoe4]

When I was thinking about getting a freeway-capable automatic motorcycle (I hate the term scooter to describe such bikes), I looked at a really nice new Scarabeo 500 at a local dealer who handles Aprilia, Kaw, Suzuki and Ducati. The machine is very handsome and well-built, IMHO, but the sales guy, who is a personal friend of mine, mentioned that parts availability was often problematic. I ended up with a used Silverwing, which has been an excellent machine capable of local and touring expeditions, but I must admit that I still like the Scarabeo. It's still there.....

[Cortez]

Originally Posted by gumshoe4

When I was thinking about getting a freeway-capable automatic motorcycle (I hate the term scooter to describe such bikes), I looked at a really nice new Scarabeo 500 at a local dealer who handles Aprilia, Kaw, Suzuki and Ducati. The machine is very handsome and well-built, IMHO, but the sales guy, who is a personal friend of mine, mentioned that parts availability was often problematic. I ended up with a used Silverwing, which has been an excellent machine capable of local and touring expeditions, but I must admit that I still like the Scarabeo. It's still there.....

No parts problems here (never was one) since Italy is right next door..

[btcn]

Originally Posted by Cortez

No, bike's are as expensive as scooters generally, but the burgman (and
majesty/silverwing) is a special case for some reason, they're hugely overpriced.

All Jap bikes (and scoots) went up in prices in the last 2 years by a lot.. only
Kawasaki remained about the same.

I really enjoy riding my ER6F, but other then it being fun, it's not checking
any of the other important boxes (cheap to run, practicality/storage, 2up
comfort, wind protection, no-gears smoothness for around town etc) and
I can only afford to keep one bike, and even that is streching it a bit if
it's anything over 250cc.

I should just probably get the Downtown 300 and be done with it, but I've gotta
sell my Kwak and my car first, and no one even called in 2 months that they've
been in online ads!

Yea, I think a Downtown 300 will work well for you. If its a decent price, then I'd say go for it! I sure like the new 300!

Also is a SYM an option over there? The RV 250 is cheaper here, but it is a serious 250 scooter. It has the performance of almost a 400, acceleration is about the same, and top speed is close at 91 MPH as SYM claims.

But if its not, the Downtown is a fantastic scooter, everyone wants one! Or any of the other scoots available.

[Cortez]

Originally Posted by btcn

Yea, I think a Downtown 300 will work well for you. If its a decent price, then I'd say go for it! I sure like the new 300!

Also is a SYM an option over there? The RV 250 is cheaper here, but it is a serious 250 scooter. It has the performance of almost a 400, acceleration is about the same, and top speed is close at 91 MPH as SYM claims.

But if its not, the Downtown is a fantastic scooter, everyone wants one! Or any of the other scoots available.

Sym is available at my Kymco dealership, but I don't see a model that would
fit me better then the Downtown, and I seriously doubt the RV's 23,4hp
engine would do 90mph Being a 250,6cc engine puts it in the same
tax/insurance category with the Downtown here, there's no ABS option available
etc.. anyways, I'm sure it's a great scoot but I like the Downtown better.

EDIT: Just checked, we also get the EVO version of that Sym scoot with 300cc and upgraded
stuff.. and it came in 6th out of 7 scooters in a group test in a local mag, behind the xciting 300
(5th). The Downtown won that review in every single part of the test.

[btcn]

Originally Posted by Cortez

Sym is available at my Kymco dealership, but I don't see a model that would
fit me better then the Downtown, and I seriously doubt the RV's 23,4hp
engine would do 90mph Being a 250,6cc engine puts it in the same
tax/insurance category with the Downtown here, there's no ABS option available
etc.. anyways, I'm sure it's a great scoot but I like the Downtown better.

EDIT: Just checked, we also get the EVO version of that Sym scoot with 300cc and upgraded
stuff.. and it came in 6th out of 7 scooters in a group test in a local mag, behind the xciting 300
(5th). The Downtown won that review in every single part of the test.

I don't know, I do here the RV can do 90 MPH. But then again, the only thing to consider is that it very likely has a very optimistic speedo, so maybe its more like 80-85 MPH, which is about the same as the Reflex 250.

But yea, the Downtown is probably a better overall scoot.

[Bugtussle]

Originally Posted by UP N MTNS

I've only owned the Aprilia Scarabeo 500IE a few days but I can tell you its a great ride, it will out pull most cars from a stop and will climb right up to 80-90mph if you keep on it..

Most owners say it will top 100mph!! I was two up on the freeway doing 85mph (keeping up with traffic) and it still had plenty to give for passing. She rode stable and I was confident and comfortable at those speeds. The large wheel size is the key to this, I've had small wheeled scoots 8"/10" and going over 50mph can get twitchy

I'm in love with this scoot, its acts/rides like a motorcycle..
SCOOTERCYCLE!!!

Go test ride one and you'll see... It's all good.

Hi I bumping up this thread to see how life is with your Beo 500ie? I just bought a new 09 a few weeks ago and other than the vibration I get in the hand grips I really like it.

[Quigg]

I owned one of these for a year. I used it for daily commuting on a mix of freeway, expressway, and city streets. I did a couple of long trips and a couple of two-up rides. Here are my observations:

1. If you want a freeway commuter, it is excellent. Plenty of power, good mileage, excellent storage (I'd add a top box, though). IT will out-accelerate most of the traffic and can hang out in the commuter lane, no problem. The automatic transmission is great in rush hour traffic, but the stock windscreen is terrible. I had that tall screen shown, made by Givi. It protects you, but is so tall you have to look through it. Also, your legs are somewhat protected by the leg shield, unlike on a motorcycle. Nice in the winter. But a Vespa 250 protects you better.

2. In town, it's easier than a motorcycle due to the automatic transmission, but not as easy as s smaller scooter or motorcycle (say, a 250) due to the extra weight. If your commute is only on city streets, it's more than you need.

3. If you want to ride the twisties, it is not ideal. It handles fine. The problem is the automatic transmission. It lags and bit and doesn't let you accelerate quicly out of a corner. Frustrating if your riding partner is on a motorcycle!

So, it doesn't do everything well. It is a decent scooter (once you fix the fuel clamp issue mentioned above) if you don't need something sporty. I ended up selling mine because my Vespa 250 is a better in-town vehicle, and buying a used Suzuki 650 V-Strom for longer trips and mountain riding.

[cdwise]

No problems on twisties with my Beo. Better than many of the bikes I ride with, worse than others.

As for the vibration in the handlebars, I don't have it but I have heavier bar ends due to my Givi trunk. You may want to try some.

[Bugtussle]

Originally Posted by cdwise

No problems on twisties with my Beo. Better than many of the bikes I ride with, worse than others.

As for the vibration in the handlebars, I don't have it but I have heavier bar ends due to my Givi trunk. You may want to try some.

Im currently trying to find some. A guy on another forum stated the his weigh 2.75 lbs each. I find that a little hard to believe unless they are made out of lead. Would mind telling me how long yours are? That will help me in my search. I have installed a GIVI box.

[cdwise]

Originally Posted by Bugtussle

Im currently trying to find some. A guy on another forum stated the his weigh 2.75 lbs each. I find that a little hard to believe unless they are made out of lead. Would mind telling me how long yours are? That will help me in my search. I have installed a GIVI box.

2 1/8" which is about 3/4" longer than the stock ones on our BV 500 (soon to be replaced.)

[Bugtussle]

Originally Posted by cdwise

2 1/8" which is about 3/4" longer than the stock ones on our BV 500 (soon to be replaced.)

Thanks for the info, that will help in my search.

[Sly-one]

Originally Posted by Quigg

I owned one of these for a year. I used it for daily commuting on a mix of freeway, expressway, and city streets. I did a couple of long trips and a couple of two-up rides. Here are my observations:

1. If you want a freeway commuter, it is excellent.
2. In town, it's easier than a motorcycle due to the automatic transmission, but not as easy as s smaller scooter or motorcycle (say, a 250) due to the extra weight. If your commute is only on city streets, it's more than you need.
3. If you want to ride the twisties, it is not ideal. It handles fine. The problem is the automatic transmission.
So, it doesn't do everything well. It is a decent scooter (once you fix the fuel clamp issue mentioned above) if you don't need something sporty. I ended up selling mine because my Vespa 250 is a better in-town vehicle, and buying a used Suzuki 650 V-Strom for longer trips and mountain riding.

Which model did you have, the 500i or 500GT? That's the first time I've heard of any lag being a problem on these.

[AlexE]

fuel level senson fluctuates, speedometer fluctuates as well, what could be wrong, no MIL light present.

[Cortez]

Originally Posted by AlexE

fuel level senson fluctuates, speedometer fluctuates as well, what could be wrong, no MIL light present.

I've seen dashboards go out across Aprilia/Piaggio stuff, usually after a
nice rain.