Aprilia Scooters, the good and the bad?

[guyruss]

I just discovered from another thread a photo of the Aprilia scaboreo 500cc. I just fell in love with it. I even like the 2008 models better because it is light , fast, manueverable. Im a little weary about the scoot because I haven't hardly heard any info on the bike, parts, service, performance. I have searched on the Aprilia sites but havent heard from people who actually own the bikes. Tell me anything anyone can about this bike, and company. And I promise I won't become a snob if I buy one because I allready am, Im French. ;D

Scoota-Rollin-Friends,
Russ

[dudel]

guyruss said:

Aprilia scaboreo 500cc... info on the bike, parts, service, performance.

Piaggio (owner of the Vespa brand) recently acquired Aprilia. The 2007/2008 Scarabeo 500IE Light is a redesigned Piaggio Beverly 500. It uses the same engine, same frame, same suspension, same transmission, same brakes, etc. The 500IE has a few improvements over the BV500 such as room for a full-face helmet under the seat and adjustable two-part windshield. Both the BV500 and 500IE are nimble in the city yet provided gobs of midrange power and torque for highway riding. Between the two, the 500IE is my preference. The 500 engine is very reliable and parts shouldn't be an issue particularly with the fact that most mechanical parts are shared between the BV500 and 500IE.

Just to be clear, we are talking about the 2007/2008 Aprilia Scarabeo 500IE Light not the discontinued full-size touring Scarabeo 500 ABS (2006 and earlier) which is about 150-lbs heavier.

[guyruss]

Thanks Dude

That answeres alot about the questions that I was wondering about regarding parts, performance. I am probably going to get this bike sometime next year before spring.

Hear is a karma for ya, for good info.

Thanks,
Russ

[jontam]

My neighbor has the Aprilia Mojito 150 which is there retro model. I'm impressed with the engine and handling. He has had zero problems with it. He and I went to the dealer yesterday so he could order the correct windshield and I was able to browse a bit. Nice sitting position on the Scarabeo 500ie. Seems well made. The people there suggest it will get close to 100mph. The parts guys at the dealership did say that parts can take awhile to get if they don't have them in stock...but, they seldom have stuff break. I thought the SportCity nice as well..just a bit short on storage. JJ

[julio]

This is to coment on reliability, check out Julio B Ocean to Ocean, pictures.

www.scootertrap.com/photos.htm

I rode mine from Miami, FL to San Francisco Ca and back, then to Myrtle Beach SC where I settled then almost everyday to work and the only reliability problem was one screw in a tire wich I had to plug and oil changes. The Touring S500 GT and the one you are interested in, the S500 ie share the same drivetrain and Master engine. The Aprilia dealer network is still lacking but with the Piaggio aquisition I can only hope that the Vespa and Piaggio dealers will eventually carry the Aprilia brand.

[julio]

So you know, Aprilia lowered the price of the leftovers 06' even more...
www.motointernational.com/HDB_7_05.htm

[guyruss]

Thanks julio, (I think). Those prices seem very tempting, im gonna have to wait untill tax time, or if the VA pays me all the back up $$ im intitled too. I really like the 08 model the best though. It is quit abit lighter for manueverability.

I really want that scoot.
Russ

[julio]

I actually havent seen the 08 model but one benefit of buying the Aprilia S500 ie over the BV500 is the standard 2yr warranty.