Aprilia Scarabeo 500 ABS reviews

Until you experience the thrill of accelerating from 0 to 70+ with NO gear changes, you can't really understand this bike. The sensation is very much like taking off in a jet -- pure, straight thrust all the way. The bike may look like a sport bike, but it's really more of a GT. What you won't read about is how useful the CVT is for engine braking! I can come down from 10,000' without touching the brakes. The control I get with that throttle, both power on and off, is amazing. Then once you get under about 17 mph., it freewheels all the way to 0. I really enjoy not having to hold back the clutch or put it in neutral at stoplights just to stretch and take my hands off the handlebars for a couple minutes. This reduces the fatigue factor quite a lot. Note: I have NO issues with shifting a traditional bike, but after years of stop and go traffic where I used to live, I thought I'd give this a try. This has proven to be an excellent decision. There are so many things on this bike that have my friends jealous, most notably -- the storage compartment (where the tank usually is). I'm in and out of that thing constantly and wonder how I ever lived without it. Overall, I would encourage anyone to disregard any naysaying about the CVT. So far exactly 0 EXPERIENCED bikers have failed to notice the fact that it's CVT unless I point it out. This is by far the best bike I've ever ridden, period. Get one! Show less

I bought my scooter (first time 2 wheel rider) last August and loved riding it. I had problems getting it over 35 mph though. Come to find out, a recall was issued during the winter for just that situation. I have had it fixed and it was just returned to me yesterday. Am hoping that it is all repaired and ready to ride. I enjoyed every minute of my time on it last fall and would recommend this scooter to anyone who wants to try riding a two wheeler. It moves very well in traffic and the savings on gas is great. It feels great to have the wind in your face and simply enjoy what is around you as you travel these beautiful New England roads. Show less

Just returned from a ride where I rolled past the 5,000 KM mark, so I thought I would update my review. After more than a year and 5,000 KM, I have found this scooter to be very reliable with a great level of performance. It's very versatile, as well - if you want to go scoot around with your local scooter club it fits right in with its classic lines, but if you want to take it out on the highway and do some touring or freeway commuting, it is more than up to the task with what feel like large reserves of power. The level of finish (full chrome muffler, quality windscreen, alarm, remote seat opener, hazard lights) continue to elicit comments from fellow scooterists - this ride will make you proud! A used one will cost less than a new 250, and none of them can even touch it. Still highly recommended! Show less

What a bike! It is great for the money and it is fast! I love this scooter! It goes from 0 to 60 in no time. No problem keeping up with traffic! I ride it to work, a 6 mile roundtrip. It gets around 53 miles-per-gallon. The insurance is affordable! I am 5'5" and 200 lbs. and it has no problem with handling the weight. I ride with my wife two-up no problem, maybe because she is only 116 lbs. and 5'. It has lots of storage. I added a storage truck for my stuff. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a great, fast and affordable scooter. Show less

I am on my second Scarabeo 500. I rode the first one from Miami, FL to San Francisco, CA and back and the only problem was a screw in the rear tire which was easily repaired with a plug. I love riding this scooter so much that I put 7k miles a year on it versus less than 4k miles a year on my 400hp (from the factory) sport car. Show less

I traded up from a Burgman 400 and this is a bigger, faster, better handling scooter. It runs smooth and fast all day long. It's a nice, terrific ride. Show less

I bought this bike new in April of '05. As you can see, it doesn't rest too much. This bike gets very regular, very thorough maintenance. It has never let me down. Only 1 minor issue; the water pump developed a small leak. I even continued to ride it while the parts came in. I once rode it 230 miles just for lunch and then back home. That particular day it was between 105 degrees and 114 degrees. The big 'Beo never broke a sweat. It fared much better than I did. This bike needs nothing right out of the box to take you anywhere you want to go. Lots of storage with the optional panniers. This bike is comfortable and stable at speeds of 75-80 mph for as long as you want to ride it. Show less

I have owned bigger motorcycles in past years, but nothing compares to this neat little scooter. I love the automatic (no need to worry about shifting). It has plenty of power for country travel as well as being light weight for city commuting. I have never had a bit of trouble with it. I recommend this 250 scooter to anyone wanting to save on gas money. Show less

I would recommend it to anyone. Just got mine, two weeks riding and hope that winter never comes... Great pickup and stopping, very comfortable as well. Show less

Purchased used as my first bike. I really like it, and especially enjoy that there is no clutch to fool with. In my first 200 miles, it has run well, and got 60MPG on my first tank. Show less