Aprilia Scarabeo. Stylish bug

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About the motorcycle

“Automatic motorcycle.” What better definition could be given to Scarabeo! Since the launch of the first model, Scarabeo has charmed its owners with its stability, pleasant ride and excellent feeling of safety. His charm and original design were destined to combine into an incredible success story. The growth in popularity was accompanied by the growth of the engine. In 2001, Scarabeo grew from 150 to 200 cc. In 2004, Aprilia's automatic motorcycle was equipped with a 250 engine, demonstrating the high level of technical excellence achieved. Everything is new on the 250 model: engine, frame, brakes and plastics, everything shows the size of the innovation compared to the 200 version. Now in 2006, the Scarabeo is back with two engine sizes, 125 and 250. The Scarabeo is not just a versatile and agile city scooter, but also a practical tourer. The Scarabeo is safe to drive and its distinctive Italian styling gives it a special charm. Design Undoubtedly Scarabeo is the protagonist of large and small cities. Elegant and original with new, lighter fenders, foot guards and white turn indicators, the latest model takes the concept of classic-modern design to perfection and combines technical innovation with style that transcends fashion. Scarabeo is one of the few products that combine the laws of classical elegance and at the same time be a symbol of the embodiment of modernity. Scarabeo is the highest expression of form and function. This is the first scooter ever created that is specifically designed to combat air pollution and noise while still maintaining good looks. The shapes of the things around us influence the way we live, feel and act. With its expertly smooth lines, relaxing designs and colors, Scarabeo truly improves our lives. The Scarabeo chassis exceeds the level of safety usually expected from a city scooter and can satisfy the requirements of even the most experienced motorcyclists. A unique riding experience is guaranteed by the frame and compound braking system, which combine to improve traction and safety. Equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels and wide tubeless tires, the Scarabeo is a leader in its category. Only Scarabeo can turn a city traffic jam into an ordinary pleasure ride. Around town, the Scarabeo is nimble, graceful and capable of weaving through the tightest of jams. On the highway, the Scarabeo is stable, stable and composed, even in heavy truck traffic and strong winds. On mountain roads, the Scarabeo is tidy and easy to handle and eager for a sporty ride. This extraordinary handling was achieved thanks to large diameter wheels, excellent weight distribution and a high-strength tubular steel frame, which is more than enough even for more powerful engines. The hydraulic telescopic fork is a wonderful combination of comfort and control, and the rear shock can be tuned to match load differences. The compound braking system automatically distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels. Both wheels are equipped with powerful disc brakes. Good tire grip allows the driver to constantly use this system while maintaining full control over braking. Finally, the Scarabeo's natural balance and upright riding position provide the active safety characteristic of a motorcycle. Engine Behind its original appearance, the Scarabeo hides sophisticated advanced technology. Both versions are powered by four-stroke liquid-cooled engines and include advanced features such as 4 valves per cylinder. These engines combine quiet operation and controlled, smooth acceleration. Sharp acceleration from a standstill (even when driving with a passenger) will bring a lot of pleasure both when driving around the city and on country roads. The 250 cc Scarabeo engine produces 21 hp. for impressive performance: the maximum speed allows the Scarabeo to stay ahead of the traffic even on busy, high-speed roads. Finally, the Scarabeo's automatic transmission is perfectly matched to its advanced single-cylinder, four-stroke engine, allowing the driver to make use of all available power. Despite its high power, Scarabeo cares about the environment. Its catalyzed exhaust system ensures easy compliance with the latest environmental legislation. Scarabeo also takes care of the surrounding citizens. Its engine compartment is lined with sound-insulating material for a quiet ride. The 125 model is perfect for car license holders (according to Italian law). However, it also meets all the requirements for holders of a B license (under Italian law). The Scarabeo's standard equipment places particular emphasis on comfort and practicality. That is why it is excellent for both city driving and tourism. Excellent riding comfort is guaranteed by the adjustable maxi seat, allowing both driver and passenger to find the best, most natural riding position. Both models are equipped as standard with a central trunk like the Scarabeo 500, with a high backrest. This case is deep enough to hold two helmets. There's another lockable compartment on the back of the leg guard, providing plenty of space for the items you need most often. The instrument panel is easy to read and contains the speedometer, odometer, fuel level, temperature gauge and clock. Halogen headlight provides enough light for night driving. Welcome to the world of Scarabeo! Colors The Scarabeo is available in the following elegant color schemes: Diamond Gray Peak Gray Main Blue Accessories A wide range of original optional accessories complements the Scarabeo's standard equipment. Two elegant 25 liter side cases make the Scarabeo completely unique and increase the load capacity of the standard central case. Aprilia Radio Mob Control is a communication system that combines the following devices: FM radio receiver with RDS, intercom, hand-free speaker for a mobile phone, input for connecting an external audio device (cassette, CD or MP3 player) - Large windshield - Sports windshield - Hand protection - Side saddlebags with attachments (25 liters + 25 liters) - Internal saddlebag bags - Radio Mob Control - Foot cover - Waterproof seat cover - Anti-theft chain

Passport details

Volume From 101 to 250 cm³ Max. power 19.5 hp Year of manufacture 2002 Year of purchase 2015

Aprilia Scarabeo. Stylish bug

The scarab beetle was revered as a divine phenomenon in the ancient world. Mainly due to the fact that he can move objects (many people probably even know which ones) significantly heavier than himself

Igor Vladimirov
Aprilia Scarabeo. Price: from 129,000 rub. On sale: from spring 2010

The scarab beetle was revered as a divine phenomenon in the ancient world. Mainly due to the fact that he can move objects (many people probably even know which ones) significantly heavier than himself. In general, the scarab is a powerful beetle, hardy, persistent, but... lightweight. Approximately the same characteristics can be given to Scarabeo grown under the roof of Aprilia

Scooter Aprilia Scarabeo © Photo: Aprilia

This year, two versions of the well-known Scarabeo will be officially supplied to Russia - a 50 cc two-stroke and a 100 cc four-stroke. The frame, wheels and everything else, with the exception of the motors, are almost the same for these two models. What are the main advantages of Scarabeo? Of course, we won’t open America by saying that the trump card of this “motor vehicle” is its design and large 16‑inch wheels. But this is true. Since its birth, in the form we are used to seeing it, it has been a very convenient and safe means of transportation. Perhaps small-capacity engines may seem unimpressive and too modest to some, but in order to judge, you have to try it yourself, and with an open mind. This scooter is not designed for racing and not for riding like a chess player on multi-lane roads, and not for slaloming through the streets. Although you can fly it on the road, you just need to learn how. It is good in two elements, so to speak: in the city crowd, where, as a rule, it is not customary to talk about speeds out loud, and on rural paths. In the city it is good due to its small width, which allows it to cut through traffic jams; in the countryside it is helped by large wheels and good suspension.

Scooter Aprilia Scarabeo © Photo: Aprilia

A decent wheelbase of 1245 mm gives the Scarabeo good stability when traveling at decent speeds. At the same time, the passenger does not destroy the driving style, but only affects the maximum speed.

The slope of the front fork and the overall layout of the Scarabeo, for which it is loved in Italy, France, and even pedantic Germany, allow for quick maneuvers without losing control.

Of course, a large space where the driver can comfortably place his feet, even with minimal imagination, can be successfully used to transport fairly large objects.

Scarabeo is easy to maintain and unpretentious in everyday life. This is another plus in his points collection.

And finally, the appearance. Yes, fans of the transformer style and those who like it hotter don’t like it. He is a living classic, tweaked by Italian stylists. This is the style of the late 50s early 60s, almost vintage. But what!

Scooter Aprilia Scarabeo © Photo: Aprilia

Take a close look at how the designers combined the past and the present and ended up with a very harmonious device. At the same time, if you use various accessories that the whole industry works on, then creating a unique scooter yourself is not a problem. If, of course, you have taste and a sense of proportion.

You can also indulge in engine tuning. But is it necessary? After all, we have already agreed that we need comfort, smooth but dynamic movement, as well as carelessness, which can only be provided by small engines that do not provoke you to twist the throttle and bulge your eyes. You go, you look, you enjoy. And Scarabeo takes you and takes you...

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Dragster, DNA and other extremism are exported by the Italians. And “for myself” - “large-wheeled” vehicles of the most conservative appearance. After testing their bestseller (yes, this one), I began to understand this strangeness.

AUTOMATIC CYCLE Exactly five years ago, the then Aprilia company (not a concern) presented to the world a device, the annotation of which categorically said: “Automatic motorcycle.” And although the layout of the device (then still 150 cc) was quite scooter-like, they believed the specialists. The reason is simple: the style of the Scarabeo 125/150 had nothing in common with any scooter of those years, including the “younger sister” of 50 cc. The brutal forms of the cladding were rather reminiscent of the legendary scooter of the 50s, Moto Guzzi Galetto (for a moment: the legendary brand was not yet part of the concern). The “filling”, however, was far from avant-garde: even the rear wheel mount is not cantilever, as on most scooters of those years and the “ancestor”, but at two points.

The engine was not new either: the world’s first Rotax “four-valve” scooter had already been used for three years on another Aprilia model. But the combination of 16-inch wheels and a fairly powerful engine with a conservative appearance gave Italy a new bestseller. Yes, yes, don’t be surprised: Italians are so relaxed over a bottle of grappa in fairy tales. In fact, they are still conservatives.

Knowing full well that the model would soon have competitors, a year later Aprilia consolidated its success with a modification with a Rotax R-series engine bored out to 176 cc. In this form, the model, renamed Scarabeo 200, is still among the top 5 sales in Italy, and “in absolute terms.” What is the secret of a car’s longevity (and five years is a long time for a scooter, and the competitors are more than formidable), I tried to find out.

MUSIC OF FAT PEOPLE I go up to the device (by the way, “live” it looks awesome, much cooler than in the pictures; it could use a brighter color), I take out the key, and... No, I don’t start the engine, but first I try to stuff the junk into the “toilet.” But there isn’t one, and of course there isn’t a “urinal” either. To some extent, their absence is compensated by ... the “drain tank” - an impressively sized rear case, which is included in the standard equipment. So impressive that it immediately cools the impulse to fly around in traffic jams “with all your money” - at an uneven hour, you’ll catch a passing Gazelle.

And “in freedom” any attempts to frolic at full throttle are thwarted by the insufficient rigidity of the frame (which, in general, is reasonable: the device is a priori not a sports one) and “oak” brakes (and this is already suspicious: the discs and calipers here are wow: Apparently it's a matter of pad material and hoses). And this is with an amazing engine, the rated power of which is clearly underestimated! Yes, yes, the Rotax R177 is practically not inferior to the 180 cc Piaggio LEADER: smooth acceleration, excellent “mids” and good “tops”. Upset by these circumstances, I drank a cup of coffee and decided to be in the shoes of a phlegmatic person.

After I finally managed to relax, I... liked the car, and I liked it until the pig squealed. Soft suspensions in combination with large wheels made it possible not to maneuver between potholes, but to roll over them. The driving position is beyond any criticism; moreover, for the first time on a “bourgeois” scooter I encounter a slightly forward-leaning seating position. The seat (both the cushion and the backrest) is the height of sybaritism and at the same time provides one hundred percent contact of the fifth point with the device.

But the main thing is protection from dirt. I don't know if the Scarabeo was blown through a tube, but the aerodynamics are excellent. So excellent that in the disgusting September rain I didn’t even think to put on a “condom” (a raincoat, which, by the way, is included in the standard equipment): the windshield cut off splashes on the glass of the helmet and to the sides from the shoulders, the not very wide front shield did not let in a drop on clothes, and the seemingly decorative cut-offs on the handles surprisingly effectively protected the fingers from rain and wind. The latter is especially valuable in spring and autumn: reducing the risk of frostbite on your fingertips in cold rain is no longer a factor of comfort, but of safety. All in all, Scarabeo is one of the most comfortable “stools” in the world. And I already said that it drives quite well (at least if you don’t do “slalom” with jumps from the side of the road to oncoming traffic).

If only the speedometer didn't lie! Of course, they all lie, but this one is lying, like Trotsky. If you believe the arrow, then the scooter’s “maximum speed” is 150 km/h, and cars on the second lane of the Moscow Ring Road in the rain top out at over a hundred. Comrades, don't make fun of my slippers! However, the car can be forgiven for this: for an inexperienced driver (and the device is great for “dummies”) such a “Fenka” will very effectively cool down the driver’s ardor.

FAMILY VALUES The car is also very convenient for everyday use. Judge for yourself. Changing the rear pads here is a matter of one minute. The deep front fender protects the radiator (located below) from dirt like nowhere else. So you will have to clean it half as often as most devices, and the grille can be removed for cleaning and purging once or twice. This car is suitable for medium-range tourism. Especially considering the fact that the list of options includes rather large side cases.

Alas, once again a very good car, in general, the car did not meet my requirements for a scooter. Yes, everything (or almost everything - the absence of a “toilet” clearly cannot be considered an advantage), seems to testify in favor of the device. Style, ergonomics, comfort, practicality... I wouldn’t be surprised if many people prefer Scarabeo not only to medium-sized “burger scooters” like the Majesty 250 and Aprilia’s Atlantic 200, but also to 250 cc custom ones. Personally, that's what I would do. Did... Would... Alas, for this I need to settle down. Or at least fall in love with retro style again. In the meantime, I will recommend this device to everyone who doesn’t mind spending a very reasonable amount for a very decent (and stylish!) means of transportation. “Whoever was not a radical at 20 has no heart; “Whoever hasn’t become a Conservative by 40 has no brains,” Churchill used to say. Maybe he's right. I'm still 29...

PS When the scooter was already in the garage, this photo caught my eye. On it is the Scarabeo 200, winner in the four-stroke class of the recent 24-hour scooter races (there are also those held annually in Germany). Isn't that right, handsome? But I can do better! Cut off the lining in a more interesting way, put a dirt ejector from the F650GS on the rear wheel, a brace on the frame, carbon hoses... Paint it in “acid”... Well, well... Hmm, that’s an idea!

Stinger