Scooter Review Scarabeo 200 Long term Update Another review on the Scarabeo 200, another glowing report. Free topbox offer on Scarabeo 200. Test Ride Today! Allen Drysdale Summary
We have had many an encounter with the Aprilia Scarabeo range. I owned a 500 model for while and after selling it, regretted losing the versatility this style of scooter represents. So when Aprilia Australia offered up a long term injected 200 model I jumped at the chance. Sometimes it's just nice to be home.
Specifications
The Scarabeo 200 sits right in the middle of the Scarabeo line up. On one side the 50 and 125, on the other the 300 and 500 cc derivatives. It's no surprise that the 200 most likely offers the best bang for buck across the entire range.
A well appointed machine, the Scarabeo has a long list of appealing features. Most appealing is the engine, a super responsive and powerful, liquid cooled, fuel injected, multi-valve unit, that punches well and truly above its weight. At only 171 cc you may perceive otherwise, though the numbers do not lie. An amazing 19 HP on tap and it feels every bit of it. With the addition of fuel injection, any gaps in the rev range have been resolved. No more low down lag that the carb model possessed, just nice smooth, yet brisk acceleration.
I love big wheels on a scooter, and the Scarabeo has a 16 inch wheel combination at both ends. Big wheels help with overall handling confidence, they set the platform for why the Scarabeo has always been a commuting favourite. Over time you learn just how far you can push this machine, and you soon find yourself instilled with confidence.
Another nice feature is the screen, great for around town or even motorway trips, all of which the 200 is more than capable. Getting up to and holding motorway speeds is a breeze, again over time you fall in love with the versatility of this machine.
The Scarabeo is blessed with a set of premium features like the multi function dash and 12 volt charger under the seat. The dash can be a little fiddly at first, but since I had a few months to get acquainted, after a week or two it was all second nature. No more pushing the mode button to try and start her up!
Fully adjustable rear suspension helps with on-road compliance, especially if the call comes for a passenger. The seat has plenty of room for two, and the pillion gets some of the sturdiest grab handles available. The brakes are some of the best in the business, discs all-round, and linked.
A centre stand comes standard and whilst you don't have a side stand, it is available as an accessory. Storage-wise you have the flat floor, a front glove box, under the seat, and for a limited time a free top box. If in-time we don't have the box thrown in, the rear rack is just begging for some topbox action.
I've most likely pre-empted my on-road thoughts. You will find it hard to top this scooter for all-round bang for buck ability.
Top speed out on the open road is in excess of 120 km/h. This is a free revving motor, so have fun twisting that throttle and being propelled forward at a rapid rate of knots. You do tend to get addicted to scooters with this kind of power, especially if you ride a scooter like the Scarabeo over an extended period of time.
Handling is firm and if you're doing a huge amount of B and C grade roads then maybe have a fiddle with the rear shocks. Though as it is the Scarabeo is a real road carving weapon. Super thin, you sit upright with great vision moving forward, so filtering or adjusting your direction is swift. Top marks for inner city CBD commuting, a scooter like this just makes sense.
Saying that, the Scarabeo is not afraid to cross over the magic ton. You can head out onto the motorway and sit at legal speeds with little effort whatsoever. The Scarabeo 200 offers the best of both worlds.
Actually now I think of it, this mid capacity class offers so much versatility. Very liveable, meaning the Scarabeo is a scooter you could own ongoing for a long period of time. No upgrades needed.
My long term Scarabeo came with a free new-concept topbox that Aprilia is now offering. If I wanted to carry large boxes or cartons I would use the flat floor. If I wanted to store my helmet I'd use the topbox. And under the seat you still have plenty of room, the 12 volt charger lives here. The addition of a bag hook and front glovebox is a plus.
Conclusion
So there you have it. The Scarabeo 200 i.e. offers versatility well beyond its price point. Cruising, commuting or carving, the Scarabeo 200 shows a ton of promise. Living with the Scarabeo over time just further backs up my thoughts. The Scarabeo 200 could be your long term answer if given the chance.
With fuel injection the Scarabeo has further enhanced the already fine credentials. The free topbox offer further solves any storage woes.
The only enhancement for me would be to remove the standard fitment tyres and have them replaced by a nice soft compound rubber. Then the story would be complete.
Nice one Aprilia. For $4990 + ORC the Scarabeo 200 i.e. offers fantastic value. Mr or Mrs Versatile, either way, the Scarabeo 200 just makes sense.
Now for the Scarabeo 300...... Watch this space......
For more information go to http://aprilia.com.au/scootscarabeo200.html
   
published 17/12/2010 |