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| On the road Aprilia Scarabeo 500 By Th. Groussin Aprilia's famous large-wheeled 500cc maxi scooter has undergone a transformation for Spring 2006. Aesthetically more pleasing than the previous version, the Scarabeo is also faster. Its homogeneity is considered a new benchmark in the category.  The aesthetics of the new Scarabeo 500 offer a subtle and elegant combination of modern elements and little retro touches. The biggest in the familyLaunched in 1993, Aprilia's Scarabeo range brings together large-wheeled scooters of 50, 100, 125, 250 and 500 cc. It is a big hit in Italy, a market that is very fond of this type of machine, whose main asset is ease of riding and comfort on poor roads. In France, the clientele is still a little reluctant to subscribe to this "automatic motorcycle" concept, although it offers serious advantages compared to small-wheeled scooters, particularly in terms of stability. Be that as it may, the very sound road-holding of this new Scarabeo 500 will appeal to those seeking an essentially urban scooter, whose field of action also extends to motorways but above all to the little minor roads, as we discovered during a whole day's riding in the magnificent region of Portofino, in Italy. Very reassuring road-holding With the Italian marque Aprilia now belonging to the Piaggio group, it is natural that there is some synergy in the ranges of the two manufacturers. Thus, the Scarabeo 500 adopts as its own the chassis and engine of the Piaggio Beverly 500. Its 16-inch front wheels and 14-inch rear wheels, fitted with Michelin Gold Standard tyres, make for road-holding that immediately puts the rider at ease. Cornering is very gradual, without the steering giving the impression of falling into the corner or, on the contrary, showing any reluctance when it comes to taking an angle. The riding position is natural, keeping the torso straight, and rather dynamic. The passenger is treated just as well, with large folding footrests and nice lateral grab rails. The city and its traffic jams are, of course, the favourite stomping ground of the Scarabeo 500. The large wheels are not at all detrimental to its manoeuvrability. Fun engine This balanced scooter is driven by the single-cylinder Piaggio Master engine with 4-valve head, balance shaft and electronic injection. Low on fuel consumption (5 l/100 km on average) and clean (Euro 3), this engine delivers 39 hp, more than enough to move the machine's 200 kg or so with all the swiftness required on big ring roads and expressways. Although you can feel small vibrations at very low revs, they are never bothersome - on the contrary, they give the scooter an amusing character, emphasised by the lovely exhaust sound. Although this engine allows it to cope with motorway sections without difficulty, the Scarabeo 500 prefers the small winding roads of the minor road network, where it can express itself fully without enduring long stages at high revs, little appreciated by this type of mechanical layout. Pick-up after cornering, as well as overtaking, is very smooth and the build is perfectly in accord with engine performance. Beneath its peaceful demeanour, the Scarabeo even conceals an incredibly accommodating character when the pace picks up. The level of comfort is decent, thanks to good protection in particular, and in spite of somewhat dry suspension. Perfect integral braking The Scarabeo 500 is equipped with an integral braking system. The left-hand lever simultaneously controls the front and rear brakes and gives optimal power distribution. The right-hand lever for its part only calls on the front and is just used for heavy braking. Add to this perfectly impressive system the benefit of large-diameter wheels, which skid less easily than small ones, as well as a great progressiveness of power, and wheel lock becomes practically impossible. In bends, pulling on the left-hand lever does not lock the trajectory or straighten up the scooter. As practical as small-wheeled scooters The Scarabeo 500 differs from the Piaggio Beverly in the dimensions of its underseat storage compartment, which easily takes a full-face helmet or travel bag. This is the only "large-wheeled" 500cc to boast this capacity. The seat can be opened from a distance by a remote control that also controls the anti-theft alarm, fitted as standard. The floor can also be used as a carrying platform, since the fascia panel is equipped with a bag hook for securing the load. And if that is not enough, the Scarabeo also comes equipped for the installation of a top box with room for two helmets. The glove box is tiny, but a 12-volt socket makes it possible to recharge a mobile phone there. These practical aspects are completely on a par with those offered by small-wheeled 500 cc scooters. Another reason not to deprive oneself of the advantages of large-diameter wheels.
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