Comments for Aprilia Scarabeo 200 Scooter Review

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Apr 21, 2012
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Blown Gear Seal NEW
by: Mike, Atlanta OTP

I have an 09 Scarabeo 200 that I bought new 4 months ago. (I guess it sat in a crate for a couple of years, but it had 0 miles on it when I got it).

I took it in for the 1000km (620 miles) service a couple of weeks ago, and then went on a long ride (about 250 miles) with a local club that weekend. Near the end of the ride, we noticed gear fluid leaking out all over the left side of the rear tire. The fluid wasn't coming from the blowout tube on the gearbox.

I took it into the shop, and apparently the seal around the hub has failed. The scooter is parked until the parts come in this coming week. I have about 1000 miles on it now.

I really like this scooter. I drive it to work 35 miles each way, and it does great on the 55mph stretches where everyone travels 60-65mph. It has no trouble keeping up with the flow of traffic at that speed. I haven't really noticed any unstableness at high speed that has been mentioned in some reviews. That is unless those reviewers are talking about wind buffeting from other vehicles. Even with that, I wouldn't really call it unstable, just turbulence.

I'm told by the dealer that the seal leak is not a common problem. Since the scooter is under warranty, there is no cost to me for the repair.

As far as accessories, I have added a Givi topbox with the red faceplate, and purchased the brakelight kit for it. I also put yellow LED strips in the topbox light area and wired them as turn signals. I bought the Coleman saddlebags that are available from a variety of motorcyle supply stores. The straps on those fit nicely under the seat, with the straps on the rear of the bags attaching to the grab handles on the rear rack. I also found a GPS mount on Amazon that attaches to where the rear view mirror is bolted on.

I've read that top speed on the scooter is 80mph. I haven't tried to get it up to that speed, but I have had it up to about 70mph. Oh, and the speedometer is not accurate. It reads about 10% higher that your actual speed, so if your speedo reads 55, you are actually going about 50. (My GPS gives me a better speed reading).

Jun 16, 2011
Rating

nice bike
by: randal.williams

I got my aprilia scarabeo 200 - 2009 at a dealer in CT 0 saved some money not only on the bike itself but also compared to a honda 150 which I was also looking at - the odometer is now approaching 200 miles - the bike is a pleasure to ride - the knobby key is the only major drawbacks but not that big of a deal; I also am disappointed to find that the bike does not have a manual kick start - otherwise the bike is hefty enough to feel comfy and the 16 inch wheels are a quantum leap over the smaller scooter sizes - overall very pleased with the bike, the design, great mpg and the smooth ride...

Oct 25, 2010
Rating

MADE IN CHINA
by: Anonymous

OK, for most people in the world the VIN number actually means something. With Vespa AKA Aprilia, they lie.

The North American Aprilia 200 is a China made scooter. It has nothing to do with Italy at all, except the price.

Most of the new Vespa's parts are also made in China, or India, and the fly's are now also made in China. Vespa is breaking the law and breaking the law by doing this.

The LX 150 engine, is also now made in China also.

If you look at the boxes these bikes come from, you will see China on them, as well as on the scooter etc.

You're not buying a Vespa, you're buying a name that is getting to be a poor quality product.

May 06, 2010
Rating

After 1 year review
by: Max, Philly

Bought mine in Jan 2008. Overall I am very happy with it. Initially had issues at low rpm (loose power/torque), then dealer said it was a recalled part, replaced it with correct one, and since then it runs very well.

It does though, in general, suffer (less responsive at low rpm) from cold weather. But now (spring 2010) it already runs perfectly. I drive it 30 miles every day to work (15+15) on highways and small roads, and it's a true pleasure to ride.

The quality of its components seems to be very high, and it looks so much better (more elegant and sophisticated) compared to the other competitors. And I love that it's big/tall.

One problem bugs me: the seat makes me slide forward, and I am a tall guy (6'2") and it's annoying. I decided to look for an upholsterer and see if they can reshape the seat so it lets me sit a bit more to the back and don't slide me forward.

Don't forget to use premium gasoline, it does make a difference.
Max

-->

Jul 23, 2009
Rating

Scabby 200 Key
by: Bill in San Diego

Using a moto tool with a cutoff wheel, I carved off most of the plastic, and now have a flat key. Fits in my pocket much nicer.

Jul 23, 2009
Rating

VIN and Country of Origin
by: Bill in San Diego

While the VIN may indicate Italy is the country of origin, if you open the glove box, then the small plastic panel in the center area, you will find a "Made in China" sticker.

Jul 23, 2009
Rating

Scabby 200 Oil Filter
by: Bill in San Diego

I just ordered one from www.af1racing.com.

Jul 17, 2009
Rating

Parts
by: Anonymous

I took my 2008 Scarabeo 200 in for its 600 mile maintenance and 2 weeks later the dealer is still arguing with the supplier about which oil filter is the correct one. Anyone know where I can order the correct oil filter (and what part # to use)?

Jul 16, 2009
Rating

2008 Scarabeo 200
by: Bill in San Diego

I bought a 2008 model new a few weeks ago, and now have 400 miles on the odo. Scooter has performed flawlessly. Speedo is way optimistic (about 10 percent). GPS top speed so far is 75 mph (83 indicated). I am 5'10" with 32" inseam and this is a tall scooter -- perfect for me, but I wouldn't recommend it for shorter folks. The odd-shaped key is annoying because to doesn't fit well on a key ring or in my pocket. I think I'll have a flat one made. The dealer took a while to figure out how to open the seat. You just turn the key counter-clockwise without pushing it in, but it takes a fairly strong turn because you are releasing a spring lock at the end of a cable. Works well once you figure it out. If you turn the key counter-clockwise while pushing in, it locks the steering. All in all, I'm very happy with this scooter so far. (It helps that I got it at a deeply discounted price.)

Jul 09, 2009
Rating

country of origin
by: Anonymous

Mine is made in Italy.. the letter before the VIN tells country of origin. I believe there are 4 or 5 main countries.

Jul 06, 2009
Rating

Aprilia Scarabeo 200cc
by: Anonymous

I am a saleman for Ducati, Buell, and Triumph, but I wanted a great MPG scooter, so I looked today at the Aprilia and I was not aware it was made in China! $4,000 U.S.D. is the out the door price with dealer fees and prep. Just wanted to add that.

May 29, 2009
Rating

locked wheel cont.
by: Anonymous

The keys are odd on the Scarabeo but we only have the keys alone. No other keys.

The mechanic is fixing the scooter now and we told him to disable the LOCKED feature. I know this is an anti theft device but I will take my chances.

One other concern: the high/wide seat. Anyone know how to shave the seat or get a custom one made?

Thanks

May 23, 2009
Rating

Made Where? Steering Locking?
by: Pekingduck

I was looking at the Scarabeo 200 at a dealer today, and he could not open the seat with the key. We both fumbled with it for a while. The key has a half round knob on it, with some teeth that act like short pointers so you should, in theory, see what position the key was in.

Anyway, because the key isn't flat, and the nubs are short, it's hard to tell. But more importantly, it may also be possible for a keyring with a bunch of keys on it, to kind of wrap itself around the knob, and with the weight of the keys, rotate counterclockwise, letting the steering lock when you turn the bars to the left.

Also, the first letter of the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) tells you where it's made - Z for Italy, J for Japan, L for China, R for Taiwan, 3 for Mexico.

May 11, 2009
Rating

CHINESE?
by: Anonymous

Not sure the Scarabeo is made in China. Go read the tech page of the scooter... country of origin always reads ITALY.

May 11, 2009
Rating

Frightening
by: Kathi

Wow... this is a frightening story. I've never experienced anything like this on my Buddy. I hope I never do...

May 11, 2009
Rating

Aprilia 200 and locked wheel
by: Anonymous

Yesterday my husband took out the Scarabeo for a spin. As he slowed down to turn into a major intersection the WHEEL/STEERING wheel locked! He crashed into a cement abutment, rolled into oncoming traffic.

Luckily help was immediate and he suffered nothing more than road rash. I check to day to see the damage to the bike.

The nurse who cleaned his wounds said she owned a BUDDY and the same thing happened to her. LOCKED handlebars. Has anyone ever heard of such a thing? I Googled this and find nothing.

I wont get on this bike again (if it isn't totaled) until this wheel/handlebar thing is resolved.

Jan 14, 2009
Rating

Scarabeo Rider
by: Harry

Nice 200 review. I went with the Scarabeo 500ie and though I had some fuel line issues at first, all has been corrected and the scooter runs great! It is stable on the highway (excluding windy days) and tops out at around 100mph and an average of 58mpg. The down side is that Aprilia dealership networking is terrible. Alos, anything at high speed longer than about and hour gets uncomfortable. A Yamaha Tmax or something relative to this would be recomended for such tasks.

Aug 02, 2008
Rating

Excellent Review!
by: Kathi

Wow! This is a great review -- very detailed and informative. Thanks so much for submitting it. Anyone else have any experience driving the Scarabeo?

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