2005–2006 · Scooter · Buyer's Guide
Italian Comfort Meets Highway Range
The Scarabeo 500 is Aprilia's grown-up take on the big-wheel scooter. Its 460 cc liquid-cooled single makes 39 hp at 7,250 rpm and 30 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm. On paper, that takes it well past city-only duty and onto the highway. Underneath sits a steel double-cradle frame with 16-inch wheels at both ends and belt final drive. ABS, a center stand and an automatic transmission all come standard. That's a motorcycle-grade foundation under classic, upright scooter lines. Serious hardware, elegant clothes.
The spec sheet makes the target clear: you, every day, in traffic. The 31.5 in (800 mm) seat height and twist-and-go automatic keep things simple, and the 4.5 gal (17 L) tank points to long stretches between fuel stops. At 516 lb (234 kg) wet it's no featherweight. That mass comes with a full-size chassis and big wheels built for faster roads. Rear preload adjusts for a passenger or luggage. This is Aprilia's practical side: built for the commuter who wants weather protection and highway reach without ever touching a gear lever. Pragmatic, and handsome with it.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 39 hp (29 kW) @ 7,250 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 30 lb-ft (40 Nm) @ 5,500 rpm |
| Displacement | 460 cc |
| Engine | Single-cylinder |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Final drive | Belt |
| Front tire | 110/70-16 |
| Rear tire | 140/70-16 |
| Seat height | 31.5 in (800 mm) |
| Wet weight | 516 lb (234 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 4.5 gal (17 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Safety
I've spent years listening to what riders tell me: in the paddock, at club nights, in owner chats and in the emails and messages that land in my inbox. For the Scarabeo 500, the pattern is clear. People talk about the engine first and the brakes second, and the complaints center on its weight and on finding parts.
The engine is what riders bring up again and again. They describe the single-cylinder as strong and full of character, with acceleration and a top speed beyond what they expect from a scooter. Some owners add praise for the dual front discs: stopping power you can lean on, and a setup they count among the best in the class. Strong stuff!
The gripes are fewer, and they come from individual owners, not a chorus. Some find the Scarabeo cumbersome at walking pace and when they move it around by hand. Others worry about parts: Aprilia's scooter division is small, and outside the major markets replacement parts can be difficult to track down. Hard to find, and pricey.
Fuel pump hose detachment causing stalling (2006-2008 models)
An improperly clamped fuel hose inside the tank can detach, leading to loss of fuel pressure, hard starting, and engine stalling. Addressed by NHTSA Recall #08V-522 for 2006-2008 vehicles.
Where this Aprilia Scarabeo 500 pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the Scarabeo 500 is actually built for.
Of the riders here, you're the best fit. Twist-and-go automatic, easy controls, ABS and a center stand cover daily city duty, and 39 hp keeps the highway on the menu when your route stretches out.
Made for New York City · Austin · Los Angeles
A solid fit for the weekday half of your riding: elegant design and 39 hp for the city run and the freeway. On weekend ridge roads it's a capable scooter, not a sport tool.
Made for Bay Area Ridge Roads · San Francisco / Bay Area · Skyline Boulevard / Alice's Restaurant
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
