2009 Aprilia Scarabeo i.e. (250, 400, 500)

Scarabeo 250/400/500 is the perfect solution for riders seeking performance, agility and comfort, combined with all the prestige that characterises Scarabeo as a classic of Italian style.

Chassis

To blend maximum comfort with maximum riding pleasure was the main requirement placed on the design team throughout the development of Scarabeo i.e.. The result is a scooter with weight distribution similar to that of a motorcycle. This major achievement has given Scarabeo i.e. exceptional handling and agility while maintaining the proverbial high speed stability that typifies all Aprilia scooters.

The double cradle frame is made from high strength steel tube and is specially designed for excellent torsional rigidity and strength. This rigid and efficient frame gives Scarabeo i.e. impeccable stability at high speeds.
The hydraulic telescopic fork features 40 mm stanchions and generous wheel travel for precision control and excellent damping.

The engine and transmission assembly also acts as swingarm and in this role is damped by two double acting shock absorbers. These can be adjusted to four different spring preload positions, so that riders can obtain maximum suspension efficiency for all loads and road surfaces.

Comfort and ridability have been further enhanced by the adoption of large diameter wheels (16” at the front and 14” at the rear) and tubeless tyres with a motorcycle style profile (110/70 at the front and 150/70 at the rear). So grip, as you can imagine, is simply superb. The generous section of the tyres provides the suspension with valid assistance in absorbing bumps from rough road surfaces and in delivering maximum safety under braking.

Braking is one of the strong points of Scarabeo i.e.. Thanks to the adoption of an integral braking system, the rider can always rely on absolute braking power, safety and control on all surfaces. In its two bigger engine sizes, Scarabeo i.e. is equipped with two generous 260 mm front discs with floating calipers, and a single 240 mm disc at the rear.

The principle of integral braking is simple. When you pull on the left hand lever (the rear brake lever) you operate not just the rear brake but one of the front brake calipers too. A special valve distributes pressure between the two wheels to maximise effect and make braking easy to control even for inexperienced riders. Integral braking dramatically reduces stopping distances and gives you a far greater feeling of safety and control than conventional braking systems.

The lower power output of the 250 cc engine has enabled one of the two front discs fitted to the more powerful models to be eliminated without losing any of Scarabeo’s acclaimed braking efficiency. If anything, because of the front wheel’s reduced gyroscopic effect, the 250 is even lighter and easier to handle. Scarabeo 250 i.e. is equipped with a single 260 mm front disc and a 240 mm rear disc.

Engines

All three engines incorporate advanced, four valve cylinder heads, liquid cooling and the latest generation of automatic transmission. Fuel is supplied by an evolved electronic injection system that not only ensures miserly fuel consumption but also delivers smooth, gradual power for a superbly comfortable and satisfying ride. A dynamic balancing shaft minimises vibration in the two larger engines. Finally, amazingly low fuel consumption combined with a generous fuel tank capacity (13.2 litres) give Scarabeo i.e. the sort of autonomy you really appreciate on long journeys.

Scarabeo 500 is powered by a brand new, 4-valve, 4-stroke engine with liquid cooling and electronic fuel injection. This new powerplant has a displacement of 493 cc, and develops 39.4 bhp at 7,500 rpm, with 44 Nm of torque at 5,250 rpm, firmly establishing its place as market leader. The new twin spark ignition system not only optimises fuel burn, but significantly reduces engine noise and emissions too. The result is an engine with exceptional flexibility and performance even at low to medium revs.

And on Scarabeo, increased performance goes hand in hand with respect for the environment. An advanced, closed loop injection system with a Lambda probe oxygen sensor and three-way catalytic converter in the exhaust combines with integrated electronic ignition to reduce emissions and ensure that Scarabeo conforms to exacting Euro 3 regulations. Impressively low fuel consumption is another benefit.

With 24.5 kW of power and 36 Nm of torque, the 400 cc engine offers a level of performance almost as high as its bigger brother, but the Scarabeo 400 i.e. can be ridden by A2 class licence holders (Italian legislation). Less capacity can also mean significant savings on insurance (up to 40% on the Italian market).

The Scarabeo 250 undoubtedly boasts the best 250 cc scooter engine around. Producing over 22 bhp and plenty of torque right across the rev range, Scarabeo 250 i.e. can tackle city traffic and out of town touring with no trouble at all.

Load Capacity and Equipment

Despite its compact dimensions, low seat and large wheels, Scarabeo i.e. boasts an under-seat storage compartment worthy of the largest GT scooters. The compartment is big enough to hold a full-face helmet and other personal effects besides or, thanks to 15 centimetres of depth throughout, even an A3 size briefcase. There is even another lockable storage compartment in the back of the leg shield. In addition to all this standard storage space, you can add an (optional) top box that is beautifully easy to install on the standard luggage rack.

The analog-digital instruments with classic white background provide all the information you could possibly want. The compact display even includes a fuel gauge. The seat can be released from the alarm system’s remote control, so you can access your belongings without fumbling for a key: a small but important contribution to making daily life that little bit easier.

Scarabeo i.e. gives you everything you need as standard, including an electronic alarm system with remote control. This advanced vehicle security device is fitted as standard for the first time on any scooter, and functions by locking the engine’s electronic control unit, making any attempt to start the bike pointless. Like a car security system, Scarabeo i.e.’s alarm system is switched on and off at the touch of a button on the remote control. It also cuts in automatically 50 seconds after you remove the ignition key. The system sounds a high power siren and flashes the hazard warning lights if any attempt is made to move the vehicle.

Aprilia Scarabeo 250-400-500: Technical Specifications

• Engine - Single cylinder, 4 valve, 4 stroke
• Displacement - 244.3 cc (250), 399 cc (400), 493 cc (500)
• Bore and stroke - 72 x 60 mm (250) - 85.8 x 69 mm (400) - 94 x 71 mm (500)
• Fuel - Unleaded petrol
• Maximum power - 16.5 kW (22.4 bhp) at 8,000 rpm (250) - 24.5 kW (33.3 bhp) at 7,250 rpm (400) - 29.0 kW (39.4 bhp) at 7,500 rpm (500)
• Max torque - 21.0 Nm at 6,250 rpm (250), 36.0 Nm at 5,500 rpm (400), 44.0 Nm at 5,250 rpm (500)
• Fuel system - Electronic fuel injection with electric fuel pump
• Starting - Electric
• Alternator - 380 W
• Ignition - Electronic inductive discharge ignition with variable advance
• Lubrication - Wet sump. Forced circulation with mechanical pump.
• Gearbox - Twist-and-go CVT (continuously variable transmission)
• Clutch - Automatic centrifugal dry clutch
• Primary drive - V belt
• Final drive - Gears
• Frame - High strength steel tube
• Front suspension - Hydraulic fork; wheel travel 104 mm
• Rear suspension - Double acting hydraulic shock absorber with preload adjustment; wheel travel 90 mm

Brakes

• Front: 260 mm disc, hydraulically operated
• Rear: Combined 260 mm front discs/240 mm rear disc

Wheels

• Light alloy
• Front: 3.00 x 16”
• Rear 3.5 x 14” (250), 4.5 x 14” (400 and 500)

Tyres

• Tubeless
• Front: 110/70 x 16”
• Rear: 140/70 14” (250), 150/70 14” (400 and 500)

Dimensions

• Length: 2270 mm
• Width: 770 mm
• Wheelbase: 1530 mm (250), 1540 mm (400 and 500)
• Seat height: 785 mm
• Fuel tank capacity 10 litres (250), 13.5 litres (400 and 500), including 3 litres reserve
• Under-seat storage Big enough to hold a full-face helmet or briefcase (A3 size). Additional storage in rear of leg shield.
• Emissions Euro 3

Accessories

• Street Case 47 litre top box in matching paint finish or black textured finish
• City 35 litre top box
• Comfort windscreen
• Adjustable windscreen (250)
• Backrest for Street Case 47 litre top box
• Backrest for City 35 litre top box
• Tunnel bag
• Top box mounting plate

Colour schemes

• Aprilia Black, Rubin Red, Charm Gold, Crowd Silver, Couture Blue