Modern Vespa

Ran across this great looking machine - anyone have any experence with this product?

Wow what a scooter!

No experience but I've been eyeballing it too. I actually liked it better prior to the 2007 model. I would be a little worried about serviceability/parts availability.

I've owned one for about 6 months now. Love riding it! Lot's of power and storage. It is a bit heavy for a scooter, but a lot lighter than the Honda VTX I was riding. The VTX became a problem when I had my hip replaced. This was a good compromise for me and I have no regrets.

My first ride on a Scarabeo 500

I ended up putting just over 100 miles on that particular bike as an extended test drive, it was the 'old,' body style

I bought the new body style in July.

I imagine the difference is like going between a 1980's Cadillac, and one of the newer, more nimble 'high performance,' current models. Or the difference between my Moto Guzzi vs. Scarabeo vs. GTS.

Also see
[topic9431]
http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews60363.html
http://www.powersportsnetwork.com/enthusiasts/review_list_vehicle.asp?veh=9718
http://www.motosavvy.com/fusebox/dsp_1col.cfm?page_id=12

this is a cool group for Scarabeo info. I was gathering info about them for a while.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ScarabeoRiders/

Thanks to all on the replys!

Looks like this might just be the top of the line for scooters from what I've seen so far. I was at my local shop yesterday when I spotted it - so I took it for a spin.

It ran perfect except for some (Harley- type) vibration when starting out. You can feel the tourqe go through the engtire bike when you take off.

I also notice there is two diffferent styles - the one I drove is a 2006 model like the images above, is that the new style? Do they still make the other model with the headlight above is that theold style?

Also on this model above does it have storage under the seat?

What do you think of getting spare parts & service?

I confirm that vibrations are very sparse, light and just at very low revs. I also quote what I wrote in my previous post. If I had not already bought the 'light' model, I would have gone for one of these comfortable, fine machines. The GT 2006 model is the most refined upgrade, with ABS and integral braking. They are still selling it in 2007, though it is not available on the Aprilia website.
The 'headlight above' model is the 500ie 'light':
http://www.apriliausa.com/modelli/scarabeo/modello.asp?id=103
It is rather different from the GT500 ABS but it has the same engine.

The GT500 is bigger, more fit for touring, mid to long-trips, very comfortable, heavier and less agile in the town traffic.
The 500ie is lighter, more agile, sportier, a bit less comfortable, cheaper.
It is based on the same BV 500 frame and engine, but more comfortable than the BV. The GT500 has no underseat storage, but big sidebags and topcase. The 500ie has a roomy and regular underseat 'pet carrier'.
Both models have their pros and cons, it all depends on your needs. Aprilia is owned by Piaggio since 2004, new Aprilia and Piaggio models share several parts. Their engines are the same. Of course, if you have an Aprilia dealer or service centre near you, it will help. I think we will see an expansion of the Aprilia brand in the States in a few years, since Piaggio is investing resources in this brand.

Thanks for the detailed answers it helped a lot.

Do you know the suggested and OTD price on both models (07).

What about an 06 GT500 model - price wise?

Thanks Again!

2007 model is $6299 plus all your local fees/taxes.

2004 model was something like $6499 (cases, ABS, USCG licensing requirements)

If you can wait, eBay will soon start having the usual 'OMG how do I buy holiday stuff' - 'what can I sell to buy fuel oil' and 'if I sold the scooter I can buy a snowmobile'- kinds of deals on scooters/ATVs/motorcycles/sports cars.

With some patience you can find them between $3k-5k. I'd also bet that if you wanted a NEW 2006, your dealer should be able to track one down- or start calling dealers yourself. I'm sure there is a dealer out there with a new one, that they don't know what to do with.

There's a burgandy one on craigslist here for $3500 @17k miles (overpriced IMO)

Lady in my neighborhood had a garage queen 2003 S150 with a slashed seat that hadn't been started in years. She couldn't come up with a price for it, and turned down my offer of $1500. Sometimes people get a little too attached to these things...

I rode another one down at Il Motorino, but it didn't compare to the Vespa, even though the Vespa was twice as much.

I know of one dealer that has it on sale for $5599 + ttl + fees.

Mythdraug

Isthat a new 07 model? Could you Pm me with the dealers name and info?

Thanks

Yeah, these bikes really do something for me too.

The 2004 GT 500 did not have ABS nor did it come with side cases sandard at the price you quoted. The only Scarabeo GT 500 to come with ABS was the 06 model and its list price was $7200.00 including ABS and side cases equipped.

The classic Scarabeo as most will agree was a great machine and it is a pity that Piaggio / Aprilia did not keep it in the line up. As you can read on most forums and blogs their owners swear by them.

I just got back from a 1300 mile trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway on mine 2 up and it was one fantastic ride. In fact better then my 2 previous BMWs.