2008 Aprilia Scarabeo 200

This is my first scooter and it has had no problems at all. On my first fill up, I made the mistake of filling it up with a lower octane but once I filled it up a couple of times with 91 or higher, it runs like a champ. It starts up every time and runs smooth. For someone my size, 215 pounds, it ... really gets up and goes, reaching 60 mph+ without any problems. There are alot of extras that you would not find on many scooters such as indicator lights on the dash if there are any problems with your thermostat, low fuel light, etc.The only recommendation that I would suggest is to get a top box due to the fact that there is not much storage on this scooter. My wife has another brand and she is very jealous besides the fact that it is too big for her. This scooter is made for taller men and women and fits me perfectly.

This is listed under 2008 model year, but I've got the 2009 from Beemer's and More in Ft. Collins, Colo. There were only 2 left of their allotment

I have almost 500 commuter miles on this scoot. I like the handling overall and the big tire feel. However, I notice the picture from ... Aprilia shows a a female rider in motion. They probably wouldn't want to show her at rest sitting on the scooter because her feet wouldn't make it to the ground. The seat on the Scarabeo 200 is high for me and I have a 31" inseam. I can't put both feet on the ground comfortably at a stop light.

But, that is minor compared to the issue I have with the throttle. Most of the time, to start the motor, I have to keep the starter turning over for 4 to 5 seconds. Acceleration is not smooth. In fact, it bogs down and never really runs well until I get into the higher rpm's. And, sometimes at full throttle even at high rmp's it will begin to hesitate. I motor around town at 5400' elevation and believe that the jets need to be changed out or tuned for this altitude (whatever you do to compensate for less oxygen). I'm taking my scoot in for the 600mi. checkup soon, so hope to have a positive report subsequently.

Also, getting optional add-ons is really difficult. I got a windscreen through a dealer in Kentucky, but it didn't come from Aprilia. I talked with a dealer in Ft. Lauderdale who said that he was not clear on what options he would be able to get from Aprilia for 2008 and 2009 models. I've been able to find "leg shield inserts", "saddle bags (panniers)", and "cowel extensions (to protect passenger legs)", on the Internet, but no way to order them.

Conclusion: if I get the air/fuel situation corrected, I'm going to really enjoy this thing.