Launched in 2003, the first Scarabeo 500 stretched the retro big-wheel scooter idea into touring territory, pairing a carburetted 460 cc…
| MODEL | APRILIA SCARABEO 500 2003 - 2005 |
| Year | 2003 - 2005 |
| Engine Type | Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves |
| Displacement / Capacity | 460 cc / 28.1 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 92 x 69 mm / 3.6 x 2.7 in |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled |
| Max Power | 29 kW / 39 hp @ 7250 rpm |
| Max Torque | 41 Nm / 30.2 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm |
| Ignition | Electronic |
| Induction | Keihin carburettor |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | Wet sump, forced circulation with mechanical pump |
| Gear Box | Automatic with continuous variator |
| Clutch | Automatic centrifugal |
| Final Drive | Belt |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | High-tensile steel double-cradle tubular lattice |
| Front Suspension | 40 mm hydraulic fork, 100 mm / 3.9 in travel |
| Rear Suspension | Engine acting as swingarm, linked to frame by dual connecting rods and two radial silent blocks; two double-action gas shocks with preload adjustment, 110 mm / 4.3 in travel |
| Front Brakes | 2 x 260 mm discs, 2-piston calipers |
| Rear Brakes | Single 220 mm disc, 2-piston caliper |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | 2310 mm / 90.9 in |
| Overall Width | 783 mm / 30.8 in |
| Overall Height | 1450 mm / 57.1 in |
| Seat Height | 785 mm / 30.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 1605 mm / 63.2 in |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 214 kg / 472 lbs |
| Wet Weight | 237 kg / 522 lbs |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 110/80-16 |
| Rear Tyre | 140/70-17 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 17 Litres / 4.5 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption | — |
| Top Speed | 150 km/h / 93 mph |
Launched in 2003, the first Scarabeo 500 stretched the retro big-wheel scooter idea into touring territory, pairing a carburetted 460 cc Piaggio-group single with a long 1605 mm wheelbase and a 17-litre tank. Its tall 16-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels gave it stable, motorcycle-like handling at the cost of some bulk. An ABS option joined the range in 2004 before an all-new, lighter 500 replaced it for 2006.
