The mode activation switch is located where the starter button should be. Rider’s finger will be pressing the activation button then, the scooter will not start of course and the rider will be wondering what happened at the very first ride! The start button is located further down the handlebar, if rider is accustomed to other bikes, he will get used to that start button during the first day of riding.
 
     A vibration is produced at idle form the engine, which may be unpleasant to senior riders. With Sport mode selected, acceleration at full throttle is good up to 20 Km/h, there is an instant pause and then the scooter accelerates in a linear manner this time.
     The speed of 100 Km/h is reached easily, acceleration is kind of slower from that figure upwards, up to the top speed of 130+ Km/h. On low friction factor streets, that initial hesitation at 20Km/h could be beneficial, because the scooter is quite powerful, thus a rear wheel skidding is avoided. In case that a rider performs powerful traffic light accelerations, he will be disappointed by this non-linear performance.
  
     At the Eco mode performance is virtually the same, the 20 Km/h hesitation is quite more discreet. Actually the modes variation is negligible on the road, on the contrary the Eco mode is smoother at the 20Km/h area. In theory there is a 7% fuel consumption deviation between the two modes. As a result from the above, the Eco mode should normally be selected. An indicative fuel consumption figure for the Eco mode is 3.5 litres/100 Km (81 mpg Imperial).
     At the 124 c.c. version, the engine delivers 14 bhp/ 10000 rpm and 1.1 kgm/ 8000 rpm torque, claimed figures. Its virtually the same scooter, even to the weight issue.
 
    Riding position: The height, 810 mm, and the width of the saddle are increased, it will be riders with higher than average stature who will step a confident foot on the road.
     The dimensions of the Scarabeo refer to a 150 c.c. scooter, the weight feels slightly heavier than a 150 c.c. scooter, 150 Kgs nominal dry for both engine capacity versions. In other words its quite smaller and lighter than the 300 c.c. scooters. However the 125 c.c. version is heavier than the standards of the category.
     Rider is placed in and over the scooter. In case that the screen was lower, rider would feel rather over the Scarabeo. Riding position is neutral.
                             
     On the road: The firmness of the 35 mm fork feels average, the twin shocks feel relatively soft. The only possible adjustment for the rider is the spring preload at the rear in four increments. During this review they were left at the softest increment.
     ΟE tyres are Michelin City Grip with dimensions 100/80-16 to the front and 120/80-16 to the rear. They are an excellent choice, improving handling.
 
     In town, the Scarabeo is a very good scooter. Road handling favours stability, although agility is also there for the rider. These features are compared with the 200 c.c. category standards. Compared with the 300 c.c. class standards, the small dimensions and weight provide great usability. Thus the Scarabeo will be a decent commuting scooter.
 
     Riding downtown, steering lock is superb. At the process of filtering the height of the handlebar and mirrors is the same with that of car and SUV mirrors respectively, not a problem to the rider though, due to the small width of the scooter. Comfort provided over street imperfections is good for the scooter category standards.
        
     On B-roads stability is again the key riding feature. Agility is a secondary riding element. At a normal pace, Scarabeo will be a satisfying scooter. At the fast pace the tyres will provide the confidence required, however feedback to the rider is decreased. At such a pace on sweepers some weave is observed, rider will not like to explore any riding limits on the Scarabeo.
      
      On the highway, the engine performance provided is adequate for short distances. The screen makes such rides more comfortable, taller riders will feel the air pressure on their helmet.
     However at a speed greater than 120 Km/h, Scarabeo becomes edgy, weave will be evident, even on the highway. If rider is seated at the front section of the saddle, in some cases he will quit from the throttle at such a speed. Things are improved if rider is seated at the rear of the saddle, not much though.
  
     On stone-covered streets or dirt roads, the Scarabeo is a comfortable scooter.
                             
     Brakes are combined. A 260 mm disc brake and a three piston calliper are equipped at the front, a 220 mm rotor and a two piston calliper are equipped at the rear.
     Both brakes are relatively powerful, providing average feedback to the rider. The front brake is user friendly, the rear is linear, it will require rider’s will in order to lock the rear tyre. Feedback to the rider is average from both brakes, it will not be helpful on low friction factor streets.
     Since the brakes are combined, applying the rear, one out of the three front pots will be activated also. Eventually stopping power provided is average, braking becomes quite user friendly though.
 
     Model history/quality build: Scarabeo was introduced in 1993. Since then, more than 750 thousand scoters are sold. The same scooter is equipped with a 125 c.c. engine. There are also some completely different versions featuring 50-100-300 and 500 c.c. engines. In 2009 a two maps (Eco and Sport) version of the Scarabeo was introduced for both the 125 and 200 c.c. variations. A facelift was performed in 2011, introducing changes to the saddle, indicators and the front. Quality build is good.
                             
     Comments: The footrest is flat. The storage space at the leg shield is divided in two, a small pocket camera may be stored indicatively at each of these spaces. Under the saddle a bicycle helmet or a very small jet helmet may be accommodated. A 12V plug is also provided. The rack provides a base for a top case if rider wishes for some additional spacious compartment.
 
     A centre stand is provided only, the hook for shopping bags has been moved to the front of the saddle. The indicators have also been moved under the handlebar, which looks nice actually. The screen is slightly higher than usual, in case that rider leans forward embarking or disembarking from the scooter, he may hit it with the helmet.
 
     At night the light at the analog instrument is white and nice, the needles are lit red. The LCD display light is standard green. An external temperature indication is also provided, with ice on road warning indication, which could be useful to the committed scooter winter riders!
 
     Τhe Scarabeo is a 200 c.c. scooter belonging  to the 125-150 c.c.  category in terms of external dimensions, with an increased to 200 c.c. engine underneath. Another approach performed by some manufacturers is to provide a 300 c.c. scooter with a downsized 200 c.c. engine, usually with minor engine tweaks. The riding outcome of this approach is completely different from that of Scarabeo.
 
     Concerning the two engine operation modes, having in mind the non-linearity observed at the 20Km/h speed, they are not important, a single Eco operation mode could have been provided by the factory.
 
     Finally the design combines retro and contemporary elements. The result is a unique scooter. Whether its nice or not, it’s a subjective attitude, which is valid in every bike.
 

Price 125: 2980 €

Price 200: 2830 €

+ Small dimensions

+ Comfort

+ An alternative to the 300 c.c. scooters proposal in town

- Weave on the highway

- Hesitation when accelerating at 20 Km/h, negligible difference between the two engine modes.

More, specifications

Aprilia sales footage and  more photos, following