The Scarabeo, one of Aprilia founder and owner Ivano Beggio's great ideas, was a retro-looking 50 and 100cc machine that caused a lot of excitement when it appeared in 1993. More than 750,000 were built in 20 years. Its rounded lines made it appeal to the emerging women's market, and its success surprised everybody, especially the Piaggio people who were used to dominating the scene with their models.
In fact, the Scarabeo was so successful that it forced Piaggio to give new life to many models. Aprilia fought back with Sacrabeo versions up to 200cc that offered superior handling and very good overall performance. The Scarabeo family even grew to include a 500cc version, but the larger ones did not have the same success as the smaller and lighter models.
Then Aprilia ran into problems. Beggio, though, was so confident in the Scarabeo that he wanted to make it a separate make for himself while selling the rest of the Aprilia-Moto Guzzi outfit. But this did not happen because the only potential buyer, top competitor Piaggio, absolutely wanted Scarabeo as part of the purchase. And in 2007, Piaggio-owned Aprilia renewed the Scarabeo. But what was intended to be an updated style was a sad flop. The Aprilia Scarabeo almost disappeared from the market.
Now, Piaggio has re-set the clock back to 1993 and created a retro-looking new Scarabeo, a light and user-friendly machine in 50cc and 100cc displacements. It’s not a replica of the original; it’s a very elegant re-definition that satisfies the same segment of the buying public.
The new Scarabeo comes in three versions: 50cc two-stroke, 50cc four-stroke, 100cc four-stroke. All engines are fed by carburetors, not fuel injection, and cooled by forced ventilation. Compact and lean, the resurrected Scarabeo has a 49-inch wheelbase and 16-inch cast aluminum wheels. The telefork and twin-shock swingarm provide 3.0 and 3.2 inches of wheel travel, respectively.
At only 200 pounds, the Scarabeo 50 is a very light machine, and the 100cc version is only slightly heavier than the 50cc four-stroke, which means it has a very attractive power-to-weight ratio. The seat for all Scarabeo models is set at a convenient 30.5 inches, for easy reach to the ground and a relaxed riding posture. What’s more, all models come equipped with an electric starter, a continuously variable transmission, and brakes that feature a front disc and a rear drum. Completing the retro package are appropriate graphics and a range of fashionable colors. In Italy, the Scarabeo 100 is priced at 2,660 euros, which equates to $3,629 at current exchange rates.