What's in a Name?

Aprilia Scarabeo 500

Aprilia’s 500cc model, the Atlantic, is impressive. Its modern looks and great performance convinced me I could easily go on tour with a scooter. I like the old-fashioned look of scooters and so I was really excited about getting to test Aprilia’s latest retro- styled scooter, the Scarebeo 500, and to see how it stacks up against the Atlantic.

Our test area is Kansas City, a vibrant midwestern locale, with Christa aboard the Atlantic and me sitting on the Scarabeo. Ready to go, my two-wheeled “beetle” rolls smoothly out of the parking lot and we’re off.

Beetle? Scarabeo (scarab) is the Italian derivation that comes to us from the Latin word Scarabaeus, signifying a special breed of dung beetle. I know what you’re thinking, but really, it’s quite the opposite. The Scarabeo 500 stands out for its elegant lines, reflecting the unmistakable style of Aprilia’s scooter family while adding more oomph to a successful line that includes the Scarabeo 125 and 200.

Aprilia could have chosen eponyms for this line based on beetle taxonomy. The smaller version might have borne the mellifluous name Aphodius fimetarus, the midsize Geotrupes vernalis, and this big boy, the 500 that I’m riding, the Scarabaeus sacer. Thankfully, we don’t have to learn Latin or delve into entomology to enjoy the drive. ...

For the complete article of the riding impression(s) and technical specifications, click on the "Buy Article" button below