by Jeremy Wilker

APRILIA 2001 SCARABEO 150 Price - $4,199 Warranty - one year Motor - 150 cc 4-stroke, 1 cylinder Cooling - liquid cooled Top speed - 90 mph Acceleration - very good 0-40 mph - 5.5 seconds Transmission - smooth automatic Starter - electric Signals - yes Horn - yes Lights - yes, nice headlight Battery - yes Tires - 16" Tank - 2.5 gallons Gas Usage - insufficient data Oil Usage - n/a   Ergonomics: Seat Height - 31.5" Weight - 308 lbs Wheel base - 54.6" Balance - very good Vibration - very smooth Noise - minimal Riders - single, double great   Construction: Frame - tubular metal Body - plastic Front Shocks - telescopic fork Rear Shocks - double coil-over Front Brakes - disc Rear Brakes - disc Gauges - clock, fuel, speed, temp Switches - nice, clear, easy Seat - huge seat, very comfy Storage - glovebox, topbox  Results: One thing to note is that the Aprilia Scarabeo 150 seemed to have a slightly inaccurate speedometer. If not, then this scooter has an amazing reality-distortion field that makes 90 mph feel more like 80! But does it work on the highway patrol? Derrick: The thing is killer for a scooter! It is a really heavy scooter and the center stand is perhaps difficult to use with all the weight. A bit lacking in design, in comparison. It feels like a feather when riding, though. Engine is powerful, handling is easy, really easy sensation of movement! The Aprilias seem like very upscale scooters compared to others. Jeremy: Wow. This big and quiet scooter really moves. It handles great, brakes great, accelerates great and the seat is super comfy. A long-range scooter. Again, I don't like the looks of the big 16" wheels and it isn't as aesthetically pleasing as a vintage scooter. This is a winner, though, and next year we'll hopefully get the 200cc model! Wow. Expensive.   M.M.M.