🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Aprilia Model: Scarabeo 500 Model Variant: Scarabeo 500 i.e. (Injection) Vin Code Position: Typically located on the steering head tube. Generation Generation: First Generation (Post-2004 Revision) Codes Engine Code Prefix: V41MB Chassis Code Prefix: RP000 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: The Aprilia Scarabeo 500 was positioned as a premium, large-displacement scooter offering superior comfort, performance, and style, often targeting riders who sought a sophisticated urban commuter or a capable touring machine. Competitive Analysis Competitive Analysis: Competed with other maxi-scooters of the era such as the Suzuki Burgman 400/650, Yamaha TMAX 500, and Honda Silver Wing 500. Differentiated itself with distinctive Italian design and a more engaging riding experience. Key Features Key Features: Powerful 500cc engine, comfortable ergonomics, under-seat storage, advanced (for its time) fuel injection system, distinctive Italian styling. Key Features Continued: Spacious under-seat storage, integrated passenger grab handles, clear instrumentation, robust chassis for stability. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Model Years Covered: 2006, 2007, 2008 Specific Model Designations: Covers the 500cc fuel-injected models, often designated as 'Scarabeo 500 i.e.' or similar. Page Count Estimated Page Count: 150-200 Manual Type Manual Type: Owner's Operator's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Print 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Systems: Fuel Injection, Ignition, Cooling, Lubrication, Starting, Exhaust Chassis Systems: Suspension (Front Fork & Rear Shock), Brakes (Front & Rear Disc), Steering, Wheels & Tires Electrical Systems: Battery, Lighting, Instrumentation, Horn, Fuses, Wiring Harness Overview Bodywork And Accessories: Body Panels, Seating, Storage Compartments, Windscreen, Mirrors, Luggage Rack (if applicable) Braking System: Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, brake lever operation, brake fluid checks. Suspension System: Front telescopic fork, rear twin shock absorbers. Preload adjustment guidance (if applicable). Procedures Included Basic Maintenance: Pre-Ride Checks, Fluid Level Checks (Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid), Tire Pressure, Chain Adjustment (if applicable - though this is fuel injected, often belt driven), Battery Maintenance Operator Procedures: Starting and Stopping, Riding Controls, Dashboard Indicators, Fueling, Parking, Storage Troubleshooting Basic: Common Issues, Indicator Light Meanings, Simple Diagnostic Steps Electrical System Checks: Battery testing, fuse identification and replacement, bulb replacement for lighting systems, understanding dashboard warning indicators. Wheel And Tire Maintenance: Checking tire wear, maintaining correct tire pressures, basic wheel removal/installation guidance (for puncture repair). Luggage Fitting Instructions: Guidance on installing approved luggage racks or top cases, if equipped as an accessory. Technical Depth Technical Depth: Owner-level maintenance and operation. Covers essential checks, adjustments, and basic troubleshooting. Does not typically include in-depth internal engine or transmission repairs or advanced electrical diagnostics typically found in a service manual. Specific Procedures Covered: Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, brake pad inspection/replacement guidance, drive belt inspection, battery maintenance, minor adjustments. Target Audience: Intended for the end-user (owner/operator) to understand safe operation, routine maintenance, and basic troubleshooting to keep the vehicle in good working order. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Print Quality: Professional offset printing, clear diagrams and text. Binding Type Binding Type: Staple bound or perfect bound, designed for durability in workshop or garage environments. Paper Type Paper Type: Durable, semi-gloss paper to resist grease and moisture. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: 4-stroke, Single Cylinder, 4-valve, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC Displacement: 460cc Engine Family: Piaggio Quasar 4-stroke, 4-valve engine (shared with other Piaggio Group products) Performance Bore X Stroke: 92 mm x 69 mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 Horsepower Rating Approx: 39 HP @ 7,250 RPM Torque Rating Approx: 42 Nm @ 5,500 RPM Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (Weber Marelli IAW 59M) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (min. 95 RON recommended) Fuel Tank Capacity: 15 Liters Lubrication System Oil Type Specification: SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher, JASO MA certified Cooling System Coolant Type Specification: Ethylene Glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, 50/50 mix with distilled water 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: Automatic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) Optional Optional Transmission: N/A (CVT is standard) Features Final Drive: Belt Drive 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 2,195 mm Width: Approx. 780 mm Height: Approx. 1,450 mm (with windscreen) Wheelbase: Approx. 1,565 mm Weights Dry Weight: Approx. 198 kg Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 350 kg Cargo Underseat Storage Capacity: Sufficient for one full-face helmet and small items. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Ratings: As this is a motorcycle/scooter, formal crash test ratings (like car NCAP) are not applicable. Safety is primarily determined by design and rider action. Active Features Active Safety Features: Disc Brakes (Front & Rear), ABS (Optional on some models/markets, not standard on all 2006-2008 500i.e. without specific mention) Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Strong frame construction, integrated lighting, mirrors for visibility. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment Features: Basic LCD display for odometer, trip meter, fuel level, clock, and warning lights. No advanced infotainment systems. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: ABS was an optional feature on some versions, not standard across all 2006-2008 500i.e. models....
The Aprilia Scarabeo 500 was positioned as a premium, large-displacement scooter offering superior comfort, performance, and style, often targeting riders who sought a sophisticated urban commuter or a capable touring machine.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with other maxi-scooters of the era such as the Suzuki Burgman 400/650, Yamaha TMAX 500, and Honda Silver Wing 500. Differentiated itself with distinctive Italian design and a more engaging riding experience.
Key Features
Key Features:
Powerful 500cc engine, comfortable ergonomics, under-seat storage, advanced (for its time) fuel injection system, distinctive Italian styling.
Guidance on installing approved luggage racks or top cases, if equipped as an accessory.
Technical Depth
Technical Depth:
Owner-level maintenance and operation. Covers essential checks, adjustments, and basic troubleshooting. Does not typically include in-depth internal engine or transmission repairs or advanced electrical diagnostics typically found in a service manual.
Specific Procedures Covered:
Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, brake pad inspection/replacement guidance, drive belt inspection, battery maintenance, minor adjustments.
Target Audience:
Intended for the end-user (owner/operator) to understand safe operation, routine maintenance, and basic troubleshooting to keep the vehicle in good working order.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Print Quality:
Professional offset printing, clear diagrams and text.
Binding Type
Binding Type:
Staple bound or perfect bound, designed for durability in workshop or garage environments.
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Durable, semi-gloss paper to resist grease and moisture.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
4-stroke, Single Cylinder, 4-valve, Liquid-Cooled, DOHC
Displacement:
460cc
Engine Family:
Piaggio Quasar 4-stroke, 4-valve engine (shared with other Piaggio Group products)
Performance
Bore X Stroke:
92 mm x 69 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower Rating Approx:
39 HP @ 7,250 RPM
Torque Rating Approx:
42 Nm @ 5,500 RPM
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Weber Marelli IAW 59M)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (min. 95 RON recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
15 Liters
Lubrication System
Oil Type Specification:
SAE 10W-40 API SG or higher, JASO MA certified
Cooling System
Coolant Type Specification:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Sufficient for one full-face helmet and small items.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Ratings:
As this is a motorcycle/scooter, formal crash test ratings (like car NCAP) are not applicable. Safety is primarily determined by design and rider action.
Active Features
Active Safety Features:
Disc Brakes (Front & Rear), ABS (Optional on some models/markets, not standard on all 2006-2008 500i.e. without specific mention)
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Strong frame construction, integrated lighting, mirrors for visibility.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment Features:
Basic LCD display for odometer, trip meter, fuel level, clock, and warning lights. No advanced infotainment systems.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS was an optional feature on some versions, not standard across all 2006-2008 500i.e. models.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
None.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (check manual for specifics).
Air Filter Replacement:
Check every 6,000 km, replace as needed or per manual recommendation (typically ~12,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 12,000 km or as indicated by wear.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 24,000 km or 24 months.
Drive Belt Inspection Replacement:
Inspect every 12,000 km, replace typically around 20,000-24,000 km or as per wear.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.5 Liters (including filter)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Transmission Fluid:
Not applicable, CVT uses engine oil.
Known Issues
Known Issues Common Themes:
Some owners reported issues with the fuel pump, electrical components (rectifier, stator), and occasional starter motor problems. Regular maintenance is key to mitigating these. Vibration damping at certain RPMs can also be a characteristic. Check for exhaust system leaks or corrosion.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Aprilia, an Italian manufacturer, has a rich history in motorsport, particularly in motorcycle racing, which often translates into performance-oriented design and engineering for their road-going vehicles.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The Scarabeo line has been a cornerstone for Aprilia in the scooter market, with displacements ranging from 50cc to 500cc. The 500cc model represented the pinnacle of their maxi-scooter offering, evolving from earlier carbureted models to the fuel-injected versions in this period.
Production
Production Years For Model Line:
1993-Present (Scarabeo line)
Manufacturing Location:
Italy
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.