BV350 or Scarabeo 500?

gore-tx · 02-07-2013, 07:05 PM

That is the question...

Have at it!

JerryH · 02-07-2013, 11:29 PM

I have never seen a Scarabeo 500 other than a picture. But I seriously looked at a BV350, and even test rode it. I liked it a lot, and still may buy one. I would need to get rid of one of my current scooters though, and don't really want to. But the BV would give me freeway capability. I really like this one, and the dealer is about a mile away.

http://www.victorybmw.com/default.as...t=&lng=&miles=

gumshoe4 · 02-08-2013, 03:01 PM

I think the Scarabeo 500 is similar to my BV500 and uses the same, or similar, engine. The engine is a good'un and I generally really like the machine, BUT

the BV350's engine is, in my opinion, better than the 500. The 500 is a last generation design. The BV350 engine makes close to the same power, pushes the bike almost as fast and has much longer service intervals. The BV350 also has WAY more storage than my BV500.

If I was making the decision today between the BV350 and the BV500, I'd go with the 350.

gore-tx · 02-09-2013, 11:19 AM

I don't think the Scarabeo 500 is too far the BV 350 in terms of weight. And the Scarabeo makes a bit more power too and cost a lot less than the BV. NOt sure what the maintenance schedule difference is...

JerryH · 02-09-2013, 03:23 PM

In researching the Scarabeo 500, I found a 2011 model costs $900 more than the 2013 BV350, and is actually only 460cc. It's a nice looking scooter, not sure how I feel about that oval shaped area on the side panels. There is no Aprilia dealer within 100 miles of here, so I've never actually looked at one. There is a Vespa/Piaggio dealer about a mile away. What bothers me most about both these scooters is parts and maintenance items. I can't imagine ever having to take a bike to a dealer for service or repair, but you have to go to the dealer for parts. I have gotten so used to getting parts for my Japanese bikes online from bikebandit.com or cheapcycleparts.com. I have always found going to a dealer to be a real hassle. But, on the other hand, it would be nice to have something a bit exotic, and non Asian for a change.

gore-tx · 02-09-2013, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerryH

In researching the Scarabeo 500, I found a 2011 model costs $900 more than the 2013 BV350, and is actually only 460cc. It's a nice looking scooter, not sure how I feel about that oval shaped area on the side panels. There is no Aprilia dealer within 100 miles of here, so I've never actually looked at one. There is a Vespa/Piaggio dealer about a mile away. What bothers me most about both these scooters is parts and maintenance items. I can't imagine ever having to take a bike to a dealer for service or repair, but you have to go to the dealer for parts. I have gotten so used to getting parts for my Japanese bikes online from bikebandit.com or cheapcycleparts.com. I have always found going to a dealer to be a real hassle. But, on the other hand, it would be nice to have something a bit exotic, and non Asian for a change.

I might be wrong but I think the last year for the Scarabeo 500 was 2009.

gogogordy · 02-09-2013, 08:12 PM

Having owned the Master-series engined Piaggio Mp3, and now a new BV350...I can tell you there is a world of difference in terms of engine refinement, and linear power-delivery.

There are reasons Piaggio clean-sheeted this powerplant. It's a sweetheart of a mill and will likely be their bread and butter powerplant going forward a few years.

JerryH · 02-09-2013, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gore-tx

I might be wrong but I think the last year for the Scarabeo 500 was 2009.

Could be. '09 was the newest year I could find for the SportCity in the U.S. I got the price and year for the Scarabeo 500 here.
http://scooters.findthebest.com/l/6/...carabeo-500-ie

GREY.HOUND · 02-10-2013, 07:17 AM

Those are really nice lookin' scoots gogogordy.

gogogordy · 02-10-2013, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GREY.HOUND

Those are really nice lookin' scoots gogogordy.

Thanks...Vespa Sherman Oaks handled the custom colors and they did a beautiful job.

Brooktown Geezer · 02-10-2013, 08:07 AM

Beautiful! Piaggio should make the red with black trim a standard, and lose the matte finishes (that aren't selling that well anyway.)

I look forward to more info as you put on the miles.

Dabears · 02-10-2013, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brooktown Geezer

Beautiful! Piaggio should make the red with black trim a standard, and lose the matte finishes (that aren't selling that well anyway.)

I look forward to more info as you put on the miles.

I agree- I've read lots of negative comments about the red seat upholstery, especially after is sun fades to dark pink. eww.

Whats wrong with using black for the seats and the plastic trim? From Gogogordy's great pictures absolutely nothing. C'mon Vespa.

gore-tx · 02-10-2013, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gogogordy

That green one looks pretty awesome!

gumshoe4 · 02-10-2013, 06:47 PM

Awesome looking machines, Gordy! Those BV350s rock...

cdwise · 02-11-2013, 07:20 PM

I love my Scarabeo 500, it is far more comfortable touring than our BV 500. Seat and suspension is considerably better so that would be a tough call for me. If it were between the BV 500 and the BV 350 I'd take the BV 350. Better maintenance intervals and definitely more storage particularly if you remove the silly evap canister that is a California and New York requirement not a 50 state requirement.

BTW, I buy parts online for the Aprilia Scarabeo and the BVS. Service on the Sports City (also an Aprilia) is done by a local mechanic in Dillon, CO instead of taking it down to Denver for service. He's had no problems getting any parts he's needed either.

Geogordy - when did you get to pick up the new BVs? They look great.

02-07-2013, 07:05 PM	#1
gore-tx ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: Nov 2004 Location: San Antonio, TX Oddometer: 1,064	BV350 or Scarabeo 500? That is the question... Have at it! __________________ ???

02-07-2013, 11:29 PM	#2
JerryH Vintage Rider Joined: Jul 2009 Location: Chandler, AZ Oddometer: 1,680	I have never seen a Scarabeo 500 other than a picture. But I seriously looked at a BV350, and even test rode it. I liked it a lot, and still may buy one. I would need to get rid of one of my current scooters though, and don't really want to. But the BV would give me freeway capability. I really like this one, and the dealer is about a mile away. http://www.victorybmw.com/default.as...t=&lng=&miles= __________________ "I refuse to give up the thrill of living for the relative safety of existing" Nick Ienatsch "Life is not a race. Don't treat it as such. If you don't believe me, just have a look at the finish line"

02-08-2013, 03:01 PM	#3
gumshoe4 Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Feb 2007 Oddometer: 457	I think the Scarabeo 500 is similar to my BV500 and uses the same, or similar, engine. The engine is a good'un and I generally really like the machine, BUT the BV350's engine is, in my opinion, better than the 500. The 500 is a last generation design. The BV350 engine makes close to the same power, pushes the bike almost as fast and has much longer service intervals. The BV350 also has WAY more storage than my BV500. If I was making the decision today between the BV350 and the BV500, I'd go with the 350. __________________ Bob

02-09-2013, 11:19 AM	#4
gore-tx ^OP Beastly Adventurer Joined: Nov 2004 Location: San Antonio, TX Oddometer: 1,064	I don't think the Scarabeo 500 is too far the BV 350 in terms of weight. And the Scarabeo makes a bit more power too and cost a lot less than the BV. NOt sure what the maintenance schedule difference is... __________________ ???

02-09-2013, 03:23 PM	#5
JerryH Vintage Rider Joined: Jul 2009 Location: Chandler, AZ Oddometer: 1,680	In researching the Scarabeo 500, I found a 2011 model costs $900 more than the 2013 BV350, and is actually only 460cc. It's a nice looking scooter, not sure how I feel about that oval shaped area on the side panels. There is no Aprilia dealer within 100 miles of here, so I've never actually looked at one. There is a Vespa/Piaggio dealer about a mile away. What bothers me most about both these scooters is parts and maintenance items. I can't imagine ever having to take a bike to a dealer for service or repair, but you have to go to the dealer for parts. I have gotten so used to getting parts for my Japanese bikes online from bikebandit.com or cheapcycleparts.com. I have always found going to a dealer to be a real hassle. But, on the other hand, it would be nice to have something a bit exotic, and non Asian for a change. __________________ "I refuse to give up the thrill of living for the relative safety of existing" Nick Ienatsch "Life is not a race. Don't treat it as such. If you don't believe me, just have a look at the finish line"

02-09-2013, 08:12 PM	#7
gogogordy Beastly Adventurer Joined: Feb 2009 Location: Temecula, So. California Oddometer: 1,367	New BV350 owner Having owned the Master-series engined Piaggio Mp3, and now a new BV350...I can tell you there is a world of difference in terms of engine refinement, and linear power-delivery. There are reasons Piaggio clean-sheeted this powerplant. It's a sweetheart of a mill and will likely be their bread and butter powerplant going forward a few years. __________________ You really need to get out more.

02-10-2013, 07:17 AM	#9
GREY.HOUND Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jun 2012 Location: central valley, california Oddometer: 136	Those are really nice lookin' scoots gogogordy.

02-10-2013, 08:07 AM	#11
Brooktown Geezer scooter guy Joined: Feb 2009 Location: Fallbrook, CA Oddometer: 466	Beautiful! Piaggio should make the red with black trim a standard, and lose the matte finishes (that aren't selling that well anyway.) I look forward to more info as you put on the miles.

02-10-2013, 06:47 PM	#14
gumshoe4 Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Feb 2007 Oddometer: 457	Awesome looking machines, Gordy! Those BV350s rock... __________________ Bob

02-11-2013, 07:20 PM	#15
cdwise Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2010 Location: Houston, TX/Breckenridge, CO Oddometer: 461	I love my Scarabeo 500, it is far more comfortable touring than our BV 500. Seat and suspension is considerably better so that would be a tough call for me. If it were between the BV 500 and the BV 350 I'd take the BV 350. Better maintenance intervals and definitely more storage particularly if you remove the silly evap canister that is a California and New York requirement not a 50 state requirement. BTW, I buy parts online for the Aprilia Scarabeo and the BVS. Service on the Sports City (also an Aprilia) is done by a local mechanic in Dillon, CO instead of taking it down to Denver for service. He's had no problems getting any parts he's needed either. Geogordy - when did you get to pick up the new BVs? They look great.

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