Aprilia Atlantic 500

[gore-tx]

Any long term owners? How did the scooter age? Quality of the plastics, paint, cost of ownership, etc.
Thanks for the input!

[Cortez]

Originally Posted by gore-tx

Any long term owners? How did the scooter age? Quality of the plastics, paint, cost of ownership, etc.
Thanks for the input!

Worse then Piaggio stuff of same age.

Rectifier problems on the 2002-2004 or so, black plastics go gray
(and eventually white) and are brittle, painted stuff is "ok".

I've already written about mixing of oil and gasoline in the 460 master
engine, and it's worse on older models, 2003 being the most problematic.

A lot of "issues" threads over on AF1 Forums, you should really be asking
or searching there.

[fried okra]

The early Master engines, around 2003-2004 had a too cool thermostat which did not allow the engine to get to proper operating temperature. Problem has been long resolved.

I've not heard of any problems on the later 460cc Master engines and many have 50K+ miles on them.

Fried Okra

[Cortez]

Originally Posted by fried okra

The early Master engines, around 2003-2004 had a too cool thermostat which did not allow the engine to get to proper operating temperature. Problem has been long resolved.

I've not heard of any problems on the later 460cc Master engines and many have 50K+ miles on them.

Fried Okra

As I mentioned earlier in some posts, my job is closely related to all of
scooter/motorcycle shops and stores around Croatia, and I've asked about
this in at least 15 out of 30 piaggio dealerships here.

While they're all aware of the thermostat issue, most of them say that
it's NOT related to the mixing of fuel and oil in the 460cc master engine,
and don't know what is.

There have been cases where the 2003-04 masters work fine, and when
a 2007 has these issues. BOTH will do huge miles IF you keep an eye on
the oil level and replace it if starts to rise.

It's really not a big problem, especially since at full throttle the engine will
burn some of the oil/gas from inside.

Worst case scenario is driving the bike on short trips around town, cold
and turning it off before it gets a chance to fully warm up, especially if
it's around 2003.

I'd buy any of them though, given a low mileage and service records, and
just change the oil more frequently (it's not that big of an expense).

But if you can find the 492cc version, grab it and run away.

[gore-tx]

Originally Posted by Cortez

Worse then Piaggio stuff of same age.

Rectifier problems on the 2002-2004 or so, black plastics go gray
(and eventually white) and are brittle, painted stuff is "ok".

I've already written about mixing of oil and gasoline in the 460 master
engine, and it's worse on older models, 2003 being the most problematic.

A lot of "issues" threads over on AF1 Forums, you should really be asking
or searching there.

I know AF1 is a great source (I've been on the forum since 2003 - you can look me up, I use the same name) but I like this forum too.

I am also aware that a Piaggio X9 500 would technically be a better buy than an Atlantic 500.

I've just been looking at a lot of different stuff lately and still haven't made up my mind. I like the looks of the Aprilia and I am aware of some of the issues. I think it's nice to get input from long term owners. Yes, there might be a lot of data about recorded issues out there and yes dealers will tell you about their experience with the product but it's not the same as having someone tell you about their bike.

[Cortez]

If nothing else, given your knowledge on the subject already, you could
save a lot of money with the Atlantic compared to some other popular
choices.. and Atlantic owners usually swear by them, and wouldn't ride
anything else (not sure how many of them have tried the X9 EVO, though).

Some say the last generation atlantic is better then the new one.

I've just noticed they're dirt cheap locally, the cheapest 500 master based
scoots on the market, which makes me think people are a bit desperate
to get rid of them.



I'd just avoid 2003.

p.s. I think most people here don't even know what an Atlantic 500 is.

[gore-tx]

Originally Posted by Cortez

If nothing else, given your knowledge on the subject already, you could
save a lot of money with the Atlantic compared to some other popular
choices.. and Atlantic owners usually swear by them, and wouldn't ride
anything else (not sure how many of them have tried the X9 EVO, though).

Some say the last generation atlantic is better then the new one.

I've just noticed they're dirt cheap locally, the cheapest 500 master based
scoots on the market, which makes me think people are a bit desperate
to get rid of them.



I'd just avoid 2003.

p.s. I think most people here don't even know what an Atlantic 500 is.

We only got the Atlantic until 2004. We never got the updated version. Piaggio sold the X9 500 until 2007 (I think) so it's possible to find newer bikes than the Atlantic. I like the lines of the Atlantic. It almost looks like a 50's Cadillac from the back.

[Cortez]

Originally Posted by gore-tx

We only got the Atlantic until 2004. We never got the updated version. Piaggio sold the X9 500 until 2007 (I think) so it's possible to find newer bikes than the Atlantic. I like the lines of the Atlantic. It almost looks like a 50's Cadillac from the back.

+1, I dig the design too.

I got just one friend who owned it, was blown away by the low price he
got it for, but after only a few months and multiple issues decided to sell
it, it left him beside the road with electrical gremlins one time too many.

It also had the oil level rising issue, and it was a 2003.
The rectifier and thermostat were replaced when he bought it.

Didn't help for either of the issues.
Too bad, it was mint condition otherwise.

My half sister's Beverly 500 cruiser (492cc) had 20k+ miles on the ODO, was
squeaking and rattling all over the place, had blown suspension (forks were
actually leaking oil), but man that engine pulled like a train. No oil issue,
no smoke, no nothing.

[MotoRandy123]

I had a 2003 Aprilia Scarabeo 500, used mostly for back and forth to work (13 miles) and had the fuel smell
in the oil. I changed it once as I was a bit alarmed at first but then just rode it assuming it was normal!

I drove it for a couple of years then sold it. It didn't seem to turn in as well as most bikes so wasn't as fun
in the twisties. Solid bike though and easy to just get on and go!