Click on the image above for high-resolution shots of the Aprilia Scarabeo 200

There is a certain amount of truth to Peter M. De Lorenzo's latest rant regarding the recent trend of record scooter sales in the United States. For instance, while we often report on the fuel savings of the average two-wheeled means of transportation, we also advocate proper rider training and apparel. Nobody here is going to suggest that two-wheelin' is a safer choice than riding in your "cage." But, we can't disagree more with a few statements made on Autoextremist.com, particularly that riding on main city streets is a bad idea. In fact, there is no better place to ride your scooter. We have plenty of experience on the topic, and feel that a scooter can be an excellent city conveyance.

We also can't reconcile the comparison between the latent SUV craze and the current scooter craze. While there are parallels between the two, they end when the environmentally responsibleness of the subject is brought up. Unless you are packing your SUV with plenty of people and their belongings, they usually make neither economic or environmental sense. That said, we agree with De Lorenzo's claim that trading your fuel-guzzler for a fuel-sipper does not always make sound economic sense.

Now seems like a good time to remind our readers that not everyone should go out and get a scooter or small motorcycle. For some, though, they can make a fine alternative option when an a two-ton chunk of metal is just unnecessary.

[Source: Auto Extremist]

Click on the image above for high-resolution shots of the Aprilia Scarabeo 200

Just what exactly differentiates motorcycles from scooters? Looking at the offerings available, automatic transmissions are entering the motorcycle marketplace, so that's one difference which could soon be wiped out. Tire size could be another, but these days there are scooters available with 16" or larger wheels. So, to motorcycle or to scooter really depends on each individual's point of view. If it's the large wheels, highway capability or wind protection that holds you back from considering a scooter, Aprilia has a few that you should take a close look at. The Scarabeo line from Aprilia has proven quite popular, especially in Europe, where the Italian marque has sold over 750,000 of them during the last 15 years. Many riders prefer the high-speed capabilities, wind protection and adequate storage space of the Scarabeo 500, but for those who just don't need that much power, Aprilia is introducing their new 100cc and 200cc Scarabeo models to the U.S. market this year.

Both the 100cc at $2,699 and the 200cc at $3599 should be available in Aprilia dealerships as you read this and have plenty of features designed to lure fuel and style-conscious riders their way. Be sure to browse our gallery of photos below.



[Source: Aprilia]

Piaggio is the 800-pound gorilla when it comes to Italian motorcycles, owning and creating vehicles under the Piaggio, Vespa, Moto Guzzi, Gilera, Derbi and Aprilia brands. The majority of the vehicles the Piaggio Group sells are scooters, with motorcycles and rickshaw's making up the rest. But, here is an interesting rumor I found scanning 2 Stroke Buzz: will Piaggio start making four-wheeled vehicles in India?

The main point of the article, which was originally written by Adil Jal Darukhanawala and printed in the December, 2006 issue of Bike India, is that Piaggio will develop a brand new Vespa for the booming Indian market. This is big news in itself, but something that stood out to me is this quote: "At the Milan Show BIKE INDIA caught up with both Roberto Colaninno and also Ravi Chopra, CEO of Piaggio Vehicles in India and they both confirmed that it was only a matter of time before the company went on to add both two as well as four wheeled vehicles in its portfolio."

The article finishes by stating that we should see examples of the new Vespa in twelve months, but no timetable is mentioned regarding a four-wheeled vehicle from Piaggio. They did just release the MP3...

Related:

• A three-wheeled extravaganza! Piaggio MP3, VentureOne, KTM X-Bow and Can-Am Spyder

[Source: Adil Jal Darukhanawala / India Bike via 2 Stroke Buzz]