Bought a 2003 Aprilia Scarabeo 50 Scooter
I've been looking to buy a used one for quite some time now, but they are very hard to come by. I was ONLY interested in buying the Scarabeo because:
- I wanted a big wheel scooter for more stability.
- I wanted something quick enough to handle traffic, yet not fast enough to get me into much trouble.
- Gas mileage. This is the only 50cc scooter in the world that gets 122 MPG.
- 1.9 gallon tank x 122 MPG = 230 miles for every $5 of gas.
- I can park anywhere. 2-foot wide parking spaces.
- I can use sidewalks or small spaces to avoid stand-still traffic.
After some negotiating I got the scooter + tax + title for exactly $2,000 out the door. If I bought the same scooter out the door brand new, it would have been about $3,600.
Just like a car, the real cost of ownership is much higher. However, gas, maintenance and insurance are extremely cheap for the scooter unlike a car. The larger costs came in the form of safety equipment. In the end, this is what I spent:
- $2,000 - Scooter out the door
- $50 - Matching helmet found on Craigslist
- $55 - Battery trickle charger
- $13 - Chain lock
- $40 - Motorcycle gloves from Craigslist
Commuting to campus or around Downtown during rush hour is a cinch now. I am doing everything I can to be safe and always take low-traffic roads to avoid cars. Small trips are much quicker since there is no concern about parking and they are definitely much more fun!
Labels: Transportation
posted by Neville @ 1:03 AM
26 comments
26 Comments:
Dave's Journey to Financial Freedom
For someone who hates Nev so much, you sure do read his blog a lot. In every previous post you have left comments bashing Nev.
You are obviously infatuated with Nev, so the only gay one here seems to be....you.
Nev, the scooter is awsome. From what I know, Aprilia is the "Ferrari of motorcycles", and I'm guessing the same goes for their scooters. Congrats!
And parking is an issue too. With a real motorcycle, they won't tow you because it's a pain. But with something as tiny & puny as that, two guys can easily pick it up & move it.
Hope you've got a strong chainlock, or the football players will surely be f*cking around with you.
I also think this is a big waste of money. You could have gotten a much cheaper used scooter if you got one that's >5 years old. There aren't that many parts that can break, and the maintenance is easy enough for a woman to do. Way to spend $1500 you didn't need to.
It's prone to being stolen, but that's what insurance is for!
Anon,
I wanted a late model scooter so I don't have to maintain it etc. Also, buying a 50cc scooter that is 5+ years old will allow me to go about 30mph, way too slow on roads for comfort.
The Scarabeo is the only 50cc that will easily reach 50mph. It is also the least stupid-looking scooter you can buy.
As for being thrown in jail for riding on a sidewalk...HA! I'd LOVE to be arrested for that just because it would be a funny story.
At most, the Austin APD might tell me not to do it again...IF they tell me anything. Austin is very motorcycle and scooter friendly.
Anon2,
I've been riding motorcycles for a long time, and I still went with a scooter for one main reason....It's not powerful enough to tempt me. I love going fast and doing stupid things, so this is the only way to check that urge until I grow out of it.
-Nev
have a nice day :)
http://help.setupwebsites.com/showthread.php?t=1075
- anonymouse
From a purely economic view, $2000 for a used scooter doesn't make sense when you could easily get a used light weight motorcycle for price. Here's one on craigslist for $1,500. http://austin.craigslist.org/mcy/105856190.html
Plus, a motorcycle will hold its value better than a scooter.
However, as with many big ticket purchases (cars, homes, etc) - pure economics isn't usually the decisive factor. It boils down to emotions. And if that little scooter makes you happy Nev, that's enough to justify the purchase.
I happened onto your blog because I wanted to find an Aprilia lock for it...do you know of any good resources besides ebay? i'm not in Austin...
happy scootering!
I said you bought a helmet of Craigs List. Presumably then, it is used? If your head is smaller than the person you bought it from then the protection offered by the helmet is greatly reduced. Also, they may have dropped it, introducing small fractures in the material. If you crash with a fractured helmet then you might as well not be wearing one. I know helmets can cost a whole bunch, but definitely worth the outlay if you like being alive.
Stick with the walmart bike
Congrats on going to a scooter. They're a lot of fun and much less work around town than a big bike. I have a Honda Helix (250cc) and a Honda Ruckus (49cc) that are both great around town. The Helix gets 60+mpg and the Ruckus gets 110mpg. The Honda reliablity is tough to beat but Aprilia makes a great looking scooter that handles much like a motorcycle without all the weight. Love those 16" wheels!
For those interested in economy and reliability, my 2003 49cc Honda Ruckus has almost 18,000 miles on it and all it has had is new tires, belt and variator. Be sure to check it out along with the Aprilia. A new Ruckus is about 2,000 bucks out the door, but not as fast probably as the Aprilia, only about 40mph.
For those who believe a Harley is fun to ride in town traffic, you have obviously never ridden a scooter; probably because you are afraid that someone you know might see you. Get a new group of friends or a penis enlargement device.
My bike for the road is a 2005 Triumph Rocket III and I also have a Triumph Bonneville. All motorized 2 wheelers are great fun when ridden in the fashion for which they were designed. Ride often, ride safe.
Clint
Congrats on the purchase. You absolutely made a great choice. Aprilia has the scooter market nailed... you will not find a better scoot. And for those that comment about Harleys and Ninjas, neither of those choices fit the needs this scoot fills. If you want an obnoxious, loud lifestyle bike to fill up with oil,get a Hardley Ableson. If you want a cramped riding position, and numb hands, the Ninja will have you in a chiropractors office inside of a day. I have an Aprilia Sportcity 250,and the lovely wife rides a Scarabeo 100. The Italian community uses these for daily, primary transportation. They are beat on, left in the weather, and abused.. and just keep on ticking. I recommend Castrol TTS for a great 2 stroke oil.. minimal wear, clean burn and no smoke. Stay safe, keep your head up, and look at where you want to be... good advise for riding and living.
Post a Comment
<< Home