Introduction

The Aprilia Atlantic 500

The Aprilia Atlantic 500 (2001-2002, ZD4PT) is a scooter from the Italian manufacturer Aprilia, produced between 2001 and 2002. This model belongs to the maxi-scooter category and was the first vehicle in the Atlantic series, which Aprilia introduced in the early 2000s.
The Atlantic 500 was developed as a powerful and comfortable scooter for urban and interregional use, targeting riders seeking a vehicle with high performance and practical everyday usability. It marked Aprilia's entry into the large scooter market and set the tone for the later development of the Atlantic series.

Model History

In terms of model history, the Aprilia Atlantic 500 (2001-2002, ZD4PT) stands at the beginning of the Atlantic series, which was later expanded with models like the Atlantic 125, 200, and 250.
Aprilia, founded in 1945 by Alberto Beggio as a bicycle manufacturer, transformed under Ivano Beggio from the 1960s into a motorcycle producer and began scooter production in the 1980s through collaboration with Rotax, starting with the Amico (1990).
Following models like the Scarabeo and Leonardo, Aprilia launched the Atlantic 500 in 2001 to cater to the maxi-scooter segment. It was the first model of this series and showcased Aprilia's ambitions to offer more powerful scooters before the brand was acquired by Piaggio in 2004 and the series was further developed.

Technical Details

Technically, the Aprilia Atlantic 500 (2001-2002, ZD4PT) is equipped with a water-cooled 459 cc four-stroke engine, delivering about 39 hp (approximately 29 kW) at 6,750 rpm.
The engine, a single-cylinder with electronic injection, is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a belt, allowing for easy operation. The top speed is around 150 km/h.
The frame consists of a sturdy steel tube construction, the suspension includes a front telescopic fork with a 35 mm diameter and a rear swingarm with two adjustable shock absorbers.
The braking system consists of a front disc brake (260 mm diameter) and a rear disc brake (190 mm diameter).
With a dry weight of about 189 kg and a tank volume of 14 liters, the Atlantic 500 was robust and designed for longer distances.

Color Options and Accessories

The Aprilia Atlantic 500 (2001-2002, ZD4PT) was offered in several colors, including black, silver, and blue, with exact availability varying by market.
These color options emphasized the modern and dynamic style of the scooter.
Official special models of the Atlantic 500 in this series are not documented, but the Atlantic series was later expanded with various engine displacement variants (125, 200, 250, 400) that differed in technical details and equipment.
Optionally, the scooter could be equipped with accessories such as a top case or a higher windshield to increase functionality, with the standard version being the focus of production.