Introduction

The Aprilia Atlantic 500 (2003-2004, ZD4VH)

is a scooter from the Italian manufacturer Aprilia, produced between 2003 and 2004. This model belongs to the maxi-scooter category and was a continuation of the first Atlantic 500, which Aprilia introduced in 2001. 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 was a central part of the Atlantic series, which Aprilia established in the early 2000s to be present in the large scooter market.

Model History

Historically, the Aprilia Atlantic 500 (2003-2004, ZD4VH) belongs to the early phase of the Atlantic series, which began in 2001 with the first Atlantic 500. Aprilia, founded in 1945 by Alberto Beggio as a bicycle manufacturer, transformed under Ivano Beggio from the 1960s into a motorcycle producer and started scooter production in the 1980s through collaboration with Rotax with the Amico (1990). After models like the Scarabeo and Leonardo, Aprilia introduced the Atlantic 500 in 2001, which was continued in 2003-2004 and produced alongside new variants like the Atlantic 125 and 200. It demonstrates Aprilia's focus on powerful maxi-scooters, shortly before the brand was acquired by Piaggio in 2004 and the series was expanded with further models like the Atlantic 400 Sprint.

Technical Details

Technically, the Aprilia Atlantic 500 (2003-2004, ZD4VH) 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 coupled 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 (2003-2004, ZD4VH) 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 like a top case or a higher windshield to increase functionality, with the standard version being the focus of production.