Background and Development

History of Aprilia

The Aprilia Scarabeo 250 (2004-2006, ZD4TD) is a scooter produced by the Italian manufacturer Aprilia between 2004 and 2006. Founded in 1945 by Alberto Beggio as a bicycle manufacturer, Aprilia developed into a significant player in the motorcycle and scooter industry under the leadership of his son Ivano Beggio from the 1960s onwards.

Introduction of the Scarabeo Model Range

The Scarabeo 250 is part of the Scarabeo model range, which was introduced in 1993 with the Scarabeo 50 and is characterized by an elegant design with large wheels. While Aprilia was also known for sporty models like the RS series in the 2000s, the Scarabeo 250 expanded the range into the 250cc class, targeting riders seeking a stylish and practical scooter with sufficient power for everyday use and longer distances.

Integration into the Piaggio Group

Its production period coincides precisely with the acquisition of Aprilia by the Piaggio Group in 2004, allowing the scooter to benefit from the integration of modern Piaggio technologies.

Technical Details

Engine and Performance

Technically, the Aprilia Scarabeo 250 (ZD4TD) features a 244cc four-stroke engine that is liquid-cooled and equipped with a carburetor. This single-cylinder engine delivers about 21 hp and is designed for a top speed of around 120 km/h, depending on regulatory requirements.

Transmission and Chassis

The power transmission is via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), making the scooter particularly user-friendly. The chassis includes a telescopic fork at the front and a single shock absorber at the rear.

Braking System and Design

The braking system consists of a front disc brake (260 mm) and a rear disc brake (220 mm). With a dry weight of about 145 kg and a fuel tank capacity of around 9.5 liters, the Scarabeo 250 is suitable for both urban use and longer rides. Its design with 16-inch wheels, rounded shapes, and a large round headlight gives it a classic and timeless appearance.

Design and Variants

Color Options

The Aprilia Scarabeo 250 (ZD4TD) was painted in several colors that emphasized its elegant and classic style. Available paint options included black, silver, blue, and red, often in metallic tones, giving the scooter a high-quality appearance.

Special Models

Regarding special models, there are no clear indications that Aprilia released special or limited editions of the Scarabeo 250 (ZD4TD) during the production years 2004 to 2006. Although the Scarabeo range was expanded with different engine sizes and later design variations, the 250cc version of these years remained largely uniform in its execution.