the scarabeo GT was the previous model scarabeo and is still sold in some parts due to its 16 inch wheel both ends. The GT has no storage under the seat and the top box on the rear of the scooter offers massive storage. The GT also i think from memory had the plastics around the front and some nice hand gaurds to deflect the wind , rain etc away from your hands. Nice little screen as well. The 250 GT was not fuel injected had an older style dash with analogue only intruments. You had the ability on the GT to run a full pannier system. These were hard cased lined panniers which gave you additional storage and could be pulled off like a case.
The GT250 is still being sold in this form by scootermarket in victoria because they believed in the concept that much that they invested and bought the rest from aprilia. The GT can still be regarded in my opinion as one of the best all round scooters on the market even at todays standards. The scooter just gives you so much touring/commuting potential.
The 250ie is the next step forward with a smaller rear wheel and hence a big storage space under the seat. Fuel injected of course and from the eye an all round nice looking scooter. Nice digital,analogue dash , handling and performance which its up again at the top of the tree. Could be seen maybe as a bit pricey after the vespa price drops but this is a different machine to a vespa. The 250i.e. is available in a nicer range of colours and in my opinion and far better looking then the GT.
the 250 ie can put a top box on the back which i dont really like or my fav the tunnel bag which sits between your legs. Probably a more comfortable seat on the 250ie and the whole package is just a step forward all round with switch gear, fit , finish etc.
Both machines have a linked brake set up as well.
2008 - Year of the Scooter.