Well I've done nearly 4000km's on the 'Beo now and am very pleased with my purchase, even after some small hiccups in the beginning.
Aprilia and Scooter HQ made the process of rectifying these issues as painless as possible.
After picking up the 'Beo and doing a few km's I noticed a shake through the bars, first I thought that it could be the road surface, then as it continued I returned to Brendon at Scooter HQ asking them to check it out, sorted in no time. I unfortunately had a out of round tyre, Aprilia was contacted and a new tyre was organised. Next thing was the Temp gauge, it was doing strange things, going almost all the way around the dial or not working at all, back to the guys at Scooter HQ, no problem, contact Aprilia and this time a whole new dash is on it's way. As I was showing D'Arcy the back tyre he noticed that the rim was badly marked, back on the phone to Aprilia and now a whole new rim was on it's way too.
Now when you read what I have written above, it does sound like I had bought a lemon, but in the scheme of things these are small issues which never stopped me from riding the scooter but the prompt response from both Scooter HQ and Aprilia has reassured me knowing that they back the product.
While the scooter was off the road having the replacement bits fitted along with a 47ltr top box and a large front screen, Brendon suggested adding some bling to the wheels with painted and polished rims......ahh it's only money so off the wheels went to have some magic applied.
After having my 1,000km service and still getting used to the scoot I made plans to do the ride south to Sydney.
So this is these are the pro's and cons I have found for me about the 'Beo 250ie.
Pro's
It's on the small side for a 250cc with good cut outs for your legs... this is very good for vertically challenged riders
The scoot carries it weight low, this makes for much easier handling.
Refueling is easy thanks to tank access under the panel opened by your key in the hump between your feet.
This scoot comes standard with a side stand that is NOT a suicide stand and has a engine cut out so you can't take off with it down.
Centre stand is easy to use even for small females.
Under seat access is with your remote or a switch in the glove box. Storage is excellent, takes my full face Shoei and lots of other bits and pieces, with the added bonus of a light.
Scoot comes standard with a alarm with many options on how you would like to set it up, this too is accessed with the remote. A lock glows red on the dash to show it is armed along with audible sounds as you activate or deactivate it.
The dash is easy to read and well set out, with digital trip, odo, clock, servicing and fuel, to access these you use the mode button on the dash. Speedo is analog as is the temp gauge. Warning lights for oil, fuel, high beam. You also have a hazzard light button too, I like this feature.
12vlt outlet in the glove box
Seating position is good and I think it would suit most riders, as the seat seems large, your pillion sits higher on the split seat. I rode straight through from Sydney to the Goldy (870-900kms) and arrived in pretty good shape, not saddle sore or stiff, this I attribute to the seating position along with the firmness of the seat.
The long wheelbase and big wheels makes for a smooth ride over rough roads, for me this means not arriving fatigued at my destination.
While the brakes are great, I'm not a fan of linked brakes.
While the 'Beo is not the quickest scoot off at the lights it accelerates smoothly and I find when I get to around 70kph it just gets it's second wind. The scoot sat for long periods at 120-130kph on the freeway with no problems.
Big rear stop light and very visible blinkers
Con's
The glove compartment appears large until you open it. it only just fits the tool kit that comes with the scoot on one side and phone charger and small mobile on the other.
I am still getting used to the fuel gauge, which is a series of bars that disappear as the fuel level drops.
The firmness of the seat does take some breaking in and getting used to.
The linked brakes, I just don't like them. I left them alone until I had done the trip to Sydney to see if it was just a matter of adjustment but no, they have to go. I have spoken to the guys at Scooter HQ and they have it all organised for the next service.
Conclusion
The only times the 'Beo needed some extra cc's was as you go through the Calga, Mt. White, Mooney Mooney, and Berowra Waters areas on the way into Sydney. These are some pretty long gradual climbing roads that sap the energy out of a lot of vehicles. The 'Beo dropped back to about 100kph which is still a respectable speed but it would be nice to have that bit extra, hence the guys are also playing with the rollers and variator at the next service.
General over taking was ok but I was very careful when I did as I had a rough idea what the 'Beo had left. Again having that extra cc's would make it that much easier.
The Scarabeo 250ie is a very capable scoot for touring and comfortable as well. I purchased a tank bag that fits well on the pillion seat with the bonus that it is a back rest for me. With the top box, underseat stroage and converted tank bag, I had all the space I needed for my 19 day trip south
Sorry about this being a long winded post.
Cheers,
Denni:)
