I've decided to "Downgrade"

Ichiro · January 21st, 2013, 03:07 PM

I’ve read a lot of posts where members have said they are going to ”Upgrade”( I personally hated that terminology) by getting a bigger bike. Well, I’ve decided to “Downgrade” and just got a 2009 Aprilia Scarabeo 100cc scooter. Why? I lived in SE Asia in the past and got used to doing everything on a scooter. As much as I love my Ninja, I realize I need something that is more utilitarian for errands and shopping runs.

2009 Aprilia Scarabeo 100 Blue.jpg

If you know anyone in the SoCal area that might be interested, I am considering selling my 2008 Passion Red Ninja which I bought new back in 2008. It’s in excellent condition, mechanically perfect, 4,600 miles and pretty much stock except for a few useful modifications; Pazzo adjustable clutch and brake levers, Berghman spin-on oil filter adaptor, Fumoto oil drain valve, and an OEM rear seat cowl. I have a T-Rex rear stand, spools, extra Wix and K&N spin-on oil filters and a Galfer Stainless steel front brake line which I have yet to install. The bike has always been garaged and maintained. First $3,000 cash offer will get it all. PM me if interested. I’m in Long Beach.

I’ve been on this this forum since 2008 and it’s been great. I’ve really enjoyed reading and learning from the posts and occasionally throwing in a bit of advice when I thought I could add something to a discussion. I will miss the camaraderie and atmosphere of this site.
Take care everyone and ride safe.

csmith12 · January 21st, 2013, 03:16 PM

Nice scoot!

Why go? Stay for the fun and games?

himynameisjoe · January 21st, 2013, 03:24 PM

Stick around, scoots are awesome!

Why not keep the bike too? Sometimes you might just need a good run in the twisties! haha

tfkrocks · January 21st, 2013, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by himynameisjoe

Why not keep the bike too? Sometimes you might just need a good run in the twisties! haha

Or need to go on the highway

himynameisjoe · January 21st, 2013, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tfkrocks

Or need to go on the highway

lgk · January 21st, 2013, 03:36 PM

why not stick around, and help others pick out a scooter for a secondary moto.

himynameisjoe · January 21st, 2013, 03:38 PM

I will definitely own a scooter in the next 10 years! I REALLY wish they sold the Cygnus in the U.S

StephenA · January 21st, 2013, 05:34 PM

where in socal?
Posted via Mobile Device

Ichiro · January 21st, 2013, 05:46 PM

Long Beach

iceknyght · January 21st, 2013, 05:47 PM

Nice lookin' Scoot!

My wife has a Vespa and that thing is much more practical for around town than my bike. We went to lunch on Saturday and she was able to take hers and my leftovers back home in her luggage compartment! And it has the luggage rack, plus enough space under the seat to hold her helmet and gloves! Definitely handy, that's for sure...

Apex · January 22nd, 2013, 01:30 AM

I want a scooter. Would be really useful for stuff near the house. The only time I go further than that is if I am going to see my family or to work. Other than that, everything is pretty close to me. No highways required.

Ichiro · January 24th, 2013, 12:20 AM

Thanks for all the positive comments on my decision to get a scooter and the encouragement to stick around the forum. I'll be checking in periodically to see what's going on. As I said before, this has been a great group to be associated with over the years so thanks again.

btw I wanted to mention a couple of accessories that the little Aprilia has that are not obvious in the photograph. It actually has a very nice rear tire hugger and below the front part of the seat it has a cargo hook to hang a grocery bag. lol talk about utilitarian...

ninja250r81 · January 24th, 2013, 12:35 AM

i was thinking how can you get any cheaper with the running costs than a ninja 250r ?????

then i read you post properly. lived in Asia.

"utilitarian" saddle bags on ninja

Ichiro · January 24th, 2013, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninja250r81

i was thinking how can you get any cheaper with the running costs than a ninja 250r ?????

then i read you post properly. lived in Asia.

"utilitarian" saddle bags on ninja

Huh? Not sure why the running costs came up since I didn't mention finances as having anything to do with my decision to get the scooter.Trying to save money was never on my mind. As you said, it's hard to imagine getting any cheaper than running a Ninja 250.

sharky nrk · January 24th, 2013, 06:37 AM

I think there is a place for all kinds of two wheel transportation and have no hate for the scoots - best of luck with it

Ichiro · January 24th, 2013, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninja250r81

i was thinking how can you get any cheaper with the running costs than a ninja 250r ?????

then i read you post properly. lived in Asia.

"utilitarian" saddle bags on ninja

I was thinking, this doesn't make any sense. Why would you start talking about cheap running costs when it was never mentioned as having anything to do with me getting a scooter???

Then I read your post properly; lives in Oz.

Ichiro · January 24th, 2013, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

I think there is a place for all kinds of two wheel transportation and have no hate for the scoots - best of luck with it

Thanks Neil. I've always felt the same as far as other modes of transport. It'll be interesting to see how bikers respond when I give them the wave from the scoot.

ninjaone · January 24th, 2013, 12:25 PM

Scooters are awesome

Numbersix · January 24th, 2013, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ichiro

Thanks Neil. I've always felt the same as far as other modes of transport. It'll be interesting to see how bikers respond when I give them the wave from the scoot.

I rode a Honda Elite 110 for 2 years in MI and had mixed responses. Perhaps ironically, the faster I went, the more wave-backs I got (maybe they could then tell I wasn't on a 49cc scoot classified as a moped).

I still miss the cargo capacity of the Elite.

So ... what made you decide on the Scarabeo vs., say, an Elite, PCX, or Zuma?

Ichiro · January 25th, 2013, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Numbersix

So ... what made you decide on the Scarabeo vs., say, an Elite, PCX, or Zuma?

2009 Aprilia Scarabeo 100 Blue.jpg Scarabeo wheels.jpg

The photograph of the Scarabeo explains a lot of my reasoning;the great design and the look of a high quality machine that truly belongs on the street. Some of the scooters on the market look like toys to me so I ruled them out. One of the most important factors that influenced my decision were the 16" wheels. The comfort and stability of the 16" tires can't be beat. I really don't like the smaller tires that are common on most scooters. While I'm sure the other scooters have their strong points, the Scarabeo seemed to be the best fit for what I wanted. Plus...it's an Aprilia.

MistahT · January 26th, 2013, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninja250r81

i was thinking how can you get any cheaper with the running costs than a ninja 250r ?????

Had a 50cc Honda Ruckus. Got it for under a grand, fixed it up, and got a consistent 115 miles per gallon WOT everywhere. Then I got bored of 40mph and dropped a bigger engine in it. Could still get almost 80mpg and hit 65mph with the 150cc.

Just a thought

Samer · January 26th, 2013, 06:55 PM

I second the suggestion that you stay on the forum. Also, about the 'upgrade' comments; I don't take them negatively. I see it as referring to engine displacement and nothing necessarily more than that.

Ichiro · January 28th, 2013, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samer

I second the suggestion that you stay on the forum. Also, about the 'upgrade' comments; I don't take them negatively. I see it as referring to engine displacement and nothing necessarily more than that.

Thanks. I probably will stick around the forum.
As for the "upgrade" comment, you may be right. I guess I always looked at it as degrading the 250.

Ichiro · February 3rd, 2013, 09:14 AM

Update: I couldn't deal with the engine noise of the Aprilia so I exchanged it for a new 2013 Kymco Super8 150. Although the shop technicians said that the engine was perfect, I just couldn't ride a bike that sounded like it was about to throw a rod.
The Kymco is made in Taiwan and is not one of those cheap Chinese scooters sold over the internet. It comes with a TWO year factory Warranty.
Kymco Super8 150.jpg

nautica · February 3rd, 2013, 10:49 AM

Just curious but why didn't you ride the ninja more? A thousand miles a year isn't very much, especially in California, unless you had a second bike.

Ichiro · February 3rd, 2013, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nautica

Just curious but why didn't you ride the ninja more? A thousand miles a year isn't very much, especially in California, unless you had a second bike.

Good question.
I guess the reason has to do with why I bought the scooter. I realize that I didn't do much riding for the pure joy of taking a ride, but I tried to get enjoyment out of riding while doing some mundane practical tasks like errands, shopping, etc. As much as I loved the Ninja, when I needed to go shopping or when I had to carry something, I would take the car. The scooter will give me more opportunities to get out on two wheels on a daily basis and as a result, I will probably put a lot more miles on the scooter than I did on the Ninja.

LoneRonin · February 3rd, 2013, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ichiro

Good question.
As much as I loved the Ninja, when I needed to go shopping or when I had to carry something, I would take the car. The scooter will give me more opportunities to get out on two wheels on a daily basis and as a result, I will probably put a lot more miles on the scooter than I did on the Ninja.

That's what top/sidecases are for...
I can't believe you're satisfied with that thing after the Ninja...

Ichiro · February 3rd, 2013, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoneRonin

That's what top/sidecases are for...
I can't believe you're satisfied with that thing after the Ninja...

I know you could add bags and cases, but I didn't want to do that to my Ninja. Having owned eight different motorcycles and scooters over the past twenty years, I know that given my needs at this time, I'll be more than satisfied with the scooter...even after the Ninja.
...and, I still haven't decided to sell the Ninja so I have both.

Ausoi · February 3rd, 2013, 03:31 PM

Hell in a perfect world I would own a scooter my 250 a 600, 1000, 1400... and the list goes on and on

I'm always on the look out on craigslist for scooters and streetbikes, too bad I don't have any money

himynameisjoe · February 3rd, 2013, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoneRonin

That's what top/sidecases are for...
I can't believe you're satisfied with that thing after the Ninja...

Ehh there are plenty of days when I myself wish I had a scoot rather than my ninja. Or both lol. Sometimes it would just be a lot more convenient to pop down to the store on a scooter than have to go on the ninja.

LoneRonin · February 3rd, 2013, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by himynameisjoe

Ehh there are plenty of days when I myself wish I had a scoot rather than my ninja. Or both lol. Sometimes it would just be a lot more convenient to pop down to the store on a scooter than have to go on the ninja.

mehhh...never had that feeling. I'd at least have some street cred and be on a bike even if it just a lil Ninja than be one of those tards I always see on their gay ass scoots and e-bikes barely doing the limit and literally being a roadblock.

and just so you know I started off on an old school manual Vespa PX-125 when I was 12, but that's a real man's scooter...it felt like a bigass Harley when I was a kid.

All these new scooters are straight bitch made, other than the Burgman and Silverwing.

himynameisjoe · February 3rd, 2013, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoneRonin

mehhh...never had that feeling. I'd at least have some street cred and be on a bike even if it just a lil Ninja than be one of those tards I always see on their gay ass scoots and e-bikes barely doing the limit and literally being a roadblock.

and just so you know I started off on an old school manual Vespa PX-125 when I was 12, but that's a real man's scooter...it felt like a bigass Harley when I was a kid.

All these new scooters are straight bitch made, other than the Burgman and Silverwing.

Well I guess if you feel you need to defend your masculinity by riding a motorcycle...

Ehh in that case, why did you buy a girls bike? You should have gotten a sextreesex montserrrr beassst.

LoneRonin · February 3rd, 2013, 07:44 PM

damn right! and why'd I get the lil Ninja? Because I was 18, live in the worst place for insurance (Ontario), didn't have money growing on trees and at least it has balls unlike the CBR125r which was my only other option...

himynameisjoe · February 3rd, 2013, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoneRonin

damn right! and why'd I get the lil Ninja? Because I was 18, live in the worst place for insurance (Ontario), didn't have money growing on trees and at least it has balls unlike the CBR125r which was my only other option...

Good answer! Yeah CBR125... not exactly a bike is it? Now THAT, is stupid. Because that is a scooter dressed up to look like a bike. Which is just senseless.

It's like putting a spoiler and engine mods on a minivan, at the end of the day, it's still a minivan.

January 21st, 2013, 03:07 PM	#1
Ichiro ninjette.org member Name: Ichiro Location: So.Cal. Long Beach. Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250r(sold). 2013 Kymco Super8 150 Posts: 223	I've decided to "Downgrade" I’ve read a lot of posts where members have said they are going to ”Upgrade”( I personally hated that terminology) by getting a bigger bike. Well, I’ve decided to “Downgrade” and just got a 2009 Aprilia Scarabeo 100cc scooter. Why? I lived in SE Asia in the past and got used to doing everything on a scooter. As much as I love my Ninja, I realize I need something that is more utilitarian for errands and shopping runs. 2009 Aprilia Scarabeo 100 Blue.jpg If you know anyone in the SoCal area that might be interested, I am considering selling my 2008 Passion Red Ninja which I bought new back in 2008. It’s in excellent condition, mechanically perfect, 4,600 miles and pretty much stock except for a few useful modifications; Pazzo adjustable clutch and brake levers, Berghman spin-on oil filter adaptor, Fumoto oil drain valve, and an OEM rear seat cowl. I have a T-Rex rear stand, spools, extra Wix and K&N spin-on oil filters and a Galfer Stainless steel front brake line which I have yet to install. The bike has always been garaged and maintained. First $3,000 cash offer will get it all. PM me if interested. I’m in Long Beach. I’ve been on this this forum since 2008 and it’s been great. I’ve really enjoyed reading and learning from the posts and occasionally throwing in a bit of advice when I thought I could add something to a discussion. I will miss the camaraderie and atmosphere of this site. Take care everyone and ride safe.
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

January 21st, 2013, 03:16 PM	#2
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	Nice scoot! Why go? Stay for the fun and games? __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

January 21st, 2013, 03:24 PM	#3
himynameisjoe ninjette.org sage Name: Joe Location: Lancaster, PA Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250(Totaled) Posts: 984 Blog Entries: 2	Stick around, scoots are awesome! Why not keep the bike too? Sometimes you might just need a good run in the twisties! haha __________________________________________________ "I am a creationist, I believe man created god."

January 21st, 2013, 03:36 PM	#6
lgk ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Norfolk, VA Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.	why not stick around, and help others pick out a scooter for a secondary moto. __________________________________________________ Ethioknight Memorial Fund- Sticker sale http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=111700

January 21st, 2013, 03:38 PM	#7
himynameisjoe ninjette.org sage Name: Joe Location: Lancaster, PA Join Date: Nov 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250(Totaled) Posts: 984 Blog Entries: 2	I will definitely own a scooter in the next 10 years! I REALLY wish they sold the Cygnus in the U.S __________________________________________________ "I am a creationist, I believe man created god."

January 21st, 2013, 05:34 PM	#8
StephenA Riding Ruby.. Name: Stephen Location: SoCal Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Yamaha Bolt R-Spec, 2007 Ninja 250R Posts: 392	where in socal? Posted via Mobile Device

January 21st, 2013, 05:46 PM	#9
Ichiro ninjette.org member Name: Ichiro Location: So.Cal. Long Beach. Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250r(sold). 2013 Kymco Super8 150 Posts: 223	Long Beach

January 21st, 2013, 05:47 PM	#10
iceknyght Recalculating. . . Name: Jason Location: Colorado Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): '09 250 (sold) '12 Ninja 650 Posts: 353	Nice lookin' Scoot! My wife has a Vespa and that thing is much more practical for around town than my bike. We went to lunch on Saturday and she was able to take hers and my leftovers back home in her luggage compartment! And it has the luggage rack, plus enough space under the seat to hold her helmet and gloves! Definitely handy, that's for sure... __________________________________________________ jasontracewell.com

January 22nd, 2013, 01:30 AM	#11
Apex Livin' the Minimoto Life Name: Mark Location: Riding around in TX Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2022 Honda Navi, 2018 Z-125 Pro Posts: A lot.	I want a scooter. Would be really useful for stuff near the house. The only time I go further than that is if I am going to see my family or to work. Other than that, everything is pretty close to me. No highways required. __________________________________________________ --- My IG Page --- My FB page! --- 2022 Honda Navi && 2018 Z-125 Pro

January 24th, 2013, 12:20 AM	#12
Ichiro ninjette.org member Name: Ichiro Location: So.Cal. Long Beach. Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250r(sold). 2013 Kymco Super8 150 Posts: 223	Thanks for all the positive comments on my decision to get a scooter and the encouragement to stick around the forum. I'll be checking in periodically to see what's going on. As I said before, this has been a great group to be associated with over the years so thanks again. btw I wanted to mention a couple of accessories that the little Aprilia has that are not obvious in the photograph. It actually has a very nice rear tire hugger and below the front part of the seat it has a cargo hook to hang a grocery bag. lol talk about utilitarian...

January 24th, 2013, 12:35 AM	#13
ninja250r81 ninjette.org guru Name: scott Location: australia Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 ninja 250r se Posts: 435	i was thinking how can you get any cheaper with the running costs than a ninja 250r ????? then i read you post properly. lived in Asia. "utilitarian" saddle bags on ninja

January 24th, 2013, 06:37 AM	#15
sharky nrk Fighting Texas Aggie '05 Name: Neil Location: Hutto, TX Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.	I think there is a place for all kinds of two wheel transportation and have no hate for the scoots - best of luck with it

January 24th, 2013, 12:25 PM	#18
ninjaone ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: Phx Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): CBR Posts: 145	Scooters are awesome

January 26th, 2013, 06:55 PM	#22
Samer ninjette.org guru Name: Samer Location: Jupiter, Florida Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R SE Posts: 376	I second the suggestion that you stay on the forum. Also, about the 'upgrade' comments; I don't take them negatively. I see it as referring to engine displacement and nothing necessarily more than that.

February 3rd, 2013, 09:14 AM	#24
Ichiro ninjette.org member Name: Ichiro Location: So.Cal. Long Beach. Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250r(sold). 2013 Kymco Super8 150 Posts: 223	Update: I couldn't deal with the engine noise of the Aprilia so I exchanged it for a new 2013 Kymco Super8 150. Although the shop technicians said that the engine was perfect, I just couldn't ride a bike that sounded like it was about to throw a rod. The Kymco is made in Taiwan and is not one of those cheap Chinese scooters sold over the internet. It comes with a TWO year factory Warranty. Kymco Super8 150.jpg

February 3rd, 2013, 10:49 AM	#25
nautica Gixxer Powered Name: Brett Location: OH Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2007 GSXR 600 Posts: 397	Just curious but why didn't you ride the ninja more? A thousand miles a year isn't very much, especially in California, unless you had a second bike.

February 3rd, 2013, 03:31 PM	#29
Ausoi ninjette.org member Name: Joshua Location: Loomis, CA Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 (Black) Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 151	Hell in a perfect world I would own a scooter my 250 a 600, 1000, 1400... and the list goes on and on I'm always on the look out on craigslist for scooters and streetbikes, too bad I don't have any money

February 3rd, 2013, 07:44 PM	#33
LoneRonin ninjette.org sage Name: Jason Location: Mississauga Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250r Posts: 634	damn right! and why'd I get the lil Ninja? Because I was 18, live in the worst place for insurance (Ontario), didn't have money growing on trees and at least it has balls unlike the CBR125r which was my only other option... __________________________________________________ ”Any man dies with a clean sword, I’ll rape his f*ing corpse!”- The Hound

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