After finally coming of age I was on the prowl for a 50cc moped. I saw this in the local ads and jumped at the chance to own a real slice of Italian sports scooter. Maybe I was too hasty, it was dropped off and started. Everything seemed in order. Off goes the bloke and I'm left with one aprilia scooter. I try to start it but it coughs and dies. Again I try but to no avail. Off to the dealers then. After some fiddling with piston rings, carbs etc. it comes back and all seems fine. A day later I go to start it, full of anticipation...nothing. A distressing whining noise and some gasping coughs. Damn. Back to the dealers then. After a change of battery it starts again, sounding more lively. About two days later I go to start it. Hurrah! Oh wait hang on...nope, its gone again and still the starter motor whines. After many more attempts the bike splutters into life. Hmmm...
In short, an excellent first scooter with many niggles. The underseat storage is too small for most helmets but there are also other cubby holes. A lockable piece between the footwell is good for valuables. Another concern is those horrific cold starts. I'm told it shouldn't be a problem but it's getting frustrating. Being a two stroke it takes a careful hand to get it warm and keep it happy. This is not a get on and go scooter. Good two stroke oil is a must. This raises another problem. They couldn't just stick the oil filler under the seat could they? No, they've stuck it under a finnicky piece of plastic held in by two screws right on the front of the bike. Why?
Now for the good bits. Once warmed up it goes like a stabbed rat. Good punch from the two stroke motor makes town riding a buzz. Once derestricted it'll get to 50mph downhill. The suspension is punishing on bumpy roads but rewarding on smooth surfaces. The handling is more than a match for the speeds it's capable of. The best bit has to be the red clocks and dials. Although the clocks have misted up slightly they do look the dogs.
Altogether this is a good bike, should you find the money. Please make sure it works beforehand. I'm sure if you buy new it'll be a dream first scooter. James H, Dorset.
