Our test area is Kansas City, a vibrant midwestern locale, with Christa aboard the Atlantic and me sitting on the Scarabeo. Ready to go, my two-wheeled 'beetle' rolls smoothly out of the parking lot and we're off.

Beetle? Scarabeo (scarab) is the Italian derivation that comes to us from the Latin word Scarabaeus, signifying a special breed of dung beetle. I know what you're thinking, but really, it's quite the opposite. The Scarabeo 500 stands out for its elegant lines, reflecting the unmistakable style of Aprilia's scooter family while adding more oomph to a successful line that includes the Scarabeo 125 and 200.

Aprilia could have chosen eponyms for this line based on beetle taxonomy. The smaller version might have borne the mellifluous name Aphodius fimetarus, the midsize Geotrupes vernalis, and this big boy, the 500 that I'm riding, the Scarabaeus sacer. Thankfully, we don't have to learn Latin or delve into entomology to enjoy the drive.

In Egyptian mythology, the scarab was sacred, the earthly representation of their sun god Ra, who symbolized creation, resurrection and everlasting life. Scarab designs decorated amulets, official seals and all sorts of objects found in ancient tombs.

That industrious beetle is solidly built and so is its namesake. Aprilia has delivered a genuine touring scooter that has great finishing and is well equipped. Everything is designed to offer the rider and passenger maximum comfort. The lines of the Scarabeo are a perfect mix of elegance and practicality thanks to in-depth wind tunnel testing. Aerodynamic protection is almost excellent, that is all but the tallest among us shouldn't feel a lot of breeze. Legs are well protected behind the fairing and the front fairing, with built-in hand guards, prevents turbulence at high speeds. Maximum attention is paid to ergonomics. There is abundant space even for tall riders. The maxi-sized saddle, with lumbar adjustment for the rider, and a backrest for the passenger incorporated in the rear top case are nice comfort features.