Scooter News Aprilia Sportcity Cube 300 The updated Aprilia Sportcity Cube 300, the concept hasn't really changed, but has Aprilia taken the Cube to a new level?
Allen Drysdale
Introduction
I've been wanting to get on this model for some time now. Having once owned a Sportcity 200 and testing a few models with the 278 cc Piaggio engine, I had an inkling that this could be a match made in heaven. Would the Sportcity 300 live up to expectations, we find out?
Specifications
The new Sportcity 300 Cube has been given a few updates over previous models, though the basic principles still apply. Large 15 inch wheels, flat floor, short sharp chassis and in this case, a corker of a motor, then add all the best bits.
In fact getting on the Sportcity 300 it was very much like returning home to an old friend. The seating position is comfortable, its a short reach to the bars and the physical size means that its an easy scooter in particular to manage. A good scooter for all shapes and sizes, plenty of room for the tall and still manageable for the short. This scooter just seems to fit me well. Plenty of room for a passenger as well, nice flip out footpegs and a large raised saddle with grab handles does the trick.
Storage is complemented by a fair sized under seat storage area. Given the wheel size its not going to fit a full face, but you will fit a half and a little more. Add a small glovebox with 12 volt charger, but best of all you have a large flat floor and bag hook ready to carry a fair amount of groceries. The rear rack is ready to take an Aprilia top box without the need to attach any form of fitting kit, its a nice feature.
The Sportcity 300 Cube is what I term a premium scooter, so all the good bits do apply here. Brakes are impressive for feel and use, twin 260mm discs upfront and a 220mm disc on the rear. Dual rear shocks with plenty of adjustment. A multifunction dash with digital trip meters, battery, voltage and clock. Analogue speed, temp and fuel are front and centre. All the switchgear is nice and simple to use, and the quality and functionality are all on the money. Mirrors are wide and large, maybe a little too wide.
The Sportcity 300 makes do with centre stand only, a side stand would be nice, but can be added as an accessory. Tyres standard are Michelin Pilot Sports, arguably the best sports rubber you can buy for your scooter. The fuel tank comes in at 9 Litres.
Mention needs to be made of the model we had on test, the "Black Line" edition. A striking appearance to say the least, the bright red on matt black scheme, turning as many heads as anything I've ridden on two wheels. I'm also partial to the white colour scheme, looks crisp.
Last of all the engine. The fuel injected Piaggio quasar pumps out an impressive 16.1 kw, yet more importantly a healthy 22Nm of torque that comes into play at just 6500 rpm.
On the Road
Amazing. Should we go on?
You purchase a Sportcity 300 if you want exhilarating speed combined with a chassis that's compact and fairly small for the capacity. A chassis that will ask you to contribute, and one that provides you with plenty of feedback along the way. Some may find the Sportcity 300 a little too firm, yet for me its the way it should be.
The Sportcity 300 will turn into corners with just the smallest of effort, hold and maintain a line at speed without fuss. For me its a match made in heaven, size is right and Sportcity 300 has a sense of weight that's just reassuring. The day to day handling ability of the Sportcity shows two sides, one for the GP star inside us all and one that will just meander through its daily life, doing what its asked. Best of both worlds.
The engine that provides momentum, and I think Ive mentioned this before, would have to be one of the best engines on the market today. In my opinion it is the best, for all the applications we've found this motor in, the transformation has been impressive. The Sportcity would have to be 0-80 km/h one of the quickest scooters on the market today. A small chassis plus a strong powerful torquey engine equals a heap of all-round ability.
On-the-roll acceleration is blistering, twist the throttle and your immediately at the speed you want. Roll on and off between 60 - 80 km/h is just insane, and lets face it, this is where I do most of my riding. Speed limits on this scooter need to be respected (so does your licence) and the Sportcity 300 Cube would embarrass many a motorcycle at the lights. In fact, 0-100 km/h in around 9 seconds. That is quick folks!
Sounds impressive? Well it is, the Sportcity 300 is a weapon. And your daily commute would take on a whole new meaning. The performance here is effortless, commute or carve, its your choice.
Higher speeds are easy to maintain, motorways and freeways are easily conquered and sitting on 110 km/h and higher is a breeze. With such a small frontal area the Sportcity wouldn't make dedicated tourer status, but its nice to know when freeway speeds are needed the Sportcity 300 can answer the call.
One thing I haven't mentioned is style, and to now its all been about performance. The Italians just get these things right, on the road or standing still, the cube has it covered. And coming to a halt, we nearly forgot the brakes! Well with twin discs up front and a disc on the rear, Aprilia have made sure the Cube doesn't just go, it can also stop on a dime, purely on request.
Conclusion
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The "Scooterman" Says,
This scooter is like a bunny out of the box at a greyhound track, not much will beat it from a standing start. Goes like a rocket. Little bit twitchy at high speeds but loves to filter and is ruthless at the lights, built for city racing.
Will cruise at 120 km/h and handles the twisties fine, but its the acceleration off the mark that is most impressive.
Not much space under the seat but who cares, the Aprilia Sportscity Cube 300 is a big grin machine,
Looks good too.
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The Sportcity 300 is one of my all time faves. Probably because for me it has all the ingredients that float my boat. An engine that is at the top of its game, a chassis that's nice and compact, its the perfect combination for city commuting.
Storage is probably its biggest setback, yet for me the advantages of having a flat floor win me over every time, issue solved. The Sportcity 300 Cube is a particularly easy scooter to live with on a daily basis, the options are limitless. A great sense of build quality and long service intervals just help complete the picture.
Learner or experienced rider you find your happy place pretty quickly. For me the Cube is clearly a scooter I could have in the garage ongoing, one that is not going to run out of ability for any of my commuting needs. In its natural habitat of the city, its hard to top.
So good one Aprilia, you've stuck with a winning platform, added a few features along the way and now created something very special indeed.
Aprilia Sportcity 300 Cube Links
published 21/09/2010 |