Aprilia Mojito 50 (Aprilia Habana 50)

Member Name: jonothan

Product:	Aprilia Habana 50
Date:	17/11/03 (11758 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Style (bucketloads!), Quality of assembly, Comfortable

Disadvantages: A bit too heavy in 50cc format, No pillion footrests, No side stand as standard

I fell in love with the looks of the Mojito (formerly the Habana) as soon as I saw it in the showroom. It's that kind of bike. It oozes presence and quality and that really is what the essence of this little bike is about. A car is transport, a motorbike is pleasure, but a scooter is a "Roman Holiday". And that old adage is very true when you consider the Mojito, it's all about having fun getting from A to B. Buy yourself a parka and an open-face helmet, and you're almost there! You will arrive at every destination smiling, you just won't be able to help yourself.

You don't want to be in a rush on this bike, and it's purely an urban vehicle in restricted form. It'll reach 35mph but that's about it. Though I understand that it can be very successfully derestricted if you want to go that bit faster. There are some brilliantly cool accessories to go with this scooter, such as chrome crashbars and carrier, and a topbox to match.

The dashboard is clear and logical, beautifully designed with a sympathetic retro feel. The switches have a good solid feel to them as well. The seat is large and very comfortable with a lovely relaxed riding position. I went for the Mojito Retro rather than the Mojito Custom simply because the narrower handlebars made it easier in traffic though the Harley-like appearance of the Custom might appeal more to some. The 50cc version has the same seat as it's 125cc 4 stroke big sister, but lacks the pillion footrests. Though having said that, it might struggle with two on board in the lower powered version.

Quality of assembly is exemplary, as is the paint finish. It's a typical Aprilia, with Italian flair for good innovative design from every angle. The 50cc engine is smooth and quiet, and enough grunt to get you away from the lights in front of the Fiestas and Micras. The brakes (front disc, rear drum) are powerful and light, and they pull you up nicely on the big fat tyr

es. Nice 12V electrics and powerful lights too.

This bike's main competitor is the Vespa ET2. It's a hard choice, the ET2 being a formidable and accomplished 50cc machine. It's really down to personal choice here. They're both really good bikes, but I have to say that the Mojito seems a much more solid machine, and that swung it for me.

If you want a 'ped, and you want to be just a little bit different, this has got to be the bike for you.

Added on 11th February 2004

I have now derestricted my Mojito. There are five restrictions; two in the exhaust, two in the transmission and one in the carburettor. I bought a Leo Vince Touring exhaust (rather than start messing about with the original) and removed the transmission restrictions. The difference is incredible. This 50cc machine will now reach an indicated 60mph easily, and the acceleration is quite astounding.

If the lacklustre performance of the standard version puts you off buying the Mojito (Habana), then consider these simple modifications which turn it into a very useable machine indeed. It makes the scooter safer, if only by virtue of the fact that you can keep up with urban traffic easily, and impatient car drivers won't be forcing you into the side of the road.

For step by step instructions on how this derestriction is achieved, go to the Aprilia Forum as below.

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/forumdispla y.php?s=&forumid=25

Have fun!

Jonothan

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