Could a dedicated motorcycle fan even think about getting behind the wheel of a maxi-scooter? I will try to answer this question using my own example. For several months, I had two Hondas sitting side by side in my garage - a classic CB750 and a modern Forza 300. Given a number of different factors, one of them had a lot less work to do.
What if this underrated, often despised scooter suddenly found its way into the garage of a true motorcyclist? Should I just take a risk and try? How would a typical week with a two-wheeled friend change then?
My daily life is a house several tens of kilometers from the city and frequent trips to work with a lot of luggage. In addition, since childhood, I developed a love for classic-shaped cars, especially British and UJM. For a long time, I couldn't imagine giving up the style, riding pleasure and ownership of a traditional motorcycle.
The breakthrough happened a few years ago in Switzerland at the Harley-Davidson Touring Party. Three days of riding in a wall of rain, water that can seep into every nook and cranny, ruining any enjoyment of traveling through this beautiful country. That was the first time I thought that maybe this whole super cool image wasn’t worth such sacrifices?
In the last few months I was able to test an option called “Paweł i Gaweł” - a motorcycle and a scooter in one house. A very classic naked CB 750 Seven Fifty and a very modern, well equipped Forza 300 maxi scooter. How was the reality compared to the dreams and ideas? This turned out to be quite brutal for a motorcycle. About 8 out of 10 times I took the keys to the scooter and went for a ride. Despite my sincere love for the naked Japanese, in terms of their suitability in everyday life, he lost greatly.
First round - clothing and rain protection
I hate typical motorcycle clothing, although I recognize its extremely important role and do not avoid it. When going scooter shopping, I can limit myself to a helmet, gloves, a mesh jacket or hoodie with protectors, jeans, and casual shoes that won't get dirty or get damaged by the gear lever. On hot days it happens even to me - it’s terrible! – drive 1 km in shorts without fear of burning your legs on the engine block. Overall, in terms of preparing for a trip, a scooter is much faster and more comfortable. I sit down and drive off without further ado.
I don't watch the weather forecasts so closely anymore, I don't look to the sky begging to be let go today. For me, it doesn't get much colder when the summer heat loses its intensity after sunset. When I forget or purposely don't take my rain gear and get caught in a downpour, there's no drama either.
Engine capacity no more than 450 cc
CFMOTO 250 JETMAX
It does not have a very powerful engine, so it will not be possible to reach too high a speed, but for urban conditions this product is simply perfect. The unit is designed to satisfy the needs of the average user who needs to get from one point to another with minimal time. Comfort and reliability are top notch, no matter what speed the driver is driving. In terms of appearance, the scooter has some similarities with a car - it has fairly large main headlights with an oblong shape. In the front center there is an imitation radiator grille. The driver's panel is liquid crystal, it displays the speedometer readings, the amount of fuel remaining in the tank, and provides an indication of the oil pressure in the system.
In the basic configuration, you can also find an audio system reliably protected from moisture, which is equipped with four speakers and an MP3 player, and there is a USB connector located directly under the steering wheel, in the glove compartment. Your hands are placed on the steering wheel with maximum comfort, so even a long trip will not be tiring. The lower footrest allows you to position your legs in any way - you can straighten them or, on the contrary, keep them bent. The scooter is equipped with a four-stroke engine with a volume of 250 cc, an injection-type fuel supply system, and a liquid engine cooling system. The maximum power that the scooter can develop reaches 22.5 horsepower, the highest speed is 130 km/h, and the fuel tank capacity is 12.5 liters.
Advantages:
- Quite adequate cost of the model;
- Develops high speed;
- Very comfortable ride;
- Attractive appearance;
- Spacious glove compartment.
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Flaws:
- The suspension is a little harsh - the driver will feel even small bumps.
CFMOTO 250 JETMAX
Piaggio MP3 Yourban 300 Sport LT E4
Quite an interesting model made in Italy. Differs in small overall dimensions. The engine capacity is 300 cc - as users note, this parameter is optimal for the conditions of the city and the nearest suburbs. The maximum power that this scooter can develop is 22 horsepower, which allows the device to accelerate to a speed of 120 km/h. The main point that distinguishes this unit from other models included in our rating is the presence of two wheels in the front. At the same time, the developers turned out the design to be not only unique, but also very maneuverable. The safety of the unit is at the highest level. The front suspension is based on a frame made in the shape of a parallelogram. It is made of high-quality aluminum alloy; on the rear side you can find two shock absorbers that are pre-adjustable.
The chassis here is also quite interesting - with their help you can enter turns, deviating from the vertical axis by about 40 degrees. The basis of the chassis is a reinforced frame made of steel pipes. The wheels are aluminum, the brake discs are larger, the brakes are activated when you press the appropriate pedal. The engine consumes little fuel and is equipped with a CVT transmission. The scooter has enlarged head optics, the windshield is adjustable, and a lot of data is displayed on the digital display.
Advantages:
- Original design;
- Ergonomics are carefully thought out, so you can easily travel long distances;
- Excellent security;
- Accelerates to high speeds;
- Reliability - does not require frequent repairs.
Flaws:
- Decent weight of the unit.
Piaggio MP3 Yourban 300 Sport LT E4
INNOCEMTI Radium 300i
An attractive and interesting model from a world-famous Italian company. The company has been producing similar products for many years. During the design process of this unit, engineers paid special attention to its attractive appearance, ergonomics of control and landing, maneuverability and wind protection. The scooter has 16-inch wheels - not every passenger car is equipped with wheels of this diameter. The windshield is shaped in such a way that it easily cuts off air flow from the driver, so it is permissible to use a helmet with 70% overlap, in other words, it is not at all necessary to provide chin protection. On the front side there are two fairly large headlights: the first is intended for low beam lighting, the second for high beam lighting. At the same time, the spot of light is not too large, so at a significant speed it may not be enough.
The engine capacity is 300 cc, which provides a thrust of 27 Nm. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes very little time. The seat is slightly inclined towards the steering wheel, is characterized by an average level of rigidity, and has good orthopedic qualities - the lower back will not get tired even during a long trip. The glove compartment is not very spacious, but everything you need on the road fits there with ease.
Advantages:
- The ergonomics of the windshield are well thought out;
- Easily accelerates to 100 km/h;
- Optimal engine volume;
- Anatomical seat with a slight slope towards the steering wheel.
Flaws:
- The turn signal button is located directly under the horn, so pressing it is not very convenient.
INNOCEMTI Radium 300i
Sym Maxsym 400i
Universal two-wheeled products that are perfect for both short trips within the city and far beyond its borders. The seat here is double, each part is equipped with a passenger backrest. It will support the lower back in the correct position and prevent it from getting tired during many hours of driving. At the same time, the seat itself is two-level - it turns out that the passenger will be slightly higher than the driver. The front side of the product is equipped with fairly large headlights; the side lights are made using LED filaments. All this looks as aesthetically pleasing as possible, a bit like motorcycles from the Japanese company Yamaha. The steering wheel has a plastic cover that does not slip at all in your hands, and the dashboard is illuminated with a soft blue glow at night. Despite the fact that the product is quite large, it is quite easy to operate.
The scooter's center of gravity is low, so it can corner optimally. Only the central stand acts as a tilt limiter. When making a sharp turn, you can clearly feel that the developers have made the rear part much heavier than the front. The braking system of the scooter is simply excellent - both front and rear brakes work well, and the model is equipped with an ABS system. The engine is equipped with only one cylinder, allowing the unit to accelerate to 140 km/h or up to 160 km/h if the driver is driving without a passenger. The wind deflector functions optimally, but you won’t be able to adjust it to your height.
Advantages:
- It behaves ideally both in city traffic and on the highway;
- Accelerates quickly;
- Reliable braking system;
- High power of the unit;
- Original seat shape.
Flaws:
- You won’t be able to adjust the wind protection and adjust it to your own height.
Which is the BEST maxiscooter to buy? | Maxiscooter SYM MAXSYM 400i ABS
Sym Maxsym 400i
Honda PCX-150
This model went on general sale back in 2012, but it still continues to be quite popular among motorcycle enthusiasts around the world. First of all, users prefer this scooter due to its original design and interesting internal layout, which is not similar to any modern unit. The front headlight looks quite massive, shines brightly and over quite a decent distance, so you can ride this scooter at night at a fairly high speed. The windshield is shortened and tinted. The steering wheel here is made of beautiful chrome-plated steel and is open. The mirrors are narrow, but the visibility in them is still very good. The instrument panel is made on a liquid crystal basis, has an anti-reflective coating and a high level of information content. The overall dimensions of the product are 1915x740x1090 mm, which ensures excellent maneuverability of the product.
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The engine capacity here is 150 cc - enough for the city. The scooter is a two-seater. The seat is quite large, divided into two parts; the driver's seat has a not very high backrest. No inconvenience was found during long trips. There is enough legroom. The trunk profile is long, but not very deep - one helmet and a protective jacket can fit. The scooter is equipped with wheels with a radius of 14 inches, so steering is quite easy.
Advantages:
- Low weight;
- Low fuel consumption;
- Very bright headlights;
- Wind protection is well thought out;
- There is a factory cigarette lighter;
- Comfortable seat.
Flaws:
- The tank capacity is only 8 liters.
Honda PCX-150
Second round - luggage
Maxi-scooters successfully combine two seemingly contradictory features. The large luggage compartment allows you to drive freely in traffic jams. For example - Honda Forza 300 with a central body. 55 liters under the seat, 45 liters in the trunk, plus an additional bag on the passenger seat. Total 150 liters, as in the new Gold Wing. And all this in a wasp-thin car that's just as efficient in city traffic. In addition, there are compartments under the steering wheel for spray and rags, as well as other small items that are worth quickly having on hand.
How to choose a good maxiscooter?
Such scooters are produced according to a completely standard design - the engine is located under the seat, there is no speed lever. The design of almost all models looks very stylish. Large-sized units are provided with an engine whose volume is at least 150 cc, the engine cooling system is water. These products are perfect for beginner motorcycle riders because they are very easy to learn to ride.
A maximum of two people can fit on the seat, and the scooter itself can accelerate to 50-180 km/h depending on engine power. Often, such vehicles are used for quick travel in urban environments, as they can easily pass between cars stuck in traffic jams. The unit consumes a small amount of fuel, so the cost of traveling on it will be equivalent to traveling on public transport. The drive here is in most cases rear-wheel drive. The ignition system of scooters is electronic and quite reliable.
Torque is transmitted from the engine to a belt or chain; it is best to give preference to a chain drive, as this ensures the highest level of reliability. All main elements are located on the frame. It is best if it is made of steel alloys, as this will give it additional rigidity and ensure a long service life of the vehicle. Despite the fact that the gasoline consumption of scooters is insignificant, the volume of the fuel tank is quite spacious. This allows you to stop at gas stations as little as possible and travel long distances. The brake system of the device is hydraulic.
When choosing the models to include in our ranking of the best maxi scooters, we took into account all the above points. However, several other factors were also taken into account. In particular, the ratio of price and quality: although these products are already quite expensive, we tried to choose the best models in terms of price, so that many of our readers would find the products they liked within their means. In addition, feedback from users, both amateurs and fairly experienced motorcyclists, was also taken into account. Now is the time to start considering the useful qualities of specific units - for each of them we tried to collect as much information as possible.
Third round - operation and maintenance
There's no need to convince you of the benefits of an automatic transmission in the city, although many motorcyclists consider this solution an effective guillotine. Undoubtedly, the big advantage of maxi scooters is their almost maintenance-free operation. Of course, in the case of relatively new and fully functional machines. There is no need to lubricate the chain and wash it. You can do without polishing nooks and crannies. On the other hand, removing a ton of plastic to get to the mechanisms can quickly push you to the brink of a nervous breakdown.
Engine capacity up to 850 cc
GILERA GP800
This maxi-scooter is capable of reaching speeds of up to 193 km/h, which is quite an impressive figure for such units. At the same time, the device accelerates to one hundred kilometers per hour in 5.7 seconds - not every passenger car can boast of this parameter. The highest torque of the engine is 7.3 Nm; it is equipped with a belt variator and chain drive, thanks to which the torque is transferred to the rear wheel with minimal losses in efficiency. The total mass of the device is 248 kg, fully loaded it will weigh 450 kg. The center of gravity is quite high, so novice users may lose their balance when stopping. The angle of inclination of the model at which it can be easily held is much smaller compared to other similar products. The weight of the device is decent, so it will be much more difficult to maneuver it slowly - this will require certain skills from the driver.
The chain here is open, so its condition will need to be monitored very carefully and regularly maintained. The front suspension travel is 122 mm, and it is a traditional telescopic fork. The rear suspension is magnetic with a monoshock absorber and a travel reserve of 130 mm. The brake system is hydraulic. Maximum fuel tank capacity is 14 liters.
Advantages:
- High load capacity of this unit;
- Comfortable seat;
- Ergonomic steering wheel shape;
- Ability to accelerate to 100 km/h in the shortest possible time;
- Excellent workmanship and assembly quality.
Flaws:
- You will have to constantly monitor the condition of the chain.
GILERA GP800
SYM MAXSYM 600i ABS
The engine capacity of this maxi scooter is 565 cc with a maximum power of 45 horsepower. The total unloaded weight of the model is 248 kg. It does not accelerate up to one hundred kilometers very quickly, the dashboard does not glow too brightly, which is why you have to peer at it. The trunk is very roomy - two full-size helmets can easily fit there. The seating position is anatomical, both for the driver and the passenger. Driving around the city and beyond is quite comfortable. In addition, the scooter performed excellently on dirt roads. Fuel consumption in mixed mode does not exceed 5 liters per 100 km; if you drive around the city, on the highway this figure drops to 3.78 liters. Despite its significant weight, this model is quite easy to drive, it is very maneuverable, which makes it optimal for driving in urban conditions.
The braking system is equipped with ABS developed by the German company Bosch. The brakes operate quickly and clearly, but at the same time quite smoothly. When braking, neither the driver nor the passenger will roll forward, bumping into each other. At a maximum, this model can accelerate to 180 km/h, although this will have to spend a certain amount of time. The appearance is quite attractive; from the front it may even seem that the observer is not a scooter, but a full-fledged sports bike.
Advantages:
- Perfect for driving on the highway, around the city and even on dirt roads;
- High load capacity of the device;
- Despite its significant overall dimensions, the scooter is quite maneuverable;
- It brakes almost instantly and quite smoothly.
Flaws:
- Quite a high cost of the device.
SYM MAXSYM 600i ABS
Yamaha TMAX DX
This updated version of the previous model was launched into general sales back in 2021. It is characterized by the presence of an electronic throttle control system - this technology is called Yamaha Chip Control Throttle. There is a lightweight frame made of high-strength aluminum alloy, the monoshock absorber mounted on the rear suspension has a linkage mechanism, and the fairings have updated proportions and design. All these factors made it possible to make the maxi-scooter approximately 12 kg lighter compared to the previous generation model, which greatly improved its performance characteristics. In our country, the scooter is sold in a luxury standard configuration, so it will be additionally equipped with a cruise control system, and the handlebar grips have an electric heating system. The windshield is also equipped with a drive that allows you to adjust its angle. In addition, there are anti-lock and traction control systems.
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During production, Smart Key keyless entry technology was used, through which the owner will be able to control not only the engine start, but also gain access to the gas tank, open compartment locks, and so on. The updated suspension is defined by the latest Monocross linkage system. The frame here is cast, the rear suspension is equipped with a pendulum - due to these elements in terms of fit and other functions, the product has become most similar to a full-fledged motorcycle in terms of handling, maneuverability and cornering. The instrument panel here is quite functional; it includes three elements at once - an analogue speedometer and tachometer, as well as a small monochrome liquid crystal display located between them. Its diagonal is 3.5 inches.
Advantages:
- Perfectly combines comfort, handling and dynamics;
- The braking system works perfectly;
- On one full tank of fuel, a maxi-scooter can travel about 250 km;
- Well-designed wind protection;
- Dynamically picks up the required speed.
Flaws:
- The wheel diameter is not very large, which is why almost all road irregularities are felt.
Yamaha TMAX DX
Suzuki Burgman 650
One of the best production models of maxi-scooters, its characteristics can easily be compared with a medium-weight touring motorcycle. The body is made of special plastic. It is quite elastic, durable, painted with special compounds that are resistant to physical impacts, so even with strong impacts there will be no marks left on it. The engine capacity is 638 cc, its maximum power is 54 horsepower, which will be quite enough to accelerate the device to a speed of 175 km/h. The developers turned out the model to be quite heavy; it behaves calmly in turns and turns steadily. Luggage capacity is quite normal, but still less than a classic touring bike. There is an automatic transmission, but there is also a manual one with a five-speed transmission.
The saddle is quite soft, designed for two people. When accelerating over 110 km/h, the scooter becomes difficult to control, but up to this speed it behaves both in the city and on the highway as obediently as possible. The trunk of the product is unlikely to be suitable for long trips, but its volume is enough for regular driving around the city. The instrument panel has decent overall dimensions, is informative, and is equipped with bright backlighting; no reflections were detected even when exposed to direct sunlight.
Advantages:
- Decent engine capacity;
- The plastic body is not only functional, but also looks very nice;
- Feels confident when taking turns and turning;
- There are automatic and manual transmissions.
Flaws:
- It doesn’t behave very obediently at speeds over 110 km/h.
Suzuki Burgman 650
BMW C 650 GT
Now we have reached the leader of our review of the best maxi-scooters. The model was produced by a well-known German company engaged in the manufacture and sale of motorcycle and automotive equipment of all kinds. The engine capacity of the device is 650 cc, the engine is equipped with a liquid cooling system, as well as a pair of overhead camshafts. The total power of the device is 60 horsepower with a torque of 66 Nm; in principle, there are no sporty dynamics here, so the model will be suitable even for novice users. The scooter accelerates quite smoothly and measuredly. There are more than enough speed qualities for city driving. On the track the engine also shows its best side.
This model is perfect even for long trips. The side panels have decent overall dimensions, the same can be said about the windshield, and it has an electric drive that allows it to be adjusted depending on the user's needs. The front part of the body has a decent number of protrusions and deflectors, the main function of which is to reliably protect the driver and passenger from adverse weather conditions. There is a heated steering wheel grip system, and both driver and passenger seats can be heated. It is worth noting that everyone has their own heating switch - both the driver and the person sitting behind him.
Advantages:
- It is very comfortable to ride this maxi scooter;
- Quite fast production;
- Economical fuel consumption;
- Looks attractive;
- The paint does not wear off during use.
Flaws:
- Except for the high cost was not found.
BMW c650GT: expensive, rich
BMW C 650 GT
Round Four - Convenience
This is where it starts to get very subjective, although I do appreciate the obscenely large sofas that are found in even low-capacity scooters. Very useful, especially on a long route, is the ability to freely change the position of the legs, although at my height only one model provides complete comfort - His Majesty Suzuki Burgman 650.
The advantage of the classic position on a motorcycle is that part of the body weight is transferred to the legs and the spine is unloaded. On the other hand, severely bent knees cause frequent interruptions in your ride.
Round Five - Handling and Performance
In this area, the traditional big engine motorcycle has no equal. Power, acceleration and responsive powertrains - in this regard, maxi scooters will be far behind and will probably never come close. It's the same with handling - the smaller front end of the scooter and the inability to steer the machine with your feet definitely speaks in favor of a traditional motorcycle, especially on wet surfaces.
European response
Scooters in Europe are made by almost all motorcycle companies, individual scooter companies, and even some car companies, for example, Peugeot. True, many European “Maxis”, even of a decent cubic capacity, look, in contrast to Japanese “sofas”, slender, lean, slightly grown “fifty dollars”. The Peugeot Geopolis with 300, 400 or 500 cm3 engine is a perfect example of this. On the contrary, the Peugeot Satelis (400 or 500 cm3) is designed for “Emel”, who even dream of driving a stove on the street. Although it’s clearly more comfortable on a maxi-scooter.
Representative of the Italian “school” © Photo: Peugeot
Another similar (not surprising - it belongs to the same group) Italian model is the Aprilia Scarabeo 500. It is light - 170 kg dry weight, but quite powerful - 39 hp. With. and dynamic, so that it is comfortable not only to maneuver between cars in the city, but also to travel outside the metropolis.
But if the Italians and French are quietly stewing in their cramped European pot, then BMW thundered to the whole world by releasing its first and immediately “killer” maxi-scooters C600 Sport and C650 GT, stuffed with the latest technologies and charged with the spirit of the Bavarian concern. The engine power of both devices (one working volume - 647 cm3) is 60 liters. s., torque - 66 Nm. Driving performance can be judged by any other BMW vehicle. Scooters differ only in their “outlook on life”: sporty - taller, more rigid, maneuverable; GT - tourist, comfortable, with a large trunk (60 l).
BMW C600 Sport – the new standard in maxi-scooters © Photo: BMW
“All miracles and miracles.” But there are also Taiwanese SYM and Kymco, numerous “Chinese” and prototypes of electric scooters that are about to become a reality... I hope that the end of the world will still be canceled, and we will see many more interesting things.
Aprilia Scarabeo 500 - light but powerful © Photo: Aprilia
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Sixth round – repair costs
Here I would more or less draw a minus, especially if you like to switch to the ground from time to time. While a motorcycle, especially one without fairings, will have problems with the mirror, steering wheel, kits and possibly crash pads, with a scooter you have the guarantee of high costs associated with plastic damage.
Verdict? Not so obvious
If you ask me today if I prefer to have a maxi scooter and a motorcycle at home, I will answer quickly, decisively and intelligently - YES! With my current knowledge and experience, I will do my best to keep both cars in my garage. The Maxiskuter is a versatile commando that can handle any conditions. However, in favorable weather the duties are not onerous. You don't have to take half of your belongings with you.
A civil war makes absolutely no sense in a single-track plot. Societies with much richer motorcycle traditions than ours. Countries such as Italy, Spain and France have long understood this. Maxi-scooters dominate the streets there, although motorcycle sales remain impressive. We still like to make excuses in uncomfortable situations, fearing the reaction of the environment, which is often equally tense, fearful and dependent on the opinions of others. Take courage!
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