Scooters, Scooters, Scooters

[wkid_one]

<B>http://motobykz.co.uk/Bike_tests/Megascooter_shootout.htm</B>

<B>Following the success of the Yamaha T-Max and Honda's Silverwing, the market has been flooded with maxi engine super scooters. The new breed of large engine scooters are ideal for long distance commuting, even touring and make a viable alternative to the mid sized "real" motorbikes like the CB500 and the ER500. </B>

<B>So what is a maxi scooter? </B>

A maxi scooter is best defined as a modern feet forward scooter with an engine capacity larger than the 125cc learner limit. There are two types, one that is based on the usual scooter design and has the engine and gearbox as part of the rear swing arm that increases the unsprung weight and a second style that uses a separate swing arm connected to a static engine and gearbox, this is a more expensive system but makes for a better handling bike.


We have put together some of the latest and best of the current crop

<B>Yamaha T-max.</B>

<IMG height=120 src="http://motobykz.co.uk/Yamaha/XP500Large.jpg" width=180 align=left><B>Considered by many to be the best of the current mega scooters, the T-max with its twin engine has they go and handling to match its good looks.</B>

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The ultimate commuter, if you happen to commute from Leeds to London on the M1 that is! </B>A rival for Honda's Silverwing and Suzuki's new Burgman 650.

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<B>Yamaha Majesty 250</B>

<B><IMG height=120 src="http://motobykz.co.uk/Yamaha/250MAJLarge.jpg" width=180 align=left>Yamaha's original mega scooter, the Majesty 250 is now a bit long in the tooth compared to its newer rivals. </B>

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<B>Yamaha Versity 300</B>

<B><IMG height=135 src="http://motobykz.co.uk/Yamaha/Versity300-180.jpg" width=180 align=left>The new Versity 300 scooter is designed to give confidence to its rider say Yamaha. </B>

<B>With a 300cc 4 stroke single cylinder engine, twist-n-go gearbox, suspension taken from the T-max 500 and big 14" wheels along with decent weather protection a comfy seat, the Versity looks tough enough for even British pot holed roads. </B>



<B>Honda Silverwing.</B>

<B><IMG height=120 src="http://motobykz.co.uk/Honda/silverwing.gif" width=180 align=left>Honda's big scooter is an excellent bike with good looks and as its name suggests, real touring capabilities.</B>

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<B>Italjet Jupiter</B>

<B><IMG height=120 src="http://motobykz.co.uk/Italjet/Jupiter_180x120.jpg" width=180 align=left><B>Italjet’s new maxi scooter the 250cc Jupiter,</B> powered by the tried and tested engine from Yamaha’s YP250 Majesty scooter, is now available from Italjet UK dealers.</B>

Italjet hope to add a 180cc and a 500cc mega version soon. The Jupiter 250 costs £3850.

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<B>Aprilia Atlantic.</B>

<B><IMG height=171 src="http://motobykz.co.uk/Aprilia/Adlantic500Large.jpg" width=182 align=left>Aprilia are entering the mega scooter fray with the Piaggio X9-500 engined Atlantic. </B>

<B>It takes its styling cues from Aprilias Futura 1000 touring bike and is a stylish alternative to the Japanese models. </B>

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<B>Aprilia Scarabeo 500</B>

<B><IMG height=218 src="http://motobykz.co.uk/Aprilia/scarabeo500-180.jpg" width=180 align=left>The Scarabeo 500 is a new big wheeled (16ins) scooter which uses the 460cc engine from Aprilia's Atlantic Megascooter.</B>

This retro styled step thru "twist-n-go" will come complete with its own colour coded top box with built in back rest, proper screen to help keep the English weather off its rider, underseat storage, a front storage locker , alloy wheels and disc brakes.

Anyone for turbo charged pizza's?

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<B>Suzuki Burgman 650</B>

<B><IMG height=158 src="http://motobykz.co.uk/Suzuki/burgman650.jpg" width=200 align=left>Suzuki were one of the first entrants in the mega scooter market with the Burgman range of mega scooters.
</B>The 250 and 400 versions have been face-lifted so they can go up against the latest crop of European rivals , but with the Burgman 650 which has electrically controlled variable transmission which lets you change gear with a button they are bidding for the top of the tree again. Now with a redesigned facia and seat and the gear flip switch mounted on one bar (instead of 2 separate buttons located on each side of the bars) the Burgman is ready to conquer the Mega scooter world.

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</B><B>Benelli Adiva </B>

<B><IMG height=120 src="http://motobykz.co.uk/Benelli/adiva1_180x120.jpg" width=180 align=left>The Adiva is here even though it's not by definition a mega scooter (the engine is too small). It's included because of its fantastic weather protection and its unique fold away roof.
</B>This is the best bar none commuting scooter for the "English" winter weather.

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<B>BMW C200</B>

<B><IMG height=180 src="http://motobykz.co.uk/BMW/C1_180x180.jpg" width=180 align=left>The BMW C200 is another that should really not be here as its engine size is too small to allow it to be considered as a mega scooter.
</B>Now with a 190cc engine to cope with its extra weight the C200 is included for its amazing safety features such as its roll cage, crash crumple zones, and seat belts, which make it one of the safest motorcycles in the world. (As well as one of the comfiest in poor weather)
<H2 align=center>&nbsp;</H2>Is this the future for Mega-scooters ?
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<H2 align=center>Honda Elysium</H2>
<IMG height=196 alt=ELYSIUM src="http://motobykz.co.uk/Honda/elysium.jpg" width=227 border=0></DIV></DIV>
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<DIV align=left><B>Possibly the final logical outcome of the mega scooter development. The Elysium concept scooter shown at the 2002 Tokyo Motor show is a comfortable, stylish transporter, and shows the evolutionary potential of commuter mega scooters.</B>
Powered by a quiet, liquid-cooled 4-stroke flat four 750cc engine with a low centre of gravity, its drivetrain features a new, Honda-developed combined CVT (continuously variable transmission) and shaft drive.
Its electrically powered roof, operated by a single switch, allows easy open-air cruising in good weather, or a more protected ride when the going gets wet.
As with all concept bikes its loaded with flash toys ,the control console includes a digital speedometer, navigation system, and a monitor display of the rear view via a sonar. Take these away and your left with ideas that will appear on a Honda megascooter soon.

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<H2 align=center><IMG height=88 src="http://motobykz.co.uk/Honda/elysium_logo.jpg" width=374></H2>
<H2 align=center><IMG height=12 src="http://motobykz.co.uk/Pictures/bar.gif" width=149></H2>
<H2 align=center>Yamaha T-Max R5 </H2>
<IMG height=279 src="http://motobykz.co.uk/Yamaha/TmaxR.jpg" width=360>
picture is © glynn Kerr

<IMG height=120 src="http://motobykz.co.uk/Yamaha/XP500Large.jpg" width=180 align=left><B>When the original XP500 T-Max mega scooter arrived it caused a storm, but its commuter cum tourer styling will never win over the Sportbike boys.</B> Enter the T-Max R5, with all of its styling cues from the 2002 R1 and R6, a retuned 500cc engine, carbon canned exhaust, USD forks, fully adjustable rear shock, sticky tyres and a bar mounted switch operated semi auto gearbox, this thing rocks.</DIV>

[Motoracer]

BMW C200 :no:



Yamaha T-MAX R5 :yes:

[Liv, Norway]

BMW C200 / BMW C1 :niceone:

Honda Elysium :)

Benelli Adiva :)

The rest: Normal bikes = boring! :D

...and you know I have the Scarver? :) We don't have to be so conservative; use your fantasy!! :)

Liv.

[Motoracer]

Yamaha T-MAX R5 is my fantasy scooter. I am doing up my own scooter as well. Getting the performance exhaust imported and I have just instaled a performance air filter. Just have to get the right graphics on it to make it look racey.

I might even like the silly scooters with the roof as soon as someone tells me the purpose of the roof being there in the first place. I have had someone tell me that the roof is there just so if you overdo a stoppie, you can go right over and land back on two wheels after doing a 360 spin.:D

In New Zealand the new BMW C200 costs as much as last years, Yamaha R6, Honda CBR600-F4i.....etc. I just don't get them scooters with the roofs...thats all

P.S. The T-MAX is far from normal, its revolutionary in my opinion.

[wkid_one]

Originally posted by Motoracer
Getting the performance exhaust imported and I have just instaled a performance air filter.&nbsp;

There you go kids - two working examples of&nbsp;oxymorons

[Motoracer]

Originally posted by wkid_one
There you go kids - two working examples of&nbsp;oxymorons

I didn't get that one.... doing the pipe and the filter is the first step I reckon, then comes rejetting and porting and reboring for 2 strokes.

[wkid_one]

Performance and scooter in the same sentence - lol

[Kwaka-Kid]

hehe reckon! its like the old cliche "Microsoft Works"

bahahaha! :)

[georgedubyabush]

Originally posted by wkid_one
Performance and scooter in the same sentence - lol

I guessed that's what you meant.

But it isnt in the same sentence, for which an oxymoron must be right?

I guess technically you could call it an irony:whocares:

[Motoracer]

Mate...I am getting hammered!

Now where are my fellow scooter supporters??:beer:

[georgedubyabush]

Originally posted by Motoracer
Mate...I am getting hammered!

Now where are my fellow scooter supporters??:beer:

I dont mind them. Beats the shit out of walking.

Dissing their performance compared to a litre bike or something is a bit ridiculous really. I mean can you call a litre bike shit because it doesnt do 15000mph like the space shuttles, or 18000mph like the Saturn V2 rocket?

[Motoracer]

Right on!!:niceone:




P.S. 6 horse power with 68 kg comes in handy in a tight gokart track. Heaps of fun as well...No top speed but going around thoes turns slipping and sliding makes it worth while.:p

[scoot]

Yes I am one! And I have ridden and owned other bikes. Scooters were made for a reason, and are used by tons of people. All vehicles have their place and use.. Scooter supporters checked scootling's new board yet?

[Waylander]

I'm surprised I didn't see the G-strider in any of that. pretty mean looking scotter actually. Lays back even farter than a cruiser with forward controls. Don't know any specifications as I can't find any info on englis sites for so I'm not sure if it even is a scooter. Looks like one though, only bigger.

[Eurodave]

Blimey, that thing looks soooo laid back that youd have to be carefull not to fall asleep!!

[Sensei]

Bring on Scooter GP & SBK next

[MSTRS]

I'm surprised I didn't see the G-strider in any of that.
YUCK! note the date(s) of original posts tho. Also note that biker sensibilities in NZ have not been upset with a rash of these things appearing on our roads. There's hope yet.

[Badcat]

i did a burgman review for TONE magazine....

Don’t call me Scooter…
By Matthew Black

OK, there’s this thing in my garage, and I’m at a loss to what I should call it.
It’s a 650cc twin, but it’s twist and go automatic.
It has full scooter leg shields, but it weighs 238 kilos dry.
The front of the bike has the sharp pointed twin headlights of a new generation sports bike and the rear has the boxy dimensions of a touring bike.
My wife says it looks like the villain from a Japanese TV cartoon.
The Suzuki Burgman 650 is probably best described quite simply a HUGE high-tech scooter, but it’s also more than that. It’s a very competent motorcycle.
Now I love odd things, so when my friend Jo from Holeshot Suzuki suggested it, I was pretty excited to be able to test the Burgman. What I wasn’t ready for was how much I like it!

Firstly, pictures don’t really show you how BIG this thing is.
The Burgman positively dwarfs my GS1200ss motorcycle, it’s taller with the huge windscreen and has a longer wheelbase. What is astonishing is how easy the bike is to maneuver though, as the parallel twin engine’s cylinders point straight forward bringing the weight as low in the frame as possible.

Every component of the bike says luxury. The seat is large and extremely comfortable with a small adjustable backrest and excellent pillion accommodation. Under the seat is a 56 litre storage area that easily takes 2 fullface helmets while parked, and a large sports bag while you’re moving.
The underseat storage even has a light and a gas strut! There’s 3 separate gloveboxes below the handlebars, one is even lockable and has a 12 volt power outlet to power your radar detector or charge your cellphone!

Automatic for the people
The transmission deserves special mention here.
Using a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), the bike has two auto modes, standard and power. Power simply holds the revs higher in the range, reducing the auto lag when you apply the throttle for quick getaways.
But here’s where the Burgman gets interesting. As the gearbox is microprocessor controlled, manual mode gives you 5 manual ratios and a handlebar mounted up\down switch allowing you to ride the Burgman like a real bike. There’s no clutch, you simply switch to manual and twist the throttle.
The very large LCD tacho shows when you’re approaching redline and you thumb the “up” button to grab the next gear. Back in auto, the transmission also greatly improves the ride for your pillion – there’s none of the typical fore/aft pitching that a normal manual bike exhibits under acceleration. Because of this, it’s easily the best bike I’ve ridden for carrying a passenger. There’s also a great grab handle for pulling the bike onto the centre stand and for the pillion to hold during flight.


Riding the Burgman
If you get the chance to ride a Burgman, Keep your eye on the speedo.
The Burgman is much faster than you may think. Maybe it’s because it’s automatic, or so quiet, or perhaps you just don’t expect a “scooter” to be a risk to your licence. You’ll be breaking the speed limit very quickly if you don’t take care. You have been warned….
Stopping is easy too, the bike have dual disc brakes on the front and a disc on the rear. There’s also a park brake like a car’s handbrake, although I never used it. The bridgestone tyres are sports pattern, and are good in the wet.
Weather protection and large windscreen was very good – I rode in the rain twice and was surprised how dry I was afterwards. The extra weight also made the bike very difficult to upset in heavy winds, handy for the Auckland harbour bridge in a squall.
Fuel injection and electric start means easy starting every time with no choke.
The very comprehensive dashboard features digital speedo, clock, fuel and temp. gauge. This is no Vespa.
The twin headlights are very bright, with very wide coverage for open road riding. High beam is impressive, and low beam has a distinct cutoff to ensure opposing traffic is not dazzled.

Summary

It’s hard to explain why I like this bike so much.
Maybe it’s because it eliminates a lot of the irritating things about riding a motorcycle day after day. In the city, the bike is perfect, with all the storage and convenience of a scooter. On the open road, it becomes a very manageable tourer, easily capable of 4-6 hour stints with a passenger.
Because it’s simply so easy to ride and capable once you are moving, I found I was making excuses to ride it. That to me speaks volumes for any bike.

Suzuki are making a brave move with the Burgman – pouring so much technology and luxury into a bike that doesn’t really fit existing market segments. It’s $14,995 retail price will seem steep when you can currently buy a good race replica 650 for that money, but the bike was never designed to compete with sports bikes.
The Burgman will challenge the way you look at motorcycles.
Do what I did and closely examine the actual riding you do, and it starts to look very clever indeed.

Some details:
550 cc 4-stroke liquid cooled parallel twin
Fuel injection and electric start
Automatic + 5 speed CVT transmission
Low emission catalytic exhaust
15 liter fuel tank
Turning radius 2.7m
Seat height 750mm
Weight 238kgs

[Waylander]

YUCK! note the date(s) of original posts tho. Also note that biker sensibilities in NZ have not been upset with a rash of these things appearing on our roads. There's hope yet.
Well that's what I get for posting wen I'm tired as. I feel silly.

[Tmaxfever]

I have a T-Max as well. How many around do reckon there are?
How much difference(if any) does the performance air filter make?
I think it would be better with the HyperPro spring kit on the forks.