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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.
So what is a maxi scooter?
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
Yamaha T-max.
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.
The ultimate commuter, if you happen to commute from Leeds to London on the M1 that is! A rival for Honda's Silverwing and Suzuki's new Burgman 650.
Yamaha Majesty 250
Yamaha's original mega scooter, the Majesty 250 is now a bit long in the tooth compared to its newer rivals.
Yamaha Versity 300
The new Versity 300 scooter is designed to give confidence to its rider say Yamaha.
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.
Honda Silverwing.
Honda's big scooter is an excellent bike with good looks and as its name suggests, real touring capabilities.
Italjet Jupiter
Italjet’s new maxi scooter the 250cc Jupiter, powered by the tried and tested engine from Yamaha’s YP250 Majesty scooter, is now available from Italjet UK dealers.
Italjet hope to add a 180cc and a 500cc mega version soon. The Jupiter 250 costs £3850.
Aprilia Atlantic.
Aprilia are entering the mega scooter fray with the Piaggio X9-500 engined Atlantic.
It takes its styling cues from Aprilias Futura 1000 touring bike and is a stylish alternative to the Japanese models.
Aprilia Scarabeo 500
The Scarabeo 500 is a new big wheeled (16ins) scooter which uses the 460cc engine from Aprilia's Atlantic Megascooter.
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?
Suzuki Burgman 650
Suzuki were one of the first entrants in the mega scooter market with the Burgman range of mega scooters.
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.
Benelli Adiva
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.
This is the best bar none commuting scooter for the "English" winter weather.
BMW C200
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.
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)
Is this the future for Mega-scooters ?
Honda Elysium
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.
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.
Yamaha T-Max R5
picture is © glynn Kerr
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