I bought a 2009 silver Burgman 400 in July after test riding several maxi-scoots. The only bike I was unable to ride was a Honda Silverwing. The Yamaha Majesty was a nice ride, very similar to the Burgman in just about every way except the fuel mileage (45 to 55 mpg vs. 65 plus for the Burgman). The power and speed were almost identical as far as RPM vs. speed. I had owned a Kymco Peoples 200 and wanted to try the Xciting 500. The ergonomics did not fit me well ( I am 5'10 30" inseam weigh 165 to 170), the seat was to high, the handle bars to low, the seat was very hard and there was very little foot room. The instruments were almost impossible to see, the MPH were in tiny print and inside the ring and I had a hard time determining speed. It performed OK, the acceleration was good, and the engine was smooth. The fuel mileage was low at around 40mpg. It was also very heavy and difficult to maneuver it around in the parking lot. The T-Max was a great bike and I really enjoyed riding it, very motorcycle-like. My only negative was the high price and the lack of storage space, but other than that, I really liked the T-Max. I even got to drive the Burgman 650 and a 400 back to back, and liked the 400 better. The 650 just felt too heavy and was difficult moving it around the parking lot. So after comparing all my notes, and after re-riding some of my top choices I finally picked the Burgman 400. It feels lighter maneuvering, has great acceleration, cruises all day at 75 - 80 mph and gets 68.9 mpg at every fill-up. The Burgman 400 also has tremendous storage under the seat and an add on box is not necessary. I have put 1700 miles on my Burgman 400 and it is a joy to ride. The rpms vs. speed seem to be coming down. For example, yesterday I took a hundred mile ride and I noticed that at 70 mph my rpm was only 6,000 rpm whereas before right after 1,000 miles 70mph took 6300 rpm. Also, I do not rely on the fuel mileage calculation the bikes computer comes up with. I always fill it up with the centerstand down and fill it up right to the bottom of the filler neck and divide miles driven by the gallons used and get 68.9 mpg every time. I don't baby it either but try to be smooth with the throttle and am amazed at the acceleration, very seductive and addictive!
Don't forget to check out SYM, from the HD200 to the Citycom 300i. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
gee I guess the helix in this vote is like the old grandfather that got stuff away and only visited at Christmas. My vote helix . cheap, reliable and if you have to shoot it to put it out of it s misry no ones going to call SPCM which is kind of like spca. Only it's hells angels that show up if you mistreat you bikes. .
If I were going to buy a Maxi scooter, my first choice would be one not on your list, Kymco DT300. It is supposed to have very good handling. Gets good MPGs. Unlike most of the others, Valve adjustments are supposed to be real easy. Probably not too many used ones out there but new ones are going for well under MSRP. Not sure if it qualifies as a maxi scooter but you do have some 250s in the poll. Second choice, also not in the poll, Kymco GT300i. And What about the BMW maxi scoots? About the same price as the Burgman 650?.
Have not ridden any of them. Based on research of all models, the go to here is the Burgman 400 even though I would most likely snag a used Majesty. As Klaviator indicated, other viable options are now available too. Kawasaki 300
I would prefer the Honda Silverwing for a full sized Maxi. It fit me better than any of the others I tried. The Burgman 400 had valve issues through '07, I believe. I know it was redesigned sometime around there. I wouldn't even consider the Burgman 650. It has a well known reputation for transmission failures, and when they happen, they usually cost more than the scooter is worth to fix. The problem is real, I borrowed a Burgman service manual, and found the problem. The Burgman uses a very intricate and fragile gear shifting mechanism. Manual shifting puts more stress on it, and while failure is not that common on low mileage bikes, the more miles it has on it the more it will wear. I had a motorcycle with a plastic oil pump gear, took it almost 40,000 miles to fail. But when it did the motor became a boat anchor. A 1500cc motorcycle should last more than 40,000 miles. A 650 scooter should easily make it past 100,000 miles. For a mid size scooter, I like the Kymco GTi300. I won't even comment on BMW.
gec343: Some additional detail of your intended use environment might be helpful (unless the OP's criteria is what you are looking for). The OP's criteria and poll choices covered a wide range of very different maxi scoots. Cortez: Info favor - Are the ABS brakes on your DT300i linked? We (US) don't get the ABS DT here as yet.
I'm 6-2 with a 34" inseam and I fit on it just fine. It would be near the top of my list except for the linked brakes. The DT300 has a more cramped riding position.
I've done about 300 miles on BV300 and BV350, and over 10k miles on the DT300, am 5'11", no idea about inseam and.. I don't agree. The BV is the smallest "maxi" out there you sit in the first third of it, no room to move around, pushed by the back rest up upon the handlebars, I just hated the position. I like the BV400/500 and Scarabeo seating much better.
The transmission problems with the Burgman 650 was sorted out by Suzuki after the the first two model years. Late model Burgman's don't appear to have the problem. There are riders with over 75,000 miles on late model Burgman's that haven't had the problem appear. Somewhere after 50,000 miles you may have to do a clutch change but that doesn't require pulling the engine, just removing the plates and replacing them. Much like any other motorcycle.
Good point. I normally ride about 10,000 miles yearly, always carry my Pug dog on pillion, harnessed and double strapped to the Gold Wings armrests. I carry camping gear, since many motels won't accept my dog, Pugsley. At almost 72 years of age, I am seeking a lighter machine with automatic transmission. I developed my love of two wheels on a 1952 Allstate scooter, so looking forward to my second childhood. The Burgman 650 seems to get the best ratings. However, I have always been impressed with Honda quality, so am really waiting to see if Honda replaces the discontinued Sllverwing. That new Integra intrigues me, but still not available in the U.S.
Everyone is different. I only rode a few miles on a BV350. I have only sat on the DT300. Many people complain about how cramped it is. It seemed a little tight but not a deal breaker for me. I have never owned a bike with a barcalounger riding position so being able to stretch my legs way out in front of me like many maxi scooter riders do doesn't really appeal to me. Some day if I get the chance to put some miles on some maxi scooters, maybe I'll change my mind on the riding positions.
Nope. They are on the Xciting 500Ri ABS (and non-abs too), and I think they're not on the next gen Xciting 400 ABS.
From all the bikes you see in my signature line, the DT300 did the longest trip of them all, and in most comfort of them all. If it had 5-6hp more it would be great for 80-85mph highway too so I could reach some areas even further away, but I don't like seeing the revs near redline so.. I used to keep it at 70-75mph with Dr Pulley sliders (500 revs less then stock).
I think the poll has overlooked three of the best "all around" scoots. Piaggio BV 350 Kymco People GTI 300 Kymco Downtowm 300 The power/weight ratio of these motor scooters is getting close to the ultimate scoot, and they will run with the big boys. Motor scooters are getting better and better. Sorry, you did say Maxi.