Have just sold a V Star 1300 and joined the few scooter riders here in Australia. It is a daunting change. Wombat.

Hi and welcome to the

Welcome. What influenced your change to scooters ?
What scooter do you now have ?

Old age was the influence. At 77 years and after 8 years and 71,000 km on the V Star, I needed a lighter easier ride. I looked at a new Burgman 400, but the trade offered was disappointing so I sold the V Star (and the trailer we pulled) privately. I then found there were no new Burgman 400 left in NSW, and was told that Suzuki Australia would be dropping the 400cc & 650cc Burgman from their Australian bike offerings. The 400 cost AUD 11,000 (UKP 6,160) so it was not cheap. The other available scooters were the BMW C400 (X and GS), but the GS sells for AUD 12,800 (UKP 7168) That is the cost of a Kymco AK 550, which I would prefer if I was to spend that amount. The Kymco Downtown 350 sells for AUD 6990 (UKP 3915) and the Yamaha XMax 300 AUD 6750 (UKP 3780) All costs are registered ride away. The Downtown has a 320cc motor and more power, (22.1 kw vis 20.6 kw), than the XMax but is heavier so there probably is no real difference in performance. The Downtown runs on 14/13 inch tyres and has a low sports style screen. It is a good scooter and sells well, but I felt the XMax was a more up to date design, with larger tyres and a good touring screen. In view of the absolute reliability I had from my Yamaha 1300 V Star and the positive XMax 300 owner comments on this and other forums, I opted for the XMax 300. I have less than 600 km on it so far so I have a lot to still learn about it and it's capabilities on the highway. It is very handy around town during running in.

Wombat if you paid the equivalent of £3780 for a new 300 X Max you have an absolute bargain. The new 300 X Max cost £5200 in the UK. Regardless of what you paid for it enjoy it and ride safe.