Why do you have the size scooter you have?

[barryG]

I ride a 400 as I like the performance and the purchase price. Id have loved a Tmax but just couldnt bring myself to part with the cash!

[irev]

Like Meldrew, I've toured on 250, 400 and 650cc scooters and used them all as daily (sole) transport.

Very much, the Law of Diminishing returns applies. Apart from the obvious flat out performance differences between them (and it's not that big given the atrocious aerodynamics of all modern powered two wheelers), engine size does matter if you're thinking about the overall package.

The `sweet spot` seems to be around 400cc. Much above and the compromises really set in, such as storage space, cost of ownership, spares prices, etc.

It then becomes a moving question of `balance` - do the marginal extra benefits outweigh the compromises? The 650 Burger was far more touring orientated than any of the other machines, and great at carrying passengers, but I tour for about 2-3 weeks a year and carry a passenger once in a blue moon. The rest of the time I'm lugging around those costly compromises for no benefit. I got shot of the SigFiddy because my riding habits changed, not through any failing of the machine.

Having owned a 400 Burger for a decade or more, and a SigFiddy for 6 years, I think the best overall solution comes in 2012, with a 300-sized package with a 400-class motor...

Now that `they` are finally committing to understanding that `less is more`, one hopes the next step is combining with ergonomics that owe nothing to the retarded state of motorcycle design, and design ethos that reflects real-world scooter use, not `poor-mans motorcycle`. The doubling of service intervals is a remarkably prescient move in the right direction.

For now it's 400cc, and next time 300, probably. Riding solo, weather protection, storage capacity, tank range and fuel economy with associated cost of ownership are more important.

[Funkycowie]

The Tmax - Because I like the looks and handling and it only comes in that size

[Earl]

I have the Mana due to liking bikes and only having an auto license, plus the new found power going ftrom a Nexus300 to an 850 wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! LOL

[Data]

The 400cc Burgman because I want the compromise of good power for safety (it leaps forwards when you twist the grip!), with practicality, durability and economy. It's good fun to ride too with very good handling! It's a bike I can keep for years and years without wearing it out. A smaller engine would not last so well. Total cost of ownership will be low. I've had the smaller 125's and smaller bikes than that, and had the very big bikes too (1400's, 1000's, etc), but the mid capacity scooters seem to offer just about everything many of us want now. I would point out I don't need a 400, a 125 would probably do although my North Essex to Birmingham run would grind a bit! But I'm a firm believer that more power is a good thing from many aspects including safety. I use my Burgman as a car substitute most of the time so it seemed sensible to get the bigger engine.

[SpikeOne]

Old, fat, and looking for fun.
Sounds like an advert on singles website, but it fits.
Honda too expensive. Vity was too sluggish, Tmax too expensive.
Suzuki and Piaggio unavailable.
Only had once place to got to...

[tallpaul]

I currently ride a xmax 125, but as its looking a bit tatty I was considering getting a burgman / majesty 400 but as I only travel 18 miles a day and I don't really get the chance to go to any real distance rideouts I don't know if I could justify it. I was also looking at a new xmax 250 for four grand. But its all finance maybe I'll be sticking with my 07 model, what I enjoy most about it is pulling away from the lights, It's relatively compact and fun

[victor]

I started off with a 50cc this was a way of getting to work so my wife could have the car for the kids,
then I saw an 125 X8 and thought wow how nice I went andbought a second hand one that was local going for a song,
after doing repeat CBT,s I got pissed off so bit the bullet and took DAS I then waited a year and got me a Burger 650,
I love the power delivery, power mode engine braking for such a heavy bike it handles so well and so fast when you want too
the style, luggage space shall I keep going.

[SOLO]

size doesn't matter that much if you're riding solo

Think i am going to change my name again!

[StephenC]

I have a 250 as it's not much more expensive to run, insure etc than a 125 and it has far better performance,
at least for A-roads. .

Snap.

My commute varies from tight urban filtering to clear motorway, so my 250cc is perfect with 90mpg, 80+mph, and only 160kgs.

400+cc scooters are usually 210kgs or more - too big for ease of handling in tight situations, I'd reckon.

125cc - too slow to be handy on fast A roads and motorways.

Mind you, I might give a 500 version of my current scoot (there is also a 125 and all three are near identical externally) a go next time just to see what difference there really is. Does the extra power make up for the extra cost and weight?