Lion foxy

Tapatalk 2

for me a mk 3 as i prefer the looks...not as keen on the new tmax..plus huge differance in price....would go towards lots of other things.

Not as simple a decision as deciding between a Mk1,2,or 3 though.
They were all essentially identical machines apart from the Mk3's styling changes and a few tweaks, but the Mk4 is a totally new design although the engine is a derivative of the original.
You now have chain drive, new brakes, different suspension, ABS etc and so you need to decide if the difference in maintenance schedule and your DIY ability is of any concern. Insurance cost may be significantly higher too.

WHat makes it doubly hard to drcide is that you are choosing between a damned good machine and a bloody good machine!

There's no final chain drive any more, it's a belt drive. Do the UK ones come with ABS??

yellowMax wrote: . Do the UK ones come with ABS??

No I don't think they do....

I meant belt as opposed to the original oil bath chain final drive.
My point is that they are not really the same bikes but quite different designs unlike the first three versions which all shared the same basic mechanism but were clad differently. I know the frame was alloy on the Mk3, but that doesn't affect the maintenance.

TmaX9 wrote:Not as simple a decision as deciding between a Mk1,2,or 3 though.
They were all essentially identical machines apart from the Mk3's styling changes and a few tweaks, but the Mk4 is a totally new design although the engine is a derivative of the original.

Not strictly true - the mk3 is quite different (apart from the engine) to the mk 1 and mk2 - different chassis, very different body panels, and uprated suspension and brakes. Conversely, the difference between the mk3 and mk4 is principally the engine (and final drive) - the chassis, bodywork and suspension are very similar.

A mk3 or a mk4??? a very interesting question!

Testers say the mk4 is better is several ways, though I think it has improvements rather than a revolution. But there is the unknown quantity of the belt drive. I remember a post on here recently where a mk3 owner had a test ride on the mk4 and couldn't feel much difference!

As a mk3 owner, it doesn't seem worth upgrading to a mk4. However, if you are buying one or other its a damned close run thing. Frankly, there doesn't seem enough difference in the mk4 to make it worth the extra. Maybe best to buy a mk3, add a new variator which will give you half the performance gains of the mk4 for only £300, put your Akra exhaust on, and you've effectively got mk4 performance with the chain drive!

MrGrumpy wrote:A mk3 or a mk4??? a very interesting question!

Testers say the mk4 is better is several ways, though I think it has improvements rather than a revolution. But there is the unknown quantity of the belt drive. I remember a post on here recently where a mk3 owner had a test ride on the mk4 and couldn't feel much difference!

As a mk3 owner, it doesn't seem worth upgrading to a mk4. However, if you are buying one or other its a damned close run thing. Frankly, there doesn't seem enough difference in the mk4 to make it worth the extra. Maybe best to buy a mk3, add a new variator which will give you half the performance gains of the mk4 for only £300, put your Akra exhaust on, and you've effectively got mk4 performance with the chain drive!

Thats what I'm thinking , New / nearly new Mk 3 for £6000 or so , stick my Akra on and review in 2-3 years time when we will know about the belt drive longevity Cheers !!

If you like ugly then go for the Mk4, if you want a good looking scooter (mirrors aside) then has to be a Mk3. I lusted over the WhiteMax for ages, but the stomach turning price finally put the lust to rest. The Mk4 does absolutely nowt for me, its hideous.