Total newbie!!! I don't even own a scooter yet....

[kishan]

welcome

[StephenC]

Hi and welcome to the muppets. Like you I have been considering a move to a maxi-scoot for some time and from my posts you will probably see that I have been considering the 400cc offerings, however I am more and more coming to the conclusion that the Honda Silverwing most fits the bill.
Reasons: Proven long-term reliability (some have done over 100,000miles)
Plentiful spares and dealers, including after-market both in UK and Europe.
Excellent forums for advice and information - including movie clips of how to do things
Plenty of machines in good condition on the market to suit all pockets
Ease of maintenance with normal tools and know how.
I know there are others on the market, but can I justify paying out for a brand new bike, which may or may not continue on the UK market no matter how good some people find them and especially considering the massive depreciation after a couple of years!?
Those are my thoughts.

The AA did (still do?) use Silverwings in London for breakdowns short of recovery (obviously!) so I imagine it'll do anything and everything you'd ever need a scooter to do.

[pethmeister3]

I'll take look at a silverwing first then, thanks for the help. There seems to a few around that may fit the bill.

[smeghead]

Someone mentioned a Majesty 400, I have had one of those and a Silverwing. The 'Wing was significantly better at dealing with horrid weather, wind in particular. It carved through like it was on rails and the Majesty seemed to act as a huge sail at times. They were very different under difficult conditions.

[pethmeister3]

My commute is seriously exposed at points , prevailing side winds effect the GS especially during the winter. It's worth knowing which scoot would survive winter excitement. Thanks smeghead

[Deleted User 796]

Ok I'll jump in and say try and Integra just for the hell of it!

They're good value, good weather protection, quick, good handling, 8000 mile service intervals and 80+mpg is easy to achieve, I'm 6'2 and was 19 stone and pulls me and the mrs around with no problem.

Downside is chain (not a problem for me but some don't like) and not much storage without the panniers/top box. The panniers don't stick out beyond the handlebars so don't impede filtering but you won't get large items in them. Seen quite a few couriers on them so they must be fairly solid.

As always, test ride everything! Silverwing and burgman 650 are also good choices with good power and storage.