It does seem a bit heavy, IMO big scooters are a bit pointless, same as the SYM 400, a bit too big and bulky when a 250 or 300 (The excellent SYM GTS300 is 263cc) is powerful enough.

One issue I have with these big scooters is that storage is not any bigger - in fact the larger engine robs it. Suzuki have the right idea with the burgman 400, but many others fail to maximise that vital storage space - even SYM could extend the storage tubs into the rear light area to add useful space for touring.

Then there is fuel consumption - I expect about 70mpg+ from a scooter, otherwise I may as well be inside a small car in the warmth and dry, and the bigger scooters just fail to deliver that too. Layout is important too, fuel tanks for instance could always be larger, taking more space at the front hidden behind the front wheel leaving the top area above the headlight free for the radiator - freeing the back and floor area for storage.

Really we are after a comfortable suitcase on wheels - not another Goldwing.

There's a lot is a lot of sense in what you say. I have been happy with the 250 scooters I have owned. All could do distance work and had plus 70mpg fuel consumption.

You make some good points Meldrew. I agree with your sentiment entirely. The smaller class of scooters are good but you do need a bit more clout with a passenger and luggage. Your Silverwing is ideal I would think. I don't know if you have tried the current 2007+ Burgman 400's but they do have 13.5% more torque and 6.5% more bhp than the 2006 model. It does make a difference and I note I can pull away from the 2006 injected 385cc model quite easily at any speed or in any conditions when we are both solo. Haven't tried it with both of us carrying a passenger but I expect it's the same. Not dissing the 385cc engine. It's brilliant and a gem! However, solo and with a passenger the latest 399cc engines are a delight. But of course, not quite as good as your 'Wing'. I am still very keen to try the Kymco 700i if we get it here. I think it looks brilliant and I've seen some online vids that are tempting me that way in preference to the new Burgman 650 which is now on the Suz site...

Here it is... http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/bike/an650zl3/

I note they say the transmission has been refined and of course the bike is clearly restyled. No tech specs yet but they say 15% more economical in 'D'. Wonder how much alteration to the tranny has been made? Interesting and tempting, but the cost is a downer for me.

Ive had two big Maxis, the Xevo 400 and Burger 400. The Xevo was a superb 2 up tourer, the Burger less so but a better machine solo than the Xevo. The Xevo returned constant MPG figures in the high 70s/low 80s, the Burger was in the low 70s. In comparision my GTS 300 is returning around mid 80s whilst running in so not a huge difference.

Id take a big Maxi over any of the current 250/300 class.