Hi all,

I just joined your forum and I am sure its going to be a regular check point place for me, as I have enjoyed reading about all that is shared in some of the topics.

I come from a family of great riders (motorcycle, motocross and sports bikes) but I have never really fancied the two wheels much, until about a year when I thought a scooter could be the best way to commute in London. I CBT'd myself and got a 125cc Kymco Agility City - and got addicted!!

It has been a year now and I decided to take L plates off so I can ride with the girlfriend. Like the subject suggests, I am now thinking upgrading the machine too. Some of my considerations are the Kymco Downtown 300i, Yamaha X-Max 250 or T-Max.

I like all of them, but can't make my mind as considering pros and cos - I just want something thats great in town, with or without pillion, economical and with a hint of "spice".

I like the X-Max for its size, looks and comfort - but I wish it had more power to comfortably take two on a road trip. Which is one of the reasons for considering the Downtown.
I have had good experience with my current Kymco, not one hic-up since new. My pocket also likes it and that is the main factor making me still consider the same brand.
The T-Max 500 is the one I can't get over with. Has the looks and the power, but I am not sure how it compares to other Maxi scoots as per practicality and MPG. I keep asking myself if I wouldn't be "overbuying" going for a T-Max as my main commute is a 15 min ride to work and back (about 10 miles).

May I appeal to your experience and get an opinion?
Feel free to recommend other models...

Thanks for reading.
... oh oh oh
Merry Xmas.

TMax will get you 45-50mpg if you ride it like you stole it with just over a 3.3 gallon tank, 60mpg if you're more conservative.

X-Max I have sat on one but if its anything like the x-city engine which is also a 250 I got near 80mpg, I didn't like the X-city because of poor leg room. I am 6'2

Never ridden a Downtown but there are a couple of users on here that could enlighten you.


We are all going to bias, as I would say go for the TMax, but most bigger engined scoots with the right kit on it will give you what you want and its down to person preference on looks and handling.

My commute is about the same as yours and most days, unless its pissing it down with rain, I take the long way to and from work as its such a great bike to ride.


Welcome to the site.

Hello

Hi and welcome, I've had a Mk3 T-Max great bike but a bit thirsty. I've sat on an X-Max lot of things going for it but a bit low on power or so I'm told. I've seen and sat on a Kymco Downtown was very impressed and it has had good reviews, I think that is the one I would be looking at out of those three for the job you have in mind.

Hi and welcome aboard.

two on a road trip = tmax and lay off the throttle comuting

Try a Sym 300 Evo. Best compromise in economy, lightness, still got a full maxi presence, and more than capable of occasional 2 up touring. Cheaper too.

For me, unless you're both lightweights, if you'll run regularly 2-up and plan to do reasonable mileage then 350/400 would be about right. A 250/300 would work but limit cruising speed, I had an X8 400 that could equal or better 250cc fuel economy because it wasn't being over-stressed.

Lots of options with secondhand 400s as an alternative to TMax, best have the both of you "try for size" and also your budget may discount some. Perhaps as yet not quite proven, because of being new design, but Beverly 350GT or X10 350 may also be worth considering.

The Downtown is a great big beautiful monster.
Over the Xmax I'd have it any day, it's much pokier and more comfortable. Praps not quite got the looks, but not sure that counts for much.
The SYM looks a good buy though and I would be tempted.
However, I'd probably go for a 400 anyway given a free hand.

Sym and Honda are due to release all new 300 models (Joyride, Forza) in the spring so if you want to buy new its maybe worth waiting a while