So here we go.. After my introduction today, here goes the big question: which scooter should I get? I've been obsessively thinking about it for two months and not that close to a decision yet... So please share your advice, wise muppets!

A bit about my specs: I've been scooter riding for 6 years, doing 25k miles in London commuting on two 125cc machines. My current one is a Pcx. I'm looking to move up, and this will be my first bigger bike. 90% of use will still be city commute within London - so being able to weave through traffic is important. But I'm definitely looking to add more fun in the mix, with weekend trips, fun rides, the occasional 4-5 day tour. I'd like to do some of those trips with the missus. (Ideally I'd love to do all wither but we have a little child so logistically that's hard, for now) I'm quite tall, 6'2", while my lady is petite and skinny, I'd say our combined weight is around 280 pounds / under 130 kg. I want something that can take both of us comfortably on those occasional trips - but I'm not at all interested in extensive motorway riding, more like A/B roads where possible. Budget - not really set but probably can squeeze out around £4-5k.

My current shortlist of bikes:

Honda Forza 300: based on Honda's marketing spiel, it's just the bike for me: same styling as pcx (which I love) but bigger, more powerful, practical, ABS, comfortable two-up, with good economy and Honda reliability. My concerns: how much will it cost, lack of proper screen, power on lower end (is it enough?), is it comfortable for my height?

Burgman 400: a proven all-rounder, choice of many muppets here, looks good, does everything. Concerns: is it too bulky for heavy London riding, expensive new and used ones don't tend to have ABS

Tmax 500: a bit of a wild card, but like the thought of the famous motorcycle handling, and I feel like it would be the most fun on those weekend trips down some A/B roads. But: expensive (could only afford 2009-2010 used model), and no ABS

I've considered others notably X10, Majesty, sym/kymco but they tend to fall below the above for various reasons.

So, what do you all think? Am I moving in the right direction? One problem is of course I haven't ridden either of these - the forza is not out yet, and the others I'd have to buy used, so it's hard to get a test ride. What else should I consider? How important is ABS?

If you want to buy now, it can't be a Forza.
Xmax 250?

Xmax 250 is no good for you as Im 6"1 and I ride the wifes Xmax 250, there isnt enough leg room and like the burgman 400 as soon as you get anywhere near a fun lean angle ( even roundabouts ) the centre stand touches down.
Maybe the Tmax, then you wont be left wondering...what if ?
I would say the bug 650 as its ideal for 2 up, but the mirrors make it difficult to slip between cars, as u do in London, unless u get the exec model with elec folding mirrors at the flick of a switch.

I sat on a forza at a recent show and found it a little cramped and Im 5" 10". If your going to do a lot of "2 up " riding, id go for a silverwing or a t-max.

Thanks all for the responses so far!

Gn2 - if the forza was the right bike I could wait a month. As for the xmax, it seems a little small to me, and I don't like how the design doesn't allow for foot forward position.

R1K SU - oh that worries me about the Burgman 400! Do others have the same issue? Any way to fix it? I would like to be leaning in properly round corners..

horobags - yes that's exactly my main worry about the forza. Mind you I'm coming from a pcx! I'd love to be able to sit on one as if it's uncomfortable I could cross it off and not wait until it finally is available..

So the t-max seems well recommended.. But here's the thing: of all the bikes this is the quickest and heaviest one, it's not available with ABS. (Unless new, for £8k+) I just don't get it how Yamaha has been selling this top of the range bike for years without abs?

asparagus wrote:I just don't get it how Yamaha has been selling this top of the range bike for years without abs?

I don't get why Yamaha did provide an ABS option for the UK like the rest of EU. It's silly.

Granted it would drive the price higher but they have been doing that in the rest of Europe with no problems for years now.


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Hmmmm - if you are thinking about 2-up weekend trips, I don't really think the the Forza or most 250/300s will have quite enough grunt - great in the city, but only OK outside.

Now as a Tmax fanatic, I'm bound to say that a Tmax is good, but it is a good option as it has enough grunt and comfort to manage all sorts of riding, but its still decent in the city. There again, there is only reasonable but not excessive luggage space, but I'm told pillions quite like it (whilst the big Burger isn't as popular with pillions as there is too much space!)

If the TMax is OTT for you, consider a 400 or maybe the X10 350 which has 33bhp. The Burger has enough comfort and luggage space for any length of trip - the only snag maybe being that its a big old beast for traffic busting. So maybe consider the Yamaha Maj400 as well.

horobags wrote:I sat on a forza at a recent show and found it a little cramped and Im 5" 10". If your going to do a lot of "2 up " riding, id go for a silverwing or a t-max.

Don't say that. I'm 6'3" I'll defo have to try one at the dealers when it arrives.

Only other one you should defintely check is the Beverly 350, given the amount of town work.

It benefits from bigger wheels and shorter wheelbase than X10 (and most of your other options), I found it pretty roomy so your size shouldn't be an issue provided you don't want a full feet forward option.

Given occasional 2-up use it's about the smallest engine option I'd consider, it is very quick off the line and the brakes (brembo) are very very good, I found it nimble and lots of fun to throw about.

As a burgman 400 rider, I'd say to you to avoid it and get a t max, I love my burg and its perfect for me (long cruises) but for the city it isn't that great imo