Maxi scooter - best ? 650GT or X-Max?
Discussion
I had a Honda Silverwing for a few months before a kindly mincab driver did a u-turn in front of me. Would get up to well over 70 on the motorway (would cruise at 85-90, and touch 100 if pushed), did me well around town and through the traffic, and loads of storage under the seat - enough for two full faced helmets. Good weather protection too, but I guess they'll all be like that.
Would I have another? Nah - back to a "proper" bike after that.
Would I have another? Nah - back to a "proper" bike after that.
I have a Piaggio X8 but for no other reason other than it was cheap at the time of purchase and appeared it would do the job. For the princely sum of £800 I paid for it, I can attest that it certainly does do the commuting job, decent storage, not horrendous overtaking shove (250 variant) and so far touch wood hasn't generated any expensive Italian bills.
If money no object, I'd probably be looking at one of those Honda DCT things, but I think you have already ruled them out. I would say T-Max if you had somewhere secure to keep it, but not if you want to ride it anywhere near London
If money no object, I'd probably be looking at one of those Honda DCT things, but I think you have already ruled them out. I would say T-Max if you had somewhere secure to keep it, but not if you want to ride it anywhere near London
Tonka : you refer to X-Max ,did you really mean T-Max ?
T-Max 530 is the lightest maxi with easy handling , ride one just after you get off either a BMW or Honda ! ABS is standard on later ones but was a option on others . Keyless ignition makes it a bit less theivable . Very good fuel consumption and reliability . Looks great in white as well LOL
T-Max 530 is the lightest maxi with easy handling , ride one just after you get off either a BMW or Honda ! ABS is standard on later ones but was a option on others . Keyless ignition makes it a bit less theivable . Very good fuel consumption and reliability . Looks great in white as well LOL
Charlie Croker mk2 said:
Tonka : you refer to X-Max ,did you really mean T-Max ?
T-Max 530 is the lightest maxi with easy handling , ride one just after you get off either a BMW or Honda ! ABS is standard on later ones but was a option on others . Keyless ignition makes it a bit less theivable . Very good fuel consumption and reliability . Looks great in white as well LOL
I bought a scooter for commuting, and you can't beat them in my opinion, I ended up with a xmax300, rides really well, loads to storage, abs, traction plenty of power for everyday use and still gets 80mpg, although my last tank was over 93.T-Max 530 is the lightest maxi with easy handling , ride one just after you get off either a BMW or Honda ! ABS is standard on later ones but was a option on others . Keyless ignition makes it a bit less theivable . Very good fuel consumption and reliability . Looks great in white as well LOL
They do have keyless ignition but i don't for one second believe this makes them less of a target.
I have just had 650gt on loan while my bike was in for service. It was the first time I had ridden a BIG scooter and while it was quite quick - in my day a 650 motor was as big as it got - I found being surrounded by plastic was rather unpleasant. It rode well enough but having the same braking system as a push bike was odd and overall it was not a great experience but I can see that as a commuter it was a proposition.
I've got a 650GT for the commute. 100% perfect tool for the job. Fast (for a scoot), very comfy, great weather/ wind protection, lot's of toys, mahousive boot. Just the ticket, does exactly what it was designed for. A car on two wheels. And nearly 60 mpg even in to central London every day.
While it is quite quick it's not exactly exciting and more tool than hobby. I can just about bring my self to wash it occassionally and never find myself browsing accessories/upgrades like I would for my other bikes or taking it out for a ride just for the hell of it.
It's just extremely accomplished transport for getting from A to B. No more.
Had the Sport version before and I'd find myself larking about on that a bit more. It's basically the same bike just less plastics with a slightly more aggressive riding position. Neither are a substitute for a proper bike when it comes to leisure riding and having fun. On a bike you care how well you took a particular corner, on the scoot as long as it goes round it that's all that matters.
Even my daughter couldn't be bothered to go out on it when I first got it and suggested a quick spin to see what it's like two up. If I'd suggested a ride on the XR she'd be suited and booted in a minute.
It's the A6 2ltr diesel estate of the car world. So if you're getting something for your wife to join you on leisure rides I'd probably be looking else where as once she gets over the inital excitement of two wheels she'll find it boring as it's designed to do a job not provide fun.
While it is quite quick it's not exactly exciting and more tool than hobby. I can just about bring my self to wash it occassionally and never find myself browsing accessories/upgrades like I would for my other bikes or taking it out for a ride just for the hell of it.
It's just extremely accomplished transport for getting from A to B. No more.
Had the Sport version before and I'd find myself larking about on that a bit more. It's basically the same bike just less plastics with a slightly more aggressive riding position. Neither are a substitute for a proper bike when it comes to leisure riding and having fun. On a bike you care how well you took a particular corner, on the scoot as long as it goes round it that's all that matters.
Even my daughter couldn't be bothered to go out on it when I first got it and suggested a quick spin to see what it's like two up. If I'd suggested a ride on the XR she'd be suited and booted in a minute.
It's the A6 2ltr diesel estate of the car world. So if you're getting something for your wife to join you on leisure rides I'd probably be looking else where as once she gets over the inital excitement of two wheels she'll find it boring as it's designed to do a job not provide fun.
The T-Max is the most fun you can have on a scooter. Hence why the oiks nick em all the time. The C650 sport is probably the next best for fun.
Had a T-Max before the Sport and the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension etc are just that bit sweeter. But surprise, surprise it got nicked so I wasn't going to buy another one for it to happen all over again.
Had a T-Max before the Sport and the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension etc are just that bit sweeter. But surprise, surprise it got nicked so I wasn't going to buy another one for it to happen all over again.
Not sure the idea is they can pass an M3 with plenty to spare.
My 300 will do 90 on the motorway part of my commute (but is happier at 70 to 80), and is quicker off the lights than any car so far in town.
It is a compromise, the same as a sports/tourer would be but it does the motorway bit worse.
My 300 will do 90 on the motorway part of my commute (but is happier at 70 to 80), and is quicker off the lights than any car so far in town.
It is a compromise, the same as a sports/tourer would be but it does the motorway bit worse.
I have the J300 ABS, and am very happy with it. Fast enough in town, and will cruise at sensible speeds out on the main roads.
I have a 46 litre box on the back, and commute in on it every day.
I preferred the smaller size of the Apriloa Sportcity Cube, but they don’t do them any more, and I had three stolen in a few years.
I have a 46 litre box on the back, and commute in on it every day.
I preferred the smaller size of the Apriloa Sportcity Cube, but they don’t do them any more, and I had three stolen in a few years.
I've got a Beverly 350, I wanted the biggest engine while still retaining a smaller size/style bike, I didnt want a full 'tourer' style scooter.
It's been pretty good, while it's not going to set the world alight, it does a little over 90 with my fat arse on which is plenty enough. I've not ridden it for a few months, got on it last week and forgot how fast it launches you down the road, it gets up to 60mph pretty quick. It manages to feel a 'sporty' for a scooter too, feels nimble and chuckable. While it doesn't look as cute or cool as my dads old Vespa GTS the Piaggio is quicker and more fun to ride.
All that said,I've just looked at the C650, the Sport does look very smart, I'd almost be tempted if I wasnt thinking about going back to a geared bike again.
It's been pretty good, while it's not going to set the world alight, it does a little over 90 with my fat arse on which is plenty enough. I've not ridden it for a few months, got on it last week and forgot how fast it launches you down the road, it gets up to 60mph pretty quick. It manages to feel a 'sporty' for a scooter too, feels nimble and chuckable. While it doesn't look as cute or cool as my dads old Vespa GTS the Piaggio is quicker and more fun to ride.
All that said,I've just looked at the C650, the Sport does look very smart, I'd almost be tempted if I wasnt thinking about going back to a geared bike again.
James_B said:
The performance of the 300s is very different to the 125s, they have about 60% more power.
If you don’t like them you don’t like them, but there’s a real difference away from the lights and cruising at higher speeds.
I agree I’ve had a 250 before and have had a 300 GTS for the last 4 years. It surprises quite a lot of bike riders.If you don’t like them you don’t like them, but there’s a real difference away from the lights and cruising at higher speeds.
Perfect for an urban commute, plenty of torque for filtering and can hold its own on the motorway. (Bouncing off the limiter in the outside lane at 85).
Lower seat position and with heated grips and a fly screen make it very comfortable.
Edited by Simes205 on Sunday 17th June 09:11
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