Maxi Scooters - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

Wmcmanus · 11-12-2006, 11:31 PM

Ok, flame me all you want to, but I'm thinking about getting one of these. They now make maxi scooters that can go 100 mph or more and are said to be extremely quick off the block. I've never owned a motorcycle, nor do I really want to. I'm afraid that all of the gear changing will somehow make me feel too macho, and I'll end up wrapping myself around a tree.

Besides, I'm 44 and not getting any younger, so who would I be kidding with the macho thing anyway? Most of the maxi scooter riders are fat old farts, and that's probably where I'm headed anyway, so why fight it?

What I'm looking for is a nice, smooth machine that has enough power to get me out of trouble if need be. The maximum speed limit in Cayman is 40 mph in most areas, and 50 mph on the East End, but I don't get out that way very often. So even the machines I'm considering (most of which cruise easily at 70-80 mph) are overkill to begin with.

Price-wise, they tend to be around $6k-$8k, and after spending so much time in the audio hobby, that seems entirely reasonable to me. Anyway, here are the main contenders as I see it:

Honda Silver Wing ABS:
http://powersports.honda.com/scooter...delId=FSC600A7
At $8,500, it's one of the most expensive, but also one of the best in terms of quality and reliability that we've come to expect from Honda. It's 582cc, so more power than most.

Vectrix Electric Maxi:
http://www.vectrixusa.com/default.aspx?portal=1&page=1
This unit will be available for sale any time now. It's the world's first electric maxi scooter, and will be priced accordingly. Originally, the estimate was $8k, but now I'm reading $11k. The engine is only 400cc so the maximum speed is only 62 mph. Still lots of power for the Cayman roads, but the price is negative factor considering that I'll have to pay 27.5% import duty on the CIF price (cost, insurance, and freight).

Piaggio X9 Evolution 500:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/outd...s/1278191.html
It's 460cc and about $8k. Nice reviews, but kind of boxy looking.

Peugeot Ludix Blaster:
http://www.whatscooter.com/reviews.asp?review=ludixb1
The so-called "pocket rocket", it's supposedly incredibly quick and much more motorcycle-like than most. Also, less expensive than most.

Yamaha Black Max ABS:
http://www.yamaha-motor-europe.com/p...er/XP500SP.jsp
Not sure about the price yet, but this may just be the machine for me! Stunning looks and performance.

Aprillia Altantic 500 Spirit:
http://www.aprilia.com/modelli/scoot...llo.asp?id=88#
One of the first models I looked at, and still a contender at $6k.

Kymco Xciting 500:
http://www.surfsidescooters.com/kymco_xciting_500.shtml
The orange looks nice, but I prefer this model in blue. Also $6k and considered a great value.

I've got to stop with the research cycle, and narrow it down from here. I'm hoping to test drive some of them on an upcoming trip to Florida. There is a great scooter store in South Beach that carries several of these models.

Voltron · 11-13-2006, 12:07 AM

If you're going to get a new one, you totally have to go for the Black Max. If you are interested in a vintage one I have a buddy in NYC who knows the best models for high-speed travel.

tennisets · 11-13-2006, 12:08 AM

I don't pretend to be an expert on scooters or motorcycles, so I don't have a lot of advice for you, but I will say this:

It would appear that the Peugot is completely unlike anything else you're looking at. It's only 50 cc and it's top speed is only 30 (and since what you linked to was a UK writeup, I'm assuming that's km/h). It's definitely a scooter, whereas all the others on your list are more like motorcycles. So scratch the Peugot.

Other than that, I'll just say I didn't realize scooters like these existed, and they look pretty awesome. But at this price point and power level, why not just get a full fledged motorcycle? You'd still have to change gears on these scooters, and you should still wear protective gear. I'm not seeing any real difference between a "maxi-scooter" and a motorcycle other than the looks. Plus you have way more options in motorcycles (a lot more models). I have to think you'd be able to find a model of motorcycle that would exactly suit your needs, whereas you might have to compromise a bit with a scooter (but hey, as I said, what do I know?).

Edit: I didn't realize these had automatic transmissions. In that case, I say go for it! The Yamaha looks sweet.

Jahn · 11-13-2006, 12:16 AM

my wife wants a Vespa bad. hey, maybe i can convince her into one of these instead, so i can use it for, you know, going to the grocery

Wmcmanus · 11-13-2006, 12:22 AM

Originally Posted by tennisets

It would appear that the Peugot is completely unlike anything else you're looking at. It's only 50 cc and it's top speed is only 30 (and since what you linked to was a UK writeup, I'm assuming that's km/h). It's definitely a scooter, whereas all the others on your list are more like motorcycles. So scratch the Peugot.

My bad. I saved that link the other night, but I think it must have been another Peugeot model that I was looking at. But I've scratched that option anyway since it's impossible to get any parts from that company here in Cayman. A good friend of mine had one of their cars and had to pay out of his nose to get parts sent from the UK.

I've been reading more about the Yamaha, and am starting to lean that way big time, but I haven't found hte MSRP yet, nor whether it will be available in the US market (easiest and most practical for me, although not absolutely essential because I can take delivery from anywhere in the world). They also have a "Night Max" which is identical to the Black Max except it comes in midnight blue. It looks tough!

Edwood · 11-13-2006, 12:26 AM

Even Vespa's can go 60mph and beyond. That would be a scary ride on such a small thing.

Wmcmanus · 11-13-2006, 01:02 AM

Apparently, the Yamaha TMAX maxi scooters (including the 2007 Night Max which is what I'm most excited about) are not available in the US markets. This really bites because 1) everything in Europe is so blasted expensive, and 2) the shipping costs will be way more. If only I could buy it in Miami! I'd ride it straight to my freight forwarder myself, whether it was liscenced or not.

VR6ofpain · 11-13-2006, 01:30 AM

They are very cheap and cool:

Wmcmanus · 11-13-2006, 01:37 AM

Whoa!!! Is that your red scooter? Cool looking... and, well... while you're at it, why don't you tell us about the young ladies?!?!

VR6ofpain · 11-13-2006, 01:44 AM

Originally Posted by Wmcmanus

Whoa!!! Is that your red scooter? Cool looking... and, well... while you're at it, why don't you tell us about the young ladies?!?!

ha ha ha, no those are just photos I found online. The only bike's I own are my roadie and my MTB. If I were to buy something powered with only 2 wheels it would definitely be one of those Ruckus' though. Honestly though, my beater Accord is pretty good off-road!