Modern Vespa

i know i know..whats a yamaha doing here? for the record i do have a vintage vespa scooter, which i enjoy driving. I was thinking of possibly getting a second bike in the future.
I find the mp3 interesting, but don't know how it does on the maintenance front, i think there is more work to do, and don't know what it rides like?

The yamaha seems interesting, it is a bigger bike. I'm sure reliability is pretty good. I don't know about maintenance.

I'm looking for something that can easily go on the highway and that is stable at higher speeds. It should also be comfortable and can easily ride 2-up if need be.
Any info would be great. thanks
fab

I was in the same boat and went BMW C650GT. Very happy with the scoot. That being said in your case I would go MP3 500 . It has a little more power than the Yamaha and should be more comfortable for 2 up riding. Have you looked at the Burgman?

Maintenance? There is a Vespa dealer so I image you are covered there. The issues with the MP3 also apparently have been worked out. I went with the BMW over an MP3 for the bigger scoot as I wanted the mechanically adjustable windshield and heated seats/grips.

If budget is a concern the Majesty doesn't seem like a bad choice. The BMW with all the add-ons came in at about 16K so not cheap. Have you ridden bigger bikes? The 2 maxi scoots I mention are at least 500 pounds with the BMW over 600 so a different beast especially when riding in the city. Does not mean obviously that you won't adjust just something to think about when 2 up in stop and go city traffic. Helps if you are fairly tall as well otherwise you may need the lower seat option. I'm 5'11" and just flat foot the BMW. The MP3 has the advantage of the extra balance the 2 front wheels provide when stopped.

Hopefully a Yamaha owner chirps in here to answer any questions you may have. No shortage of MP3 owners on the site to help you. If you want any more info on the BMW just let me know.

MP3 is the choice I made when I looked at both.

The Majesty and the MP3 have different riding positions. You may want to try the riding position on each before you take your considerations any further. My own personal opinion is to also give a close look at the BV350. Much lower in price than the MP3, an excellent performer, and an great buy.

Have you thought about a Kymco X-iting 400 ?

Bill x

Now how did I know this was coming?

Hi Chef,

I guess I'm the Yamaha owner requested earlier... but I don't have a Majesty. I am on the majestyusa.com and maxiscoots forums, both of which should have some useful reading on the Majesty.

For Bill Dog, I'd suggest that Kymco is not well represented in Canada, IMO, so that is a bit of a drag, though they may make some good scoots.

RE the MP3 vs the Maj, I think that an MP3 is different enough that you have to really want one. I rode a 250 years ago; it is a brilliant bike; honestly, it is more sensible than two wheels in many respects. Braking on the MP is remarkable. But you will be discussing it with just about anyone who sees you park it, and you'll get more flak from the 'other' two wheelers about the bike. One dealer here said that when he parked his MP3 at the beach, it created this 'zombie walk'; a small crowd of people slowly, stumbling towards him to ask questions and look at it.

I'm not sure if you are looking at a 250, 400 or 500, but I did see some posts on this form, in the MP3 group, about some piston problems with the 500... just a casual mention.

I'd also second the BV350 as something to consider, but like a maxi, it is a different kind of scoot.

By all accounts the Majesty, esp a later model, is a very solid bike and I've read reports of them going many thousands of miles/ kms. The MP3 may have some additional maintenance points, but Piaggio engineering is solid; they build airplanes, so scooters are pretty easy.

Yamaha may have a better, more reliable parts distribution network than Piaggio, but that is just a hunch. If there is a difference, it may not be significant. As you are in a big city with a Euro flair and connections, parts and service should be good for both.

Highway riding, for me, has been the toughest test for scoots and motorcycles, and my assessment seems harsher than that of many others regarding highway riding. I'd try to give both of them a generous run, two up if relevant, on the highway to make that judgement. For reference, my 250 GTS was OK at 90 - 100 kph, the BV350 better, and the TMax 530 better still, but I've never done highway riding with a passenger.

Sheeh... I just never shut up... I must be avoiding work....

For highway riding with a pillion I think you're really looking at a Burgman or BMW if for nothing other than comfort for the pillion. Not to mention at 125ish kmh it's nice to have some throttle left with the extra weight of a pillion. I grew up in Quebec and trust me riding in La Belle Province is a unique adventure as the drivers are "unique".

I imagine the MP3 500 could do it easily enough. It would be interesting to hear from an MVer what it's like on the highway with a pillion.

Jet Peddler can see the future.

Bill x

Billdog cannot.

I had to try the technique. Please forgive me.

I had a Majesty and it was a great scoot. Low maintenance and bulletproof. You can ride 2-up all day in comfort. With some very minor mods is a real fine mini-cruiser. You can find them at very reasonable prices.

That's a fine looking setup!

I borrowed a friend's Majesty a couple of years ago for a half day ride. I thought it was a great scooter. Comfortable, smooth and a lot of power. I did a full service on his bike a while later including gear oil, engine oil, coolant, air filters and brake fluid flush. I had never worked on one before. With the help of Youtube and the Majesty forum, the maintenance went without a hitch. Yamaha's build quality is as good as it gets. Parts are easy to come by and there is a Yamaha dealer close to just about everyone.

Hi gang, thanks for the great replies and info! So here's some additional information. Pur roads here in montreal are bad along with the drivers.
As far as parts/model networks. Not all dealerships are piaggio "approved". Yamaha, honda no problem. You can find some sym, pgo and a bit of kymko, but not that much.
As far as size, i can only go up to 400cc. I would get a ussd bike only.
I had seen the bv as well, looks nice. I usually ride solo, but hope that with a more stable/comfy bike my wife would come with me.
I like to do basic maintenance, so if its easy to fix, i like thAt.
Fab