250 or 400?

[zenith9]

I'm driving a Suzuki AN125 scooter for city driving in Dublin, Ireland for the last year but have been considering upgrading to a 250/400cc scooter to allow for motorway/long distance use. My main usage would be in the city, say 80/90%. On rare occasions, I take the 125 onto the city's 3-lane ring-road (100kph limit) where it is adequate for short runs (10-15kms) but struggles to maintain 85/90kph outside the rev counter redlines.
It would nice to have the performance to allow for the odd 150km or so journey on a motorway, something that can tackle the city like my 125 but have the additional performance available for 120/130kph cruising. I'm thinking a 400 is probably better here as a 250 may struggle to maintain these speeds over a long distance without requiring high revs for an extended period.

The thing is, the AN125 is a beauty to drive in the city! Great acceleration off the line, so so simple to filter with and great economy.
By making the step up to say a Burgman 400 or similar, am I going to significantly compromise these three key requirements??

I can understand a loss of economy (bigger engine) and a loss of acceleration (extra weight) but my main concern would be filterability in heavy city traffic.
Obviously the 400 is going to be wider and heavier but to such a degree that it severly limits filtering ability compared to that which can be achieved with a 125 scooter?

I am considering getting a 250/400 and keeping the 125 for city use but would obviously prefer 1 scooter capable of all of the above.

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated!

[pikey]

At one time would have said 400 all day long but now my opinions have changed and I would say 250 .Look at the weight difference 400 are usually heavier and modern 250's very good now and unless you are going to use the 400 to its full potential I say 250 and save 30 kilos .

[Globs]

250.
Lighter, cheaper, more fun.

[anonstarter]

Hi Zenith and welcome!

The 300cc 'class' might be a good compromise. There are now some really capable Scoots: Sym Joymax, Vespa GTS, "Kawasaki" J300, Honda Forza. Piaggio Beverly, Honda SH300 to name a few...

'Sit on' versus 'Sit in'? http://www.maxi-muppets.co.uk/forum/vie ... 09#p189990" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You might find this comparison interesting: http://www.maxi-muppets.co.uk/forum/vie ... 82#p185112" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

What's your budget?

[Data]

Welcome to the site zenith9. A dilema! It's been a long time since I rode a 125 but there is no doubt they are city kings. I come from riding big motorcycles and went straight to my Burgman 400. I love it and use it for just about everything. It's a definite car replacement and leaves my wife free to have the car. It is a big machine (the reason I bought it) and yet, I find it admirably good around town and frequently filter. It has good road presence being on the big side so I believe is safer than a more diminutive bike and the weight is no problem due to it's low centre of gravity. Power wise, it blows away anyone I need to in the cut and thrust of town riding and traffic light gp's.

But Pikey's right too, about the 250's out there. Or maybe a 300. I don't know how much you want to spend but thats a factor no doubt as it is for all of us. My 400 spends a significant amount of time in town but it's really an open road long distance machine with capabilities you may not need. So in short, you are going to need some test rides!

[smeghead]

I cannot comment on the ability of a 250cc scooter as I've never ridden one. However my 400cc Majesty is excellent as an all-rounder I'd say. I commute on it then use it when I can for longer rides, it will easily cruise along at an indicated 80mph without effort, all day long and I weigh 20 stone. Does around 60 mpg commuting, more on a run obviously. One thing to consider is the space and comfort a bigger scooter could offer you, as with most things whatever you buy will probably be a bit of a compromise. Good luck.

[Fizzy Rascal]

I had/have a similar dilemma - my Honda PCX works just fine for 90% of my trips - but can feel a little 'light' on the motorway/autouroute.

I bought a Burgman 200 to use on those runs that required more motorway - still light enough to move around easily - but more 'planted' at higher speeds. I'd recommend you try one.

[andyscooter]

vespa gts250 or 300 would be ideal

maxi scooters are better for long distance but as i found yesterday crap in citys would of loved my pcx with me round the birminham dudley area

the 400 was ace on the motorway on the way back though

[gn2]

One scooter which routinely gets overlooked is the Daelim S3 Advance 250.
Another is the TGB Bellavita.
Or you could look at a Sym Citycom or a Honda SH.
Not all maxis are crap in citys, the Forza is pretty good, but is it really a maxi with such a short screen...?

[wozza]

Hello and welcome to the forum...

A 250-300 size machine isn't a bad size even for distance work. When I had my Hyosung Ms3 250 I did some long trips up and down the motorway a few times on that and I found it absolutely fine. However I must admit I did cruise on it only about 60 though it could cruise a bit faster than that.