Apologies in advance for a slightly shambolic first post.

Google lead me to this forum a hundred times over the last year. I've wanted a scooter for a while and, having just sold my 2018 GL1800, am now without two wheels entirely, having previously thought I'd get the scooter in advance so I'm not left without a bike just as the weather turns nice.

But it's been harder work than I imagined. Originally looked at the Tmax and took one for a ride. Came back to the dealer with my visor fogging up where I'd been laughing. Problem was, everyone I talked to had their Tmax stolen, or a previous one stolen, or some late night attempt made to steal it, usually involving multiple scrotes armed with angle grinders and no respect for the bike or garage door. Madness. I can't have something that is a draw for scumbags, particularly as I ride to work, often leave after dark and leave the machine outside the office the whole while. So while the most obvious choice, Tmax not a runner.

I thought, I know, I'll get something in the same ballpark but dowdier, like an AK550 or MaxSym. But while these are reportedly a hoot to ride, they do not seem good to own and there are multiple red flags, for example the chain drive on the later MaxSym. That makes me suspicious the belt drive on earlier ones was a weak point, so the 600i is also out.

I then thought about the BMW C400 but have seen too many complaints about its municipal park bench ride quality and at the servicing schedule and cost. I'm dithering on this one.

I've even looped back to motorcycles and sniffed around the likes of the X-ADV and Forza 750, but I don't want a chain to maintain and I'm not sold on the leggier dimensions, DCT or weight of these Hondas. I found myself looking instead at oddball used models like the CruiSym 300 and DTX360 simply on the basis that, if they turned out to be stinkers, selling up wasn't going to bankrupt me. They do seem good value.

Speaking of such at the moment I quite like the look of the Zontes ZT310-M and can't find a bad word said about it, other than the fact it's a PRC product. Like almost everything else.

A weekend of looking beckons, which ain't so bad!

Take a look at the Forza 350 or ADV350

or if you like the bmw, look at the Voge SR4 Max, it’s the scooter that bmw buy from the PRC

Voge scoots all 125cc in the UK. Though I'm dithering massively I am absolutely certain I need more than 10hp

Burgman?

Yes do like the 650 but am put off by A. the weight and B. it not being the sharpest thing to ride.

Was disappointed to read erstwhile Tmax owner Dr Gonzo's post last month as he'd clearly gone down the same path and ended up with a machine neither he nor your average Tmax thief wants

Hopefully going to test the big Burger next week

ADV350? Performance, handling, luggage space, Honda build quality. Will cruise happily at all UK legal limits with speed in reserve.

. . . . as will the Forza 350.

poo wrote: ↑Fri Mar 21, 2025 11:08 pm Yes do like the 650 but am put off by A. the weight and B. it not being the sharpest thing to ride.

Was disappointed to read erstwhile Tmax owner Dr Gonzo's post last month as he'd clearly gone down the same path and ended up with a machine neither he nor your average Tmax thief wants

Hopefully going to test the big Burger next week

Try the 400 while you're at it, along with the other usual suspects.

X-Adv is particularly prone to theft. As a ADV350 owner I'd recommend as it handles like a motorcycle. The forza is a slightly more practical choice.

The piaggio Beverley 400 is a good bike.

Any of the above. Don't get hung up on CC's unless you have a regular pillion, the 350's will do motorways at mostly legal speeds.

Thefts depend on where you live. As an unfortunate inmate of the $h1thell that is MegaCity-2 I do own a serious collection of security products (and of course a garage), but would not get hung up on it unless I had to work in the city centre. You need a covered place and lock down point for a lawnmower here.

I rate the Forza 350 over past Burgervan 650, Kawasaki/Kymco 400 and Forza 750 experience, but only the 350 was mine long term. Not the most powerful but the electric screen and handling edge it past the other IMHO.

Andy