Super Maxi Scooters 2016

2016, Scooters have come a long way since the Motoped chugged onto the motorcycle scene in 1915. After the Second World War Piaggio set the standard for scooters with their Vespa which it held for over 40 years. In 1986 Honda raised the bar when they introduced the first touring scooter, the Honda CN250 Helix, Fusion, or Spazio was the first of the maxi scooters and the world hasn’t looked back since.

My posts Vespa 2014, Affordable Scooters 2013, and Vespa 2012 have been immensely popular so in keeping with the trend, in this post we are going to look at the super maxi scooters that are currently available and or are going to be in 2016 as a buyer’s guide. I have been riding the Piaggio Vespa GTS300 Super for just under 2 years so I am going to use it as my baseline. In 2016 the Vespa has many formidable contenders to its throne as more and more good maxi scooters are released onto the South African market. Yes I still would love to test ride most of the contenders and write review articles about them but for now, let the Game of Thrones begin.

(Please note prices are subject to change due to the exchange rate and are in ZAR. Fuel consumption are deduced from real life usesage and not in test conditions. See www.fuelly.com )

Gomoto C5 300
Retail Price: R 20,999
Engine: 300 cc
Dry Weight: 119 kg
Max Power: 12 kw
Top Speed: 125 km/h
Fuel Capacity: 9 l
Ave Fuel Cons.: 19 km/l

Big Boy Powerflite 300
Retail Price: R 21,950
Engine: 276 cc
Dry Weight: 157 kg
Max Power: 12 kw
Top Speed: 125 km/h
Fuel Capacity: 9 l
Ave Fuel Cons.: 19 km/l





Both the C5 and Powerflite are very similar and does not quite fit into the maxi scooter category if it wasn’t for their engine size as they are not quite in the league of touring scooters. Although I have never ridden any of the two, I have read some damming reviews on their build quality but I am adding them into this article as their price makes them very competitive. I just wish I can compare the numbers that have been sold to date.

Sym Citycom 300i
Retail Price: R 39,995
Engine: 278 cc
Dry Weight: 167 kg
Max Power: 20 kw
Top Speed: 134 km/h
Fuel Capacity: 10 l
Ave Fuel Cons.: 25 km/l

Kynco People GTi
Retail Price: R 48,500
Engine: 298 cc;
Dry Weight: 165 kg
Max Power: 21 kw
Top Speed: 136 km/h
Fuel Capacity: 9 l
Ave Fuel Cons.: 25 km/l

Sym GTS Evo 300i
Retail Price: R 49,995
Engine: 263 cc
Dry Weight: 190 kg
Max Power: 17 kw
Top Speed: 128 km/h
Fuel Capacity: 12 l
Ave Fuel Cons.: 27 km/l

Kynco Downtown 300i
Retail Price: R 53,500
Engine: 298 cc
Dry Weight: 166 kg
Max Power: 22 kw
Top Speed: 144 km/h
Fuel Capacity: 12 l
Ave Fuel Cons.: 23 km/l





Comparing to the Chinese scooters, the Taiwanese built Syms and Kyncos are competent, utilitarian entry level maxi scooters although also not quite in the maxi scooter class.

Now we get into the real super maxi scooters.

Kymco Xciting 500Ri ABS
Retail Price: R 67,500
Engine: 498 cc
Dry Weight: 200 kg
Max Power: 28 kw
Top Speed: 152 km/h
Fuel Capacity: 12 l
Ave Fuel Cons.: 24 km/l

Honda NC750D Integrat
Retail Price: R 84,990
Engine: 745 cc
Dry Weight: 219 kg
Max Power: 40 kw
Top Speed: 166 km/h
Fuel Capacity: 14 l
Ave Fuel Cons.: 28 km/l







The Honda is an interesting hybrid motorcycle / scooter, one that I am keen on test riding in the near future.

Sym MaxSym 600i ABS
Retail Price: R 84,995
Engine: 565 cc
Dry Weight: 237 kg
Max Power: 30 kw
Top Speed: 160 km/h
Fuel Capacity: 14 l
Ave Fuel Cons.: 19 km/l

Vespa GTS 300 Super and Super Sport
Retail Price: R 99,950 and R 109,950
Engine: 278 cc
Dry Weight: 148 kg
Max Power: 38 kw
Top Speed: 140 km/h
Fuel Capacity: 9 l
Ave Fuel Cons.: 26 km/l

Yamaha TMax 530 ABS
Retail Price: R 105,000
Engine: 530 cc
Dry Weight: 210 kg
Max Power: 34 kw
Top Speed: 177 km/h
Fuel Capacity: 15 l
Ave Fuel Cons.: 24 km/l



The TMax is on top of many lists and is a strong contender to the throne running a close second to the much more pricier BMWs.

Gilera Fuco 500 LT ABS
Retail Price: R 119,000
Engine: 492 cc
Dry Weight: 216 kg
Max Power: 40 kw
Top Speed: 145 km/h
Fuel Capacity: 12 l
Ave Fuel Consumption: 21 km/l

Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive ABS
Retail Price: R 122,000
Engine: 638 cc
Dry Weight: 238 kg
Max Power: 40 kw
Top Speed:  km/h
Fuel Capacity: 15 l
Ave Fuel Cons.:  km/l





Underrated, the Bergman has been with us for a long time as Maxi Scooters go. I have been told that I must forget all preconceptions when it comes to the Bergman as it runs with the best. Well I need that test ride then.

BMW C600 Sport and C650 GT
Retail Price: R 125,000 and R 135,000
Engine: 647 cc
Dry Weight: 237 kg
Max Power: 44 kw
Top Speed: 175 km/h
Fuel Capacity: 15 l
Ave Fuel Cons.: 21 km/l





In my books the BMW C650 GT is currently the leading contender for sitting on the Throne of Super Maxi Scooters although the price is a little too steep. It is slightly heavier than the TMax, its closest competitor to the Throne.

Gilera GP800
Retail Price: R 130,000
Engine: 839 cc
Dry Weight: 235 kg
Max Power: kw
Top Speed: 210 km/h
Fuel Capacity: ?l
Ave Fuel Cons.: ?km/l







The last super maxi scooter on my 2016 list is the GP800, still the fastest of scooters with its classic Italian styling.

Johannesburg to Maputo

Two friends of the Posers, Louw and Yiull, with 4 others did a trip down to Maputo and back to Johannesburg via Swaziland on scooters. Here is a time lapse video of the event. Look out for Yiull's Disco Ball, a PX200 covered in 40kg of mirrored mosaic tiles.

Affordable Scooters 2013

How many times has someone asked me what scooter should they buy knowing full well that at over R50,000 the Vespa is well out their budget. This led me to the problem, what scooter should I recommend them?

I always believed that a Vespa lasts a life time but just before 50,000km my Vespa ET4 150 needed a new engine. Okay you might argue that my Vespa has been to places that most bikers would cringe but Vespa is Life. Anyway looking at most of the imports from China whose prices start at about R5,000 which is a 10th of an entry level Vespa, the Vespa LX150, the imports are very plastic and feel like they about to fall apart let alone make it long distance. There was a time when Japanese cars were once so inferior to the US and European cars that no one wanted them but now look at them, they are top of the pile. I do believe China's automobiles are where Japan was thirty years ago but they will take much faster to catch up and then we'll see who is on top of the pile.

One of the founders of the VLV (Viva La Vespa) Club once said to me that he was happy that the Vespa was beyond the reach of the normal people as they needed to keep the plebs out. Oh dear, I do recall that Vespa started out as an affordable ride for the people. Have Vespa lost the plot? I don't think so. The Vespa is built to last but the cost of making a Vespa is strangling. To keep the Vespa competitive, Piaggio has built factories in the East and recently reopened one in India. They are trying but still have a long way to go to keep them competitive.

With fuel going up and up, and toll gates being erected so fast, that commuting to work every day on a scooter is starting out weigh the dangers. So for now, if a Vespa is beyond your reach, here are a few affordable choices to help you decide. I am only going to list the 150cc models upwards as I will be using Vespa as the baseline model and although they do have a 125cc model, none are brought into South Africa. (Please note prices are subject to change and are in ZAR). A lot of the brands use similar engines and bodies which makes it difficult to choose the right model to buy.

Big Boy Pulse 150cc
Retail Price: R 8,450
Warranty: 24,000km/2 year
Max Power: 7.0kw Max Speed: 80km/h
Service Interval: 3,000km/6 months

Zest Z150-1
Retail Price: R 8,450
Warranty: 40,000km/2 year (Extended 60,000km/3 year)
Max Power: 7.2kw Max Speed: 95km/h
Service Interval: 2,500km

Gomoto Citti SI 150cc
Retail Price: R 8,499
Warranty: 10,000km/2 year
Max Power: 7.3kw Max Speed: 90km/h
Service Interval: 2,000km/6 months

Gomoto Yesterday 150cc
Retail Price: R 8,999
Warranty: 10,000km/2 year
Max Power: 7.3kw Max Speed: 90km/h
Service Interval: 2,000km/6 months





            Motomia Capri 150cc
             Retail Price: R 8,999
             Warranty: 20,000km/2 year
             Max Power: 7.3kw Max Speed: 90km/h
             Service Interval: 2,000km/6 months




            

               Motomia Milano 150cc
               Retail Price: R 8,999
               Warranty: 20,000km/2 year
               Max Power: 7.3kw Max Speed: 90km/h
               Service Interval: 2,000km/6 months








Jonway Veterano 150cc
Retail Price: R 8,999
Warranty: 10,000km/2 year
Max Power: 7.68kw Max Speed: 90km/h
Service Interval: 2,000km/6 months

Gomoto Nippi 150cc
Retail Price: R 9,399
Warranty: 10,000km/2 year
Max Power: 7.2kw Max Speed: 90km/h
Service Interval: 2,000km/6 months

Big Boy Revival 150cc
Retail Price: R 9,450
Warranty: 24,000km/2 year
Max Power: 7.68kw Max Speed: 95km/h
Service Interval: 3,000km /6 months

Big Boy Sportflite 150cc
Retail Price: R 9,450
Warranty: 24,000km/2 year
Max Power: 7.68kw Max Speed: 90km/h
Service Interval: 3,000km /6 months

                 Motomia Java 150cc
                 Retail Price: R 9,499
                 Warranty: 20,000km/2 year
                 Max Power: 9.2kw Max Speed: 90km/h
                 Service Interval: 2,000km/6 months

Gomoto Urban 150cc
Retail Price: R 9,999
Warranty: 10,000km/2 year
Max Power: 7.3kw Max Speed: 95km/h
Service Interval: 2,000km/6 months

    Motomia Java 170cc
    Retail Price: R 9,999
    Warranty: 20,000km/2 year
    Max Power: 10.5kw Max Speed: 90km/h
    Service Interval: 2,000km/6 months

Big Boy Sportflite F35 150cc
Retail Price: R 10,250
Warranty: 24,000km/2 year
Max Power: 7.68kw Max Speed: 90km/h
Service Interval: 3,000km /6 months

Big Boy Retro LTD Edition 150cc
Retail Price: R 10,450
Warranty: 24,000km/2 year
Max Power: 7.68kw Max Speed: 95km/h
Service Interval: 3,000km /6 months

Big Boy Revival E5 150cc
Retail Price: R 10,450
Warranty: 24,000km/2 year
Max Power: 7.68kw Max Speed: 95km/h
Service Interval: 3,000km /6 months

Big Boy Sportflite F35 GP Racing Edition 150cc
Retail Price: R 10,450
Warranty: 24,000km/2 year
Max Power: 7.68kw Max Speed: 95km/h
Service Interval: 3,000km /6 months

Big Boy Sportflite T32-SP 150cc
Retail Price: R 10,450
Warranty: 24,000km/2 year
Max Power: 7.68kw Max Speed: 95km/h
Service Interval: 3,000km /6 months

Big Boy Yeti 150cc
Retail Price: R 10,450
Warranty: 24,000km/2 year
Max Power: 7.68kw Max Speed: 95km/h
Service Interval: 3,000km /6 months

Jonway El Ninjo 150cc
Retail Price: R10,499
Warranty: 10,000km/2 year
Max Power: 7.68kw Max Speed: 95km/h
Service Interval: 2,000km/6 months

               Jonway Galaktika 150cc
               Retail Price: R10,499
               Warranty: 10,000km/2 year
               Max Power: 7.68kw Max Speed: 95km/h
              Service Interval: 2,000km/6 months

Gomoto Naked Ballistic 150cc
Retail Price: R10,999
Warranty: 10,000km/2 year
Max Power: 7.68kw Max Speed: 90km/h
Service Interval: 2,000km/6 months

Sym Symply 150cc
Retail Price: R12,500
Warranty: 2 year
Max Power: 7.68kw Max Speed: km/h
Service Interval: unknown

Jonway Master 250cc
Retail Price: R18,999
Warranty: 10,000km/2 year
Max Power: 10kw Max Speed: 95km/h
Service Interval: 2,000km/6 months

Jonway Master 300cc
Retail Price: R21,999
Warranty: 10,000km/2 year
Max Power: 12kw Max Speed: 95km/h
Service Interval: 2,000km/6 months

Big Boy Powerflite 300cc
Retail Price: R 24,950
Warranty: 24,000km/2 year
Max Power: 12.9kw Max Speed: 125km/h
Service Interval: 3,000km /6 months

Gomoto C5 300cc
Retail Price: R24,999
Warranty: 10,000km/2 year
Max Power: 12kw Max Speed: 125km/h
Service Interval: 2,000km/6 months

   Sym Citycom 300i
   Retail Price: R34,500
   Warranty: 2 year
   Max Power: 15.1kw Max Speed: 128km/h
   Service Interval: Unknown

Sym GTS 300i EVO
Retail Price: R39,500
Warranty: 2 year
Max Power: Unknown Max Speed: 140km/h
Service Interval: Unknown

Vespa LX150 3-Valve
Retail Price: R52,950
Warranty: 1 year unlimited kms
Max Power: 9.5kw Max Speed: Unknown
Service Interval: 10,000km




So what scooter will I recommend? A Vespa is my first choice but if you want affordable then it is not easy to decide. I think next year, I will have to test ride the Vespa competition and write some overviews on each so you can decide. Remember Vespa is for Life.