The scooter is defined by the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary as a light motorcycle with small wheels and a curving metal cover in front to protect the rider’s legs. It’s almost correct, but oversimplified.
Scooters would become a popular mode of personal mobility after WWII due to their low cost, economy, and ease of operation. Scooters were not popular until the 1950s, when Piaggio and Vespa dominated the market with their iconic versions. The United Kingdom, Germany, Eastern Bloc countries, and India would follow suit, but Japan, China, and Taiwan would eventually dominate the international market in mass production of scooters.
Scooters have recently become more sturdy, sophisticated, and elegant, with technology comparable to sportbikes. They produce fewer pollutants and are simple to maintain, making them a practical mode of transportation.
The Honda PCX 160
The Honda PCX125, which debuted in 2009, has had various facelifts throughout the years. Because the engine gained 7cc from 149cc, the 150 designation was eliminated. The PCX160’s sleek front fairing seamlessly blends into the rear bodywork, while a four-stroke, 156.9cc, liquid-cooled, 80° degree single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine with automatic transmission and eSP+ technology (enhanced Smart Power) that essentially uses a new four-valve design is enclosed within.
It has cutting-edge LED illumination, digital instrumentation, and ABS. There’s lots of legroom, a comfy stepped seat, 7.9 liters of storage beneath the seat for a helmet and a bag of groceries, and a 12V USB charging station. Hondas have always been reliable, and the PCX is no exception. Honda claims that the PCX160, like a cellphone, will make your life easier. It alleviates transportation issues while everyone else is hunting for parking.
Burgman 125EX Suzuki
In October 2022, the Suzuki Burgman 125EX will be introduced at Intermot. It’s small and powered by a single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected 124cc engine with 8.48hp. Suzuki’s Eco Performance Alpha (SEP-) Euro 5 compliant engine, Suzuki Engine Auto Start-Stop (EASS), and Silent Starter System are all standard.
Other improvements include Suzuki’s Combined Braking System, which applies both front and rear brakes at the same time, an easy-to-read LCD screen with Suzuki’s ECO Drive indicator, roomy floorboards, plenty of under-seat storage, and a USB port. The EX125 is a terrific little scooter that doesn’t sacrifice riding fun, although it’s not the most powerful in its class at 8.48hp. Suzuki did say that the Burgman 125EX was part of an ongoing effort to improve fuel efficiency. So, if you don’t care about power and just want to travel from point A to point B, the 125EX is your ride.
J300 Kawasaki
Kawasaki’s diverse interests include shipbuilding, rolling stock, airplanes, robots, and motorcycles. They also know a thing or two about scooter manufacturing. But doesn’t the Kawasaki J300 seem like a Kymco? The chassis and drive train of the J300 are supplied by Kymco, but that’s where the similarities end – development, styling, and final product engineering are all the work of Kawasaki Europe’s R&D department.
The 299c, 4-stroke J300 features Kawasaki’s iconic Ninja appearance, as well as attractive details like as flush-mounted turn signals, high-quality electronics, a sculpted handlebar, a hydraulically-operated seat, ample storage, and a handy 12V outlet. And sure, those petal-shaped brake rotors do look the part!
XMAX 300 from Yamaha
Yamaha has been producing the XMAX line of scooters since 2006 and has enjoyed widespread commercial success with displacements ranging from 125cc through 250cc, 300cc, and 400cc. The XMAX 300’s 4-Stroke, 292cc, liquid-cooled, 4-valve single-cylinder (SOHC) engine produces 27.6hp, is Euro 5 compatible, and employs Yamaha’s Blue Core Technology.
The distinctive X-LED lights are housed in a futuristic angular front fairing, and there’s plenty of storage under a decent seat, traction control, and a smart key with a built-in car finder. Oh, and did we mention the 4.3″ TFT screen, Bluetooth smartphone connectivity, and adjustable windshield? Overall, the Yamaha XMAX300 looks bloody good with its sleek design; it’s not cheap, but you pay the money for a scooter that deserves to be in the Bat Cave.
HPE Piaggio MP3 500/530
The Piaggio MP3 530 HPE is noted for its one-of-a-kind creative design, as well as the parallelogram tilting front-end designed by Piaggio and Marabese Design. Piaggio’s High Performance Engine Technology powers the 530cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder (SOHC) engine. It produces 44.2hp at 7,250rpm and has higher torque than the previous 500 HPE unit while still meeting Euro 5 criteria.
The Piaggio MP3 530 HPE includes rider-selectable engine maps (Comfort, Eco, and Sport), cruise control, a keyless system as standard, and a display feed from a back camera when in reverse mode on a new 7″ TFT screen. This three-wheeler weighs 573 pounds, yet its excellent ergonomics will instill confidence in even beginner riders, whether for city commuting or touring.
150cc Honda ADV
So, what exactly is an ADV? An adventure vehicle, in the true sense, would be linked with extended treks through difficult circumstances and tough terrain. According to Honda, you don’t have to travel through the Sahara to have an adventure! The Honda ADV150 is here! It is unmistakably a blend between a true adventure motorbike and a scooter.
The 149cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine in the Honda ADV comes with an automated transmission, Showa Telescopic suspension up front, a pair of Showa remote piggyback reservoir-based shocks in the rear, and an anti-lock brake system. It’s completed with an innovative two-position windscreen, 7.4 gallons of storage under a flip-open seat, a small compartment in the front, and Honda’s SMART Key. It looks stunning and has a rustic allure that suggests it will be an adventure.
TMAX Tech Max 500 Yamaha
The Yamaha TMAX Tech Max 500 is completely insane! The YamahaTMAX features a 360-degree crank with a horizontally opposed reciprocating piston balancer to eliminate vibration and ensure a smooth ride with its 562cc, liquid-cooled, Euro 5, parallel-twin engine producing 46.9hp at 7500rpm.
Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), a fly-by-wire accelerator position sensor grip, an electrically changeable screen, cruise control, and smart key operation are among the technological features. D-Mode, a performance mode selector, and traction control. It also has a new LED-based projector headlamp, a 7″ full-color TFT screen with Garmin navigation, forged handlebars and wheels, a longer seat, and a price to match.
Forza 300/350 Honda
The original Honda Forza model, which debuted in 2000, was regarded as having a spirited ride, plenty of storage space, and an innovative braking system. The Honda Forza 300 follows in that legacy, with updates including Honda’s S MATIC electronically controlled CVT, Smart Key feature, Fuel Injection, and Combined ABS brakes.
The Honda Forza 350 succeeds the Forza 300 in 2023 with a 330cc engine producing 28.8hp, Honda’s proprietary eSP+ technology, and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) traction control. While the majority of its features remain, the 350 boasts a new LCD screen with integrated Bluetooth and an electronic windshield.
Burgman 400 Suzuki
The Suzuki Burgman was most likely one of the first Maxi scooters introduced in 1998. To meet with pollution regulations, the Burgman 400’s 4-Stroke, 399cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, single-cylinder, 29hp engine features altered camshaft profiles and a new dual-spark ignition system. It borrows the Suzuki V-Strom 650 / GSX-S750’s traction control, as well as ABS and Suzuki’s Easy Start System.
The front fairing and tail receive full LED treatment, while the cockpit’s digital instrumentation displays real-time range and fuel usage. There’s plenty of room for storage beneath a comfortable raised two-up seat, as well as in two front compartments that each include a DC power outlet. Given Suzuki’s foresight and emphasis on this maxi-scooter, it’s easy to see why they have such a cult following. For riders who wish to travel long miles or do a short daily commute, they’re trustworthy, comfortable, and performance-oriented.
