Pricing is a tad higher than it should be, as Yamaha sell them like hot cakes without having to spend for significant changes or upgrades over the years.
Technical Information
MAKE |
SADDLE |
FUEL |
WEIGHT |
WHEELS |
50 kph
to 0
|
PRICE |
WARRANTY
MONTHS
|
Honda Jazz |
719 mm |
5L |
80g |
10po |
14.6m |
$2,949 |
12 |
Hyosung Rally |
745 mm |
4L |
90g |
10po |
9.5m |
$2,395 |
24 |
Kymco Super 8 |
790 mm |
5L |
106g |
14po |
6.3m |
$2,645 |
24 |
Kymco People S50 |
800 mm |
7L |
102g |
16po |
8.5m |
$2,895 |
24 |
Vespa S50 |
775 mm |
8.6L |
102g |
10po |
8.1m |
$3,999 |
12 |
Yamaha BW's |
765 mm |
5.7L |
91g |
10po |
10.6m |
$3,249 |
12 |
Yamaha C3 |
735 mm |
4.5L |
90g |
10po |
12.3m |
$2,949 |
12 |
WRAP-UP
Neighborhood scooters provide an excellent means of transportation and a safe tool to learn the ropes of two-wheel riding, with plenty of models to choose from. After you've defined your needs and budget, make sure to pick the right scooter with a proper riding position. As this compare showed, no single scooter can suit all sizes and riding style.
|
"I dunno about that seat, looks slim to me", said Henri. The two thin guys thought it was OK! (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Moto123.com) |
An extensive road test around the dealership is a must before you rush to sign a contract. Remember: if you don't fall in love with a particular model, there are more than 30 others for you to look at.
Performance is what helped the BWs win top honors. Two people rated this Yamaha as their favorite, and several had it as their second favorite. And remember, when you ride a scooter on a major highway, you need to reach 65 km/h rather quickly to keep up and not expose yourself to undue dangers.
The Yamaha C
3 was a close runner-up, offering about the same level of performance as the BWs along with a better riding position. Too bad styling is so polarizing.
Japanese scooters are still the performance leaders, with mature engine-transmission combos. The Taiwanese are getting closer quality-wise, but they still need to fine-tune the mechanical aspects and the refinement of the electronics, such as they are. Their low price certainly adds to their attractiveness though!
The Vespa remains a benchmark for any scooter aspiring to win over well-off or prestige-minded consumers. The Koreans, meanwhile, are enjoying decent success with their competitively-priced products.
Big thanks to our entire team of test-riders and partners, Alex Berthiaume & Fils, who supplied four of the seven models, Kymco Canada and Suzuki-Kymco in Lachine, and National Motorsports who supplied the Hyosung.
And now : the winners
TESTER |
FAVORITE |
Alexandra |
Yamaha C3 |
Amyot |
People S50 |
Bertrand |
Hyosung Rally |
Donna |
Yamaha BW's |
Henri |
Yamaha BW's |
Michel |
Yamaha C3 |
Pascal |
Honda Jazz |
|
Overall Ranking |
|
Yamaha BW's |
1st |
Yamaha C3 |
2nd |
Honda Jazz |
3rd |
Vespa S50 |
4th |
Kymco People S50 |
5th |
Kymco Super 8 |
6th |
Hyosung Rally |
7th |
|