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 C³ 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