Which maxi scooter to buy in 2023?

The maxi scooter is the queen category of urban two-wheelers, no offense to new electriccomers. Powerful, maneuverable and well-protected GTs. If the T-Max is still at the top of sales, the competition is getting closer and now offers more and more convincing services that make you think. Precisely, to help you, auto-moto has selected scooters over 400 cm³ and Premium, which are the most relevant in 2023.

Yamaha T-Max: the benchmark

In 2023, the T-Max is in its eighth and it still remains the benchmark in the maxi scooter segment. After all, he was the one who practically created it in 2001.

It does not evolve on the chassis and engine side since we find its twin-cylinder engine of 560 cm³ of 47.5 hp which develops 55.7 Nm of torque, managed by a ride by-wire, two driving modes and a control of traction. With its 220 kg, it remains a panther in town, which will leap at red lights and weave its way between cars with ease.

It’s on the styling side that Yamaha has made some changes. A slightly more consensual look to broaden its audience, with a full LED look and an electrically adjustable windshield if you opt for the Premium Tech Max version. Above all, the T-Max gains a very nice and large color TFT screen, connected.

The T-Max in its Tech Max version is at 14,799 euros

Find our test of the maxi scooter Yamaha T-Max Tech-Max on auto-moto.com

Kymco AK Premium : l’outsider

Start slideshow
New Yamaha TMax test: our impressions on the handlebars + VIDEO+20

Kymco AK PremiumCredit Photo – Kymco

Opposite, his most credible rival is also changing. The Kymco AK 500 becomes AK Premium to mark its move upmarket. A more refined look and high-end standard equipment (cruise control, electric bubble, driving modes), the Kymco is placed in front of the T-Max with an aggressive price.

Side behavior, its twin-cylinder of 550 cm³ is rounder and docile than the competitor. It develops 50.2 hp (exists in A2) and 52 Nm of torque. The big difference is in its more “motorcycle” cycle part, with an inverted fork and its Brembo braking system, which will let you leave the city to find the small winding roads in the countryside. Because this AK Premium is not just a pure urban car, it’s also a real all-round GT.

Its price is announced at 11.99 euros.

The Kymco AK Premium, we recently tested it on auto-moto.com

Honda Forza and X-ADV 750: quiet strength

Start slideshow
New Yamaha TMax test: our impressions on the handlebars + VIDEO+20

Honda Forza 750Credit Photo – Honda

At Honda, we focus on power with a twin-cylinder of 745 cm³. The Forza 750 and its adventurer brother, the X-ADV, are the missing links between scooter and motorcycle, especially with their DCT automatic gearbox. The X-ADV is also the manufacturer’s third best seller in 2021.

With a tubular steel frame, a 41 mm inverted fork, an aluminum swingarm and a large 310 mm double disc brake bordered by 4-piston radial calipers, Honda’s maxi-scooters are real mid-size GTs. who will enjoy a road trip.

Their complete electronics, with ride by-wire, driving modes and torque control, allow you to master the beast in town. But with its chain transmission, its size and a more stable than agile behavior, it will sometimes feel cramped in town. Moreover, this motorcycle techno pushes him to sacrifice the size of the trunk under the saddle, however important on a maxi scooter. It will be perfect for everyday heavy riders and those who often live and travel outside the city. Especially since Honda manages to find a balance between power (58.6 hp and 69 Nm of torque) and low consumption (just over 3.6 L/100 km).

The X-ADV 750 starts at 12,399 euros and the Forza 750 at 12,899 euros.

Find our test of the Honda Forza 750 on auto-moto.com

The Honda X-ADV 750 test is also on auto-moto.com

Peugeot XP400: made in France

Start slideshow
New Yamaha TMax test: our impressions on the handlebars + VIDEO+20

Peugeot XP400Credit Photo – Peugeot

Peugeot Motocycles has decided to return to center stage with a new generation of scooters. Their flagship, the XP400 is a French response to the X-ADV. An “SUV” scooter that takes up the codes of trail and off-road culture, with handguards and mixed tires.

It takes up the 400 cc single-cylinder from the Metropolis 3-wheeler which develops 36 hp and 38 Nm of torque. A docile and easy-going engine, but which would have deserved a little more punch to tow the 231 kg of the machine. The XP400 impresses with its size and generous wheelbase, but its 17-inch front wheel gives it great stability at low speeds. Its 41 mm KYB inverted fork allows it to have a rigorous front axle and the significant suspension travel will allow it to absorb potholes such as sidewalks.

Motorists will find a familiar cockpit, with a dashboard that looks very “car” and a Peugeot-style finish in style. Keyless system, connectivity via the turn-by-turn GPS app, LED lighting, disconnectable traction control, the XP400 is equipped like a Premium. There is only a little too small under-seat storage which could make you hesitate before buying.

The price is premium with 8,499 euros. The price of a scooter manufactured in the historic Mandeure factory.

Find our test of the Peugeot XP400 on auto-moto.com

Suzuki Burgman 400: still there!

Start slideshow
New Yamaha TMax test: our impressions on the handlebars + VIDEO+20

Suzuki Burgman 400Credit Photo – Suzuki

The Burgman was the reference maxi scooter for Defense executives in the early 2000s, long before the T-Max. More GT and comfort than sporty, it continues to evolve at its own pace.

Its single-cylinder engine is smaller than the competitors in this guide, with 400 cc that develops 31 hp and 36 Nm of torque. This does not prevent it from reaching 150 km / h and with an announced consumption of 3.9 L / 100 km.

But the Burgman is also distinguished by a smaller size, 1350 mm wheelbase and 218 kg, which will give more confidence in traffic jams. Especially since it is well helped by a lively and efficient cycle part with a beautiful 15-inch wheel. The Suzuki relies on the practical aspects with a huge trunk under the saddle of 47 L and two small storage spaces at the front in the apron.

It would have won an update on the technology side with a new TFT dashboard or a USB socket (currently 12V). And if the electronics remain limited on board, its absence does not bother, especially since the Burgman has useful traction control in the rain and a handbrake.

Its price starts at 8,199 euros.

The Burgman 400, we will try it soon on auto-moto.com!

To sum up

The maxi scooters are always acclaimed by the French. Yamaha, Kymco, Peugeot, the war is raging in the cities to dethrone the T-Max. To help you choose the right two-wheeler, here are 5 models to remember.

Editor