We all know that I have scootering roots and there are definitely times I miss the twist'n'go of my little vino. I have looked at Maxi scoots in the past and unfortunately due to my current state of under-tallness, they are just too wide and too bulky for me to manage. I tried a Burgman - too big, too wide and too heavy, and it was the same was with the Suzuki. I was on the twitter sphere the other night when I came across a tweet from visordown.com about a new Honda 750cc maxi scoot, which I think is only available in Europe at this point. It has the styling of a motorcycle and 17inch motorcycle tires with only the barest whisper of a step through - which there really isn't. It is narrower than most maxis and handles more like a motorcycle, see the review on http://www.visordown.com/road-tests-first-rides/first-ride-2014-honda-integra-750-review/24475.html (the link may not work as I was doing this on the iPad)
I think I would be extremely interested in giving this bad boy a try and I do know a lot of scooterati who are looking for more of a motorcycle styled scoot - Calling Deb of Ruckus Scooter Love blog! There is something appealing to me about this scoot. I think I would like the extra leg room that it would provide your leg is more extended on the scoot vs a motorcycle peg. At times I find shifting bothers my arthritic ankle - geez I sound like a creaky old thing. What do you think?
15 comments:
"… geez I sound like a creaky old thing. What do you think?"
No, you don't sound like a creaky old thing…
The Honda looks heavy or at least heavier than it could be.
This one is news to me, first I've seen or heard.
Richard's comment is only one of my beefs about these Maxi's and I think a valid one. It is interesting that low isn't always friendly to un-tallness; I've had some low ones that use all of that gain up with their extra width.
It's hard not to like Twist N Go! :)
Honda Integra scooter on sale now in UK...See link
http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/scooters/#!/integra/
Uses dual wet clutch automated manual
It seems to be based on the NC700X motorcycle but weighs more and you lose the faux gas tank storage area. Doesn't seem to be a reasonable tradeoff...
Interesting comments. Richard may have buried it for me. I admit I still fantasize about a future scooter, so reading and listening to other people's advice, etc is important.
Dar, this one looks like it's perhaps a bit narrower but still looks like it's gonna' use up leg length with it's width (totally my problem as well.) I'd go for weight sooner than automatic transmition any day.
Often, the only way to know if we like something is to actually try it. I think that's what you need to do here.
Dar:
If you read the review you will see that the way the CVT interacts does not give you the full motorcycle experience and it achieves it's speed using RPM's and there is no defined gear ratios. Power delivery may be smooth but lack of instant "oomph" as it relies on "roll-on" power to get up to speed.
I bought a new Maxi Scoot a few years ago when they first came out. It was a Kymco X500Ri and I thought I could replace my motorcycle and just have one bike. I took it on a trip to Oregon. If you could get used to driving a boring MiniVan it would be okay. It goes, it stops it can travel at freeway speeds BUT there is nothing like the thrill of apexing a corner at high RPMs and holding 3rd gear hearing your muffler and engine wind itself out and then you shift into fourth as you come into the straights.
You would have to test ride one to find out if you like it. I would rather have a manual shifting motorcycle.
The ideal thing to have would be two machines. One CVT scooter, perhaps around 150cc and a touring motorcycle for trips
bob
A weekend photographer
or
Riding the Wet Coast
Kind of funky looking. I've always thought the step through on a scooter was awkward so I like this better.
Maybe it is me that is awkward, I am a little clumsy you know.
It seems a bit short to me in regard to leg room, and I don't like the way the foot rest seem to have a definite design that if your foot doesn't fit it exactly, it would be awkward foot placement. Kinda like a car seat that is made for a taller person, but a short person is trying to drive the car. Anyway, I like the overall style, but that foot placement just seems weird to me.
Dar, Roland and I had seen it at the dealership, I actually fits his size (the man is almost 2m tall) quite nicely. He will definitely give it a go although he rather would like a step-through scooter.
I for myself second what Bob said, two bikes is the way to go ;-)
The comments about CVTs,...the Honda Integra does NOT have a CVT,...it has a dual wet clutch automated manual. Honda uses such a transmission on the VFR1200, NC series 700s, and on ATVs.
I've said it once and I will say it again...we are moving more and more towards the automatic motorcycle. I think this is just another step in that direction.
Sonja take pics!!!!! I am not going to get too excited because I doubt it will make it to North America - pity!
Robert couldn't agree with you more.
Yeah, not I recall the name of this scoot. It was announced in 2012 I believe, but never made it to the states.
I would also guide you to look at the Honda PCX 150 or the Genuine Blur 170i.
Don't know if they are available in Canada, but there more power there than most 150 would seem to suggest, or so I've heard. Great for shorties too!
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