Seeking input on proposed new Suzuki Scooter
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- jrsjr
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Seeking input on proposed new Suzuki Scooter
The website MotorcycleDaily.com is soliciting input on a new scooter that Suzuki is thinking about producing (see below). I've made the picture clickable so you can go directly to the site and give them your feedback. These guys seem to be interested in scooters, but they are a motorcycle site, so I think it would be helpful if they heard from some actual scooterists.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Last edited by jrsjr on Fri Oct 17, 2008 12:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- CiaoItalia
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- jfrost2
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I agree, small frame bikes are always the nicest, maxi scooters remind me of cruising motorcycles you see on the highway. Though this one is nice, the racing graphics are a bit funny seeing how they are the same on their motorcycles.dorian wrote:I'm into scooters, not maxi scooters. I think they would rather I not provide feedback on that motorcycle-wannabe.
It reminds me of the old Opel GT... trying to look like something that its not.
- k1dude
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Why bother?
It's not a scooter. There's hardly any step-through at all. I notice the trend on these maxi-scoots is a taller and taller center hump to the point where the step through is almost non-existant. What you then have is a motorcycle. If you have to swing your leg over it like a motorcycle, it's a motorcycle. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck......
Also, there's almost no ground clearance. With that long wheelbase, you're going to be scraping that sucker everywhere. Forget about speed bumps.
It's not a scooter. There's hardly any step-through at all. I notice the trend on these maxi-scoots is a taller and taller center hump to the point where the step through is almost non-existant. What you then have is a motorcycle. If you have to swing your leg over it like a motorcycle, it's a motorcycle. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck......
Also, there's almost no ground clearance. With that long wheelbase, you're going to be scraping that sucker everywhere. Forget about speed bumps.
- Jake
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Yeah...I don't really dig that at all. If I wanted a GSXR, I would get a GSXR. If I was going to get a Bergman, I'd want it to look like I got it to cruise on the highway for a long time, not like I was a crotch rocket poseur type of thing.
I wouldn't hate it, but it doesn't really do anything for me.
I wouldn't hate it, but it doesn't really do anything for me.
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Re: Seeking input on proposed new Suzuki Scooter
They have the Gemma and they try to come up with something new and the fruits of that work is this Gixxer embarrassment? Well, there goes any hope of getting anything good out of Suzuki in terms of scooters for the next 25 years.
Sad.
Sad.
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- docutech
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I would ride it like I stole it. Sorry folks, that scooter is HAWT. True, the GSX-R color scheme may be a bit overboard however, it is a "concept" and not the real deal so the color should not be an issue. A white version of this would have me biting my nails. If the 650 will receive a make over such as this I am all over it.
I think that scooter looks great. Here is the nuts and bolts of the proposed upgrades:
I think that scooter looks great. Here is the nuts and bolts of the proposed upgrades:
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- BuddyRaton
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Cant we all just get along?
I'm always surprised at how scooter forums slam maxi scoots. I hate to tell you..but they ARE scooters! I think this is a great scooter..IF YOU WANT ONE! The Burgman 400 is a very popular scooter here and in Europe. Why a maxi instead of a MC?
CVT transmission (Burgman 650 electronic cvt)
Highway speeds with no problem
In the rain you stay MUCH drier than on a MC
Comfort
Smoothness
Handling - motor is mounted much lower than a MC lowering COG
Storage - I can fit a 17-inch laptop hardhat, raingear and a few other things. On a MC I cant even pack a cigar without extra bags.
As with the Buddy most maxi scooters are deceivingly quick and nimble.
And as a note the term "smallframe" generally refers to Vespa models that are about 2/3 the sizeofaVespa P series
http://scoot.net/faq/Smallframe
I'm always surprised at how scooter forums slam maxi scoots. I hate to tell you..but they ARE scooters! I think this is a great scooter..IF YOU WANT ONE! The Burgman 400 is a very popular scooter here and in Europe. Why a maxi instead of a MC?
CVT transmission (Burgman 650 electronic cvt)
Highway speeds with no problem
In the rain you stay MUCH drier than on a MC
Comfort
Smoothness
Handling - motor is mounted much lower than a MC lowering COG
Storage - I can fit a 17-inch laptop hardhat, raingear and a few other things. On a MC I cant even pack a cigar without extra bags.
As with the Buddy most maxi scooters are deceivingly quick and nimble.
And as a note the term "smallframe" generally refers to Vespa models that are about 2/3 the sizeofaVespa P series
http://scoot.net/faq/Smallframe
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NO!BuddyRaton wrote:Cant we all just get along?
Being civil is one thing. I'm all for manners and rational discussion. Requiring people to agree is unreasonable. But Maxi-scooters are not in the spirit of what is known as a scooter. Maxi scooters may be an evolution of the modern automatic scooter, but as any product of an evolution they are a different species. They are generally huge and heavy. Fast? Yes! Extremely functional? Yes! The exact right vehicle for many people? Yes! The same as small functional light fun scooters? No! So I don't think they should hijack the name. I've long been a proponent of finding a new name for these great functional large automatic motorcycles. It's just unfortunate that the word scooter has stuck with them.
That Suzuki scooter is a representation of Japanese customer maxi scooters. They are some crazy well built fantastic machines. But the fun of customized bikes in the process. That beast has been finished the way it would appeal to on small segment (that is unlikely to buy scooters in the first place). Bikes like the Ruckus were such hits in part because you could look at them and see all the possibilities. This maxi is at the end of the road already.
- jfrost2
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You have to remember some members here ride maxi scooters as their main bike. It's still a scooter no matter how much you think it isnt. It's got leg room, lots of storage, auto trans, etc.BGK wrote:NO!BuddyRaton wrote:Cant we all just get along?
Being civil is one thing. I'm all for manners and rational discussion. Requiring people to agree is unreasonable. But Maxi-scooters are not in the spirit of what is known as a scooter. Maxi scooters may be an evolution of the modern automatic scooter, but as any product of an evolution they are a different species. They are generally huge and heavy. Fast? Yes! Extremely functional? Yes! The exact right vehicle for many people? Yes! The same as small functional light fun scooters? No! So I don't think they should hijack the name. I've long been a proponent of finding a new name for these great functional large automatic motorcycles. It's just unfortunate that the word scooter has stuck with them.
That Suzuki scooter is a representation of Japanese customer maxi scooters. They are some crazy well built fantastic machines. But the fun of customized bikes in the process. That beast has been finished the way it would appeal to on small segment (that is unlikely to buy scooters in the first place). Bikes like the Ruckus were such hits in part because you could look at them and see all the possibilities. This maxi is at the end of the road already.
- Orange Guy
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Remember that scene in Office Space in which they take the printer out to a field and beat it with ball bats?
That's what I want to do to that scooter.
That's what I want to do to that scooter.
I suppose I should be upset, even feel violated, but I'm not. No, in fact, I think this is a friendly message, like "Hey, wanna play?" and yes I want to play. I really really do.
Orange Guy, Inc.
Orange Guy, Inc.
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BGK wrote:BuddyRaton wrote:Cant we all just get along?BGK wrote:NO!
Requiring people to agree is unreasonable.
I really don't see where agreement was "required".
Many people are of the opinion that ANY 4 stroke twist and go is "not in the spirit of what is known as a scooterBGK wrote:But Maxi-scooters are not in the spirit of what is known as a scooter.
The word has stuck with them because that is what they are!BGK wrote:It's just unfortunate that the word scooter has stuck with them.
The United States Department of Transportation defines 'scooters' separately from motorcycles in order to regulate their compliance with various standards -- notably locations of throttle and braking controls, which differ considerably from motorcycle controlsBGK wrote:uot;]That Suzuki scooter is a representation of Japanese customer maxi scooters. They are some crazy well built fantastic machines. But the fun of customized bikes in the process. That beast has been finished the way it would appeal to on small segment (that is unlikely to buy scooters in the first place). Bikes like the Ruckus were such hits in part because you could look at them and see all the possibilities. This maxi is at the end of the road already.
HUH?
http://www.scootersales.com.au/Gallery- ... rnews.aspx
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'06 Cream Buddy 125, 11 Blur 220, 13 BMW C 650 GT, 68 Vespa SS180, 64 Vespa GS MK II, 65 Lambretta TV 175, 67 Vespa GT, 64 Vespa 150 VBB 64 Vespa GL
- dorian
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I love the looks of the 500cc Scarabeo. It has the looks I like in a scooter. But folks, most scooters are recognized as pretty much the MPG saviors of the world. Joe Schmuckatteli looks at scooters as impractical for daily use, but the impractical can be tolerated in light of the amount of fuel savings.
This 500cc Scarabeo comes in at a whopping 416.67 pounds (189 kilograms) and gets between 55 and 60 mpg on a good day with optimistic reporting of the results. Most maxi-scoots are reporting the same type of figures.
Maxi-scooters are the perfect answer for some people. The Silver Wing can do everything that a Gold Wing can do, albeit perhaps a little less aggressively. But I agree with BGK, when I hear the term "scooter" I'm not thinking of one of these maxi's.
This thing that Suzuki is prototyping looks like Anime run amok. Put wings on it and the Power Rangers have a new evil-fighting-transport. That look works for some and there is no accounting for taste, but it will date itself pretty much overnight.
This 500cc Scarabeo comes in at a whopping 416.67 pounds (189 kilograms) and gets between 55 and 60 mpg on a good day with optimistic reporting of the results. Most maxi-scoots are reporting the same type of figures.
Maxi-scooters are the perfect answer for some people. The Silver Wing can do everything that a Gold Wing can do, albeit perhaps a little less aggressively. But I agree with BGK, when I hear the term "scooter" I'm not thinking of one of these maxi's.
This thing that Suzuki is prototyping looks like Anime run amok. Put wings on it and the Power Rangers have a new evil-fighting-transport. That look works for some and there is no accounting for taste, but it will date itself pretty much overnight.
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- PeterC
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New Suzuki Scooter
It seems that this proposed product goes even further in blurring the distinction between a motorcycle and a scooter. Other than having an automatic transmission and a different location for the gas tank, how is this vehicle different from your average crotch rocket? I'm sure that this could be someone's dream ride, but as a scooter, it leaves me cold.
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Why do you think I'm forgetting? Do you think so little of the Maxi's that you don't think they deserve the honor of their own name? In many ways they are so much more than a normal scooter. Why do you hate them so much and want to keep them down? If I were a maxi owner I'd be offended at your demeaning comments.jfrost2 wrote:You have to remember some members here ride maxi scooters as their main bike. It's still a scooter no matter how much you think it isnt. It's got leg room, lots of storage, auto trans, etc.
EQUAL RIGHTS FOR AUTOMATIC MOTORCYCLES*!
(A.K.A.: maxi-scooters, power sleighs, road sleds, auto-bikes, power-cycles, auto-cruisers!)
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They do not separate them from motorcycles but define them with the language: "Scooter means a motorcycle that...". So they are motorcycles first. And I don't believe that a particular way in which the U.S. Fed Gov't defines something is the end all of a discussion. Many state gov'ts use the term moped for many vehicles that are not mopeds. They have no pedals. I understand the why's and how's of these regulation linked definitions. But I don't take them as reasons for logical support for the subjecting of many automatic motorcycles to the fate of carrying the 'scooter' moniker.BuddyRaton wrote:
The word has stuck with them because that is what they are!
The United States Department of Transportation defines 'scooters' separately from motorcycles in order to regulate their compliance with various standards -- notably locations of throttle and braking controls, which differ considerably from motorcycle controls
EQUAL RIGHTS FOR AUTOMATIC MOTORCYCLES*!
(A.K.A.: maxi-scooters, power sleighs, road sleds, cargo-cruisers, auto-bikes, power-cycles, road-rockets or auto-cruisers!)
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I like the GSXooter or whatever they call it. Valentino Rossi rides a Yamaha scooter when he is not on the track. As for the Scarabeo, I never liked that weird oval in the plastic side cover. Yamaha owns Ohlins so it could come with some nice bits. I love the performance of a sportbike, but I can't take the seating position. I would love real performance in a scooter!
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- Susan Pegsmen
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Re: Seeking input on proposed new Suzuki Scooter
rather have a TMAXjrsjr wrote:The website MotorcycleDaily.com is soliciting input on a new scooter that Suzuki is thinking about producing (see below). I've made the picture clickable so you can go directly to the site and give them your feedback. These guys seem to be interested in scooters, but they are a motorcycle site, so I think it would be helpful if they heard from some actual scooterists.
Thanks!
- jrsjr
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Re: Seeking input on proposed new Suzuki Scooter
Ahhh, good point! Have you seen one yet? They're even better in person than the pix.Susan Pegsmen wrote:rather have a TMAX
P.S. This is such a good comment, I hope you will follow the link to the MotorcycleDaily.com site and give them your feedback.
- illnoise
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Let's see if she can talk about Yamahas in every thread!
But I'd rather have a T-Max, too. That thing looks like a personal watercraft.
Bb.
But I'd rather have a T-Max, too. That thing looks like a personal watercraft.
Bb.
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Re: Seeking input on proposed new Suzuki Scooter
Troll.Susan Pegsmen wrote:
rather have a TMAX
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the results are in!
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/22octobe ... an_rr1.htm
The uninformed motorcycle buying public has spoken.
The uninformed motorcycle buying public has spoken.
- Howardr
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A co-worker has a T-MAX. IMHO, these two "scooters" look an awful lot alike. They're both pretty, in a sports bike kind of way. I think the phrase "step-through design" has been taken way too far.
I got my scooter because of the flat floor board area. That, to me, is what defines a scooter. My son has a SYM, RV 250. It doesn't really have a step through design either. It's a pretty ride, but not my idea of a scooter. These things are all some degree of hybrid.
Howard
I got my scooter because of the flat floor board area. That, to me, is what defines a scooter. My son has a SYM, RV 250. It doesn't really have a step through design either. It's a pretty ride, but not my idea of a scooter. These things are all some degree of hybrid.
Howard
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Looks like a lot of fun. I would have to see it IRL and sit on it. But I think it has a nicer look than the Burgman. Not saying I don’t like the Burgman. I would love to have one of those too. But the bright sporty colors would be harder to miss on the freeway. This is where most of my commute is when I hit the snooze button to many times.