YAMAHA MAJESTY 400 (2004 - on) Review

Year: 2006

Annual servicing cost: £100

Owned and rode for about 4 years now. Once some initial previous owner neglect was gone over, one of the best bikes in my 50 yr. plus riding history. One of the most comfortable scooters for my 6' 4 " solo riding style. Cheap to insure, bur fast enough for fun.

Buying experience: Bought private party, as above needs all liquids changed fresh so you get to know your new bike. I paid less with knowing I would need to do some work, but it would be fresh and reliable when finished. Now I just ride without worries, "the MAJ " has taken me weherever I desire. The mods I did make it a 60 mph, and 60 mpg cruiser, that's the comfort zone, not top speed. I ride the non freeway roads by choice, sit back and enjoy the small towns and less big rig hassle, safer too.

Year: 2006

Terrible experience, bought the scooter for good money last August and it packed up end of December. Took it apart and tested everything (twice), replaced loads of expensive components, but it refused to start or it started and stalled within minutes. My feeble excuse for a scooter has now gone, thank god, and we held a party when it did. Buy a Burgman 400, honestly they can't be any worse. Wouldn't recommend one to anyone, not even people I don't like! Think this is over the top - go buy one, have it go wrong on you like mine, and you'll see.....

Buying experience: Bought privately for £1800, advertised for £2000

Had my Majesty new about 7 weeks ago. On the ride home about 30 miles I began to wonder had I done the right thing because I had pain in the lower back by the time I got home. Since then I have got more used to it altered my riding position slightly and can now go at least an hour with no aches or pains any more. There is good storage under the seat and a couple of smaller ones in the leg shield. The motor seems powerful enough for me and reasonable on fuel as long as the right wrist isn't twisted too violently. Handling is brilliant really confident and safe. The ride is a little harsh and choppy on poor surfaces but fine otherwise. Brakes are superb, powerful with good feel. Weather protection is good although I could do with a slightly taller screen. I think the cost of a new one is on the high side for what it is at the moment but I suspect that this is mainly due to the currency exchange rate.

My first big scoot after owning nearly 30 bikes, its fun, comfy, fairly rapid for a single cylinder, Yamaha's build quality has come on a long way since i last had one back in 1997. It also has masses of storage space, paint finish is good and handles surprisingly well, it does need a bit more go but it makes half decent progress, screen does create lots of buffeting as it blows right on the top of your head, other than that a very enjoyable scoot, nicer than the Burgman 400, oh and the brakes are outstanding.