Post by Davros on Jul 9, 2006 14:08:48 GMT
Having only recently got into scooters and scootering, I decided, having owned a Gilera Runner 125 SP for a mere 3 weeks that it would have to go up for sale as I wanted something more grown up... I'm not that old at 34 but I just didn't like the self image of riding around on smaller sports scooters. (no offence to any Runner / Speedfight / Jetforce owners!).
I sold the Gilera and decided to scour eBay and Autotrader for whatever Maxi I could get with my paltry budget of £800.
It soon became apparant that this wasn't quite going to get me into X9 territory (not a decent one anyway), and I started to focus on looking for either a Yamaha Majesty or a Honda Pantheon. Two Stroke was definately out, and most Pantheon's within my budget were indeed the older 2 stroke versions.
So I started to hunt for a Majesty.... I found my YP125R Majesty on eBay but as it was local, I agreed a sale off-line that even included delivery to my front door (the guy rode it 25 miles to deliver it).
A 2000, W reg model, in Dark Midnight Blue, with a genuine (proved by all MOTs) 3,283 miles on the clock and unmarked, save for one crack in the panel below the foot plate.
I paid £750 and the sale included a full MOT, 12 months tax (both done yesterday, the day of delivery - hows that for service!), a new Battery and of course the aforementioned delivery.
The bike arrived during a heavy shower and was quickly put into my rear yard, under cover - after a brief towel drying.
For an older (Japanese) Maxi scoot, I liked the look of the majesty - the paintwork was unmarked and even things like the hand grips and foot plate areas backed up the low mileage. The Majesty is unashamedly "Japanese large commuter scooter" ... it is not sporty and it is not particulary 'cutting edge' in body shape or design - so, it fit my requirements perfectly!
The windshield is smaller than on more modern, "bike front ended" scooters like the X8/9, but from the rear, there is no mistaking this is a steroid enhanced scooter! Smart but subtle silver "Majesty 125" decals don the rear panel. The dash is minimal but well set out and functional.
The fuel cap is covered by a smart, flush 'car-type' flap, it is tilted skywards which makes filling up easier for those like me who fill up at home, using a can and funnel.
The large seat storage area can comfortably store a full-face helmet up to a large size, or pretty much any open face. There is additional space with a conveniant belt that will stop a bottle of water, can of tyreweld, etc from rattling while riding. Handy indicators on the bikes external give coolant and oil levels at a glance.
The Majesty can be started by holding EITHER of the brake levers - a nice convenient touch ! I was amazed on starting the bike - it really is the quietest scooter I've heard. It starts in an instance and purrs at a steady rate ...... The main stand is refreshingly easy to use - the bike just needs a gentle push backwards, with only minimal but firm pressure on the stand end.
I was somehow expecting the Majesty to be quite slow off the mark, but not bad in the mid-range (20-40mph) ... however, the Majesty is sharp off the mark... itching to get away and accelerating smoothly right through the range .... things only start to ease off from 55mph+ when acceleration up to 75mph is less rapid. The engine sounds reassuringly smooth and silky all the way up ... such a contrast to the Runner SP !
Braking on this five and half year scooter is excellent..... firm but not overly aggresive.
Now on to the best bit .... I am staggered at how great the Majesty is in general handling, considering it's size. I hated the handling of the older Runner, especially in cornering. The Majesty feels as though it is in tune with the mind .... a gentle lean and it goes exatly where you want it to. It is amazing how more confident I feel taking faster corners in this 'grandad' scooter, compared to the previous 'sports' scooter..... On wavy, wide country roads the Majesty is easy to keep where you want it. Staying bang in the middle of the lane is a breeze - it almost seems to manage it itself.... why did I used to feel as though I had less control on the Runner ? Who knows - I am an inexperienced biker but the Majesty would never give this away.
The bike provides a real feeling of presence on the road ..... I noticed I was being given a lot more space and consideration on this big commuter cruiser, as compared to on the Runner.
I bought the Runner SP before completing my CBT, and when I first went out for a 10 mile ride on it, I remember the feeling of just not gelling with it.... Even though the power and acceleration should have made for great fun, I just didn't feel stable on the bike - and it wasn't ALL to do with the power.
I'm delighted to say that the opposite is true with the Majesty - I have just completed my first (15 miles) run out on the Majesty (in intermittant rain I might add), and I LOVE her ! I feel she respects me and I certainly respect her (she's called Lizzie by the way, if you can't work out why, you're probably too young to enjoy one of these bikes).
I bought this scooter to keep for 18 - 24 months to get 125cc experience on before going for my full test..... but as with anything that just feels right, it will be hard to think about wanting a different bike for a while.
May the love affair last a long time !
David.
(Pics to follow, when the missus gets in from work!)
