STORY 06
Larger bodies, more storage and comfort — the scooter grew from city runabout to touring companion.
Big scooters combine city usability and long-distance comfort in a single machine. Model years and capacities are listed, with sources, on each machine page.
MACHINES IN THIS STORY
4
SUZUKI
Suzuki Skywave 400 (Burgman 400)
1998
Big Scooter
Suzuki’s first 400 cc scooter, added in October 1998 above the 250 cc Skywave launched that February. A 385 cc liquid-cooled SOHC 4-valve single with a balancer shaft was combined with large 13-inch tyres, a link-type monoshock and linked front and rear disc brakes.
YAMAHA
Yamaha TMAX
2001
Big Scooter
A maxi-scooter introduced in 2001, powered by a liquid-cooled 499 cm³ DOHC parallel twin driving through a V-belt CVT. Early models used a tubular steel frame. Specifications listed are for the 2001–2003 model years.
SUZUKI
Suzuki Choinori
2003
Gentsuki (50cc class)
A 50 cc scooter pared down for short trips such as commuting, school runs and shopping. Built in Japan, it sold for 59,800 yen and weighed just 39 kg dry. Its newly developed air-cooled four-stroke OHV single used a high-speed plated cylinder, among other measures, to cut engine weight by 40 percent.
Jog
YAMAHA
YAMAHA
Yamaha Jog
1983
Gentsuki (50cc class)
A 1983 sports scooter designed around the nimble, active image of a sneaker. According to Yamaha, a 4.5 hp engine in a 49 kg body gave it brisk acceleration, and its styling and practicality made it a favourite among young riders.