There’s loads of love on the market for the Toyota GR86 and its nimble nature. As for complaints, there’s the finicky oil issue that typically turns the Subaru-sourced flat-four into a brick. But even with every little thing buzzing, one may at all times use a bit extra horsepower. Do you understand what has extra energy? A boosted 2JZ. But this is not the three.0-liter six-pot you are accustomed to. This is a stroked 3.4L, and it sounds superior on the dyno.
That a lot is obvious on this brief video from 144.Printhouse & Racestudio on YouTube. It’s the newest in a year-long construct that turned a factory-stock GR86 Premium right into a 900-hp drift automotive. But it would not have 900 hp simply but, because the crew remains to be within the tuning section. That’s okay, as a result of the preliminary check reveals a lot of promise.
The dyno session begins with some fast fixes, as a coolant leak surfaced. There’s additionally a difficulty with the water and gas pumps shutting off as soon as the automotive will get heat, the latter of which in the end prevented a second dyno pull. But with the automotive connected for a baseline cross, the modded GR86 lays down 440 hp and 394 pound-feet of torque. Keep in thoughts, these are energy figures on the rear wheels. At the crankshaft, this 2J must be making extra like 520 hp, factoring in a 15 % driveline loss.
We know a few of you might not be impressed with that determine, however earlier than hitting ship on that spicy remark you are typing, know this. You’re seeing the primary dyno session for this engine, which is basically untuned at this level. It’s a race-built, single-turbo mill at the moment operating seven kilos of enhance. It would not have any timing dialed in but, and the pull ended at roughly 6,500 rpm. In different phrases, this engine has a lot extra nonetheless to offer. And we suspect a follow-up video will present precisely that.
In the meantime, sit again and switch your audio system up. Few issues in life sound pretty much as good as a well-built 2JZ. This BRZ must be an absolute monster when it hits the monitor.
The 2024 Toyota Prius has been completely redesigned and offers impressive performance and handling. It feels agile and responsive, with precise steering and a willingness to tackle corners. The ride is also smooth and comfortable, making it a joy to drive.
However, while the exterior of the Prius is eye-catching, the interior lacks the same appeal. The drab steering wheel, borrowed from the Toyota bZ4X, is a disappointment. On the plus side, the dashboard features a good number of physical controls, including those for the heating and ventilation. The infotainment touchscreen on top of the dash is clear and has good graphics, and the driver display is positioned in a way that it is easy to see without obstructing the view.
One trade-off of the sleeker profile of the new Prius is the reduced rear space for passengers. The narrower windows create a cozier feel, and the rear interior door handles may require some explanation for unfamiliar passengers. It’s a shame that UK buyers won’t have the opportunity to experience the capable 2024 Prius.
Toyota Prius PHEV
Verdict 4 stars
Engine: 4 cyls in line, 1987cc, petrol, plus 161bhp permanent magnet synchronous motor Power: 220bhp (peak combined) Torque: 140lb ft at 5200rpm (engine only) Transmission: eCVT, front-wheel drive Battery: 13.6kWh Kerb weight: 1545kg 0-62mph: 6.8sec Top speed: 110mph Economy: 404mpg CO2, tax band: 16g/km, na Electric range: 45 miles Rivals: Hyundai Ioniq PHEV, Kia Niro PHEV
The Porsche 356 is a famous sports car known for its agility and enjoyable driving experience. Today, these cars are highly valuable and sought after, making it incredibly rare to stumble upon one tucked away in an old garage. However, there are occasional discoveries, and one that has recently come to light is particularly intriguing, as revealed by Carchaeology.
Hidden away in a garage in Orange County, California, this 1959 Porsche 356 has sat undisturbed for many years. Despite being surrounded by boxes and covered in layers of dust, the car remains in excellent condition with minimal rust, thanks to the favorable climate. Although the garage lacks adequate lighting and the dust obscures the view, a quick glance reveals the orange interior is still intact and well-preserved.
A scooter is brilliant for getting around town easily and cheaply: super nimble, park anywhere, easy to ride, sips gas and extremely practical. But, take them out of town, and they are simply too slow to be any good at covering longer distances.
That’s where the maxi scooter comes into its own: all the practicality of a scooter but with more power and comfort, better chassis and suspension dynamics, better rider aids, excellent weather protection, under seat storage, and longer wheelbases for added stability. They also have twist-and-go automatic transmissions that can have some of the larger-engined models give sports bike a good run for their money in the light-to-light drag races. Some even have three wheels for even more confidence-inspiring grip on wet or loose surfaces. Here’s our pick of the ten best maxi scooters.
Updated August 2023: Scooter manufacturers continue to strive to bring us one option after the other that is comfortable for everyday use as well as have some of the latest tech and features on board. Each year, there are significant improvements made to the existing models. To keep you up to speed on all the latest developments, this article has been updated with new information and a comprehensive list of pros and cons for each scooter.
With a parallel twin engine producing a healthy 55 horsepower, coupled to a CVT transmission, the Suzuki Burgman 650 has all the performance you could need with a whole dose of luxury tech: ABS, electric folding mirrors and adjustable screen, heated grips and seat, an immobiliser, not to mention two power modes.
It’s big, but that means excellent comfort for two (there are even grab rails for the pillion) and equally good weather protection, combined with a cavernous under seat storage area which can be supplemented by a top box. It’s not especially light at 610 pounds but as that weight is worn low down, it’s not too much of a problem. 59 MPG is also excellent, and with a gas tank capacity of nearly four gallons, it’s great for touring.
Pros
Comfortable riding ergonomics
10+ gals of under seat storage
Low seat height
Cons
May feel a bit too heavy
Comes with a hefty price tag
It’s tough to get one these days
9Yamaha TMAX
Yamaha
Perhaps the best-known of all the maxi scooters, the Yamaha TMAX was the model that first convinced a lot of people that such a motorcycle could combine practicality with performance and fun. The 530cc parallel twin engine pushes out 45 horsepower which might be less than the Suzuki Burgman but, then again, it does weigh 170 pounds less, which is not to be sniffed at.
The chassis frame is aluminum which helps with the weight reduction and also adds stiffness, although the design does reduce rider floorboard size slightly. There’s cruise control, heated seating grips, traction control and an electrically adjustable screen. The center stand can be locked in the ‘open’ position which is a great theft deterrent and storage is adequate, although a top box can be fitted. Your pillion passenger will never complain about comfort, and as a way of adding sportiness to practicality, the TMAX is hard to beat.
Pros
Oozes of comfort
Significantly lighter than most maxi scooters
Great wind protection
Cons
Limited storage space
Expensive
Rider floorboard is a tad bit narrow
8Honda X-ADV
Honda
Take one Honda NC750X motorcycle in maxi-scooter form, and equip it with wire wheels, taller suspension and dual-purpose tires and here you have something totally unique: The Honda X-ADV, an off-road capable maxi scooter and that’s pretty unique. Another unique feature is Honda’s well-developed dual clutch transmission which is a step up from the CVT transmissions of every other scooter on this list. The 745cc parallel twin produces 58 horsepower and a 520 pound all-in weight is pretty much par for the course. Traction control, ABS, a TFT dash, excellent storage and power modes make this one o the more interesting choices in the maxi scooter class.
The Piaggio MP3 is by no means the only three-wheeler maxi scooter, but it is one of the better examples of leaning three-wheeler technology. While adding an extra wheel, hub, disc brake and caliper, not to mention all the sophisticated suspension components that allow the wheels to remain in contact with the road while allowing the bike to lean in corners, adds weight. It also increases safety by an appreciable amount by increasing front end grip, braking power and stability.
The suspension can be locked in the upright position, meaning you don’t have to put your feet down when stopped or worry about the side stand when you park it. Comfort and wind protection is on a par with the rest although the 492cc single cylinder engine, with 40 horsepower, does have to work quite hard to push along 538 pounds.
Pros
Adjustable, lockable suspension
Safer than a convention two-wheeler
The presence of a reverse gear
Cons
You do feel its 538-pound weight
The lighting is not fully LED
High maintenance costs
6BMW C 650 GT
BMW
Typical for BMW, when they do something, they do it extremely well, if not extremely cheaply! The 647 twin-cylinder engine produces a class-leading 60 horsepower, while the chassis is a mixture of steel tubing and cast aluminum sections, making an extremely stiff structure while being light, although the overall weight is still 575 pounds. This is reflected in BMW’s typically excellent build quality, and the use of high-grade materials and the C 650 GT still manages to return 61 MPG from its 4.2 gallon gas tank.
ABS, traction control, twin front discs, power sockets in the front cubbyhole, and illuminated under seat storage which is large enough for a short weekend away or two full-face helmets. As is common with BMW, the accessories range is huge, but you’ll bump up the price significantly equipping it to the standard of other bikes on this list.
Pros
A good range of after-sales accessories
Great, functional side-view mirrors
Premium build quality
Cons
Expensive
High maintenance cost
There’s a considerable CVT “wind-up” until the 45 mph mark
5BMW C 400 X
BMW
While we’re with BMW, we can’t ignore the C 400 X, a smaller-engined version of the C650, which is trying to ape the Honda X-ADV in having slightly chunkier, go-anywhere looks. The 400cc single-cylinder engine produces 34 horsepower, which seems a little breathless for the 450-pound weight, but the upside is a claimed 80 MPG, with a tank capacity of 3.4 gallons.
There are a few 400cc maxi scooters around but the C 400 X stands out by having ABS and traction control, LED lighting, phone connectivity and a charging socket in the glove box. Under seat storage is expandable to take a helmet, which has to be clipped back up to ride away, with a locking system that prevents the bike from being ridden while it is down.
Pros
Comfortable, plush seat
Forward-mounted foot pegs
ABS and traction control for a sub-400cc scooter is a rarity
Cons
Power to weight ratio isn’t great
High maintenance cost
For a 400cc, it sure is pricey
4Yamaha Tricity 300
All the benefits of three wheels, as with the Piaggio MP3 500, but giving greater gas mileage. The 292cc single cylinder engine of the Tricity 300 produces 28 horsepower, which isn’t great for the 527 pound weight, but it does achieve 75 MPG and has a top speed of 90 mph. Practicality, weather protection and riding security are the main features, although it does lose out on the rider aids that mark out the larger-engined models on this list. It’s on the borderline of being able to tackle longer journeys and would be a bit breathless two-up, but it is a practical and safe scooter, that is larger than most small-displacement scooters.
Kymco is largely known for its small-displacement scooters but the AK550 will force people to think again. The 550cc parallel-twin engine produces 53 horsepower, the chassis is aluminum and the suspension and braking components wouldn’t be out of place on a sports bike: upside-down forks and Brembo four-piston calipers.
At nearly 500 pounds it’s not overly light but that just adds to the secure, planted feel of the bike. Handling is dynamic and fun, and the weather protection from the slick bodywork slightly less than on, say, the Suzuki Burgman, as is the under seat storage, but the compensation comes in the form of a full-color dash with extensive connectivity options. Great quality abounds and the performance more than makes up for inferior storage.
Pros
Offers great handling
Comes with an appreciable infotainment kit
Comfortable rider ergonomics
Cons
The storage space isn’t the greatest
A lack of adequate wind protection
You need spanners to adjust the position of the adjustable screen
2Yamaha XMAX
Yamaha
Baby brother to the TMAX, the XMAX has a 292cc single-cylinder engine producing 33 horsepower, in a package that weighs a mere 397 pounds, with gas mileage of 76 MPG. ABS and traction control are valuable additions and both the screen and handlebars are adjustable to enable the perfect riding position to be dialed in.
Under seat storage is good enough to fit two full-face helmets and LED lighting is a classy touch. If it looks like a slightly scaled-down TMAX, that is no bad thing, and it certainly doesn’t lack in rider and passenger comfort, even if the engine might be a little small for longer touring journeys. Twin discs up front give all the stopping power you could need.
Pros
The ride quality is really, really good
Funky design language
A peppy, economical engine
Cons
It is a little pricey considering its segment
Shorter riders may not like the tall seat height
Not suited for long trips
1Honda Silver Wing
Honda
Officially called the FJS600, it was aimed directly at the Suzuki Burgman and Yamaha TMAX, and being lighter than the Suzuki and offering more comfort than the Yamaha, it was a good middle-ground maxi-scooter. The 582cc parallel twin engine produces 50 horsepower and typical Honda engineering integrity and build quality means that, with regular servicing, it will last for years. Comfort is excellent, weather protection is great and single discs front and back are perfectly good enough. If your budget is limited, this is an excellent choice.
Pros
One of the most comfortable scooters out there
The Honda reliability
Lighter than most maxi scooters of its segment
Cons
It weaves a little at high speeds
Fuel economy will drop drastically if you push it
The rear suspension may feel a tad bit stiff
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