The Speed ScooterIt's a new 250 from Japan with great weather protection, marvelous brakes and tires, and a steering system so high tech as to leave most motorcycles back in the Sixties. Sound like the most radical new design in months? It is.
But it's a scooter.
By Giulio Meccoci, Italian Desk.
This scooter represents the second generation of high-tech scooter production. First generation scooters included the Honda CN250 Space, and the Piaggio Hexagon. A common, critical problem with these two scooters was the front suspension system.
Neither has a classic hydraulic fork, but a double (CN250) and a single (Hexagon) swingarm system. These systems were able to provide quite good comfort during riding. But the trade off was an unsteady feeling, especially when the pavement was not perfect (and when is it ever?). So Yamaha decided to give their new scooter a motorcycle feel by installing a traditional front telescopic fork, along with a large disc brake and four-piston caliper that gives you secure braking. To complete this opera, a couple of large tires were fitted: 110/90 front and 130/70 rear. Wheel diameter increased also, to a whopping 12.0 inches.
Another problem with scooters that Yamaha's engineers attempted to solve was wind blast on the rider. They've redesigned the entire bodywork, and you can see the results in the picture. It looks attractive enough, and reminds one of the front side of touring bikes like the BMW R1100 RT, and offers good protection to wind and rain. The similarity to a BMW is not limited to apperance. Considering the stated maximum speed (more than 126 Km/h), you'll be able to do some short touring, also. A trip of around 400 Km in one day would not be out of the question. There are several other cool features included with this scooter too, such as the seat, which opens toward the front and is held open by a hydraulic cylinder.
Below are the engine specifications. Yamaha, in this case, hasn't presented anything innovative. They've preferred to stay with a traditional 4-stroke liquid-cooled single that should provide reduced service intervals. Of course, the robustness of the transmission system needs testing - a critical area in this kind of machine, especially when power is considerable.
Third Generation Scooters
image3 Yamaha is moving scooters forward to a new generation. As in the computer world, where as soon as a new machine is presented to public it's immediately replaced by the next model, we want to try and define the requirements for the third generation scooter:
* Increasing wheel diameter to more than 15 inches (better 16 inch)
* Increasing the frame's torsional strength
* Increasing the diameter of the front fork
* Increasing the power and displacement of the engine (and of course the torque too)
* Increased power may cause some problems to the transmission system, so it might be necessary to devise a new system like the electronic/hydraulic sequential gear change system used in F1 racing and in some Porsche production models.
* Adding a rear disc brake
* Refining the wind/rain protection and the CX.
With all of the above items incorporated into the next generation scooter, you would have a machine with good ride feeling, a satisfying cruise speed (around 140 Km/h), and good speed performance (max speed greater than 160 Km/h, quick acceleration, etc.). We hope another manufacturer would soon enter the challenge, which would stimulate competition, and help shorten the arrival time of the ultimate Third Generation Scooter.
Yamaha Majesty YP 250,
Technical Data
Engine 4-stroke single, SOHC, liquid- cooled
CC 249
Bore/Stroke 75.5 x 56mm
Power (DIN) 20 CV at 6500 rpm
Torque (DIN) 2.35 kg-m at 5500 rpm
Starter Electrical
Fuel Tank 1.1 Litres
Transmission Automatic
Dimensions 2110/750/1330mm (Length/Width/Height)
Wheelbase 1500mm
Ground Clearance 147mm
Weight 147 kg (dry)
Suspension Front: telescopic fork, Rear: swing arm with double shock absorber
Brakes Front: disc - Rear: drum
Tires Front: 110/90-12 64j, Rear: 130/70-12 62l
11:19 AM
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