What if there was a two-wheeled vehicle that was great for short hops around town, but could also be loaded up with gear for a long-distance trip? What if it was quiet, easy to ride, and powerful enough for two-up travel? Well, there is such a vehicle class, and that’s the Mega Scooter.
When I think of scooters, my mind instantly conjures the image of a Vespa. Small, lightweight, with minimal weather protection, a step-through body, and a tiny buzzy engine. The Italian choice for cheap, reliable city transportation during the post-World War II period, the Vespa was the prototype for a generation of scooters.
Sometime in the late 1990s, a few manufacturers realized that the scooter formula had more potential than just a cheap runaround. They looked at scooters, mopeds and motorcycles, and took a little from each genre to create a new beast, the Mega Scooter or Maxi Scooter.
One of the first Mega Scooters I rode was the Honda Silver Wing FSC600. Sold in the United States from 2002 to 2013, the Silver Wing used a 582-cc parallel-twin engine that was liquid-cooled and fuel-injected. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) eliminates the need to shift or use a clutch lever – the throttle is twist-and-go, and a squeeze of the brake lever actuates discs front and rear (ABS optional). It used a traditional scooter layout, with a step-through body and shrouded engine, but has big (for a scooter) wheels: 14-inch front/13-inch rear. A big compartment under the two-person seat can hold two full-face helmets, and there are two locking compartments in the fairing. Best of all, the Silver Wing has a top speed of 105 mph, and is freeway legal. Accessory saddlebags and a top box can turn this Mega Scooter into a touring beast. Used examples in good condition can be found in the range of $3,000 to $5,000 — a tremendous bargain.
Another breakthrough Mega Scooter was the Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive. The largest of the Burgman lineup, it was imported to the US from 2003 to 2018. New examples are still lingering on some dealer’s showroom floors with a starting price of $11,049. Like the Silver Wing, this is highly capable commuter that can be outfitted for touring duty. It uses a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 638-cc parallel twin engine, and can maintain freeway speeds and beyond all day long. It handles even better than the Silver Wing, in my experience, thanks to bigger 15-inch front/14-inch rear wheels – almost motorcycle size. Storage is ample, and seating is comfortable for two. Though it also uses a CVT, the Burgman 650 adds an optional manual-shift mode for a more immersive riding experience. Used Burgman models are easy to find, and leftover new 2018 models can be the subject of aggressive negotiation at Suzuki dealers.
Perhaps the most premium Mega Scooter is the 2019 BMW C 650 GT, which starts at $10,995. The C 650 GT is available in three color options: Ocean Blue Metallic Matte, Black Storm Metallic and Option 719 Sparkling Storm Metallic. It uses a 647-cc water-cooled in-line twin-cylinder engine that delivers 60 hp and 46 lb-ft of torque, and is capable of a maximum speed of over 112 mph. It uses a CVT for twist-and-go convenience. In addition, it provides a comfortable ride, thanks to the electrically-adjustable windscreen and features such as heated grips and seat. The C 650 GT also features the largest storage compartment in its class, integrated seamlessly into the stretched silhouette. The C 650 GT uses 15-inch wheels front and rear, and has standard ABS and automatic stability control (ASC), a sophisticated feature not found on any competitor.
If you’re looking for an all-around bike that is light, efficient, affordable and inexpensive to insure, consider a Mega Scooter to add to your stable.