FF Scooters

Suzuki Burgman
Honda Helix
Honda Foresight
Yamaha Majesty
Piaggio Hexagon
Malaguti Madison
BMW C1

There are very, very few true FFs commercially available. The closest thing to this are the "MegaScooters" which are now arriving in force. These provide a gentle introduction to FFs although to purists their seats are still a little high and they are not *real* motorcycles. But then what do they know! If you get a chance to ride any of these, jump at it. They're great fun to ride and make excellent commuters. All of them have fully automatic gearboxes with a belt so riding is just twist'n'go.

In some markets, they are more popular than conventional bikes particularly in Italy, France and Germany where they frequently outsell conventional motorcycles. The total world market for these machines is now over 20,000 units.

Suzuki Burgman and Skywave

Released in 1997, the Suzuki Burgman or Skywave is the king of MegaScooters. It is longer, heavier and faster than all the others while it's 13" wheels give improved handling. It's top speed is in the mid 80s mph and it can hold it's own on motorways and autoroutes.

In late 1998, Suzuki also released a 400cc version that is claimed to be able to touch 100mph. Despite it's size, the Burgman could use some more leg room but otherwise is a very desirable machine. The 400 in particular is now a reasonable alternative to conventional motorcycles and can hardly be called a scooter any more.

There are strong rumours that Suzuki have a 650 version coming soon.

The Burgman Pages
My Burger
Maintenance issues
An Interview with the designers
FFing a Burger
BurgLinks

Honda Helix

The Honda Helix was the first more or less FF machine to come out of the mainstream Japanese factories. The design is now 10 years old and was designed as a variation on Honda's Spacy scooter. It has some typical Japanese features including a 250 4 stroke single, fully variable belt drive gearbox, electronic instruments and so on. Motorcycle Online have a review.

The Helix is extremely popular in countries with a strong scooter tradition and even out sold the Fireblade in Italy for a while. It's a very effective machine with a top speed of about 70 mph. It's only real drawback is the rather bouncy rear suspension and light handling. The Helix has been used for some amazing endurance feats. Here's a story about riding one for 9600 miles in 10 days in the 1995 Iron Butt Rally

Honda seem unable to decide what it is called. In various markets it is known as the Fusion, Helix, Spazio and CN250.

The Helix Pages
My CN 250
CN250 accessories
BFF CN250 Accessories
FFing a Helix
Helix Links

Orlando Helix Streamliner

We finally heard from the owner. Click on the link for details.

Honda Foresight

The Honda Foresight was released in 1997. It is more upright than the Helix and more like a scooter than an FF. With a redesigned engine it has a top speed in the high 70s mph. It is a well made and effective machine but a little short on leg room. There is a 125 version with Honda's new Active Radical two stroke engine that is only a little slower. Both machines have Honda's linked brakes where both levers affact both brakes.

Although the Foresight is a replacement for the Helix, Honda have not stopped selling the Helix, and there is a rumour that there will be an uprated Helix in the near future. They have also shown a 400cc FF machine with a horizontally opposed twin at the shows, but will not confirm if it will be produced.

Yamaha Majesty

In '96 Yamaha produced their variation of the Helix with a very similar specification. Early indications are that it has a little more speed than the Helix (75 mph) and rather stiffer suspension. There is a rumour that Yamaha have a 500cc version on the drawing board. Interesting! They've also just released a 125cc version which is almost identical. In some markets there is an upmarket model with ABS and uprated brakes. Yamaha have just released an updated version that fixes many of the criticisms of the original..

Yamaha Majesty Tourer Club

This roof is available as a bolt on kit from Doken Co. Ltd, 3377-1 Koto, Hamamatsu 431-11, Shizuoka, Japan, 053-486-4001, fax 053-486-4004. They also do a large windscreen both with windscreen wipers. Givi also do a much improved screen.

Piaggio Hexagon

The Hexagon is Piaggio's offering in this area. While they are best known for the traditional Vespa scooter, they are branching out into several other areas and especially plastic bodied "scooters" They are also doing some excellent research work into ecologically friendly town transport with combined 4 stroke, battery machines and small light delivery vehicles. The basic machine is a small two stroke, but Malossi do a tuned 170cc barrel that gives it a 75mph top speed and about 17hp. The bikes have a useful trunk at the rear in the same style as the Helix.

Piaggio have now released 3 models, a 125, 175 and a GT250 which is powered by the Honda Helix engine.

Malaguti Madison

In late 1998, Malaguti announced the Madison range. They all look similar and are available in 125 and 250 form. The 250 uses the Yamaha Majesty engine and running gear. At first look they appear to be slightly lower and longer than the equivalent Japanese machines with more adventurous styling. Malaguti are rumoured to have a 400 coming soon with a Honda (!) engine.

BMW C1

Yup, those wacky designers at the Bavarian Moter Werks have been spending too much time in the woods again... It's real, It's alive and it's coming to a shop near you in 2000.