Scooters From Japan

A maxi-scooter or touring scooter is a large scooter, with engines ranging in size from 250 cc (Honda CN250) up to the latest 839 cc machine (the Gilera GP 800), and using larger frames than the normal sized scooters. The more advanced and expensive maxi-scooters differ have their engines mounted on the frame, as opposed to the swing-arm. This arrangement can improve the handling, by allowing the centre of gravity to be moved forward and by reducing the load on the rear shock absorber(s). A final drive is necessary to connect the clutch assembly to the rear wheel. This trend toward larger, more powerful scooters with fully automatic transmissions is matched by an emerging trend in motorcycle design that foreshadows automatic transmission motorcycles with on-board storage. This is exemplified by the Aprilia NA 850 Mana automatic-transmission motorcycle that provides built-in storage for a full-face helmet.