Scooter News

The Winter Challenge

We will take three mid-size maxi scooters and ride them Melbourne to Sydney over two days. Crazy yes, but it's all in the name of science....

Allen Drysdale

Well if I didn't know any better!

The 250/300 cc category is easily the best all-round capacity for a whole cross section of uses. These latest machines will easily commute and tour, and provide enough performance to fulfill all the day to day aspects of regular scooterlife.

When word sounded that the new CF Moto JetMax 250 was about to be launched, it got me thinking. Just how far can you go for under $4000? (RRP) Could you carry out the daily commute without fuss, could you head out onto the freeway and sit comfortably at speeds over 100 km/h. Just how far can a few dollars take you.

With this in mind I instantly dreampt up a route from Melbourne to Sydney, traversing some of Australia's finest roads. What a great test of endurance to prove my case I thought. Mid winter, cold, greasy conditions, a test of any machines real worth.

Next Thought : Why not invite some company along and compare a couple of machines from a couple of different brands? I set about organising some extra partners for the trip, choosing the Kymco Downtown 300i ABS and Piaggio's trusty X7 300.

Needing two more riding partners, I grabbed Muz from Scooter Central and my trusty side-kick Scooterman, whose identity will remain cloaked in secrecy. Timing for the trip planned for mid-June.

So the scene is set for a spectacular ride across some of the best country roads available. Weather reports from Melbourne suggest ice in the high country and it looks like snow seasons already started.

Along the way each rider will be asked to give feedback on a number of features and benefits. Forming opinions on items like power and handling, comfort and value for money.

Also we will take time out to cover how each rider has tackled keeping warm over the distance. Lets take a closer look at our combatants for the trip;


Kymco Downtown 300 ABS
Ride Away Price : Approx $7990
Specified Power : 21.7 Kw

published 7/06/2011