Scooter Review PGO G-MAX 220i Review The G-MAX 220i has arrived. A scooter for the sports fans.
Allen Drysdale 
Summary
It's always good to get something new rolling into the Scootersales garage. Whilst the G-MAX doesn't entirely fit into this category (been here before), the 220i does look fresh, especially in the all white colour scheme.
The new G-MAX answers the call of sports fans who have found things fairly thin on the ground in Australia. We take new G-MAX 220i for a spin.
Specifications
The G-MAX sets itself apart from other scooters on the market by running a frame set-up very similar to that of a motorcycle. This alloy frame performs the task of keeping things nice and rigid, very different from what we see on the majority of scooters. The G-MAX also runs a centrally mounted shock, keeping things nice and compact, this allowing for better weight distribution.
Seat height on the G-MAX is typical of any dedicated sports machine and having the frame in the middle can be a deterrent for anybody a little short in stature. You need to straddle the G-MAX and there is no sliding onto the seat like most scooters.
Storage could be seen as adequate, or for some it may fall a little
short, depending on your preference. Under the seat you have enough room
for a full face helmet, the seat opens off the ignition key. Two helmet
hooks are provided for extra convenience. The trade off for sublime
handling is that you don't get a flat floor or a bag hook up-front.
Though I did find myself using the tunnel to rest my laptop bag
regardless of the warnings on the frame. For me it would be difficult to
place a box on the back, it would ruin the compact curves.
The G-MAX runs 13 inch wheels both ends and comes fitted with Maxxis rubber. Brakes are waved disc front with two-piston calliper, the rear single piston calliper with disc, braided lines for both. The 220 cc engine comes injected. A basic two valve unit, the G-MAX pumps out a respectable 12 Kw's. Not high, but read on, torque saves the day.
Gauges are a mix of digital and analogue. The digital speedo is very cool and it's extremely easy to asses speed at a glance. The fuel filler cap is spring loaded and again opens off the ignition key. Filling the G-MAX is simple, the cap is located on the top of the perimeter frame. Fuel location is also helping with weight distribution.
The G-MAX has both a side and a centre stand, the side stand does not have the standard cut-out switch, which is actually kind of handy.
On The Road
Immediately you notice the dynamic ability. And really that's what it's all about with the G-MAX. It takes on the role of dedicated sports scooter with ease. The suspension glides over bumps, the change of direction is exceptional. I put the G-MAX 220i as one of the top handling scooters on the market.
The second thing you notice is the brakes. Braided lines mean a super feel and one finger braking is the order of the day. Overall, with brakes and handling this good, you immediately respect the job PGO engineers have performed on the G-MAX.
The G-MAX is compact, it both looks and feels short in the wheelbase. The seating position is spot-on, everything feels like it's been measured out to fit precisely. The feel of this scooter is what impresses me. It has a nice weight about it, the parts used are all top quality, everything is bolted together in typical PGO fashion. This is a real racers scooter, and as a sports fan, it ticks all the boxes.
The motor I see as a good base. As an engine it provides the G-MAX with enough performance for city riding. Its strength is that it develops good levels of torque where needed. So once you reach say 80 km/h it sits in this region without hills and inclines having a major impact. The more kilometres I've placed on the G-MAX the better it has felt, really loosening up nicely over time.
As I said, from an engine perspective the G-MAX forms a good base. I would be looking at experimenting with roller weights to get some extra revs, especially to gain some extra top speed. Motorsport Importers are already looking at an extensive range of performance accessories that are available across Asia. Why reinvent the wheel, enhancing the performance of ones G-MAX has all be been done before. I would also like to experiment with the CDI plug-in located under the seat. The G-MAX has scope for the future.....
Summary
Owners of the G-MAX will be blown away with its dynamic ability. Handling and brakes combine to offer a special mid-capacity experience. The quality and feel of this scooter far exceeds the price point.
I would be instantly fiddling, and why not, that's what owning a sports scooter is all about. Information about getting more out of the G-MAX is readily available and options would be inexpensive.
The G-MAX also fits under the NSW third party threshold, so in states like NSW for example, another benefit would be cheaper registration.
I like the G-MAX. I had been looking forward to riding it, and as expected, it did not disappoint. For those of us that are a little sporting inclined, the G-MAX is perfect. For those that like to fiddle, the G-MAX is even better.
published 9/12/2011 |