2008 Yamaha Majesty Review

The Majesty was already known to scooter riders elsewhere in the world when Yamaha introduced it to the United States in 2005. The U.S. Majesty, with 395 cc of engine power, was the biggest in the Japanese manufacturer’s Majesty line. Majesty scooters in other countries had much smaller engines ranging from 125 cc to 250 cc. When it was introduced to American markets, the Majesty 400 was considered Yamaha’s top-of-the-line scooter. In introducing the maxi-scooter to the United States, Yamaha said the Majesty 400 ""pumps out the power of a motorcycle with the convenience and comfort of a scooter."" The Majesty 400 has lots of under-seat storage, with 16 gallons of space that will hold a full-face helmet, laptop, and more. The under-seat storage has an interior light so riders don’t have to search for things in the dark. More lockable storage can be found behind the leg shield. If more storage is needed, such as for a weekend trip, top cases can be found from aftermarket sellers.

The Majesty is geared for experienced riders. Many beginners drop their scooters a lot in the learning process so it’s better for them to learn on a less expensive scooter so they won’t have to worry about dents and paint scratches as much. Speed is another consideration. The Majesty 400 can go more than 90 miles per hour, making it suitable for freeway driving across the country as well as commuting around town. The Majesty 400 can go from 0 to 60 mph in 11 seconds. The Majesty 400 also may be better suited for taller riders. With a wide seat that is 30 inches high, shorter riders may not be able to put both feet on the ground at stops. The seat comes with a backrest and is adjustable so the driver can find a more comfortable riding position. The instrument panel also includes a light that indicates when to change the oil and a gauge that indicates wear on the V-belt.