Yamaha YP400 Majesty Review

Overall Rating

The Yamaha YP400 Majesty scooter accelerates as quickly as any power-car. Great for pulling away and leaving a big space behind, for safety. Easily goes on highways, with some wind buffeting, but minor.

I ride with high beams on in the daylight hours, so maybe the manufacture of a slightly brighter low beam would be better (minor problem).
The back rest could be a little higher for better support on longer rides.
The glove compartment door could be manufactured in "heavy duty" mode. I think someone could break into it easily with a screwdriver.
I wouldn't mind a pre-installed D-ring under the dash for carrying stuff. The Piaggio Evolution 500 has one, and it looks useful.

Gas mileage is about 50% better than the best gas mileage of any small car. Acceleration is surprising, and great for "pulling away" from cars behind. It can cruise easily at 50 to 60 mph (80 to 100 kph), and at those speeds it has power to accelerate up a hill. The engine is reasonably quiet too. I have never had anyone on the back yet. So far, I LOVE my machine, and I have done 800km on it at this point.

Members' Comments ongordito's Review

• Larry Newman on 23rd Jul 2006

  Yamaha has provided very adequate front and rear visibility in this design; the front by having both [55w] lo beams on at all times, the rear by such a big and bright led tail light.
  
  I do not feel it necessary for this bike to run with hi beams in the daytime [ in my experience in Buffalo traffic ], as the two headlights are very visible. However, it must be said that most bikes could use more visibility...you are never as visible as you think you are...
  
  It is good to see a rider who is concerned with viisibility...and the high density traffic of Toronto certainly needs a bike with maximum presence.

• gordito on 24th Jul 2006

  On second thought, if the low beam on the Madge was any brighter, I could not drive at night, as the beam would be too strong for oncoming traffice. So I will settle for a high beam on in the daytime, as long as drivers are not seriously distracted. So far not one person has flashed their lights at me in daytime whilst my highbeams are on. If someone is slightly annoyed, that's ok with me. At least, I know the other guy has noticed me. That's all I want...to be seen for sure. Up to 900 km now and loving it. Just learned how to get it up on its centre stand today. There's as definite knack to it. Apparently, on the centrestand at gas stations, I can get more gas into the tank. Takes less space in my garage too.

• gordito on 9th Aug 2006

  Just to compare, for those who are shopping; the Burgman 400 vs Majesty 400. The former is by Suzuki; the latter by Yamaha. The Burg is one inch longer but a whopping 9 inches lower. The seat on a Burg is 2.5 inches lower, better for average ht.riders. The Burg's rear and front break are activated together, while the Madge has the usual front brake lever and rear brake lever. I ride a Majesty and as a first time rider, found absolutely no difficulty applying either back or front brakes, or both together. (as should be done) The Burg has an electrical outlet while the Madge has none. (of no consequence to me) Madge has 14 inch front tyres while the Burg has 13 inch. Rears tyres are 13 inch for both bikes. Madge has 395 cc enginge while Burg is 385 cc. Majesty 400 is about 35 lb heavier than the Burgman 400. Gas tank of Burg is 13 L. while Majesty is 14 L. Average city /hwy mileage (Canadian) is 4.2 L per 100 kms driven. (the best a very small car can do is around 5 L / 100 km and 8 in the city). I assume the Berg is similar. Berg looks lower (as it is) while the Majesty has a more upright look, not quite the "lounge chair" appearance of the Burgman. Both accelerate to 100 km per hour (60mph) in under 8 seconds.( I counted seconds mentally)
  Majesty has 60 litres of space under the seat and the Burg has 55 litres I think. The Burg has a higher backrest and therefore a more comfortable seat. I'd like to ride one for a while to find out. Both bikes can perform on the freeways, maxing out around at an unnecessary 95 or 100 mph. (160 kph) Now the Burgman 650.... that's another animal altogether. Same length and a couple of grand more. Lots of bells and whistles. I 'll stick with a more gas-miserly 400 series of scooter.

• dgosse on 21st Aug 2006

  My husband drives a Burgman and I drive a Majesty. Both bikes are very similar, but the Majesty is two inchs taller which I found difficult until I found a pair of boots with 2 inch heels (I am only 5' 2'). I love my Majesty, but I like the lower height of the Burgman. The Burgman is also a bit easier to make tight turns and is a slight bit quieter. We just replaced the tyres on the Burgman after 14,000 km. Other than that, my husband has been doing all oil changes and service checks.

• gordito on 23rd Aug 2006

  The Suzuki Bergman400 for 2007 only, has now matched the Majesty400 from Yamaha in several ways. Both now have 14" 13" wheels; both now have the same size gas tank,(14 L), and 2007 Bergman now has moved up to 399cc from 385cc. (vs Majesty 395cc) With Bergy's mammoth glove box, elect.outlet, front-rear brake conntecting, it could be a tad more utilitarian, but if you are looking for a more upright look and sculpted mirrors, the Majesty fits the bill. Both now weigh the same for 2007.

• timblack57 on 30th Oct 2006

  Majesty 400/Burgman 400. Yes, two VERY similar bikes. Latest Suzuki surely looks more attractive and has a clearer instrument panel. Yamaha plus is its cast aluminium frame against the tubular steel of the Suzuki. Strange that it doesn't weigh less though. Both now have twin front disc brakes, while Suzuki have (I think) ditched the linked braking system on this model (sportier feel?). Yamaha has poorly designed passenger foot-boards too (basically too small). Only the Suzuki has adjustable rear suspension. So on balance, the Suzuki is the better of the two, in my opinion. Shame that neither offer ABS on a 100 mph machine. In the end it could come down to the quality of the dealer when making your decision.