Yamaha YP400 Majesty Review

Overall Rating

I chose the Yamaha YP400 Majesty for its good luggage space and good weather protection; both have proved to be the best in the 400cc class. I added the taller (Yamaha) screen; rear carrier with Yamaha's recommended 44-litre top-box (and inner bag) to complete the system. All these components have proved well made and useful, but the stated load limit on the top box is a ridiculous 5kg!

Fantastic lights, good road prescience, seriously comfortable seat and loads of room for a passenger; it's more like a low powered touring bike than a scooter.

A major warning right away: don't trust the side stand! Its lock down position gives no positive location and it's very easy to drop the bike. Always check it is really down, and use the parking break - even facing up hill.

Generally the exhaust note is a bit louder that the Bergman 400 or Honda Silver Wing, but I use that to make drivers "SEE" me when they are daydreaming.

The under seat space is huge but not square so rectangular objects can be a problem. I still prefer it to the Honda Silver wing for protection and carrying space, but its not briefcase friendly.

There is no sensible way to get a heavy chain through the frame as security; but an alarmed disc-lock with an armoured cable through the rear wheel has kept it safe so far.

The battery is vulnerable to winter lay ups. It's also VERY expensive to replace. Get a maintenance charger rigged up if you intend to leave it for two months or more. My unit died and cost nearly £100 to replace.

With some minor reservations I like the Yamaha YP400 Majesty a lot. For a 400cc scooter it's quite heavy, but very stiff and stable at speed as a result. I added a DIY friction throttle grip to make longer rides less wearing on the right hand and high-level LED indicator warning lights as a reminder (I still use a car most of the time).

Apart from the useless side stand it's basically a great unit. Car drivers generally "notice it" which helps in traffic. The breaks are great and can be used without wobbles; added to almost endless grip it makes for a very competent performer; well suited to commuting and good on the motorway.

It's longer than many serious conventional motorbikes, the turning circle is huge and the ultra-wide tyres make is grip like hell; so a 1200cc touring bike is easier to manoeuvre on foot, but you do get used to it.

I treat it as general short and medium distance transport, but it can do comfortable do 80 miles or more, even at motorway speeds. It's not a nippy bike but once above 30 it builds speed quickly and can cruse at 70-80 when needed.

Would I recommend it? Well it's a viable alternative to a Honda Deauville for some, much cheaper than the Silver Wing and better than the 400 Bergman. Given the choice again, I would probably go up to a bigger bike, or down to a lighter one but only for personal reasons; I do recommend it.