The next step up from 125cc (Yamaha Majesty YP250)

Member Name: barnum42

Product:	Yamaha Majesty YP250
Date:	02/07/03 (3022 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Comfy on long or short journeys, Stable at speed, 70 MPG

Disadvantages: A little wobbly at walking pace, Lots of wind noise, Full use not made of underseat storage on old model

Having passed my full test I decided to keep an eye out for something with a little more grunt than my old Madison 125. The used bike that fitted the bill was a 1998 Yamaha Majesty 250.

The extra power from the larger engine makes for much better acceleration, though 125cc two strokes will keep up with it from 0-20 or so at which point the Majesty pulls away.

The extra power is good for cruising at. 60 ? 70 MPH is no longer full throttle. It peaks at 75mph and regardless of whether I am in city traffic or cruising I get around 70MPG.

When at speed the bike is nicely stable, I feel the bumps a bit more than the Madison but nothing too bad. It?s only when going at walking speed that it?s a little twitchy. You can still filter between rows of grid locked cars, but I have to keep the feet off the footboard just in case.

Legroom is not as good as the Madison, though the back rest can be removed to give the extra room. The backrest itself provides good support ? no more twinges of the lower back after a three-hour ride.

I think a replacement screen may be in order ? the one on it, whilst keeping the wind off your torso directs it all into your face, once you get over 30MPH it sounds like a flag is flying over your ears. It is not a quiet ride.

Being an older version of the bike it only has room for one helmet under the seat, this has since been redesigned and newer models can now fit two lids under the seat. The seat is held up by a hydraulic rod, which prevents it blowing shut. Additional storage is in a large two part glove box ? big enough for leggings, bottle of water, A5 road atlas and some other bits and bobs. There is also a deep well in front of the seat. Both are lockable.

The rear brake on this model is a drum, which of course is not as strong as a disc, but still does the job.

I use it for the daily commute across grid locked Bristol and for longer trips of over 100 miles. It is equally hap
py with both. With the addition of a top box I can also do the weekly shop.

It?s a machine I can happily recommend ? I?m sure the newer models with more storage, twin disc brakes and additional legroom are even better.

Summary: