Good little machine... but starting issues?
Written: Apr 18 '06 (Updated Apr 24 '06)
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Pros: A miser with gas, with a nice protected ride
Cons: Poor handling related to obstacles like potholes, starting problems and locks freeze in cooler weather.
The Bottom Line: I would highly recommend this machine if the starting problem was addressed.
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| jimjutte's Full Review: 2005 Yamaha Majesty |
I purchased my Yamaha Majesty in October 2005 when most people were putting their's away. I installed several accessories right away and will be adding the rear carrier in spite of initial reservations.
I initially looked at the Majesty because my wife as a non-rider could start to ride without fear. Although the Majesty is quite heavy, at 5'2", she was still quite comfortable with respect to handling the scooter, visibility and seat height. I am not a very tall person at 5'8", but to keep things in perspective, I used to drive a Yamaha Venture.
I added an after market shield to gain more height and can comfortable either "hide" behind it or sit with my head fully above it. The scoop of either windshield kept more droplet from my faceshield... and wearing glasses, this is important. Three layer of material gets pretty thick.
We also added grip warmers. THESE are indispensable. I thought at first I was being a baby, but after using them... really the ability to drive at cooler temps is so much better. Anyone that has driven in rain or cold knows what I am talking about.
I added the lower fairing extensions and although they don't seem like much, my legs remain almost completely dry with just that little bit and certainly the wind is kept more at bay.
We also added the backrest, which my children find very comfortable and frankly provides an extra handle if I want to move the bike around in the driveway and things get tight.
I put 10,000 km it between October and April by riding it every weekend.
I broke it in slowly and found that the gas consumption averaged about 22 km/l, which is literally double what I get on my Cheverolet Cavalier and nearly four times what I get for my GMC Safari Van... I sure am looking forward to summer as I watch the gas prices go up.
Unlike some reviewers, I found it handled very well at high speed on the 400 series highways. Wind from tractor trailers was no more difficult with the Majesty than previously with my Venture. The one issue with respect to handling was its ability to handle potholes in the road... which let's face it, in Canada can be problematic. The first time I hit a pothole going at slow speed around a curve, I thought I was going to be thrown from the scooter, needless to say... I learned to avoid any further obstacles.
Obviously I have ridden it in all sorts of weather, some which I was simply got caught in and frankly should not have been in. Oddly, at times I saw cars in the ditches, but by driving very carefully, I managed to keep the rubber side down.
I have a serious concern about the starting however. I have had intermittent starting issues since owning it. At first I blamed wetness. I noticed that my locks would stick after filling up in the cold weather. What this means is that the condensation that might have formed from the warm air near the engine froze as it touched the cooler metal near the ignition or gas tank. However in the last little while it has been warm and dry... So, I'm not quite sure what is happening here.
It appears that this model (at least my scooter) may have an issue somewhere in the starting process. I think this may be more difficult to diagnose than I originally thought because it sometimes stalls if I stop quickly. I read in another review that there is an issue with a relay switch... this may address part of the problem but it does NOT address standing still.
Since writing the initial review, I noticed that the starter button is a bit sticky. That on its own shouldn't prevent it from starting... it might burn out the starter, but shouldn't simply be dead... I now realize that after playing with the starter switch and getting no response, I played with the throttle... sure enough, it started up.
Although this appears to be minor, clearly it is enough that one cannot ride the scooter if the starter is not able to engage. At least with a conventional motorcycle one can just pop the clutch... no such luck here.
So once again... overall I love the scooter, but one really needs to have a look at what is going on with the starter and grip warmers...
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 5600
Condition: New
Model Year: 2005
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Epinions.com ID:
jimjutte
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Reviews written: 1
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