Scooter classifications

Recently while chatting with some WTU friends here about my two scoots the subject of scooter classification came up. They like so many other people were unaware that there were any other kind of scooter than slow 50cc "putt putt" (as they called it) type scooters. I explained it as this:

1.) 50cc to under 150cc = Scooter

2.) 150cc to under 400cc = Maxi Scooter

3.) 400cc and above = Super Scooter

Anybody agree with this or care to make corrections?

I read similar on another forum about calling the 400cc and above super scooters, but I'm happy to call 250cc and above maxi scooters. I think the term started with the Honda CN250 Helix because it was the original, (and one of the best scooters ever made). Maxi scooters are what we call them in the UK, even though our motorcyclists usually call them something else.

Nice to know you're getting back in the frame again Tom.

Thanks Meldrew.

Yeah I have to admit I'm more partial to "Super Scooter" for our rides as "maxi" here in the states usually refers to something unmanly.

Somerled wrote:

Yeah I have to admit I'm more partial to "Super Scooter" for our rides as "maxi" here in the states usually refers to something unmanly.

+1. Although I used the term maxi-scooter to refer to mine up until now, I always hated the sound of that as it does refer people's minds to the most popular word that starts with "maxi"...the maxi-pad tampons!
I may start using "super-scooter" or my personal favorite: "Touring-Scooter" as it adds the idea that we can go cross-country with them too.

LVScooterBill wrote:

Although I used the term maxi-scooter to refer to mine up until now, I always hated the sound of that as it does refer people's minds to the most popular word that starts with "maxi"...the maxi-pad tampons!

Sorry mate, I'll have to challenge you on a technical matter, Maxi Pads are towels or napkins, not tampons. Isn't Wikipedia a wonderful research tool!

Meldrew wrote:

Sorry mate, I'll have to challenge you on a technical matter, Maxi Pads are towels or napkins, not tampons.

Here are some old commercials:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzwJVG5KiGM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Bmyh7-1HgM

I'll never call it a maxi scooter again! jeez!!

I have found even in the UK if you mention Maxi Scoot people have a quizzical look across there face. I normally call the 'Wing' a motorbike - super scoot or more often "my moped on steroids."

Can't say I really care what anyone thinks of my plastic coated two wheeled friend.

Meldrew wrote:

Sorry mate, I'll have to challenge you on a technical matter, Maxi Pads are towels or napkins, not tampons. Isn't Wikipedia a wonderful research tool!

C'mon Meldrew, you are right but you knew what I meant.
Sometimes I just tell people I ride a Honda Silver Wing 600 and just leave it at that. It is true that most people don't know what to make of the term maxi-scooter over here too.

Waspie wrote:

Can't say I really care what anyone thinks of my plastic coated two wheeled friend.

Yeah not so much myself either. I'm more conscious, like Bill, of how the word "maxi" sounds to myself as I say it. Touring scooter works, but I like super scooter best. Terms only used when someone says, "What is that?". Also, like Bill, if somebody asks me what I ride I say a BMW R100/7, a Honda Silverwing 600 FSC, and a SYM HD200. That usually wisens them up that I have a fair amount of experience.