Maxi-Scooter Specs: Beverly 400 vs Forza 350 vs ADV350
Following on from my personal story, "The High-Wheeler's Gambit: My Quest for the Perfect Maxi-Scooter," I wanted to list out the hard data behind the decision. That post was about the real-world feel, the ergonomics for a tall rider, and the overall experience. This post is the objective follow-up.
Here, I'll break down the key specifications of the main contenders I tested: the Piaggio Beverly 400 S, the Honda Forza 350, the Honda ADV350, and the now-discontinued but still relevant Yamaha XMAX 400.
The Core Metrics: Power vs. Weight
For any vehicle, the battle between horsepower and kilograms is what defines performance. A powerful engine is great, but if it's hauling a heavy machine, the advantage is lost. That’s why the power-to-weight ratio is the ultimate measure of performance potential.
| Model | Peak Power | Wet Weight | Power-to-Weight Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piaggio Beverly 400 S | 35.4 bhp | 191 kg | 0.185 bhp/kg |
| Yamaha XMAX 400 | 32.8 bhp | 210 kg | 0.156 bhp/kg |
| Honda Forza 350 | 28.8 bhp | 186 kg | 0.155 bhp/kg |
| Honda ADV350 | 28.8 bhp | 186 kg | 0.155 bhp/kg |
Analysis: The numbers here tell a clear story that backs up my test ride experience. The Piaggio Beverly 400 S is the undisputed champion of this group. It not only produces the most horsepower by a significant margin but is also relatively light, giving it a class-leading power-to-weight ratio. This is precisely why it felt like "a rocket" compared to the others. The two Hondas, while being the lightest and most nimble, share the lowest power output, making them smooth and efficient but not thrilling.
The Handling Equation: The Wheel Size Factor
As I explained in my first post, my mountain biking background made me obsessed with wheel size. It's the secret ingredient to a scooter's handling character, defining its stability at speed and its ability to handle imperfect roads.
| Model | Front Wheel | Rear Wheel | Handling Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piaggio Beverly 400 S | 16 inch | 14 inch | Stable & Planted: The largest front wheel here gives it motorcycle-like stability, smoothing out bumps and inspiring confidence at high speeds. |
| Honda Forza 350 | 15 inch | 14 inch | Balanced & Agile: A classic maxi-scooter setup that provides a great compromise between stability and the agility needed for city riding. |
| Honda ADV350 | 15 inch | 14 inch | Nimble & Capable: Shares the Forza's sizes but uses its long-travel suspension and block-pattern tyres to absorb bumps, making it feel rugged. |
| Yamaha XMAX 400 | 15 inch | 13 inch | Sporty & Eager: The smallest rear wheel is a deliberate choice to make the handling feel quick and "flickable," ideal for a sporty character. |
Analysis: This table perfectly illustrates why the Beverly felt so secure on the Spanish motorway. That 16-inch front wheel makes a world of difference. It proves that stability isn't just about weight, but about design philosophy.
Practicality, Dimensions, and The Rider
Finally, a scooter has to work as a practical, everyday vehicle. Here’s how they stack up in the key areas, but with an important real-world caveat.
| Model | Seat Height | Fuel Tank | Under-seat Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piaggio Beverly 400 S | 795 mm | 12.5 Litres | Good (Fits two jet helmets or one full-face) |
| Honda Forza 350 | 780 mm | 11.7 Litres | Excellent (Fits two full-face helmets) |
| Honda ADV350 | 795 mm | 11.7 Litres | Excellent (Fits two full-face helmets) |
| Yamaha XMAX 400 | 800 mm | 13.0 Litres | Excellent (Fits two full-face helmets) |
Analysis: On paper, the Hondas look fantastic. They have the lowest seat height (Forza) and class-leading storage. However, as a 6-foot-3 rider, this is where specs can be deceiving. The Forza 350, despite its low seat, had incredibly low handlebars that made the cockpit feel tiny and cramped for my height and build. The ADV350, with the same seat height as the Beverly, felt far more spacious due to its higher, wider handlebars. This is the ultimate proof that you simply cannot buy a bike based on numbers alone.
Conclusion: Data Confirms the Feeling
The data doesn't lie. The Piaggio Beverly 400 S is the performance leader, and its high-wheeler design gives it the stable, confident ride I was searching for. While the Hondas are brilliantly engineered, lighter, and arguably more practical in terms of storage, their performance and ergonomics didn't suit my specific needs.
Ultimately, this data is the perfect starting point for your own search. Use it to create a shortlist, but let the test ride make the final decision.