When most people think of scooters, they picture small engines, buzzing around city blocks, and limited speed. But the scooter market has grown far beyond that stereotype. Today, North America offers a surprising lineup of large-displacement scooters machines with the comfort, storage, and practicality of a scooter, combined with the highway power of a motorcycle. Often called “maxi scooters,” these bikes pack serious muscle while remaining approachable and easy to ride. Here’s a closer look at twenty of the largest displacement scooters you can find in North America today, including a mix of officially sold models and imports that scooter enthusiasts seek out.
Honda Gold Wing F6B and F6C (1833 cc benchmark)
Strictly speaking, the Honda Gold Wing is a motorcycle, not a scooter. But its step-through-like ergonomics, massive fairing, and smooth flat six engine put it in a class of its own. With 1833 cc under the seat, it is the gold standard for long-distance comfort. While not marketed as a scooter, it has influenced maxi scooter design by showing that practicality and displacement can go hand in hand.
Yamaha TMAX 560
The Yamaha TMAX is the superstar of the maxi scooter world. Its 562 cc parallel twin produces genuine motorcycle levels of performance, capable of smooth highway cruising and spirited cornering. Canadians and Americans appreciate the TMAX for its versatility, making it equally at home in urban commutes or on weekend trips. With sharp styling and sporty handling, it’s as close as scooters get to a sport bike.
BMW C 650 GT
BMW jumped into the scooter game with the C 650 GT, offering a 647 cc parallel twin that delivers over 60 horsepower. Unlike small city scooters, this machine was built for highway touring, complete with wind protection, heated grips, and large storage capacity. The GT is a luxury maxi scooter that appeals to riders who want BMW sophistication with scooter practicality.
BMW C 650 Sport
Sharing the same 647 cc engine as the GT, the C 650 Sport trades long-haul comfort for a more aggressive riding stance. Its design emphasizes agility, sporty handling, and urban practicality, while still offering plenty of performance for freeway riding. It proved that BMW could build scooters with the same premium feel as its motorcycles.
Suzuki Burgman 650
Few names carry as much weight in the maxi scooter segment as the Suzuki Burgman. The Burgman 650 has long been considered the king of scooters, thanks to its smooth 638 cc twin, excellent wind protection, and touring comfort. Riders rave about its automatic transmission modes, plush seating, and cavernous under-seat storage. In many ways, it set the template for the modern maxi scooter.
Kymco AK 550
Taiwan’s Kymco has carved out a strong reputation with the AK 550. Packing a 550 cc twin engine, advanced electronics, and high-end suspension, it’s a scooter that rivals European competitors in both design and performance. It represents a strong value for Canadians and Americans who want something powerful and stylish without premium-brand pricing.
Aprilia SRV 850
The Aprilia SRV 850 is a monster of a scooter. With an 839 cc V-twin derived from Aprilia’s motorcycle engines, it blurs the line between bike and scooter entirely. At nearly 80 horsepower, it’s one of the most powerful scooters ever made. Though not officially sold in Canada or the U.S. in large numbers, enthusiasts import them because they deliver superbike punch in scooter form.
Honda Silver Wing 600 (Used Market)
Honda’s Silver Wing, with its 582 cc twin engine, was once Honda’s flagship scooter in North America. Though discontinued, it remains a favorite on the used market for its comfort, reliability, and highway ability. Many Canadian riders still swear by it for long-distance touring without the complexity of a full motorcycle.
Vespa GTS 300 HPE
The Vespa GTS 300 may be much smaller than others here, but for Vespa it’s the largest available displacement. Its 278 cc single cylinder engine is freeway capable, though just barely. Canadians love it for its style, heritage, and maneuverability, but compared to the maxi scooters on this list, it’s more about charm than brute power.
Kymco Xciting 400i
The Xciting 400i, with its 400 cc engine, slots neatly into the maxi scooter category. It offers a comfortable ride, stylish looks, and highway readiness. It’s a solid option for Canadians who want something bigger than a 300 but not as bulky as a 650.
Honda Forza 350
Honda’s Forza 350 isn’t the biggest on this list, but it’s a popular choice where available. With a 330 cc single cylinder engine, it’s aimed at riders who want an easy step-through that can handle highways. For Canadian riders who can source one, it’s a practical and dependable pick.
Yamaha XMAX 300
Yamaha’s XMAX 300 is another smaller displacement scooter that still makes the cut because of its popularity and highway competence. With around 292 cc, it sits below the TMAX but delivers premium features, comfortable ergonomics, and the ability to handle long rides at Canadian highway speeds.
SYM Maxsym TL 500
SYM is a less familiar brand in Canada, but the Maxsym TL 500 deserves recognition. With a 465 cc twin engine and sporty design, it aims directly at Yamaha’s TMAX. Import availability has made it a cult favorite among maxi scooter enthusiasts.
Honda ADV 350 (European Model, Imports Only)
Honda’s ADV line includes rugged scooters styled like adventure bikes. While only smaller ADV models are available in some North American regions, the 330 cc ADV 350 is highly sought after for its blend of off-road attitude and maxi scooter practicality.
Piaggio MP3 500
The Piaggio MP3 500 is unique, with its three-wheel layout and 493 cc engine. It’s freeway capable, practical for commuting, and adds stability in poor weather. Canadians who want scooter practicality with extra safety often consider it.
Yamaha Majesty 400 (Used Market)
The Majesty 400 was once Yamaha’s big seller in the maxi scooter category. With a 395 cc engine, it offered excellent comfort and reliability. Though discontinued, it remains a staple in Canada’s used market for riders who value Yamaha’s engineering.
BMW CE 04 (Electric Alternative)
Although not gas-powered, the BMW CE 04 deserves mention. As an electric maxi scooter with performance comparable to 400 cc gas scooters, it represents the future of large scooters. In Canada, it’s attracting attention for urban commuting with futuristic styling.
Why Maxi Scooters Matter in North America
Maxi scooters offer Canadians and Americans the best of both worlds: motorcycle-level performance in a package that’s easy to ride, practical for commuting, and comfortable for long distances. While traditionalists may scoff, these large-displacement scooters are carving out a serious niche, with options ranging from affordable Taiwanese models to luxurious BMWs and outrageous imports like the Aprilia SRV 850.
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