Faults:

Original centrifugal clutch accumulates dust and glazes over, causing strong vibrations when accelerating from a standstill.

The transmission is subject to wear under heavy urban use; the rollers, variator track, and belt condition require periodic inspection.

Isolated faults in the voltage regulator or stator, preventing the battery from charging correctly.

The oil level must be checked frequently, as slight consumption can occur between services.

General Comments:

The Yamaha Majesty is considerably heavier than the 250 I previously owned, but it features reinforced suspension and bodywork that is much more touring-oriented.

Chassis is excellent, and the Majesty handles winding roads just as well as many small motorcycles. You will be surprised at how quickly you can weave through traffic on busy main roads. However, the bike's considerable weight ends up overloading the front end when pushed to the limit.

The engine, like any Yamaha's, is reliable and indestructible, quiet, smooth, and pleasant to use; however, its modest 34 hp is insufficient to haul a 197 kg (dry weight) machine on the open road, especially when riding with a passenger.

It impresses with its finish, the perfect fit of its components, and its driving quality.

It also features a comprehensive instrument panel, ample storage space, excellent mirrors, good lighting, and a grab rail, making this scooter a practical choice for commuting. Optional extras for the Majesty include a top case, a backrest, and heated grips, ideal for those who use it daily throughout the year.

While the build quality is excellent, as with any vehicle, the drive belt and slider shoes have a limited lifespan, just like the air filters. That said, if you replace them as specified in the manual and keep up with basic maintenance, the bike will last for a long time.

The fuel pump is a component that absolutely must be replaced. You can have it swapped out at the same time as the transmission parts, which last for at least several years.

The modifications I made turned it into a cruiser that reaches 96 km/h and consumes 3.7 l/100 km, but that is its comfort zone, not its top speed. I prefer riding on back roads, relaxing, and enjoying small towns, where there is less traffic and it is safer.

Faults:

Nothing major.

The bike vibrates between 30-50 km/h at low acceleration. Vibrates less when I accelerate quickly.

Seems to be a vibration in the exhaust system... until I get higher speeds.

About once a month, when I pull into a stop, it may cut off on me. I just have to restart it. Does anyone have any ideas?

A higher windshield would be appreciated. I am 5 ft 8... and I get the wind deflected directly into my eyes. No biggy... I wear a helmet with a small visor.

Thanks in advance.

A great bike for Montreal city commuting.

General Comments:

Great and reliable. About 60 MPG in Canadian gallons... 220 km for 10 litres.

Haven't replaced anything on it yet. I presume the belt will come up soon. V-belt light is on as of 20000 km.

It's a great intermediate bike. Have not taken any long rides beyond 75 km.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I'm not one for cliches, but the Yahama Majesty 400 is truly King of the Road.

I've had it for one year, and have just used it in the city, and was satisfied going at 50 mpg, weaving in and out of traffic with ease, and using it to go to work and back.

I am now a quarter of a way through a trip from Scotland - Germany - Poland - Ukraine - Romania - Serbia - Hungary - Germany - Scotland, and have not been disappointed. The windy Scottish roads were taken with ease, and the German autobahns were weaved through. I was a bit anxious about the motorway riding, as I had had an Xmax 250 and was blown around like a paper bag, but the Majesty was very stable. It has a nice cruising speed of 80 mph, and has an impressive 72 mpg.

The only problem I have had is getting my head blown off, as the visor is not that high, which has led to discopathy in my neck and a pulled muscle in my shoulder. However this is entirely my fault for not putting the practice in. It handles the long queue of traffic at the border with contempt, and as cagers were sitting twiddling their fingers, I was weaving in and out, avoiding the oncoming lorries and heat.

I have a nice little Yamaha bag between my legs, a bag on the seat and a top box, and have used half the storage space under the seat. More than enough room for a small laptop, spa clothes and odds and ends, and a little left over should I want to buy something interesting in Amsterdam on the way back.

It has been as hot as 37 degrees on the road, and the engine is handling it and no engine oil is being used. I feel very safe on it because of the maneuverability and the speed. A comfortable 75 mph on main roads, with a bit of uumph to get past the cagers and crawlers. Even at 80 mph on the motorway, I know I can still ride my way out of trouble.

I am now headed for the mountains of Ukraine, Romania and Serbia, and cannot wait. It goes up hills with the greatest of ease and has plenty of power. I am not a show off or a Sunday rider; I bought the Majesty as a means to an end, a mode of transport to work, a vacation bike and a relaxer. It is very comfortable and does not give you time to think. The seating position is fine for the lumbar region, with the spare seat acting as a cushion. For me, this bike is King of the Road.