Four “superscooters” of more than 500 cc for unlimited travel and the latest technology

Those considering a motorcycle for long-distance travel might want to consider one of the four touring superscooters we suggest in this article. They offer all the performance and comfort of any Grand Touring motorcycle. They're fun on winding roads, comfortable on long stretches of highway, fast on motorways, and have the added benefit of becoming docile urban machines for exploring the streets once you reach your destination.

For all these reasons, they belong to one of the fastest-growing segments of the market when the summer holidays arrive. This market is shared by the "Magnificent Four" we selected, as they have gradually surpassed competitors from other brands to become the respective "flagships" of the category.

5 basic tips for riding a high-performance scooter 1 An active stance These models have a very low center of gravity but weigh more than a regular scooter, so you should always keep your feet firmly planted on the ground when stopped and an active handlebar posture at low speeds. 2 Motorcyclist Mentality: They should be driven more with a motorcycle mentality than a scooter mentality because the maximum speeds they allow and their dynamic handling far exceed those of a 100% urban model. This means paying more attention to the line and braking distances. 3 Caution with the gas Although all of them have driving aids that make the task easier - especially on poor pavement - you have to be careful and progressive with the gas grip, since their acceleration is very forceful and similar to that of some sport bikes. 4 More rigorous maintenance. Automatic CVT clutches require more frequent replacement than those of a conventional motorcycle. The brakes also tend to have a shorter lifespan, as do the transmission and filters. 5 Taking Advantage of Technology: All of these scooters offer the ability to choose from several power delivery modes and even customize them. It's a good idea to spend time learning about them and switching between them depending on the circumstances.

Obviously, these aren't budget models, as they clearly fall into a premium range, but price isn't usually the deciding factor for customers interested in these superscooters. Performance and equipment are, however, with all four brands installing the latest in their technological catalog. None of the quartet lacks anything: large, connectable TFT dashboards with built-in navigation, all kinds of driving aids, storage spaces under the seat, adjustable windshields, full-LED lighting... and, of course, the possibility of limited versions that can be driven with an A2 license.

Read also The most GT Honda Forza 750: 12,390 euros

Without a doubt, the most "Gran Turismo" in the segment. Its 745cc twin-cylinder engine delivers 59 hp and performs brilliantly at low and medium revs, resulting in a very full engine that recovers well under acceleration and offers low fuel consumption. Its final drive is a toothed chain, as opposed to the belt drive preferred by its rivals.

It's also the only one of the four that, in addition to the automatic transmission, features a six-speed transmission with a dual-clutch DCT system that allows manual shifting via paddle shifters located on the handlebar. It features three driving modes (Sport, Standard, Rain) and two customizable modes, allowing performance to be adjusted according to riding conditions. Its curb weight is 236 kilos.

The most versatile KYMCO AK550 Premium: 11,999 euros

This KYMCO's 550cc parallel-twin engine delivers 50.3 hp. One of its most notable features is its lightweight aluminum frame, which makes it highly efficient at low speeds. Its features include a TFT display with Noodoe connectivity, heated grips, an electrically adjustable windshield, cruise control, LED lights, and an integrated Komobi anti-theft tracking system.

Its underseat cargo capacity allows for storing a full-face helmet and other personal items. In terms of dynamic safety, it features disengageable traction control and hill-sensitive ABS. It weighs 238 kilos in full running order.

The most urban SYM MaxSym 508 TL: 8,999 euros

The brand, which is coming to Spain through the Motos Bordoy Group, is committed to what SYM does best with its mid- and high-displacement scooters: products with a good price-performance ratio and an optimal balance between road and urban use. In this sense, the MaxSym is the most urban of the quartet.

Its heart is a 508cc parallel-twin engine that produces 45.5 hp at 6,750 rpm, delivering it smoothly yet powerfully at any rev range. Furthermore, the mid-engine design with independent swingarm and multi-link lateral shock absorber—something very unusual in scooters—improves overall balance and dynamic cornering performance. It is the lightest among its rivals, weighing 214 kilos on the road.

The most sporty Yamaha T-Max: 13,990 euros

For almost a quarter of a century, and with 330,000 units sold worldwide, this iconic model has been the benchmark and king of the superscooter market. And this is largely because Yamaha has managed to maintain the sporty character of its T-Max without falling into overly touristy temptations.

Its 560cc, two-cylinder engine is paradoxically the least powerful—delivering 47 hp—but it offers the most distinctly sporty performance and is most comfortable at high revs. Even so, it's equipped with D-MODE, which allows the driver to select the desired power for city or highway driving. The T-Max incorporates an intelligent electronic brake control system known as "Active Cornering ABS," originally developed for the brand's Supersport motorcycles. The system takes into account the angle of the machine and wheel slip to modulate brake pressure. It also weighs quite a bit, weighing 219 kilos.