Honda scooters take eight of the 15 spots on this list, and that tells you something about where the reliability scores fall. The rest come from Vespa, Yamaha and Suzuki, from a 49cc city runabout to a 54-horsepower maxi-scooter.
Every verdict here comes from a reviewer, an owner survey or a buyer’s guide. That means Motorcycle News reviewer and owner ratings from UK-market reviews, Motorcyclist’s owner reports, Autotrader’s guide and a Scootering columnist. Where owners found a weak spot, it is here too.
1. 1977–2008 Vespa PX125
Vespa sold the PX125 from 1977 to 2008, and Motorcycle News describes it as “largely unchanged since 1977.” It made 15 bhp. MCN’s reviewer gives it 4 out of 5 for reliability and build quality, with annual servicing at about £60.
The owners are harder on it, though, with an owners’ reliability score of 2.8 out of 5 on MCN. By contrast, a Scootering columnist who switched to the P-range after two broken Lambretta crankshafts calls it “dependable, safe, cheap and (boringly) reliable.” He rode a PX150 about 1,000 miles a month.
2. 2003 Honda Ruckus
Honda introduced this 49cc four-stroke in Japan in 2001 as the Zoomer, then brought it to the United States and Canada in 2003 as the Ruckus. At first, reviewers were not kind. According to Motorcyclist, they had “little good to say” about its bare-bones look, missing storage and 30-mph pace.
Owners of this Honda scooter see it differently, though. “They say it is highly reliable and comfortable to ride,” Motorcyclist reports. Similarly, Autotrader’s 2024 buyer’s guide lists the Ruckus among scooters that “are very reliable” and says it holds its value.
3. 1986–2007 Honda Helix CN250
This Honda scooter grew out of the CN250, which Honda first put into production in Japan in 1986. It uses a 244cc four-stroke single. Honda sold it in the United States until 2001, then brought it back in 2004 and dropped it again in 2007.
Riders surveyed by Motorcyclist “heavily preferred” it. They credited the Helix with “superior engine performance, reliability, design and touring capabilities,” and many praised its comfort and smooth ride. However, those riders also rated it poorly for off-road and track use.
4. 2005 Yamaha Zuma
The 2005 Zuma runs a small two-stroke single with a 40mm bore and a 39.2mm stroke. Its top speed is about 40 mph, so it suits riders who stay off fast roads. Its reputation comes from the people who ride it.
“Quality and reliability are the top key features mentioned in rider forums,” Motorcyclist reports. Most owners call it “pretty much problem free as long as recommended maintenance is performed.” On the other hand, some replaced brake pads more often than they liked, and taller riders found the sloping seat uncomfortable.
5. 2009 Honda Metropolitan
The 2009 Metropolitan used a 49cc four-stroke single with one overhead cam. Cycle World says the engine is similar to the Ruckus motor but uses an 18mm carburetor instead of a 15mm one. It reached about 40 mph on level ground and listed at $2,049.
Its practical touches go beyond the retro paint. A locking 22-liter compartment under the seat holds an open-face helmet, and a latch locks the centerstand. As for durability, Autotrader’s buyer’s guide calls the Metropolitan “adorable, sophisticated, and reliable,” and it adds that Honda scooters in general “are extremely reliable.”
6. 2010–2013 Honda PCX125
The first-generation PCX125 made 11 bhp. In the MCN review of the 2010–2013 model, the reviewer gives it a full 5 out of 5 for reliability and build quality.
Meanwhile, owners nearly match that score, rating its reliability at 4.8 out of 5. It is also cheap to keep, at about £60 a year for servicing, according to MCN. In the United States, Autotrader’s guide puts the larger PCX 150 on its “very reliable” list, too.
7. 2006 Honda PS125
The PS125 is a plain commuter, with 14 bhp and a top speed of about 65 mph. MCN found it pricier than rivals and dull in silver paint.
Even so, its reliability scores are perfect. Both the reviewer and the owners rate it 5 out of 5. “It’s a Honda, so reliability will probably never be an issue,” the review says. It also calls this Honda scooter “satisfyingly chunky and well made.”
8. 2017–2021 Suzuki Burgman 400
MCN headlined its review of the 2017–2021 Burgman 400 “Dependable A2 maxi-scooter gets a sporty makeover.” The 30-bhp Suzuki earns a 5 out of 5 for reliability and build quality from the reviewer.
Owners on MCN rate its reliability at 4.6 out of 5. Annual servicing runs about £90, according to MCN. The model ran through 2021.
9. 2003 Suzuki Burgman 650
Suzuki launched the Burgman 650 in 2003 with 54 bhp, and the MCN reviewer writes that “Suzuki excelled themselves when they created the 650 Burgman.” Owners rate its reliability at 4.6 out of 5. One owner reported “over 28,000 trouble free miles” in 2009.
There are two catches, according to MCN. The underside needs “careful attention to prevent corrosion setting in rapidly.” Also, annual servicing averages about £730, far more than any other scooter here with an MCN service figure.
10. 2009–2019 Vespa GTS300
The GTS300 makes 22 bhp. MCN rates the 2009–2019 model 4 out of 5 for reliability and build quality, and owners score it even higher at 4.8.
The main complaint is price, because MCN calls it “pricey compared to some rivals.” On the other hand, Autotrader says “it is hard to argue with Vespa’s build craftsmanship,” and it notes that Vespa models have been known to retain their value. Annual servicing runs about £90.
11. 2017 Yamaha XMAX 300
The XMAX 300 makes 28 bhp, and MCN’s reviewer gives it 4 out of 5 for reliability. Yamaha is “famous for the reliability of their thumping singles in bigger bikes,” the review says, so “there’s no reason to think the power unit in the XMAX should be any less bullet-proof.”
Owners rate it 4.4 out of 5 on MCN, a little lower. That’s because some reported leaking fork seals. Others reported an alternator that lets the battery go flat when riders use heated gear.
12. 2018–2021 Honda Forza 300
Honda claimed 24.8 bhp at 7,000 rpm for the 2018–2021 Forza 300. MCN’s reviewer gives it 5 out of 5 for reliability, writing that its “single-cylinder four-stroke engine is unstressed and should run forever.”
Also, owners rate it 4.6 out of 5, and servicing averages about £130 a year. Their complaints are mostly minor, such as a battery that needs a full charge to start the bike. In one case, a dealer service missed a very low coolant level, which led to overheating. Honda replaced the model with the larger Forza 350 in 2021.
13. 2020 Yamaha TMAX 560
Yamaha’s TMAX 560 makes 47 bhp, behind only the Burgman 650 and X-ADV on this list. In MCN’s 2022 review, the reviewer rates it 4 out of 5 for reliability and build quality.
In fact, the reviewer says it is “screwed together with the same love, care and attention as any of the Japanese firm’s motorcycles.” Owners of 2020-on bikes rate its reliability at 4.2 out of 5. But winter riders should watch out, because “the exhaust and centre stand can rust.” Servicing costs about £210 a year.
14. 2017–2021 Honda X-ADV adventure scooter
The X-ADV pairs scooter practicality with a tall ride height and Honda’s DCT automatic gearbox. Also, this Honda scooter makes 53 bhp. MCN lists “Honda build quality, low running costs” among its highlights.
The reviewer gives it 4 out of 5 for reliability and build quality. Owners, in contrast, give it a perfect 5 out of 5, according to MCN. Annual servicing averages about £170.
15. 2022 Honda ADV350
Honda’s ADV350 scooter uses a 330cc single that makes 29 bhp. Because it is a new model, the MCN reviewer bases the reliability verdict on Honda’s X-ADV and its 300cc and 350cc scooter range. That verdict is 5 out of 5, and the reviewer adds, “Fit and finish are excellent, too.”
Owners rate it 4.7 out of 5, although that comes from only six reviews, mostly under 3,000 miles. Servicing runs about £130 a year, according to MCN’s figures.
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