Italjet Jupiter Scooter

The scooter world has come in for some rapid change over recent years, with 250s becoming almost common, where once they were the kings of the class. These days, to be considered a Maxi, you need to be touting a powerplant of 400cc or more capacity.

Italjet's Jupiter is the latest entrant in the local 250 offerings, facing three direct competitors from Yamaha (Majesty) and Honda (Forza and Foresight). In fact it shares the Yamaha's powerplant and transmission.

The Jupiter scores a liquid-cooled four-stroke single powerplant, matched to a constant velocity trans, which means you score auto clutch and a stepless run from start to top speed. Claimed power is 21ps at 7500rpm and 22Nm at 6000rpm ­ which is about what you expect for this class.

Suspension is a 35mm conventional fork up front with twin rear shocks offering adjustable preload. Braking is by two-piston hydraulic discs at both ends. There's an 11 litre fuel tank plus storage for a full-face and an open-face helmet under the seat. You also score a couple of mini storage bins in the fairing, a shopping bag clip between the rider's knees, and a steel loop for a security lock under the footboards.

Saddling up
Italjet's styling department has given the Jupiter a head start with slick looks, while offering ample seating for two people with a commendably low pilot perch (730mm claimed). Tall riders will find their knees tangling with the handlebars until they get used to riding with a feet-forward pose ­ something allowed for by the footboards.

Surprise, surprise, the performance is pretty much identical to the Yamaha Majesty. It runs to 110kmh with ease and will eventually struggle to 135kmh (indicated). Clutch take up is quick, though the initial power delivery is mild so it doesn't scare the pilot. It will still hose off the majority of city traffic.

The performance also mean you can take it on freeways or country roads without worrying about being mown down in the rush. We know of someone who happily took the Yamaha equivalent on a Melbourne to Sydney return trip ­ so anything's possible.

Suspension damping is better than average ­ a little ahead of the Yam ­ while steering is accurate and reasonably quick for a scoot this size. The only let-down is the cornering clearance could be improved. This won't be a hassle for a lot of buyers, but the manufacturer needs to tuck the stands away better ­ particularly on the left side ­ as you run out of clearance long before you run out of grip on the good quality tyres. Running the rear spring ride height at max will alleviate the situation.

There is good power in the brakes, though the rear was much more sensitive than the front on our demo bike. A closer match would make it easier to ride, though you do adapt.

Coverage from the fairing is excellent ­ essentially head-to-toe ­ though you cop some wind noise around the helmet.

The Jupiter is definitely in the race if you're in the market for a larger scooter that could cope with the odd jaunt into the countryside. It's priced at $9995 plus ORC, which includes a 12-month unlimited-kay warranty.

Story: Guy Allen