Yamaha YP 250 Majesty (1995-2000) Review: The Urban Commuter That Aged Like Fine Wine

Introduction

The Yamaha YP 250 Majesty arrived in the mid-90s as part of a wave of "maxi-scooters" redefining urban mobility. Designed to bridge the gap between practicality and performance, this 250cc workhorse became a blueprint for modern scooters. Two decades later, its DNA still echoes in Yamaha's lineup. But how does this generation hold up today? Let’s twist the throttle and find out.

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Design & Ergonomics: Function Meets (Subtle) Flair

The Majesty’s design leans into its "sporty sedan" ethos with clean, aerodynamic lines. The full-body fairing isn’t just for show – it deflects wind pressure effectively even at 100 km/h (62 mph). The stepped seat (730 mm / 28.7" height) welcomes riders of all sizes, though shorter legs might tip-toe at stops.

Yamaha nailed the ergonomic trifecta here:
- Natural riding triangle: Flat floorboard encourages relaxed knee angles
- Adjustable backrest: Rare in this class, it transforms long rides
- Intuitive controls: Analog gauges with fuel/temp lights stay legible in sunlight

Storage is king with 27L under-seat capacity – enough for a full-face helmet plus groceries. The locking glovebox (fit for a 1.5L bottle) and rear rack complete the practicality package.

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Engine & Performance: Smooth Operator

At its heart lies a 249cc liquid-cooled SOHC single (69x66.8mm bore/stroke). The numbers – 20-21 HP @ 6,500 RPM, 23 Nm torque @ 5,500 RPM – seem modest until you experience Yamaha’s CVT tuning.

Acceleration:
- 0-50 km/h (0-31 mph): 4.8 sec – brisk for stoplight dashes
- 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 19 sec – leisurely but vibration-free

The real magic is in the power delivery. Unlike buzzy air-cooled rivals, the liquid-cooled mill remains composed even when pushed. At 120 km/h (74.6 mph), the engine hums at 7,000 RPM – 10% below redline, leaving reserve for overtakes.

Fuel efficiency:
- 30-35 km/L (70-82 mpg) in mixed riding
- 11L tank (2.9 gal) = 330+ km (205 mi) range – perfect for weekly commutes

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Ride Experience: Urban Samurai

City Handling:
The 1535mm (60.4") wheelbase and 158kg (348 lbs) dry weight make it surprisingly nimble. The 12" wheels roll over potholes better than smaller scooters, while the telefork front/dual shock rear combo absorbs bumps without wallowing.

Highway Manners:
Stability shines above 80 km/h (50 mph). The fairing creates a still-air bubble for the rider, though crosswinds can nudge the tall body. Braking from 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 49 meters (160 ft) – adequate but not sporty. Optional ABS models (rare in this era) are worth seeking out.

Standout Feature:
The Y28V carburetor deserves praise. Cold starts require minimal choke, and throttle response stays crisp even in 10°C (50°F) mornings. Modern fuel-injected rivals can’t match its mechanical charm.

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Comfort & Practicality

Yamaha’s "fatigue-free" claim holds water:
- Seat foam density: Firmer than Honda’s Helix – better for 2+ hour rides
- Floorboard vibes: Rubber-mounted engine isolates 90% of high-RPM buzz
- Weather protection: The fixed fairing outperforms fold-down shields in rain

Storage quirks:
- Under-seat light (a 90s luxury!) illuminates your midnight pizza retrieval
- Rear rack fits 35L cases – but avoid top-heavy loads due to high COG

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Competition: How the Majesty Stacks Up

Compared to 90s rivals:

| Model | YP250 Majesty | Honda CN250 Helix | Suzuki Burgman 250 (1st gen) |
|--------------------|---------------|-------------------|------------------------------|
| Engine Cooling | Liquid | Air | Liquid |
| Peak Power | 21 HP | 19 HP | 22 HP |
| Storage Capacity | 27L | 35L | 42L |
| Wet Weight | 162kg (357lbs)| 175kg (386lbs) | 182kg (401lbs) |
| Unique Feature | Adjustable backrest | Integrated trunk | Electric screen |

Against the Helix: The Majesty trades some storage for 10% better power-to-weight. Its liquid cooling handles stop-and-go traffic better.

Against early Burgman: Suzuki’s offering felt more car-like but added 20kg (44lbs). The Majesty’s simpler mechanics mean lower maintenance costs.

Modern perspective: Compared to 2020s scooters, the Majesty lacks tech but compensates with robust build quality. It’s a prime candidate for resto-mods – imagine adding LED lights and a Bluetooth dash!

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Maintenance: Keeping the Crown Shiny

Key Service Intervals:
- Oil changes: Every 3,000 km (1,864 mi) with SAE 10W-40 (1.2L with filter)
- Valve clearance: Every 6,000 km (3,728 mi)
- Intake: 0.08-0.12mm (0.003-0.005")
- Exhaust: 0.16-0.20mm (0.006-0.008")
- Coolant: Replace every 2 years (1.4L of ethylene glycol)

Common Wear Items:
- Drive belt: Lasts 15,000-20,000 km (9,320-12,427 mi)
- Brake pads: Organic fronts last 10,000 km (6,214 mi)
- Tires: 110/90-12 front, 130/70-12 rear – upgrade to Michelin City Grip for wet grip

Pro Tips from MOTOPARTS.store:
- Use NGK DR8EIX iridium plugs for cleaner burns
- Flush brake fluid with DOT 4 annually – crucial for ABS models
- Lube the center stand pivot monthly to prevent squeaks

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Verdict: Timeless Majesty

The YP250 wasn’t just a scooter – it was a rolling manifesto for stress-free mobility. While modern rivals boast more tech, none match its mechanical sincerity. For urban warriors seeking a reliable daily rider that ages gracefully, this 90s icon still reigns supreme.

Why Browse MOTOPARTS.store?
Keep your Majesty feeling regal with our curated selection:
- High-capacity windscreens for touring
- Progressive fork springs to sharpen handling
- Vintage-style top cases matching OEM colors
- Carb rebuild kits with JIS screws (no stripped heads!)

Click through our OEM-compatible parts catalog – your Majesty deserves nothing less.

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Specifications sheet

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