LEXMOTO PEGASUS 300
Pegasus [noun]: The mythical winged horse from Greek mythology which represents ultimate freedom with no boundaries of time and space…
Lexmoto are best known for their budget-priced low capacity scooters and motorcycles, but in more recent times they have stepped up their game by introducing both a new motorcycle (the LXR 380) and a new scooter, the Pegasus 300, as reviewed here – their largest capacity scooter to date.
First impressions
At first glance, the shape and contours of the Pegasus follow a similar pattern to what we’ve come to expect from the average maxi scooter; it could easily sit in a line-up of more expensive Japanese or Taiwanese brands without looking lost or out of place. It also looks quite sturdy and well built with all the panels appearing to fit seemingly snug and well.
The dashboard sits behind the standard three-quarter front screen with the main multi-function digital display sitting central between the large circular speedometer and rev counter. A central digital unit provides the information you’d expect to find, including fuel level and water temperature; there’s also a small clock (which is hard to read on the move) plus a digital speed readout. There’re no frills or bells and whistles here, just the pure basic information that the rider needs. However, one option the unit does offer you is the ability for the rider to personalise the display with a number of different viewing options being available.
Out and about
Firing up the Pegasus for the first time, you’re greeted with the pleasant deep throbbing sound of the 276cc engine – and even when just giving it a quick tweak of the throttle whilst the scooter was still stationary and on the main stand, it sounded nice.
The Pegasus is fitted with a typical water-cooled, single cylinder, four-stroke engine that you’d expect to find on your average 300cc maxi scooter. With a maximum power output of 19.5kW (21.1hp) @ 8000rpm being available, it’s not going to be blisteringly fast or sporty, but then in a country that has a 70mph national speed limit, it doesn’t need to be; there’s enough there for you to keep up with high-speed motorway traffic, plus a little spare for that odd overtake, when needed.
On the road the scooter handled well; the standard Chinese-brand Timsun tubeless tyres provided enough grip both in a straight line and round the twisty bits, and when I had to perform a few quick manoeuvres in order to avoid some nasty potholes, the tyres reacted to my instructions quickly and smoothly. Suspension-wise, the Pegasus is fitted with Taro (another Chinese brand) twin shocks to the rear, with adjustable preload settings; I never felt the need to alter the settings which the scooter had been delivered with, as they worked well for me in soaking up the imperfections of our local bumpy roads when working in conjunction with the matched twin front fork suspension units.
The stopping power provided by the twin front/single rear disc brakes was more than adequate – almost too adequate at the front; pull that front brake lever too quickly and the scooter’s nose dips faster than a stunt pilot going into a steep dive. This might sound like it was a bit dangerous, but in reality it wasn’t, as the standard ABS did its job perfectly in controlling the situation with no danger of the front wheel locking up, or the chances of you flying over the handlebars.
Sticking with the brakes for the moment, some people prefer riding using a linked braking system, whilst some don’t. I fall into the latter non-linked brake category and prefer a more ‘hands-on’ style of riding. In that respect, the Pegasus scores well in my book, as the brakes aren’t linked – handy for filtering or low-speed riding.
Comfort and capability
I probably only managed to do around 100 or so miles in one trip on the Pegasus before it had to be returned, but that was enough time to gauge how capable it was as a maxi scooter. The seat proved to be very comfortable, so there’s no complaint about that aspect, but I did find the available front seating area to be a little restrictive as the driver ‘bump-stop’ restricted the ability for me to shift a little further back on the seat, thus forcing me into a slightly more upright riding position than I would normally prefer. As if to add to this problem, I found the footwell space quite small and restrictive
– and the ‘feet forward’ position almost impossible to use without getting cramp in my legs. Maybe this is just a personal thing for me. I’m 5’10” and found the riding position a tad uncomfortable, but my colleague, Ross, who is well over six foot, didn’t find it an issue at all. All I can say is that if you’re thinking of buying a scooter – any scooter – try and take it for a test ride first (or sit on it at least, if you can’t) to make sure it’s the right one for you.
One other small personal preference point with regards to comfort, is that I’d like to see either a larger or adjustable screen offered as an option. I rode the Pegasus over a number of very cold days (I don’t think it reached more than six degrees on the warmest of them). The three-quarter screen the scooter came fitted with just directed all the cold, chilly air straight up on to my chest and upwards towards my crash helmet, which in turn meant that I suffered a small amount of wind buffeting – nothing too obtrusive, but on a cold and damp day it doesn’t help my ride enjoyment.
Most maxi scooters have a mix of small storage compartments in which to store your nick-nacks, but these are sadly lacking on the Pegasus. What it does have underneath the frontopening/rear-hinged seat (took me a while to work that one out) is a fairly large helmet bay, but that said, there’s not enough room to store two full face helmets, although you might be able to squeeze in two, one face lids. And in a nod to the lack of ‘cubby holes’ elsewhere, there’s a small storage area to the rear of the main underseat compartment. These spaces should provide enough storage for the average journey’s requirement, but for longer distance rides, a top box might be an option.
Summing up
Overall, the Pegasus 300 handles well and doesn’t feel too heavy or cumbersome to throw around either out on the road or in urban traffic. It’s also comfortable and feels very stable to ride under average road conditions. And although it may lack headturning attention, its overall looks and appearance are easy on the eye. It has all the basic equipment necessary for it to do its job cleanly and efficiently without the rider being distracted by any bells and whistles.
But let’s not forget here; we are talking about a budget maxi scooter that costs a lot less than some of the other scooter importer’s 125cc scooter ranges. At a penny short of £3,200, you are, in effect, getting a good value-formoney dual-purpose scooter package that could cost you a lot more if you were to shop elsewhere.
So if you’re a money-wise rider who’s on the lookout for a bike that you can commute to work on during the week, then get away for a break at the weekend, then this scooter is well worth a look. In the words of ancient Greek mythology: Pegasus represents the chance of ultimate freedom with no boundaries of time and space…