eonMy 500cc scooter does okay at highway speeds but there is certainly no oomph left for quick passes at 80mph. Not sure there is any need for quick passes at that speed anyway, expect a chat with the boys in blue if you are in the habit doing those speeds. But I do feel it lacking at even 50mph passes. I have to plan my overtake carefully which can be frustrating at times, but it’s not a significant problem. But as others have mentioned engine size is a poor measure of performance. My 500cc scoot has to lug ~14lb per hp. The Ninja 250 only has to pull around 10lb per hp. Big difference even to a 250 model.
But I think a large part of it comes down to how you ride. Almost all of my miles are fun miles on twisty country roads where hp is not really a concern. If I was commuting on the interstate it might be a problem, if I was doing lots of touring it would definitely be a problem. But after 2 years it’s only really been a minor inconvenience.
