Yamaha Xmax

Overview

With the XMax, Yamaha has clearly shown that it has achieved the levels of finesse in the scooter segment. In the similar fashion like it has conquered various categories of motorcycles. With an urban-oriented premium design and robust mechanicals on paper, the Yamaha XMax feels the most upmarket scooter the company has ever produced. The XMax is based on the flagship scooter from the Yamaha, the TMax, with a smaller powertrain and footprint to make it more accessible to the masses. The XMax is the flagship scooter for Yamaha in the Philippines, which is priced at PHP 249,000 and is available in two color options – Bronze and Matte Grey.

Design

The Yamaha XMax has been designed to impress, and its European looks certainly play a part here. Based on the flagship TMax, the XMax has got a maxi-scooter persona which makes it look very modern and futuristic.

At the front, the Yamaha XMax has got a long vertical apron which has very busy styling. The dual full LED headlamps with eyebrow-shaped daytime running LEDs above and air vents following them give the XMax a bold face. The upper portion of the apron above the headlights is finished in black and consists of busy sharp lines and winglet shaped cowls to aid in the aerodynamics of the scooter at higher speeds. At the top of the apron sits a very tall fully adjustable transparent windscreen, which alone adds some visual bulk to the frontal stance of the XMax. The windscreen can be adjusted 50mm higher for better protection from wind blasts. Rounding off the frontal look of the scooter are the side apron mounted turn indicators and body colored front forks cover, which extend all the way down partially covering the front brake.

The XMax looks even more premium from the sides, with its split floorboard design. The high mounted floorboard partition not only seems premium but ergonomic as well, thanks to low seat height. Talking about the seat, the single piece unit is relatively large and accommodating for two full adults with its stepped pattern. The rear side body panels are somewhat styled plainly, but they too have got split pillion grab rails to enhance the overall appeal of the rear. At the back, the XMax has got a beautiful looking LED tail lamps and daytime running LEDs as well as aluminum finish around it. The alloy wheels look normal and could have had a better design to match the futuristic appeal of the scooter.

The Yamaha XMax has one of the best rider’s view ahead among all the scooters present in the country right now. Apart from the fully adjustable handlebar which can be adjusted 20mm closer to the rider whenever required, the XMax has got a premium looking part digital instrument console. Between the analogue dials for speedometer and tachometer, one does get an LCD screen which displays a host of data while on the go.

The XMax has got few more very innovative and premium features, such as keyless ignition with smart key, an electric power socket for charging your smartphones, and a dual compartment under seat storage with LED lighting. The smart key allows you to start/stop the engine and unlock the under-seat compartment and fuel tank just with a remote. Given the premium positioning of the XMax, build quality, fit and finish, and switchgear design feels top notch, thus justifying its price.

Ride & Handling

It’s not only the powertrain which makes the Yamaha XMax a hoot to ride, but also the strong mechanical underpinnings. Sitting on a backbone frame, the Yamaha XMax is equipped with 33 mm hydraulic telescopic forks at the front and a unit swing suspension with dual coil springs at the rear. Since the XMax is targeted for the urban audience, both the ride quality as well as handling is given equal priorities. The suspension is on a softer side, making the overall ride quality plush and very comfortable. On the other hand, the large 15-inch front wheel and 14-inch rear wheel, both shod with meaty tubeless tires, enable the XMax to have impressive handling characteristics.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

Powering the Yamaha XMax is a new age 4-stroke, single cylinder, liquid cooled, fuel injected, 292 cc engine, which belts out 28 PS of maximum power output and 29 Nm of maximum torque output. Mated to a conventional CVT the engine feels refined and powerful enough to beat some of the similarly priced motorcycles in outright performance. The torque band is fat, and the scooter never fails to pick up the pace with immediate surge. Thanks to Yamaha’s very efficient BlueCore technology, the XMax returns a decent fuel economy figure as well.

Braking & Safety

Matching the premium mechanical credentials of the Yamaha XMax is the disc brake setup at both the ends. The 267 mm front and a 245 mm rear disc brake impart excellent braking capabilities to the XMax. Also, the scooter is equipped with dual channel Antilock Braking System and Traction Control System as standard, thus preventing wheel spin and locking – quite essential for a scooter this bulky.

Verdict

With a premium and modern design targeted at the urban audience, the Yamaha XMax is quite a stunner to look at. The liberal stance coupled up with exciting design cues as well as impressive features make the XMax a desirable scooter. But that doesn’t mean that the Yamaha XMax is all show and no go, for the scooter, has got some robust mechanical traits under that flashy skin. While the performance on tap is enough to give you goosebumps, the ride quality and handling too is spot on thanks to a robust mechanical setup. All in all, the Yamaha XMax emerges out to be a compelling package, if only it were priced not so high, though.