Yamaha Motor Company is undoubtedly the “king” when it comes to scooters in this neck of the woods. It seems that anywhere you look, every other scooter is a Yamaha, from the Avantiz to the N-Max, and a lot more of the older models still running around. But when it comes to larger capacity scooters, Yamaha appeared to have left the market to Sym and Vespa. But with the introduction of the X-Max, Yamaha is addressing the situation.
First impressions of the X-Max are favourable as it has a cool paint job and styling that pleases the eye. It keeps the family resemblance with the N-Max and NVX intact. The aggressive-looking front-headlamps, cool daytime running lights and tail lights are LEDs whiler their fit and finish are excellent. Its large windshield and sporty twin analog console features an LCD panel in the middle portraying vital information. It even welcomes you with a message every time you switch it on.
The X-Max is not a small scooter. The seat, though wide and comfortable, is 795mm off the ground. This will pose a problem if you are short. Even guys who are 5ft 8 inches in height will just about manage to put one foot flat on the ground. Still, this trait appears to be endemic to almost every scooter in this category. Pillions have a great view from the back and are provided with excellent handholds. Pillions climb up the X-Max just like a proper big bike as the tail is tall. The X-Max weighs 182kg and will require a stable foot on the ground. However, stability at low speeds is excellent and the low centre of gravity helps.
Handling is right up there with others of its ilk, with the leading 15 inch wheel (a 120/70 tyre) providing slightly better manners than its competitors. The rear is a 14 inch wheel shod with 140/70 tyre. Suspension is telescopic up front with twin shocks in the rear providing 110mm and 79mm travel respectively. Long distance comfort is excellent due to its wide seat, spacious floorboards and large windshield. The large 13.2 litre tank and excellent fuel mileage (average 29.7 km per litre) will see you to the (Malaysian-Thai) border in two stops. The X-Max will cruise at 120-130kph all day and can reach 140kph downhill with excellent stability. Braking is handled by a single 267mm disc up front and a 240mm disc in the rear, both with an anti-lock braking system.
The Blue Core Euro 4 compliant engine is a 250cc VVT liquid-cooled single with 22.5hp at 7,000rpm and 24.3Nm of torque at 5,500rpm. The engine features an engine start/stop function along with keyless start. The keyfob has a “find-me” button in case you lose your X-Max in a large parking area. Seat and left-side cubby hole locks are controlled by a button below the ignition barrel. Fuel cap lock is controlled by the ignition barrel.
Just like any other scooter, the X-Max is festooned with storage areas. The large underseat storage is equipped with a handy courtesy light and will swallow two full face helmets easily. The front panel has two storage areas with the aforementioned lockable left side equipped with a USB power point. The right-side cubby hole is non-lockable and not suitable for valuables.
The X-Max 250 is the biggest capacity scooter in Yamaha Malaysia’s range. Other markets get a 300cc version (blame our licensing laws) and would undoubtedly provide more power and more speed. The next step up is a T-Max 530, which is not officially imported here. That said, the X-Max does everything that you may ask a large capacity scooter to do. It is not too wide as to be unmanageable in traffic and not too small to tour. While it looks like a grand tourer, it will carve corners and keep up with larger scooters easily.
If you are looking to step up from an N-Max or an NVX, the X-Max will not disappoint, it provides the sporty handling of the N-Max and NVX with an extra helping of comfort and range that its smaller siblings lack, while still being as manageable in town.
The Yamaha XMax 250 is priced at RM21,225.00 and comes in two colours; Rusty Bronze or Metallic White.