The Yamaha XMAX ABS 250cc scooter has undergone a model change for the first time in six years, since its first-generation introduction in 2017. While inheriting the image of the MAX series of sports scooters, the styling has been redesigned to combine quality and dynamism, and the equipment has evolved to include LED lights and a new meter with a smartphone integration function.
Enhanced practical functions with model change
Big scooters in the 250cc class became very popular in the early 2000s, but Japan sales have been stagnant since peaking in 2005. The 125-150cc class scooters have become very popular worldwide, replacing the big scooters with lightweight, compact, easy-to-handle, and economical scooters.
The XMAX is the first new model to go on sale in Japan in 2018 after 10 years since the Majesty. The XMAX is equipped with an engine designed based on the "BLUE CORE" concept, which realizes both "fun to ride" and "fuel economy/environmental performance" at a high level and complies with exhaust gas regulations. The new model features an upright riding position, ABS and traction control, a 4.2-inch TFT infotainment display with a built-in Communication Control Unit (CCU), and a 3.2-inch LCD speedometer with two screens. The new meter also features a 3.2-inch LCD speedometer. The new model was also introduced as a sports scooter that combined riding performance and environmental performance that were distinctly different from the low and long style big scooters of the past, and it was accepted by a wide range of riders. Six years later, it underwent its first model change under the concept of "Condensed 7days Mobility. Let us first introduce the changes.
The XMAX inherits the image of the MAX series, with its twin headlamps and boomerang motif on the side covers, and is designed to resemble the rough and beautiful surface of a snowy mountain range. The XMAX comes in a total of four colors, including the red shown in the image, matte blue, matte dark green, and matte dark gray.
The headlamps and position lamps emit an "X" shape. The indicator lights are high-mounted.
The headlamps, position lamps, tail lamps, and blinkers are LED for good visibility. The tail lamps have an "X" layout that emerges when braking.
The 4.2-inch TFT infotainment display and 3.2-inch LCD speedometer display incoming phone calls and texts, battery level, music, and more when paired with a smartphone with a dedicated app installed. In addition, when the CCU is connected to a smartphone with the Garmin StreetCross navigation app installed, the display can be used as a navigation screen. (The navigation function is available free of charge, but map data updates are available for a fee.)
The display is switched and items are determined using the switches on the left side of the handle. The switches are intuitively arranged and are easy to operate with a sense of moderation.
The seat has been newly designed, with a deeper and slimmer curved surface in the area where the inner thighs touch, for a better fit. The seat upholstery has also been changed to a material that is both non-slip and of high quality.
The under-seat trunk is space efficient and was able to hold two full-face helmets used for this shoot. The maximum load capacity is 5 kg, and the trunk is also equipped with LED lighting.
By changing the position of the mounting bolts, the screen can be adjusted in two "high/low" patterns. The screen support has been newly designed to reduce riding wind from the bottom of the screen and increase comfort.
This time I rode with the screen in the "low" position, but the wind did not blow against my chest, and the longer I rode, the less fatigue I felt.
The lever stroke has been increased to improve the feel of the front and rear brakes.
The back mirror stay has been changed to aluminum to enhance the quality and design with attention to detail.
Check out the XMAX foot grounding!
The rider was 172 cm tall, and with a seat height of 795 mm, he did not feel insecure about his footing, thanks in part to the new slimmed-down seat shape. The seat had adequate tension and cushioning, and was comfortable.
The rider is 172 cm tall. The seat height was 795 mm, and due in part to the new slimmed-down seat shape, there was no concern about leg room. The seat had adequate tension and cushioning and was comfortable.
The rider is 156 cm tall. Sitting in the front of the seat, the rider can assume an upright riding position with an upright upper body. When arriving at a stop, the rider stands on one tiptoe and feels uneasy when stopping unexpectedly, but under normal circumstances, the rider says that the vehicle is very stable and he is not worried about losing his balance.
As an accessory, a low-down seat that lowers the seat height by 40 mm is also available separately.
The smooth engine delivers a nimble ride!
The engine with ample power throughout the entire range and front and rear suspension that flexibly absorbs shocks ensure a smooth ride. The ride is so comfortable that you will want to keep going wherever the road takes you.
Although there are no changes in the core parts such as the BLUE CORE engine, frame, and suspension, the BLUE CORE engine complies with the strict emission regulations and delivers a good amount of torque from the moment the throttle is opened, allowing the 181 kg body to accelerate smoothly. The engine is not surprisingly powerful, but it is not as powerful as the low-powered engines. Although not surprisingly powerful, the 250cc engine has plenty of room from low speeds to high speeds, and we did not feel any sluggishness in the ride.
Although it is larger and heavier than a 125cc class scooter, it is easy to maneuver in the city thanks to its smooth acceleration and uncluttered handling. In addition, the space under the seat provides plenty of storage space, making it quite easy to use as a commuter.
Maximum output is 23 PS at 7000 rpm and maximum torque is 2.4 kgf-m at 5500 rpm.
The main feature of the BLUE CORE engine is to achieve both riding pleasure and high levels of fuel economy and environmental performance by pursuing highly efficient combustion, high cooling performance, and loss reduction through the use of forged aluminum pistons with excellent thermal strength, DiASil cylinders with excellent heat dissipation, and a one-piece forged crankshaft.
The wheels are 15" front and 14" rear, with Dunlop SCOOT SMART tires on both front and rear. They provide a good grip on wet road surfaces.
Both front and rear brakes are hydraulic single discs and ABS is also equipped. The brake lever stroke has been increased for a better feel and easier control of braking force.
If the driver has a smart key in the smart key communication area, the power is turned on by pushing and turning the main switch of the vehicle. The main switch can also be used to lock the steering wheel, unlock the trunk under the seats, and unlock the gas tank.
The left side of the accessory compartment is equipped with a DC connector for 12V. The maximum load capacity is 1 kg. The right side has a maximum load capacity of 0.5 kg.
The fueling port is located on the upper surface of the center tunnel. The tank capacity is approximately 13 liters of regular unleaded fuel. The tank lid is equipped with a damper for smooth opening.
The well-built chassis also allows for sporty riding!
There were no unpleasant vibrations from the engine, and the RPM rise was very smooth, so the car was fast enough to lead the flow of traffic with room to spare in the city. In doing so, the front and rear suspension flexibly absorbs impacts from the road surface, so the vehicle's body behavior is flat while driving and the ride is comfortable.
The screen provides high wind protection and ample luggage storage space, so the vehicle will be comfortable not only for commuting in the city but also for taking long trips on the highway on weekends and holidays.
Such a comfortable ride is a characteristic of the XMAX, but I felt Yamaha's attention to detail in equipping it with a motorcycle-type upright fork. The front fork provides high shock absorption and stability, and the ground contact is easy to feel, making the handling unambiguous and the machine easy to control. The front fork and rear shock are well balanced, and the engine is smooth and easy to handle throughout the range, allowing the rider to fully enjoy sporty riding. The XMAX is not only a convenient and comfortable commuter, but also a sports scooter that is fun to ride.
The front suspension uses a motorcycle-type upright fork. It absorbs road impacts smoothly and contributes to increased rigidity in the front area.
The rigidity (strength) of the front fork itself is also increased to connect the upper end of the front fork to the handlebar crown. This reduces excess yawing and twisting of the front suspension caused by impacts, contributing to light and precise handling performance.
The rear shock has five levels of spring preload adjustment to suit tandem or luggage loading. An adjustment wrench is stored under the seat as an on-board tool.
Specifications [Main specifications of the 2023 YAMAHA XMAX]
Overall length x width x height: 2180 x 795 x 1410 mm (1460 mm with screen raised)
Wheelbase: 1540mm
Seat height: 795mm
Weight: 181kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 4-valve single-cylinder 249cc
Maximum output: 23 PS at 7000 rpm
Maximum torque: 2.4kgf-m/5500rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 13 liters
Transmission: V-belt, stepless/Automatic
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc
Tires: F=120/70-15, R=140/70-14
Price: (approx.) 4827 USD
