Yamaha XMax 250

Overview

Yamaha undoubtedly has the most diverse range of products in the country. Even before we get to the big bikes, there are 12 bikes, mopeds, and automatics that vie for your attention. In this expansive lineup, the XMAX 250 is one of the best that Yamaha has to offer. One of the best execution of the maxi scooter design in the 600 cc lot, it has some of the most advanced features ever to be found on a scooter. It has a lot to compete against too with the likes of SYM Evo, SYM CRUiSYM 250i, and Honda NSS300. The newest iteration of this scooter was launched in Malaysia in January this year. The biggest scooter sold by Yamaha in the country has now become even more advanced. The new XMAX is Euro 4 compliant and sells in two different color options for a pricey sum of around RM 22,000. Here is a look at everything that it gets you for that sum.

Design

Probably the biggest draw for this bike has to be its maxi scooter design. The TMAX inspired design still looks as fresh as ever and forces people to look at scooters in a new way. The XMAX has been called many things from GT to urban scooter and looking at the bike will reveal the reason. Modern is the first word that comes to mind. The gigantic looking front end houses a huge windshield and sharp LED headlights, along with LED DRLs. Taillight also gets the LED treatment while the indicators still use bulbs. The bike has a low stance and the angular body panels make it look aggressive. There is a big silencer flanking the rear quarters and the seat looks comfy and luxurious.

The bike is 2185 mm long, 775 mm wide, and 1465 mm tall. The 795 mm seat height will pose some difficulty to shorter riders. However, the handlebars are low and taller riders may find the seating a bit compact. Thankfully the handlebars and the windshield are slightly adjustable. The scooter should be easy to manoeuvre in the city with a ground clearance of 1540 mm. The 135 mm ground clearance should pose no problem with speed breakers. The front uses a 15” 5 spoke wheel with a 120/70 tire and the rear uses a 14” wheel with a 140/70 tire. This being a modern urban scooter, comes with every amenity you can think of. It comes with a smart key with remote locking and opening of the fuel tank, storage compartment, and even a call back system. A 12 V power outlet resides in the locked left compartment up front. The right side has another similar storage compartment. The under seat storage is lit internally with an LED light and is big enough to store 2 full face helmets. The instrument cluster consists of two analogue dials for the speedometer and tachometer and a multi-information display in the middle.

Ride & Handling

The bike comes with motorcycle style telescopic front forks with 110 mm of travel in the front and twin shock absorbers with 76 mm of travel in the rear. This gives the bike very good handling and stability. The seating might be a little compact for taller riders especially because of the position of the footboards. But there is some adjustability afforded by the handlebars and the windshield. The Dunlop Scootsmart tires provide excellent grip in all conditions. The seats are comfortable and the windshield does its job well on the highways.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

The engine is a single cylinder with 4 valve heads and SOHC. This mill is water cooled and fuel injected while also using a variety of engine tech including Blue Core and VVT. The motor then produces 23 PS at 7000 rpm and 24.3 Nm of torque at 5500 rpm. Immediate acceleration at the twist of the throttle is always present. The top speed of 140 kmph is easy to reach. At the same time, mileage figure of 30 kmpl is also within reach. The 11-litre tank then lasts for a very long time. Handling is inspiring and confidence boosting whether you are sweeping through corners or cruising down the highway. The bike comes with a one-piece rigid crankshaft that keeps the weight low while also improving the handling. The body might look like it would scrape easily when leaning on corners. But there is enough clearance for whatever you may have in mind

Braking & Safety

There is a 267 mm disc brake on the front and a 245 mm on the rear. Additionally the bike comes standard with dual channel ABS and traction control. These features make it one of the safest vehicles in the segment.

Verdict

The Yamaha XMAX 250 is the best that you can get in this segment. It lives up to its maxi scooter image and pushes our expectations as to what we can expect from our vehicles. So, head over to your Yamaha dealer and get a taste of what the future looks like.