It’s been a while since we brought you an update on the longterm XMAX 300 we’ve had in the SLUK garage for the past few months.
To be honest, it’s only been used a few times over winter (working from home means the morning commute is only down a flight of stairs). Having said that, I have used the XMAX whenever I’ve had the chance.
VIDEO: Two up use
A ride to a scooter parts fair in Melton Mowbray gave me a chance to see how my pillion likes the XMAX. She’s always been used to riding her own scooter, or being on the back of a Vespa GTS or Lambretta but was quite happy to hop on board the Yamaha. When I say ‘hop,’ it’s quite a high and wide perch, so it’s more of a climb using the pillion peg, really. On a Lambretta or Vespa GTS, you can just swing a leg over to get on the back. Once she was on she was happy enough, though (She’s 5′ 5″ tall, and I’m 5′ 10″)
Comfortable
We had a 60-mile round trip in late autumnal sunshine along some beautiful, twisty country roads. Linsey enjoyed the ride and had a good view of where we were going. She said the seat and pegs were very comfortable and the grab rail was well-positioned so she could hold on and feel safe. Her only slight niggle was the wind blast hitting her if I tucked down slightly, but that’s to be expected – the XMAX can push on a bit.
Although the pillion seat is a bit higher than the rider’s, my pillion sits fairly level with me, which is better than being perched way up high and you’ve each got a bit of space so you don’t feel cramped.
The fourth emergency service
I managed to get a ride in on Christmas Eve. We had the in-laws down from Manchester, and the father-in-law had forgotten to bring his sleep apnea mask. I’d like to say the heroic part of me came out, but in reality, I just fancied getting out of the madness of a pre-Christmas house for a few hours and getting a decent ride in as a bonus.
Blowing the cobwebs off
The XMAX is perfect for trips like this – 120 miles with a purpose and destination, rather than trying to think of somewhere to ride to. The temperature was actually quite mild as well, although the heated grips still came in handy. I had a lovely ride, and it was much quicker and more enjoyable than doing the same journey by car. Sadly, when I got home again, all the family were still there, and I still had lots of Christmas vegetables to prepare.
Despite now being late March, we’re still getting some cold, wet days. One of them happened to be a couple of weeks ago when I needed to attend a business meeting. Naturally, I took the Yamaha for a blast, and it reminded me just how good this mid-capacity scooter rally is. The engine outperforms its capacity; it’s fairly rapid for a 300-class scooter. The 292cc liquid-cooled engine makes a healthy 27.6bhp and 28.9Nm of torque.
What about the competition?
In comparison, the higher capacity Honda Forza 350 makes slightly more power at 28.8 bhp, the Sym CruisSym 300 is 25.6 bhp, the Vespa GTS 310 produces 25 bhp, and the Kymco DTX 320 is 28.2 bhp. The Yamaha packs a punch for its capacity.
Price-wise, the Yamaha offers good value for money at a reasonable £6400; the cheapest Vespa GTS 310 is £6515. The difference with a Vespa is that most buyers are buying into the brand and the lifestyle associated with it. The Yamaha offers better value for money, higher performance, more storage space and better build quality (the Vespa is prone to rust on UK roads).
Pimp your ride
As well as being quick, and practical, the Yamaha also looks quite mean, and there are plenty of extras you can add if you want to make it look cooler or more practical. The Yamaha configurator allows you to build your virtual scooter before placing an order.
The owner’s viewpoint
We asked a recent Yamaha XMAX 300 Tech MAX owner for his views on the scooter; you can read what he thought below.
Yamaha 300 XMAX Tech MAX owner’s review
I purchased my XMAX 300 Tech MAX back in December 2022 following some research into maxi scooters. I’d already owned a few Vespa GTS’ in the past, (as well as my classic scooters). I used them for commuting to work rather than a car. I bought the XMAX for a change after reading about their performance and ease of riding. Plus, I needed something with bigger storage capacity than a Vespa GTS (laptops/bags, etc). Plus, they were cheaper than a Vespa and you got more for your money.
The reason I went for the XMAX 300 is that I wanted a scooter which had better handling, storage capacity and performance than my Vespa. The XMAX gave me this in abundance. However, the one issue I had was the size of it compared to a Vespa GTS – it was much bigger and wider. This size issue was only apparent when I got it in the garage next to my classic scooters.
Over the next six months, I got used to riding it. Its performance was more like a motorbike, with the front forks, suspension, larger wheels, and excellent brakes working well and making every ride very comfortable and safe.
The scooter was no slouch either, with fast acceleration from a standstill and the ability to easily beat any GTS.
When you rode the XMAX to any scooter-related event, I tended to get the odd sarcastic glance from folks, but most just ignored what it was.
The scooter was excellent for shopping trips, as the under-seat storage could fit three large bags of food shopping (two full-face helmets can fit in there, according to the owner’s manual). So, over the next two years, it was mainly used for shopping trips and commuting to my partner’s workplace, where I help out occasionally.
Nervous pillion
Roll onto April 2024 when I had to pick up my partner from her garage, who, up until then, hadn’t been on the back of it. She’s very small, and she struggled to sit on the wide seat, and the higher riding position proved to be very frightening for her (she doesn’t like being a pillion anyway). So if you take pillion passengers, bear this in mind.
With lack of use, due to me trying to be healthier and walking more, the XMAX was hardly being used. With the launch of the new Vespa GTS 310, the decision was made to trade in the XMAX and go a new Vespa. Now, my partner has no excuse not to ride pillion! Joking aside, the look of the new Vespa 310 in blue was beautiful, and it pulled at my heart.
To conclude, if you want performance, handling and storage, the XMAX is for you; they are well-priced for what you get, and they perform and handle like a motorbike. If you have a history of riding Italian scooters, the XMAX probably isn’t for you. However, I’m glad I bought one.
Wayne Harvey
Keeping schtum
I’ll look forward to putting some more miles on the clock over the next few weeks/months until Yamaha wants me to send it back. For now, I’m keeping quiet, and they might forget I’ve got it.
Words, photos and video: Iggy
Additional images, John Goodman, Wayne Harvey
Yamaha XMAX 300 launch
If you want to know more about the scooter itself and the tech specs, we were at the 2023 Italian launch for the XMAX 300; you can read all about it here.
Yamaha XMAX 300
- Mileage when we got it: 441 miles
- Mileage now: 1018 miles
- Total mileage: 577 miles
- Cost new: £6208
- Optional extras: Heated grips, £173
- MPG: Ridden by us 57.8 mpg
- More info: Yamaha XMAX 300
