Yamaha X FORCE Test Ride | The compact body and flat floor are appealing. It’s a 155cc scooter, so high-speed travel is no problem!

Yamaha X FORCE… 407,000 yen

Easy-to-use compact body

The X-Force is a Yamaha sports scooter in the 150cc class. Its front mask creates a unique image.

The engine is Yamaha’s signature BLUECORE, with a variable valve mechanism (VVA) that allows for optimal intake at any engine speed.

Although it has the same engine as the NMAX155, the X-Force features a compact body comparable to that of a 125cc class bike.

The riding feel is also slightly different.

Its compact body, comparable to a 125cc, combines ease of handling with high power performance.

The flat floor makes it easy to get in and out, making it very convenient.

Sharp acceleration

Because the body is small, you might imagine it to have the same driving performance as a Class 2 moped, but when you actually drive it, the power performance is very high. The BLUECORE engine, which changes the opening and closing timing of the intake valve depending on the engine speed, is torqueful across the entire range. The body is compact, so it accelerates very well from a standing start. It also has good high-speed extension, and is quiet and has little vibration even when driving at high speeds. It is a very well-rounded engine.

The Smart Motor Generator also reduces the starter motor noise when starting the engine. Because it starts easily, it feels like the engine is awake the moment you press the starter button.

This engine is equipped with a traction control system. With this engine displacement, it is unlikely to be activated, but it is a “better safe than sorry” feature that is especially important for a scooter that is used daily. It will come in handy when the conditions become extremely slippery.

Quick handling

The short wheelbase makes for agile handling, but the large tire diameter ensures sufficient stability, so there’s no sense of insecurity even when cornering at a slightly faster pace. It’s a car that can run briskly on the street. The

X-Force is sometimes said to have a stiff suspension, but the road surface at the test drive location wasn’t too rough, so I didn’t get the impression that the ride was uncomfortable during this test drive.

When I activated the ABS under full braking, I felt as if the rear brake lever was being pushed back in short cycles, but the machine’s posture was not disturbed and stability during sudden braking was fully secured. The frame felt a

slight flex under full braking, probably because the flat floor means that there is a limit to the rigidity around the center of the body. However, this is not a problem for normal riding, and in exchange, convenience such as ease of getting on and off is increased. For general users, the ease of use of the X-Force would be the better choice.

One thing that bothered me was that the riding position was tight, and with the tester’s build, the throttle wire hit his knee when turning the handlebars fully, which was a bit of a concern when trying to make tight turns.

Position & foot reach (height 178cm / weight 75kg)

As I wrote in my review, the riding position is tight. The handlebars are positioned forward and the floor is high, so the accelerator cable hits your knees when you turn the handlebars fully. However, this is a subtle point, so depending on your build and riding style, it may be an issue for some people and not for others.

Considering the vehicle’s compact size, it’s not easy to reach the ground with your feet. This is despite the test vehicle being fitted with the optional low seat. If you only put one foot down, it’s not a problem, but because the front of the seat is bulging, if you try to put both feet down, your legs end up spreading apart.

Detailed explanation

Main specifications