The new Yamaha XMAX, a 250cc big scooter that is now rare. Here are some of its merits after comparing it with the NMAX and 155.

Yamaha XMAX ABS…737,000 yen

250cc scooters are a minority these days

Although 250cc scooters were extremely popular from the mid-1990s to the 2000s, the majority of scooters on the Japanese market today are 125cc. In fact, most of the scooters I’ve test ridden recently have been in the 150-180cc class, which shares the same basic design as 250cc scooters, and I’ve only had a few experiences with 250cc scooters, which are the upper limit of the light motorcycle class.

So, my first impression of the 2025 model year revised XMAX was that it was big and heavy. This may be because I had just test-ridden the NMAX (125)/155, but as someone who has had little experience with 250cc scooters recently, the size of the XMAX was a bit too high a hurdle for me.

The MAX series has four models in Japan.

Before we get into the main topic, let’s start with the basic premise: Yamaha’s MAX series of sports scooters in recent years includes the 125/155cc NMAX, the 250/300cc XMAX, and the 560cc TMAX. The weights, wheelbases, and seat heights of the four models sold in Japan are as follows:

As you can see by looking at the figures for each vehicle, the XMAX’s dimensions are closer to the TMAX560, rather than between the NMAX and TMAX560. However, by the standards of modern 250cc scooters, the XMAX is by no means large. The figures for its rivals are Honda Forza (250): 186 kg, 1510 mm, 780 mm; KYMCO X-Town CT250: 194 kg, 1500 mm, 790 mm; and SYM Joymax Z250: 184 kg, 1546 mm, 747 mm. Considering these facts, riders like me who feel the size and weight of the XMAX may be in the minority.

The size of the car is closer to the TMAX, but the price is closer to the NMAX?

Regarding the 2025 model XMAX, which has undergone specification changes, Yamaha’s press release lists the main differences from the previous model as follows: 1) A muffler that has been made 800g lighter through a review of the internal structure, 2) The screen has been changed from a two-stage adjustable type that uses bolt replacements to a stepless electrically adjustable type, and 3) A new meter that arranges a 4.2-inch TFT and a 3.2-inch LCD side by side. However, there are a wide range of improvements, such as moving the standard position of the adjustable handlebars approximately 20mm closer to the rider, unifying the bolts around the cockpit in black, and taking measures to account for aging on the back of the footrest covers.

The price of the 2025 XMAX will be 737,000 yen, 23,000 yen more than the previous model, and considering the improvements, few people would object to a price increase of about 3%. The other MAX series models are the TMAX560: 1,408,000 yen, the Techmax: 1,644,500 yen, the NMAX155: 423,500 yen, and the NMAX (125): 379,500 yen, so despite the body dimensions, the price of the XMAX is closer to the NMAX.

Experience the ease of a 250cc

The impression I mentioned at the beginning that it was “big and heavy” hasn’t disappeared. However, after riding the XMAX in various situations, I came to fully appreciate the merits of a 250cc scooter, which sets it apart from the 250cc scooters and their bigger brothers. To be more specific, the NMAX (125)/155 is easier to handle in crowded city streets and cramped residential areas, but on smooth main roads and expressways, the XMAX is clearly superior.

The main reason I felt this way is the power of the engine (maximum output: XMAX: 23ps/7000rpm, NMAX155: 15ps/8000rpm), but another appealing feature of the XMAX is that it gives off an incredible sense of stability, thanks to factors such as the longer wheelbase, large diameter tires (XMAX: 15/14 inch, NMAX: 13 inch front and rear), and front suspension that supports the fork with upper and under brackets, just like a regular motorcycle (the NMAX follows the old-fashioned scooter convention of supporting it with only under brackets).

Incidentally, when I rode the NMAX155 on the highway in the past, I noticed that it could cruise at 100km/h, and I thought that this was enough, but this test ride made me realize the ease that only a 250cc can offer. If you’re not traveling short distances, but riding for longer distances, cruising at 120km/h is a breeze, overtaking is easy, and what’s more, the XMAX, which gets an electric windscreen from the 2025 model, is much more comfortable.

So, I was very impressed with the XMAX’s performance, but many of the good points I’ve mentioned so far can also be said for 250cc scooters from other manufacturers.So, what good points does the XMAX have compared to its rivals in the same engine displacement range?I think it’s the fact that you can fully enjoy the sportiness that is unique to the MAX series.

Of course, it’s impossible to make a definitive statement about this without comparing it with rivals under the same conditions, but the XMAX responds perfectly when the rider is in the mood, and accelerating, decelerating, and cornering are simply fun. I felt that the handling response had the same qualities as the NMAX and TMAX.

Riding position (height 182cm, weight 74kg)

Detail explanation

Main specifications