Yamaha Xmax 250

While planning to replace my off-road motorcycle, which I rarely had a chance to ride, with something I could use around town, I found myself looking at scooters. Almost everyone around me praised them to the skies. So I went and bought one of the most frequently mentioned models, the Yamaha Xmax 250.

The truth is, I did not research it much. It was the first option in front of me when the impulse struck. Perhaps because I was not particularly enthusiastic, or perhaps because work was so busy, it took me almost a fortnight to collect it. On the first ride I felt a little excited but mostly curious, and afterwards—probably about fifteen kilometres later—I found myself questioning my decision. My mood had soured.

At this point I should remind you that I had never owned a scooter before. All my first impressions came from comparing it with geared motorcycles. If you too are about to own your first scooter, let me warn you: this is a different vehicle. Do not regard it simply as an easy-to-ride type of motorcycle. Because I could not see past that, we were on bad terms for a long time. The first problem that comes to mind is the impossibility of following the running-in instructions. The handbook recommends staying below 4,000 rpm for the first thousand kilometres. Fine, but with me aboard, those revs are not enough to get the little fellow moving at 30 km/h or more. I crawled around on the first day, then relaxed a little after a few conversations.

My second disappointment was the brakes. Actually, that is not quite right: the brakes are not bad at all, but the dynamics are very unfamiliar. As you know, these vehicles usually have their engines near the back, with the centre of gravity much farther rearward than on a normal motorcycle, and farther still with a passenger. That prevents the weight transfer you are used to and stops you getting enough benefit from the front brake. The front tyre's grip can never compare with a motorcycle's. This applies to almost all scooters, not just the Xmax. To get to the point, I initially struggled to stop it. Meanwhile, I was waiting for running-in to end so that I could explore its handling a little more.

I would love to say that after the first service I began riding more briskly, but I could not: I was scared! That weight distribution directly affects the front tyre's behaviour in corners too, even though the Xmax comes with what I consider the best tyre of its type, the Michelin City Grip. After a good deal of experimenting with pressures, I settled on about 29/34 psi. If you ask what I think now that I am quite used to the Xmax, I cannot call it a cornering machine. Weight transfer is somewhat tricky, and the small wheel diameter will never give the same cornering feel as a motorcycle. Particularly in left turns, the stand touches down earlier than you expect, so care is advisable. Compared with its rivals, though, I think its 15-inch front wheel, fairly firm suspension, well-chosen tyres and several seating positions place it among the five models best suited to corners.

By the end of the first 1,600 km, I had become thoroughly accustomed to the little fellow, and could finally check its top speed. :) You may have encountered unfortunate claims in conversation, on forums and elsewhere that it easily reaches 140 or does 150. Let me correct that straight away: the top speed it can comfortably reach is 136 km/h indicated, equivalent to 132 km/h measured by GPS. The highest indicated speed I saw was 157 km/h, with a following wind, a slight downhill gradient and, most importantly, on a ride after an oil change . Let me underline once more that the speed a vehicle can comfortably achieve means the speed it can do in any conditions, every time. Remember I said it scrapes a little early on the left? According to the measurement, it leaned to a maximum of 33° to the left and 35° to the right. Not bad at all—for a scooter, of course. :)

As I mentioned, the suspension is rather firm. However much that helps roadholding, it harms comfort just as much. On my first rides I felt as if I had stepped out of a go-kart. The seating position makes it quite difficult to absorb bumps with your legs, and although the seat looks comfortable, it really is not. Combine the small wheels and firm suspension with our country's road conditions and you have a veritable kidney-stone shaker.

As you will have noticed, our relationship improved considerably as the kilometres passed. I think the biggest factor was my getting used to riding a scooter. I have criticised the Xmax quite a lot so far; now I want to discuss its strengths. I think the Xmax is quite handsome, especially the matt white one, which has a special place in my heart. It is very practical and provides wonderful protection from rain and mud. I am not so pleased with its windscreen, though: it gathers the air ahead and directs it at the front of my helmet, making plenty of noise. I have ordered a short screen and will share the result here once I fit it.

The luggage space is wonderful. It really does take two full-face helmets, though not every size: despite wearing size 57, I unfortunately have a helmet that will not fit. Still, I am pleased overall. I made a small improvement to the luggage compartment, by the way. In standard form the seat would not pop up by itself, and the workshop could not adjust it properly, so I added a little something beneath the seat. It works beautifully now.

The instrument panel is quite stylish and contains much more information than I expected. My only problem is that, with the sun behind me at certain angles, reflections from its cover bother my eyes. I like the counters for oil changes, belt changes and so on. The fuel-consumption display is almost exactly accurate.

I like the workmanship and material quality. The leather-look parts on the Momo version are handsome. There are some nice accessories. I bought the short screen; a phone mount, passenger backrest and wind deflectors are other accessories that interest me. Two very useful little glove compartments, one lockable, are details I appreciate too.

The seating position is comfortable and there are many places to put your feet. Having room to stretch your legs when you tire is very useful. The passenger also has plenty of space and has not complained about anything except the firm suspension yet. :P

I am quite happy with its performance. Though I do have a small upgrade on order, which I will of course share with you after fitting it. I have become quite accustomed to the brakes. Initially I really disliked the feel of the ABS version, and once ABS intervened, its ability to slow the vehicle seemed quite poor to me, so I chose the version without ABS. I will take another look when I buy the next one. As you may have gathered, I am happy with what the Xmax has brought to my life, and I think I will buy another next year. We shall see?