Yamaha X-Max 250, road test 2015

Yamaha X Max 250: few scooters like him. The big brother T-Max offers the pleasure of performance almost like a motorbike, others offer comfort similar to that of a car, but very few competitors manage to combine all the qualities of the X-Max 250: a pleasant and sporty look, good driving pleasure, a very roomy saddle pad and fuel consumption that once upon a time not even a fifty-year-old was able to match. We tried it in the city and on extra-urban journeys, covering around 550 kilometers in a few days, finding it truly one of the best products you can choose for traveling for work or otherwise, in any context.

Aesthetics and finishes:

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Sporty in look, modern in content

The beautiful white color of the example we tested (the others available are gray and black) highlights the new shapes of the recently renewed X-Max in all 3 displacements, from 125 to 400. Precisely from the latter the two "small" 125 and 250 inherit the look, with a sporty nose thanks to the double headlight front and with taut lines. In light shades then the contrast between painted and black parts It gives it that extra bit of character that makes it really enjoyable. At the front there is a small windscreen (which has grown in height), while there are some new features a touch of modernity more than in the past. We are referring to LED rear light, In addition to instrumentation which keeps the two circular elements, but what time is it totally digital. It's not top-notch for readability in bright light, but it's really complete and comfortable to be navigated using the two buttons on the right side of the handlebar. On the left side we find information on speed and fuel level, while on the right a second portion of multifunction LCD full of data such as trips (including those linked to maintenance interventions) as well as data on consumption and external temperature, all controlled as anticipated by the two buttons on the right side of the handlebar. Also convenient is the partial that automatically appears when you enter the reserve so as to avoid running out of fuel. Only data on residual autonomy is missing. In addition to the riding position revisited in a slightly more sporty way, but which still remains comfortable, the X-Max is characterized by the two practical front compartments, equipped with features that make them even more practical. First of all the lock for the one on the left, which also has a small window for checking the radiator water level. On the right, however, a tray in the upper part allows you to stow smaller objects. The now indispensable 12 volt socket is missing, at least as standard, with which to recharge your cell phone or other devices. In fact, we don't even find it in under the saddle, the capacity of which rises up to 37 litres (there were 34). It fits two good-sized helmets, even full-face ones, but the irregular shape makes it a little less practical in the case of bags and totes, because it is shaped to stow the two helmets perfectly. Not bad, because in any case the capacity is enough to really fit everything in, plus the saddle doesn't have to be held up with one hand, because it remains open on its own. The quality of the materials and couplings is very good. Only in the front part around the handlebars and in the rear shield there is still room for improvement, mostly for some noticeable noise on bumps faced at low speed.

Engine and performance:

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Record efficiency and the right power

To anyone who believes otherwise, let's immediately say that 20 horses (20,4 to be precise) they can be enough, even outside the city. This is also demonstrated by the Italian best seller Honda SH300, which went from the 28 horsepower of the first generation to the current 25, because consumption and delivery are much more important than pure power. The engine of the new X-Max 250 has therefore only been subject to some refinements, it is still capable of a maximum torque figure of 21 Nm and offers more than decent performance. Good shooting from a standstill, excellent recovery and top speed, higher than that imposed by the motorway speed limit. Even the climbs of a mountain road don't particularly put it into difficulty, you always travel fast when you're in a hurry or want to have fun. By switching to higher displacements you will hardly be able to save on travel times, but you will simply have an extra power reserve. Rationally speaking, these are therefore the perfect displacement and power, an almost perfect balance between performance and cost. The 249 cc is a liquid-cooled single-cylinder with four valves and electronic injection. Maximum power is delivered at 7.500 rpm, while maximum torque is at 6.000 rpm. The transmission system, when the throttle is opened, keeps the rpm precisely in this optimal range, exploiting all the performance of which the engine is capable. As we were saying, from a standstill it accelerates well, without too much harshness, but still brilliantly and then climbs smoothly up to motorway speeds. From then on the speed increases again, but with less force. In slightly downhill stretches you get to exceed the 150 indicated (the real maximum is around 135). The sensational thing is that the instantaneous consumption, even in these situations, never exceeds 25 per liter, demonstrating the excellent efficiency of this unit.

Ride and handling:

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A good compromise between sporty driving and comfort

In the guide, the changes on the new X-Max go in two apparently opposite directions. The position is more forward and sporty, is closer to that of a T-Max, with the feeling of being able to dominate the scooter as if it were almost a motorbike. The other one is about the calibration of the suspensions, now less rigid and with improved comfort, especially for the long-awaited city roughness, between rails and various bumps. The result is anything but negative, on the contrary. Even in driving the new X-Max confirms itself as the king of compromises. There is legroom thanks to the footrest which allows you to keep them in two positions, the posture is rather supported and with a nice straight back, especially when you are in the saddle for a long time, It is also excellent from a comfort point of view, windshield increased in height by 5 cm protects better at high speeds, but all of these comfort-oriented features are combined with pleasantly sporty driving dynamics. So much so that, on the right roads, it is quite easy to touch the central stand, especially on the left side and in the presence of depressions. This is recommended, but only for those who want to be Valentino Rossi in the curves, to compensate by leaning out a little more with the body, so as to bend less. We were surprised by the fact that, by forcing the pace without exaggerating, on extra-urban roads even with a powerful motorbike you can't improve travel times. It really seems to be one of the best means of transport you can choose for your travels. Comfortable in the city even for those who are not tall, thanks to the saddle 785 mm from the ground, it is safe when braking thanks to the two discs, 267 mm front, 240 rear. The calipers bite well with the double pumping in front, theABS of the sample under test manages everything in the best possible way, with a truly minimally invasive intervention. Slightly, but the weight has decreased compared to the old X-Max, the 250 now scores 178 Kg on the scale (4 more with ABS), in running order. The combination of the circles remains unchanged, with the 14" at the rear and 15 at the front, combined with 140/70 and 120/70 tires respectively. As the owner of a high wheel I must admit that this choice is more rewarding, because the considerable load in the under-seat compartment.

Price and consumption:

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The price drops, consumption remains top marks

Let this displacement be the best compromise between performance and costs you understand it when you stop to think about the consumption data: it would have been crazy just a few years ago to think of doing almost 200 kilometers with 10 euros of petrol, at these paces. The X-Max 250 does not go below 25-26 kilometers on a liter of petrol even when driving at the limit, always taking advantage of all its features. 30 is not a mirage in a slightly more civilized use, without giving up moving dynamically and also having a bit of fun. Autonomy it goes accordingly and with 13,2 liters of tank it can easily pass 300 km: remarkable for a scooter! With the arrival of the new 400 euros for ABS, with a list price of 4.690 for the version without it, which become 5.090 with. In our opinion, they are an obligatory expense, even if it is needed only once to save you from a fall, the 400 euros will be best spent. Nowadays, even on super sports bikes and in track tests, even the most expert riders let themselves be helped by the electronics without problems, let alone in city driving with a scooter. A moment of distraction, tiredness, an unexpected patch of slippery asphalt and you can find yourself with the front locked and the steering locking. The more experienced, perhaps aided by a bit of luck, may be able to avoid falling, but why not allow themselves the luxury of braking by hanging on the levers without even having to ask themselves the problem, with the ABS taking care of managing everything optimally? Until a few years ago we were among the sceptics, because the first anti-lock brakes on motorbikes/scooters lengthened stopping distances in certain conditions, now we have no doubts, it makes no sense to buy a new vehicle that doesn't have them. With the large list of accessories (23 items on the list to date) you can also indulge in giving a different character to your X-Max, from the low smoked windshield to the high and more protective one, from the sports exhaust to the passenger backrest, as well as the 50 liter top box and much more. They can also be purchased as setups (Sport at 249 euros and Touring at 468), obtaining an economic advantage compared to purchasing individual pieces.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Pleasant in appearance and driving, top comfort and practicality, negligible consumption
We do not like it:
ABS and 12 volt socket not standard, a few too many noises in the front on disconnections

Yamaha X-Max 250: the Motorionline Report Card

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Sony A7 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera Test Photo with 3,5-5,6mm FE F28-70 OSS Lens

Test clothing:
Trousers: Dainese Jeans Prattville
Helmet: Nolan N21 Visor
Jacket: Urban Toucan Agos
Gloves: Tucano Urbano Squid 9801
Shoe: Dainese Street Rocker