Yamaha X-MAX 400, the perfect compromise? [FIRST CONTACT]

Looking forward to telling you about it with a video too, here you are our first impressions, a few hours after the conclusion of our test, riding the new X-MAX 400.

Intended for a public that by necessity is looking for a maxi scooter, which combines easy handling for use in the city with the ability to withstand significant daily distances, from this perspective, the increased displacement of the X-MAX 400 compared to the 300, allows to drive in peace on urban routes, and to be able to count on respectable performance on extra-urban routes. In our opinion, this last component must however be significant, also to justify the extra expense compared to the smaller displacement. It wants to be a maxi, but remains far from the price (but also the performance) of its bigger brother T-Max. Compared to the 300 the difference is not negligible, a thousand euros more, justified not only by the engine, but by dedicated finishes and the double front disc.

The innovations are perceivable from the first glance, with a modern, aggressive and refined look, while maintaining the classic stylistic boomerang of the Iwata company's sports scooters. The design is undoubtedly one of the prominent elements of the new the gear, but in the cold season the more sensitive will have to equip themselves with the higher winter version.

The high and adjustable handlebar allows you to remain comfortable in the riding position, and the passenger also benefits from a very (perhaps too) wide saddle. The saddle pad is also very roomy, thanks to the movement of the 13 liter tank of petrol is now at the top of the category. There is space for two full-face helmets, i.e. a long bag of A4 size. Furthermore, the compartment is illuminated and there is a 12 V socket. The ignition takes place with Smart Key, simply keep the key in your pocket (or in the compartment under the instrument panel, LCD and with on-board computer, which opens by pressure). The finishes are also appreciable, with sporty visible stitching on the saddle, very well cared for, as are the plastics in general, with a high quality of assembly.

Although quite bulky in size, the X-MAX 400 appears to be on the move very agile and it drives well in the city, furthermore thanks to the high driving position, the rider benefits from a very wide view. The engine, obviously now approved Euro 4, 4-stroke with injection and liquid cooled, delivers a power of 33,3 horsepower (at 7 thousand rpm), and 36 Nm of maximum torque (at 6 thousand rpm). It is not particularly "arm-breaking", even if the scooter is reactive at traffic lights, but it is in the medium range that it takes off compared to its younger brother, the X-MAX 300 with which it also shares a lot on an aesthetic level and with which it comes naturally therefore make direct comparisons. If anyone might think that the increase in cost is huge compared to a few details and 5 more horses - it is by driving it that the 400 shows its muscles, well beyond what the data can say.

We drove it in city traffic and it was well balanced, fun and precise in roundabouts. It teases sporty driving, to the point that, in the most demanding passages, the ground light ends up never being enough, with the risk of the classic scratching of the central stand. Undoubtedly, however, the engine is appreciated more on the extra-urban route, with a acceleration that gives greater satisfaction, compared to starting at the traffic lights in the city, although it still remains an "average" one, for those who want certain emotions the bigger brother, the twin-cylinder T- Max, obviously remains unattainable. However, it is a compromise that offers great usability and the possibility of taking a trip out of town or even a medium-distance trip without any problems. In fact, the engine allows you to travel easily on high-traffic roads, like those we took to get to the Monza park and subsequently, through Brianza to get to Lecco.

This last route is also the one that most enhanced the driving of the telescopic front fork and handlebar with double plate, both thanks to the new aluminum rims that fit the new Michelins specifically designed in collaboration with Yamaha, which guarantee excellent levels of road holding, and which despite the considerable size of the rear, do not he never broke down.

It loses 5 kilograms compared to the previous model, reaching 210 in running order. The frame is the same as its brother 300, but made more rigid by reinforcements in strategic points, while the renewed rims are always 15" at the front, 13 at the rear. The Traction Control System it also gives the driver confidence, regardless of his skill, always guaranteeing maximum grip on any uneven surfaces or in the presence of wet or slippery surfaces.

So what's the new X-MAX 400 like? The opinion is positive, it is a scooter suitable for commuters, for those who have to travel long distances on their daily home-work journey, and want to have a vehicle that allows them to travel safely at medium/high speeds (it can travel 150 km /h...), and who consider the scooter as a suitable vehicle also for trips out of town. On the other hand, using the X-MAX 400 exclusively in the city would be somewhat limiting.

As for consumption, while awaiting a more in-depth test, we detected values ​​not far from the declared figure of 4,18 liters per 100 km, which translate into a very important autonomy, thanks to the 13 liters available, of over 300 km.

The new X-MAX 400 will arrive in dealerships in August in the Phantom Blue, Sonic Gray and Blazing Gray colors, at the price of 6.690 euros fc, a good compromise in terms of expense/vehicle, even considering the much more demanding price of one of the three versions of the T-MAX.

Edited by Fabrizio Rigano

Test clothing:
Jacket: Spidi Street Tex jacket
Trousers: Furious Tex JEANS
Gloves: Spidi Jab RR
Technical shoe: Alpinestars
Helmet: Caberg Uptown Gear