Yamaha X-MAX 300, test - Road test

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How are you?
- clothes

The new Tre Diapasons mid-size scooter is chic and comfortable. But it's also fun and safe. Available from May from 5.690 euros.

After collecting 130.000 units sold in 11 years of a flawless career, the X-MAX 250 is phased out and replaced with a model. new Yamaha X-MAX 300, a modern, trendy, well-finished and extremely efficient scooter that debuts in dealerships in May 2017 with prices starting from 5.690 euro.

Three colors are available, among which the new Quasar Bronze stands out, a color that is also increasingly appreciated in the automotive industry. The engine is new, as is the chassis. There is a smart key and traction control. The exterior has been completely redesigned with ample space for helmets and luggage. I tried this on the roads of Tuscany to find out advantages and disadvantages.

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Aesthetically new Yamaha X-MAX 300 2017 draws heavily on the design of its big brother, the TMAX. Double lighthouse Full LED and the unprecedented central projector is its calling card. The sleek tail, LED taillights and mixed analog/digital gauges do the rest.

The saddle is 10mm taller than the 250, now sits 795mm from the ground and serves as a cover for a compartment that can accommodate two full-face helmets and a laptop; to which are added two storage compartments in a panel with a 12V socket for recharging the smartphone.

The new X-MAX 300 is powered by a new 292cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 4-valve SOHC engine. 28 CV at 7.250 g / min 29 Nm at 5.750 g / min, coupled with traction control. We are new frame lighter than 3 kg and one new telescopic fork with 33 mm struts with twin steering disc (same as TMAX).

At the rear, however, we find a double shock absorber with adjustable preload, and the braking system (with ABS as standard) provides a single 267mm disc at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear. Gross weight 179 kg with a full tank of gasoline.

Besides the basic version, new X-MAX it is available in two versions: Sport, with aluminum footrest, sports license plate holder, low-smoke top fairing, passenger backrest and Akpapovic exhaust system; and a Touring with a high windshield, top case and softer saddle.

How are you?

new Yamaha X-MAX è funny, comfortable, spacious and chic. The driver's position can be adjusted using the height-adjustable steering wheel: the travel is 20 mm and can be adjusted by the dealer at the time of purchase.

There plenty of legroom, which basically can count on two positions: one more relaxed and the other more "attacking" (pass this term to me when talking about a scooter). The saddle is well shaped and you can easily put your feet on the ground even if you are not very tall, as well as maneuver from a place where you can feel a little scooter weight, become simple and easy.

Good aerodynamic protection even in motorway: The windshield is adjusted with a simple Allen wrench and leaves only a slightly exposed head, which, however, does not suffer too much from turbulence. One of the things I liked the most was the engine. It has a rich and sweet taste at the same time.

The starting point is excellent cityin traffic jams, among vehicles where the X-MAX 300 slides with sufficient maneuverability, even if these are not ultra-light tall wheels. Its characteristics continue to be appreciated outside of urban centers: well developed and expanded, and above all, it is never felt. vibrations.

The chassis is also convincing as it turned out to be quite balanced, perhaps more focused on real-world driving than boulders and bumps: credit for the new fork.

Between the curves The X-MAX 300 is controllable, precise and stable, allowing you to fold enough – also because the ground clearance has increased compared to the previous model – in total safety. The only downside brakingA: I would prefer a little more aggressive and less loose. Extraordinary me consumption.