It was in Milan that Yamaha decided to present the 5th generation of the XMAX 300 to journalists, amidst the chaotic city traffic and the fantastic roads that took us to Lake Como. After taking the 4th generation XMAX 300 Tech Max to the Algarve in the May edition of the magazine, this was a good timing to test the new generation, still with the fresh sensations of what we felt on the trip to the south of Portugal.
The XMAX is Yamaha’s best-selling scooter, with already 450,000 units sold worldwide. And despite this number referring to all engine sizes, from 125 cc to 400 cc – which is no longer in production – it is still impressive. And when it comes to the XMAX 300, the Tech Max version, which is the most equipped version, represents more than 50% of the sales of this model, something that we can understand after riding this 5th generation that is becoming more complete, and with better attributes.
UNCHANGED HEART
With such a high number of motorcycles sold, Yamaha is doing something right. That’s why one of the main components, the engine, remained unchanged for the 2023 model. We still have the same block as the previous version, with 292 cc of 20.6 kW (28 hp) and a maximum torque of 29.0 Nm. These numbers not only offer a maximum announced speed of 138 km/h, but also a fuel consumption of around 3L/100km – we were able to mark 3.1L/100km on the onboard computer. However, it is still somewhat strange that the Japanese brand has chosen to continue with a 300 cc engine, at a time when almost all the competition is increasing the displacement of their “old” 300s. However, according to the Japanese engineers present in Milan, the reason for not investing in a new block is due to all the extra work that would be necessary to create a completely new engine, instead of improving the existing block. This means that the XMAX has a somewhat weak response in medium and high revs, with noticeable restrictions, although it is possible to feel a significant improvement in throttle response when we are stopped and need a quick start. Even so, this maxi scooter has proven capable of reaching speeds higher than those announced by Yamaha when we are on fast roads or highways, progressively increasing speed – a characteristic that remains from previous generations of this motorcycle.
Sporty Look
Just like the natural ability of the XMAX to reach high speeds, if the road allows it, a characteristic of this Japanese maxi scooter is its sporty nature and ability to attack curves. With a revised frame and front fork, Yamaha aims to maintain the title of the most sporty scooter in its class, without neglecting the ergonomics and comfort of the rider and passenger. To achieve this, they have increased the available seating space for the rider, so that the riding position is more ergonomic with less bent legs and more space. This change has proven to be a valuable addition for the 200 km we rode with the XMAX, making each one of them comfortable and enjoyable. All of this could imply a decrease in the storage space under the seat, but the Japanese brand continues to promise that it is possible to fit two helmets under the rider and passenger – depending, of course, on the size and shape of the helmets, it is certainly possible to fit two jet helmets.
But let’s get back to the sporty part. The XMAX 300 definitely has a peculiar character – now amplified with a new design inspired by the TMAX – conveying the sensations of the front of the bike very well, allowing for fast speeds without scaring with sudden reactions or unexpected behaviors. The weak point is the double rear shock absorber, which also deserved to be revised and replaced, as it definitely does not keep up with the more rebellious side of the XMAX, offering a somewhat rigid behavior and giving the sensation that only the spring is working, with the shock absorber being a bit “lazy”. The Michellin City Grip2 tires that come standard on this XMAX 300 Tech Max are also a limiting factor for this scooter, which would greatly benefit from a rubber with better grip. Still, the XMAX 300 Tech Max showed an excellent compromise between the comfort it provides in the city and the ability to ride at higher speeds with good sensations. And there is one more very important point to mention, which has been improved in this 5th version, the braking. This was a frequently reported problem in previous generations, due to its stiffness and lack of sensitivity, and it has therefore been improved in 2023. Now, the way the brake responds to the force applied to the lever is much more assertive and the excessive stiffness has disappeared, making it easier to find the right pressure to brake the XMAX, whether in the city or on roads that require a higher pace.
MAXIMUM TECH
All the characteristics we have discussed so far are features that do not differ between the two versions of the new XMAX 300, that is, the normal version and the Tech Max version. Let’s focus on the technology and the differences that Yamaha introduced in the scooter we tested, the more equipped version, the Tech Max. What immediately catches the eye, compared to the normal version, are the details such as the leather seat, the aluminum footplates, small specific plates of the Tech Max, and of course, a 4.2″ TFT panel accompanied by a 3.2″ LCD, which can only be found in this version. And the TFT panel was indeed one of the focal points in the presentation, and rightly so. This panel allows connection with the mobile phone and intercom, enabling answering and making calls through the panel’s navigation commands – quite intuitive – as well as receiving messages and viewing their content. It is also possible to access the Garmin StreetCross application, which provides navigation with access to maps and real-time directions on the TFT. The Dark Petrol (tested) and Tech Black colors are also exclusive to the XMAX 300 Tech Max. And what about the technological similarities? Everything except the TFT panel and the 3.2″ LCD – replaced in the normal version by only a 4.3″ LCD panel – that is, the keyless system, the new X-shaped headlights, and the full LED lighting are similar in both versions.
AT THE TOP OF THE CHAIN
The XMAX 300 has always been one of the reference models in the medium-displacement maxi scooter segment, and in 2023 Yamaha wanted to ensure that it remained so, and that’s exactly what it did. The Tech Max version now has a greater differentiating factor on the Tech side with an innovative panel that allows various functionalities, and the mechanical set is more refined than ever, thus keeping the XMAX 300 as one of the most desirable maxi scooters on the market.
YAMAHA XMAX 300 TECH MAX
Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled ENGINE
DISPLACEMENT 292 cc
POWER 20.6 kW (28 hp) @ 7,250 rpm
TORQUE 29 Nm @ 5,750 rpm
AUTOMATIC GEARBOX, CVT
STEEL TUBULAR FRAME
TANK 13.2 liters
FRONT SUSPENSION conventional fork, 110 mm travel
REAR SUSPENSION dual shock absorber, 79 mm travel
FRONT BRAKE 267 mm disc
REAR BRAKE 245 mm disc
FRONT TIRE 120/70-15
REAR TIRE 140/70-14
WHEELBASE 1,540 mm
SEAT HEIGHT 795 mm
WEIGHT 183 kg
MSRP Tech MAX (from) €7,300 / Base version (from) €6,495
