YAMAHA

Brand new scooter does 32km/l and reaches 140km/h

Finally Yamaha launched the XMAX ABS! First shown in Brazil at the Salão Duas Rodas of 2017, the scooter caused a furor and made us think that its launch would be imminent. Our mistake. To general frustration, Yamaha chose not to bring it at that time. On the other hand, at last year's Salon, Yamaha not only put XMAX in its booth, but announced its launch and, shortly after, started pre-selling.
The arrival of the Yamaha XMAX is already shaking the segment. According to the company's marketing people, the pre-sale has already sold out the first three batches. They arrive in stores in the first week of April, and the queue continues to grow.

Sweeping design
XMAX has a modern and thought-provoking design. It is impossible to stand before him without expressing a smile of satisfaction, at least for those who enjoy scooters and motorcycles. On the side it impresses with the size that looks like a bigger scooter, the extension and width of the seat has a good part in this feeling of size. The lines marked by creases and angles and the elongated headlights and outlined by the LED DRL (Daytime Running Light) give an air of fury to the front of the bike.



Ergonomics
It is full-bodied, just pass the leg in front of the seat, overcome the “column” of the floor, where the fuel tank nozzle is located and mount it to realize that there is plenty of room to accommodate. Sitting with my 1.8 meter height, the legs have excellent space until the front shield, it is possible to move on the comfortable bench until it rests on the lumbar backrest (this is a little far for my height), there is plenty of room. The croup is also very well accommodated, the pedals of this could be a little lower to flex the legs less and increase passenger comfort.



The distance to the handlebars, which can be adjusted up to 20 mm forwards or backwards, is excellent and the full information panel is fixed on the front of the scooter and not on the handlebars as in most scooters, giving more sense of spaciousness.

Plenty of space
After checking how good the position and space to fly is, the curiosity to raise the seat to check and imagine what can fit down there. Impressive! Two helmets, backpack and a few more things can fit. In my view, having the fuel tank underfoot (separated by the column on the floor) is a smart solution to gain space under the seat, one of the great virtues of XMAX ABS. In the front shield, two compartments (one with lock and 12V socket) guarantee even more space for offal.


XMAX by Momo Design-Akrapovic exhaust system

How it behaves
The XMAX ABS has a 4-valve single cylinder engine and liquid cooling is capable, according to Yamaha, of 22.8 hp at 7,000 rpm and 2.5 kgf.m at 5,550 rpm of maximum power and torque respectively (on the crankshaft).
Quiet and responsive, it is from 4,500 rpm that you feel the strongest thrust, gaining speed quickly. The engine has fun, accelerates fast and has a low level of vibration and noise. The answers allow a peaceful touch in the city and on the road. On highways it is possible to travel at a cruising speed of 120 km / h and, if necessary, stretch to 140 km / h, the maximum speed marked on the panel.



The XMAX is the only one in the medium cylinder category with traction control, it is difficult to feel it working, but on cobblestones or on very smooth ground it is sometimes possible to feel the ignition cut to avoid skidding. It would not be necessary for the engine power, but the technology is welcome when it comes to beginners in charge.



More virtues
Another surprise that impresses is the smoothness with which it is possible to ride the Yamaha XMAX on the whimsical pavement of big cities like São Paulo, the suspensions absorb irregularities very well and, unlike most scooters, it does not have the unpleasant shaking on the handlebars or those blows to the vertebrae from the rear shock absorbers. Driving is precise and turning with it is fun and you can tilt a lot without worry.
The ABS-assisted brake system on two wheels helps with emergency braking, but has a rough operation, especially on slippery ground. It takes tact to make it work better, if you put your hand on the brake with real force (which can happen to the less experienced in an emergency), the system works after a small skidding of the rear wheel, which can cause scares.

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