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“This little thing handles like a bike”, the Yamaha test rider smiles, when stepping of X-MAX after first prototype testing.
The environment may seem a little strange for a scooter supposed to be used commuting in city traffic mainly, but partly, testing of X-MAX took place on small country lanes in the hillsides of northern Spain. Another rider carries on:” The X-MAX is fun to ride on these small roads. What works well in these conditions must be great to ride in urban traffic as well”.
He summarizes the important elements behind the development of this new scooter:
Precise handling
The handling character was a key issue in the engineering guidelines: X-MAX is supposed to submit its rider a precise feeling for steering and cornering. The 15-inch front wheel will respond directly to the riders input on the handlebar, unlike other contenders in its class. There is no “scooter like” spongy feeling in the handlebars when manoeuvring the X-MAX. This is certainly beneficial on open roads as mentioned above, but even more so in city traffic, where road conditions with grooves and rough surface often direct the front wheel into undesired directions. The X-MAX precise handling contributes to a safer ride and one can pinpoint the riding direction when filtering through urban traffic.
Best stability
The X-MAX is another step towards a sportier and dynamic scooter, the X-MAX chromosomes are made of technology inherited from motorcycles. Its tubular steel chassis has increased rigidity comparing to other contenders in the class.
In alliance with a new front fork and a new rear suspension, the stability of this new 250 machine is outstanding in its class. When you can ride down the highway at top speed (highest in its class with 125 km/h), this scooter feels stable like a motorcycle going at the same pace.
Sports and Comfort no contradiction
Rider’s comfort and sporty set-up were no contradiction for the X-MAX project leader Takayoshi Mizuno: ” We targeted the best level of riding fun combined with what you need for your daily commuting.” The roomy seat indeed offers enough comfort for the rider. The rider’s position is substantially different to comparable models. In order to realise a rather short wheelbase and compact dimension overall, the rider sits more upright. This contributes to an active riding position enabling the rider to control the scooter better, both in city traffic when manoeuvring through and at higher speed on open roads. The windscreen has been placed the nearest possible to the rider, resulting in lesser air turbulence and therefore better protection."
The storage space under the seat is biggest in its class
Wagon type luggage compartment
Unlike one would imagine in such a sporty chassis set-up, there is a very roomy trunk space under the seat.
Indeed the rider could fit 2 full-face-helmets or other useful luggage. Since the centre of gravity is rather low, even a full load under the seat does not influence the handling significantly.
Engine with latest technology
The X-MAX single cylinder four-stroke engine is one of the best performers in its class. Based on the indestructible YP 250 engine design, the new power plant has undergone several detail changes. The guideline of development next to max power (20,1 HP) was an excellent throttle response and acceleration. The drive train has been modified to accommodate a larger 14-inch rear wheel, contributing to the vehicle’s dynamic stability.
The first image sketch of X-MAX
Styling: what you see is what you get
The centre tunnel is not just a styling feature with its frame like appearance, but accommodates the necessary reinforcements and components to achieve the outstanding chassis performance. The twin headlights look serious and provide proper lighting necessary for daily commuting.
The rear end looks comparatively light and slim. This could be achieved since the bulk of the storage space is located under the rider’s part of the seat, which contributes further to a neutral handling even with storage space filled.
X-MAX did inherit technology from motorcycles, such as brakes, frame and suspension components. And it has better riding characteristics than average motorcycles not too long ago. At the same time it offers more than enough comfort and storage space being a synthesis of an enjoyable two-wheeler and a roomy and spacious commuter.
X-MAX means more than just commuting: it’s ‘a sport’.
X-MAX key features at a glance
Colours 2005 X-MAX 250
Click to enlarge.
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