YAMAHA XMAX 300 (2017 - on)

Review
Jon Urry

MCN rating 4 out of 5 (4/5)

Owners' rating 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Specs Owners' reviews For sale

17

Highlights
A2-legal maxi scooter
Great for an urban commute
Built well, cheap to run
At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost: £100
Power: 28 bhp
Seat height: Medium (31.3 in / 795 mm)
Weight: Low (395 lbs / 179 kg)

Prices
New £4,599

Used £3,000 - £4,500

View bikes for sale

Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakes

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Published: 07 September 2021

Updated: 31 October 2022

What is it about scooters that UK commuters don’t understand? Take

the Yamaha XMAX 300. You can get incredibly low PCP deals on one
of these A2-legal maxi-scooters and basically kiss goodbye to your
public transport woes, not to mention save a stackload of cash in the
process.

Related: Best 50cc scooters and mopeds

For a suburban commuter, the XMAX 300 makes total sense. It’s
practical, has the full package of safety aids, will easily cruise at
70mph and delivers 80mpg. How does that not make sense?

2023 Yamaha XMAX 300

Yamaha have unveiled new tech updates for their XMAX 300. The
top-of-the-range Tech Max version gets a new 4.2in colour TFT dash
with smartphone connectivity that’ll also run Garmin sat nav
functionality if you have the right app. The standard model gets a
new version of the LCD unit that you can still hook your phone up to.

Along with the new dashes, the bikes also get tweaks to the styling
including X-shaped LED head and tail lights. The seat has been
reshaped for styling but also to make getting your foot down easier.
The Tech Max version is now also available in black paint.

The new standard XMAX 300 is due in March 2023 while the Tech
Max version will follow in May. Yamaha will announce the prices in
December 2022.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Despite appearing physically large, the XMAX soon reveals itself as a

surprisingly light and agile commuter. Carrying its 179kg weight very
low helps it flick effortlessly from side-to-side and it’s narrow
enough to zip through gaps.

The seat is comfortable, the screen and fairing are effective and it
can almost hit 100mph flat-out. Should you need to anchor up
quickly, while the brakes lack some feel, the ABS is excellent in
catching any lock-ups and the traction control certainly worked on
wet cobbles.
The suspension, however, could be a little better. Over particularly
poor surfaces the XMAX’s twin shocks felt a little harsh and under-
damped, jolting the rider in an unpleasant way. On smoother roads
they were up to the job, but if you own an XMAX it’s best to avoid
potholes wherever possible.

Engine
Next up: Reliability

4 out of 5 (4/5)
With a top speed nearing 100mph, the 292cc single in the XMAX is
probably more powerful than most will need it to be.

The A2-compliant 27.6bhp motor is plenty for zipping around the city
and won't intimidate fresh converts to two wheels, either.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Yamaha are famous for the reliability of their thumping singles in

bigger bikes, and there's no reason to think the power unit in the
XMAX should be any less bullet-proof.
Our Yamaha XMax 300 owners' reviews show a few little niggles to
be aware of after some time with the bike. We have reports of leaking
fork seals, a substandard alternator that allows the battery to flatten
when using heated kit, and a seat that needs two hands to operate,
meaning you need to put your luggage down in order to load it.

Value vs rivals
Next up: Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

How does 80mpg all day long sound? On paper the XMAX is every
suburban commuter’s dream mode of transport, and the ride doesn’t
disappoint either.

A low monthly PCP cost makes the XMAX a viable alternative to

public transport, and its £5199 price tag puts it on a par with
Honda's Forza 300 (£5099) and cheaper than the Suzuki Burgman
400 (£6499). The Kawasaki J300 comes in at £4599, but is not so
well-equipped.

Equipment
5 out of 5 (5/5)

If you are yet to be converted to two wheels and are worried about
safety, the XMAX even helps quash this fear. Alongside ABS,
Yamaha’s new 292cc single-cylinder machine comes with traction
control as standard, which although a little unnecessary on a
27.6bhp twist-and-go is still reassuring when it starts to rain.

Add to this keyless ignition and disc brakes front and rear and the
XMAX goes a long way to justifying its £5199 tag. And then there is
the practicality side.

Pop up the XMAX’s seat and underneath is a vast 45-litre storage

area (which is helpfully lit by an LED light) that can happily swallow
up two full-face lids with room to spare. In one of the two gloveboxes
(the one that locks) there is a 12V power source so you can charge a
phone while on the go and both the screen and bars are height
adjustable.

In a slightly odd move, Yamaha haven’t equipped the bigger XMAX

(or any XMAX model for that matter) with a parking brake, meaning
you do need to be wary when parking up on any kind of slope.

But this a small irritation on what is otherwise a thoroughly sorted,

and well-specified, maxi-scooter that – if tried – would certainly win
over a few public transport-weary commuters.

YAMAHA XMAX 300 for sale with MCN

XMAX 300 (2020/20) £2,995 Lancashire

XMAX 300 (2021/70) £3,399 East Sussex

 XMAX 300 (2018/18) £3,995 Suffolk

XMAX 300 (2019/69) £4,295 Dorset

XMAX 300 (2018/18) £4,499 Derbyshire

View more bikes for sale

Specs

Engine size 292cc

Single cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, 4-
Engine type
valves
Frame type -
Fuel capacity 13 litres
Seat height 795mm
Bike weight 179kg
Front
Telescopic forks 110mm travel
suspension
Rear
Unit Swing 79mm travel
suspension
Front brake Hydraulic single disc, Ø267 mm
Hydraulic single disc, Ø245 mm
Rear brake

Front tyre size 120/70-15

Rear tyre size 140/70-14

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 80 mpg

Annual road tax £47
Annual service cost £100
New price £4,599
Used price £3,000 - £4,500
 -
Insurance group
How much to insure?
Warranty term -

Top speed & performance

Max power 28 bhp

Max torque 21.4 ft-lb
Top speed -
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 264 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

The XMAX 250 first arrived in the UK in 2005, the 300 and 400
versions were launched in 2017.

Other versions

As well as the XMAX 300 and 400, the A1 licence friendly XMAX 125
is also available.

Owners' reviews for the YAMAHA XMAX 300

(2017 - on)
4 owners have reviewed their YAMAHA XMAX 300 (2017 - on) and
rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what
they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your YAMAHA XMAX 300 (2017 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews

 Overall rating: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 3 out of 5 (3/5)
Engine: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.8 out of 5 (4.8/5)
Equipment: 3.8 out of 5 (3.8/5)
Annual servicing cost: £100
4 out of 5 Great Commuter plus (Daylight) Touring

01 January 2021 by Michael Evans

Year: 2018

Great city commuter, watch the side panels going through tight
gaps. Quick off the line. Headlights are abysmal, main beam makes
no difference. I would hate to ride on unlighted roads out of town,.
Brakes only just good enough. Seat a little tall ( but the under seat
storage is amazing ) enough power to leave most things at lights
including swarms of 125 delivery scooters!

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Back brake pretty effective, but front needs a good squeeze, feels a
little dead. After the disc and pad change it was much better, the
pins had been properly lubed. Front end not bad, but be aware most
weight is on the rear, so watch it in the wet. Rear suspension seems
very soft, and floaty and soon bottoms over big bumps. But cruising
on traffic free roads, feels good, upright position behind the screen (
on its tallest setting) is comfy for 100 mile plus. Can cruise 70+mph
but watch it drink fuel, buffeting does get worse at high speed

Engine 5 out of 5
Pulls well from starting and mid range, just slower at top end - it is
only 28bhp! Vibration only shows a little at tick over, mirrors always
clear.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Well built, no rattles. but lower bolt holding swing arm seized and its
into the engine case...so changing the back tyre was a challenge.
Front disc seriously scored and a little warped and replaced under
warranty at 7K. Main switch can be fiddly, if you get it wrong, the
filler cap opens when you are trying to lock the steering! ( plus it has
no illumination)

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Fuel is good around town ( considering its stop start all the way) and
95+ mpg on open roads. back tyre needed changing at 7500 miles.

Equipment 4 out of 5

MPG and temperature easily viewed on screen. I fitted a 113db horn

because pedestrians are morons in London. Michelin City Grip tyres
are great in town, I had them on a previous scooter, stick with what
you know

4 out of 5 Great bike

05 September 2020 by James jackson

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £100

Great scooter, only the suspension letting it down, don't let this put
you off as this is an excellent machine
Ride quality & brakes 2 out of 5

Ride quality is far to firm, brakes have a slightly vague feel to them
although stop you ok.

Engine 5 out of 5

Sublime engine, can't fault it

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Very well made

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Very cheap to run, great mpg 95mpg....v belt at 12k

Equipment 4 out of 5

Michelin city grip tyres are good

4 out of 5 Fantastic storage, cruises easily at motorway speeds.

Few niggles.

23 January 2020 by Matt74

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £100

It's a great workhorse for commuting with all the storage you need.
Mine gives 95mpg and will do 95mph indicated.. so I hear :-) It's
extremely functional, if not the most engaging scooter I've ridden.
Looks pretty sharp especially with the matt paint. A few niggles..
chiefly the rear ride comfort and it can be a bit of a stretch for
shorter riders.
Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

The rear suspension is a bit of a let-down. Even replacing it for

something a little more plush doesn't greatly improve matters. The
issue is one of suspension travel and you'll need to grit your teeth a
bit over the harsher roads. I found this a limiting factor on roads out
of town.

Engine 5 out of 5

The engine is it's best feature. Smooth acceleration all the way up to
max speed and great mpg. Also it's very smooth whilst your ticking
over (which cannot be said for the 400). Enough power at motorway
speeds to overtake easily. Impressive for only 300cc.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

It's never broken down exactly in 8000 miles however I have run the
battery down twice. The alternator does not produce as much juice
as I need and a few hours wearing a heated jacket & gloves in city
traffic will send the battery flat. This isn't true of all scooters btw, my
old Honda PCX 125 would cope without raising a sweat. It took more
than a few calls to Yamaha to establish the cause and yes, the design
amp output couldn't keep up. This likely won't affect most people
but I like to stay toasty.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Pretty low service costs as you'd expect. Had to replace the front
disc but that's my fault as I forgot about my disc lock :-/

Equipment 3 out of 5

The Michelin city-grip tyres that come as standard don't seem the
same quality as those you'd buy as Retail. That's common of course
but worth swapping these out. Touring screen useful for motorway
speeds but cut it down to the height you need.

Buying experience: Bought it from new

4 out of 5 Better than any motorbike

21 August 2019 by Teach

Year: 2018

Annual servicing cost: £100

Long distance commuter. Lightweight with decent power. Needs

better brakes. Massive storage. Flickable. Tops out before "losing
licence automatically" speeds No major issues just a couple of
"spoilers". Tyres let go suddenly in the damp. Leaning right turn rams
something into floor very early compared to leaning left turn.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

After 7000 miles there seems to be a steering issue that only I can
feel apparently. Brakes are weak for a bike that can cruise at
motorway speeds. Seat uncomfortable after 200miles or so, and the
little "bum stop" really is a pain in the arse for anyone over 5'6"...at
5'9" there is too little leg room to stretch cruiser style and too little to
bend upright style. A large screen is a must but why haven't they
made hand guards?! Regularly cover 250 miles a day and guards are
required in winter.

Engine 5 out of 5

Tops out on a track *innocent look* at 97mph with a 92kg rider.

Shame it hasn't got a tad more acceleration (0-60, 9s)...and as I said
the oil seals or similar went at 1000miles despite very careful run-in
for 700 miles (

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Seat issue and oil seals went. Oil seals should have been fixed for
free as far as I'm concerned. Seat issue seems minor but is bloody
annoying: need to press button AND pull seat or it didn't unlock
therefore one has to put down (often in the wet) what needs to go
under the seat. Yamaha can't fix it.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Oil deals required replacing after just 1000 miles despite obeying full
run-instructions. Disappontingly was charged for it.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Should be shipped with tall screen and handguards. Tyres seem OK

but can "let go" suddenly in the damp or wet so real care needed in
those conditions. Loads of underseat storage, large laptop bag plus
helmet or shopping... Although my seat no longer releases without
two hands which is a pain that yamaha couldn't care about. "we
don't know how to fix it, but it can still be opened so just put up with
it", direct quote from dealer

Buying experience: Dealer: 5299 interest free

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