Yamaha subjected its XMAX maxi-scoot to a fairly thorough rebuild with a whole host of “new-for-2023” goodies. A new instrument display adorns the cockpit with a secondary digital speedometer mounted separately along with new infotainment options and new handlebar switchgear to manipulate the pertinent ride-control systems.
The 292 cc powerplant remains unchanged this year, but it all comes wrapped in new, urban-tastic bodywork that is both classy and edgy at the same time. It also runs with improved LED lighting all around for the safety of effective two-way visibility, day or night.
First launched in 2006, the early Yamah XMAX models had a similar urban-commuter look powered by a 124 cc mill. This current bike actually falls in the middle of the displacement range as Yamaha also produces a “400” (395 cc) model, just not for the U.S. market, at least not yet.
2023 Yamaha Xmax 300
- Model
- Xmax 300
- Engine:
- 292 cc Single-Cylinder
- Power Output
- 27.6 HP
- Torque
- 29 LB-FT
- Transmission
- Automatic CVT
- Driveline
- V-Belt
- MSRP
- $6,099
- Adjustable Handlebar And Windscreen
- New Full-Color 4.2-Inch TFT Display
- New Smartphone Connectivity
- Color Selection Is Seriously Lacking
- Could Use Adjustable Rear Suspension At The Least
- Could Use Dual Front Brakes
2023 Yamaha XMAX Performance And Capability
Yamaha powers its XMAX with a liquid-cooled thumper. The engine water jacket attenuates much of the mechanical noise that would otherwise escape the cases, and it lends the mill a certain amount of thermal stability to help deal with adverse traffic conditions and hot weather.
A single over-head cam times the four-valve head to keep things light and simple in the top end. This is an undersquare engine with a 70 mm bore and 75.9 mm stroke for a total displacement of 292 cc. The medium-hot, 10.9-to-1 compression ratio prefers at least mid-hook pusholine. The 2023 Yamaha XMAX produces 27.6 horsepower and 21.4 pound-feet of torque. This is pretty good power for a scooter with plenty of tractable grunt in the low- to mid-range to pull you out of the hole and make decisive passes in traffic.
Power flows through a CVT-type gearbox that delivers twist-and-go operation with a long cooling area to improve the drive belt's life expectancy. XMAX's top speed is in the neighborhood of 87 MPH, so there's plenty of throttle left at the speed limit, even on the superslab. For the pièce de résistance, Yamaha weaves in its traction-control feature for even more safety and peace of mind out on the road.
Design
Yamaha really outdid itself with the XMAX's overall design. It's sleek, elegant, and thoroughly modern with solid fit and finish and attention to detail that's right up there with the best of them. The edgy front fender sets the tone with its angular build and spoiler uprights that protect the front forks. That angular look carries to the rest of the front end with a broad brow that glowers over the LED headlights and DRLs.
The front turn signals built into the upper front fairing are well out of harm's way and high enough to be visible to the cager ahead of you. A clear windscreen rides up top to extend the rider's wind pocket up to head level, and since it's vented, it does away with that wearisome head-bobble effect at the top of the pocket.
Behind the glass, an LCD speedometer and full-color, 4.2-inch TFT screen handle all the instrumentation and higher electronic functions. This includes Yamaha's “Y-Connect” feature that networks through your smartphone and delivers a host of infotainment goodies. A keyless ignition means you won't have to let your keychain flail in the wind, plus it helps keep the cockpit clean.
A tall step-through gives way to a large under-seat compartment that holds two full-face buckets with room left over, so it can be a grocery-getting or even a snazzy commuter since it's so capable on the highways. A built-in pillion pad joins with the J.C. handles and flip-out footpegs to accommodate a passenger right out of the box. More LED lights finish out the rearward lighting to finish with the same clean-as-a-whistle look that prevails throughout the build.
Specs & Dimensions
Length | 86 in |
Width | 30.5 in |
Height | 55.7 in - 57.7 in |
Seat Height | 31.3 in |
Wheelbase | 60.6 in |
Ground Clearance | 5.3 in |
Fuel Capacity | 3.4 gal |
Curb Weight | 397 lb |
Chassis
The XMAX relies on the strength of its steel underbone frame and tall tunnel feature to give it the desired structure without breaking the scale to do it. A big-bike style front end rides with a duplex tripletree for strength far beyond the more-typical single-tier clamp that so many scoots run.
The 33 mm forks come with 4.3 inches of travel, while out back, dual coil-over shocks deliver 3.1 inches of travel for an overall plush ride, especially for a scooter. Large-diameter rims run with a 120/70-15 ahead of a 140/70-14, so you can count on the handling to feel big-bike-ish as well. Credit where it's due, the XMAX has disc brakes at both ends. There's a 267 mm disc up front, a 245 mm disc out back, and stock ABS all around.
Chassis & Suspension
Front Suspension/ Travel | 33 mm telescopic fork/ 4.3 in |
Rear Suspension/ Travel | Dual shocks/ 3.1 in |
Rake | 26.5° |
Trail | 3.7 in |
Front Tire | 120/70-15 Dunlop® Scoot Smart |
Rear Tire | 140/70-14 Dunlop® Scoot Smart |
Front Brake | 267 mm disc, ABS |
Rear Brake | 245 mm disc, ABS |
2023 Yamaha XMAX Price And Availability
MSRP on the 2023 Yamaha XMAX starts at $6,099. A monochromatic colorway in Granite Gray is the only package available this year in our market.
Pricing & Features
Features | Full-Color 4.2-inch TFT display, Updated Styling, New Smartphone Connectivity |
Warranty | 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty) |
Colors | Granite Gray |
Price | $6,099 |
Competitors
The urbanite maxi-scoot field has a number of worthy competitors. I decided to keep it all in Japan with Suzuki's Burgman 400.
Suzuki Burgman 400
Right out of the gate, it's clear that Suzuki looks to poach from the same pool of riders as the XMAX, and could pass as a sister from another mister with an elegance all its own. Definitely built for more mature riders, the Burgman rocks traction control and ABS support to break even in electronics as well. Suzuki really packs in the cubes with its 400 cc thumper, so it's unsurprising that it outpunches the XMAX, but just barely, with 28 ponies and 25.9 pounds o' grunt against 28/25.9 respectively. You'll pay for that little bit of extra power through an $8,599 sticker, and that may be a dealbreaker for buyers on a budget.
He Said
“Since the XMAX is plenty fast enough for interstate work, it's hard to justify spending that extra money on the Burgman for just a tad more power. The addition of traction control and ABS made this scoot a contender with the best in the world at this displacement break.”
She Said
My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says,
“This is a comfortable scooter. The ride is smooth and there's virtually no vibration to speak of. The center of gravity is low, so handling is responsive, and you have a nimble ride to bob and weave through traffic. With traction control and ABS, it's a sophisticated little scooter, but at 300 cc, you're starting to get into the big rides, so it's almost expected. For what you get, I feel like the price is reasonable. If I have a complaint, it's the same as I had for the previous iteration, that I'd like to see 16-inch wheels.”
FAQ
Q: Is Yamaha XMAX 300 available in USA?
Starting at $6,099, the U.S. version of the 2023 Yamaha XMAX was in dealer showrooms beginning January 2023.
Q: How many HP is Yamaha XMAX specs?
With the 292 cc engine, the Yamaha XMAX produces 27.6 horsepower and 29 pound-feet of torque.
Q: How much is XMAX 300 in USA?
Offered only in Granite Gray for 2023, Yamaha XMAX in the U.S. market starts at $6,099.
Q: How big is the gas tank on the XMAX 300?
The fuel capacity of the Yamaha XMAX 300 is 3.4 gallons.