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Yamaha XMAX 400: 'A maxi scooter without a maxi price tag'

Published: 20 October 2017 Updated: 20 October 2017
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We recently took part in the UK launch of Yamaha’s updated £5999 XMAX 400 which has the performance and quality finish of the TMAX, at almost half the price.

We rode on a 500 mile trip from the UK to its birthplace, Yamaha’s factory in Saint Quentin. Our route included everything from cobbled city streets, twisty A-roads to fast French motorways and we rode in changeable, autumnal conditions. It was a great way to put the Yamaha through its paces and here’s what we thought of it.

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What would it be like to live with?

The 395cc single cylinder scooter is Euro4 friendly and has ABS and traction control fitted as standard. The A2 licence friendly scoot is 5kg lighter than before and has a shorter wheelbase, this makes it nimble and agile around town.

If you want to use your wheels for more than just the daily commute the XMAX 400 is ideal. The 33bhp engine is responsive and smooth in city traffic and doesn’t get left behind on the open road or lack punch for higher speed overtakes.

With a wheelbase 50mm shorter than its nearest rival (the Suzuki Burgman 400) and 15-inch wheels, the Yamaha is agile and manoeuvrable around town. Fitted with Michelin City Grip tyres and traction control it inspires confidence in the wet. The twin shocks, adjustable for pre-load, allow the Yamaha to be set up for riding alone or two up.

Handlebars are two-way adjustable and at 5’10” I prefer them set to the position 20mm closer to me. The screen is manually adjustable, too and I set it in the 50mm taller position during this test.

With twin front discs and twin piston callipers, the brakes are powerful, without being grabby. There is a handy parking brake, a must when parking big scoot, like this, on an incline.

Practical, functional, useable.

An analogue dials and LCD dash are clear and easy to read. There’s a switch on the right grip to scroll through the display to reveal useful information, which includes MPG. We averaged 65mpg, this would give a range of around 200 miles, which isn’t bad.

Scooter theft is constantly in the news, Yamaha have fitted an immobiliser to help keep chavs at bay. It has keyless ignition, used in conjunction with a dial on the centre console, operates ignition, steering lock and access to the storage compartments. An alarm sounds if you leave the bike unattended without switching it off, annoying but useful.

The lit under-seat compartment holds two full faced helmets and there are two glove boxes, one of which is lockable and houses a 12v charging point.

There are a whole host of Yamaha accessories available from a stylish Akrapovic end can (£750.50) through to practical heated grips. We have the grips (£134) fitted and they were worth the investment. With three heat settings, they are easy to use and heat up quickly.

Keep it in the family.

Yamaha are keen for the MAX family (which comprises of the XMAX 125, 300, 400 and TMAX) to share a similar sharp, angular front end, it looks aggressive and sporty. The LED headlights add to the modern look and are exceptionally bright for night riding. It’s a shame the enormous exhaust can isn’t quite so well designed, it’s downright ugly.

So, would we buy one?

Yamaha’s new XMAX 400, is more agile and responsive around town, while being comfortable on longer journeys. It shows you don’t have to spend big money for a maxi scooter and for those with a smaller budget it is a great alternative.

The scoot is available now and there are some great finance deals available, including PCP deals at £89 per month.

The Rival

Yamaha claim few rivals to the XMAX 400 but we feel Suzuki’s Burgman 400 is the closest. Priced at £6299 the power and weight of the Burgman 400 are comparable to the XMAX400. I tested the Burgman in July and it is similar to ride but doesn’t have as much storage space.

The stats

Suzuki Burgman 400…

Cost: £6299

Weight: 215kg

Power: 30.5bhp

CC: 400cc

Yamaha XMAX 400…

Price: £5999

Engine: 395cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC single

Frame: Tubular steel cradle

Seat height: 800mm

Suspension: 33mm telescopic forks and rear twin-shock, adjustable pre-load

Front brake: 267mm twin discs. Twin piston caliper. ABS

Rear brake: 267mm single disc. Twin piston caliper.

Colours: Blue.Grey. Silver.

Available: Now

Power: 33bhp@7000rpm

Torque: 26.55ftlb@6000rpm

Kerb weight: 210kg

Tank capacity: 13 litres

Stars: Four

XMAX 400 PCP deal

Monthly payment: £89

Optional final payment: £2767.00

Cash Price include VED & First Registration: £6095.00

Deposit: £1142.84

APR: 8.9%


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By Alison Silcox

Office Manager and centre of the MCN universe.