Duel Honda X-Adv Vs Yamaha Tmax: motorcycle, scooter or both ?
A scooter spirit in a motorcycle body. Or vice versa ? With the Honda X-Adv 750 on one side and the Yamaha Tmax 530 on the other, bikers looking for a practical two-wheeler with a sporty look have a choice. Site opposes them just for you in a comparative test: duel !
X-Adv Vs Tmax: page 3 – In the heart of the urban jungle…
Very different aesthetically and mechanically, our two scooters also stand out in terms of handling. The X-Adv’s steering is heavier and engages slightly at low speeds. Also, despite a better turning radius on the Honda (4.89 m Vs 5.24 according to MNC measurements), it is on the Tmax that we are most comfortable to squeeze – carefully and kindly – in traffic.
Both lighter and lower – as we saw on the first page – the Yamaha maxiscooter benefits from a perfectly neutral and significantly more agile front end. We thank again the 15-inch wheel at the front! Conversely, the height of the X-Adv is good in the middle of cars: with a better view, we anticipate better…
Unfortunately, on the X-Adv, we also remain more stuck in traffic jams. Its very wide handlebars are at the level of the mirrors of cars, while its own mirrors rise to the level of those of vans … boring, for a machine used in town and in its periphery !
It is more convenient to go up the lines on the shorter and lower handlebars of the Tmax: the mirrors of the Yamaha are certainly at the height of those of the cars, but their forward offset allows them to be seen clearly and to overcome obstacles better..
In terms of crossing, the long-travel suspensions of the X-Adv offer a gigantic ground clearance (160 mm Vs 130). In addition, its shoe is more resistant than the fairing of the Tmax. From this point of view, the Integra version TT (All-Terrain or rather "All-Sidewalk") is the best equipped to face the urban jungle..
We salute the work of the X-Adv fork, which filters out all the faults of small streets and highways particularly well. The shock absorber is less tender on small bumps and the saddle is of no help: far too hard to spare the buttocks! For once, the "scootrail" is drier than the maxi-scoot ‘.
On larger obstacles or strong compressions, the suspensions of the Honda scooter accept to settle more. On the road in particular, they absorb bumps and pits well, allowing you to drive at a sustained pace even on uneven or tired surfaces. The DNA of trail running is clearly visible.
On the way, very good scoots…
For its part, the Tmax has not really finished surprising bikers, the real ones! Just can we criticize the fork which shows a hint of drier than the rear shock absorber: the handlebars tap on the small speed bumps or the rough bands that the shock absorber and the saddle absorb without shuddering.
On the road, the Yamaha is on par with the Honda in terms of heading. However, the notion of pleasure is slightly behind due to the absence of a reservoir to be squeezed between the thighs: we do not form one body with the machine, which can harm confidence, and therefore performance. On the X-Adv, by stepping forward in his saddle, the rider can grab the apron between the knees and find a semblance of motorcycle sensation.
In the winding, however, the Tmax is always as playful, offering a striking compromise between handling and stability. As efficient as an MT-07? By putting aside the engine performance, we approach it, yes! In comparison, the X-Adv is more physical to take. We have more the impression of riding an Africa Twin … Great airs that will not please some bikers !
Big inverted fork, radial mount calipers: the X-Adv and Tmax are equally well equipped. And just as well as modern trails or roadsters, more and more sporty. The two rivals cannot be separated under braking: they brake hard, well and even on the angle – in the dry of course – without flinching !
The only regret about the X-Adv: the abandonment of the combined braking enjoyed by the Integra (which, for the record, already braked very well with a single front disc). The C-ABS system would be all the more useful on the "new" Honda as its ABS intervenes very early when using the left lever alone..
Another event in the loaded program of this Site duel – and that of the users of maxiscooters -: the highway. Our two machines catch the 140 km / h "counter" quickly and can exceed cars regulated at 135 km / h without forcing. Top speeds are similar: around thirty km / h more than the maximum authorized speed.
On the X-Adv, the transfer from the city center to the expressway is easy in the nose on the bubble adjustment wheel, which must be pulled and rotated at the same time to select one of the five notches. MNC managed to lift the bubble with one hand while rolling, but did not have enough grip to lower it.
Maxiscoots on the motorway
Raised to the maximum (136 mm higher and 11 ° straighter than the minimum), the Honda screen offers good protection given its size: the helmet is almost completely unwound, unlike the shoulders and arms. The bust is totally protected, but the eddies generated by the apron can disturb.
The hands and forearms are protected from wind, projections and shocks by the hand guards – fitted as standard please! Note in passing the delicate attention of Honda Moto France towards the courageous journalists who sometimes face the extreme cold: the presence of optional heated grips at 290 euros.
On our "standard" Tmax, the screen has only two positions and the change of height requires tools (the "DX" model has an electric screen). Suffice to say that once chosen – the day of receipt at the dealership? -, the bubble no longer varies in position…
The good news is that, even in the low position selected for us by Yamaha Motor France, the protection afforded by the Tmax is very satisfactory. By slightly retracting the elbows, you can completely isolate the arms. No need, however, to retract the shoulders: they are better protected than on the X-Adv.
The pilot’s helmet (1.80 m in this case) is half uncovered: a good point in summer for the helmet vents to capture fresh air (on the periphery, we will come back). In winter, on the other hand, we may make the effort to take out the key of 10 to raise the bubble..
In terms of the feet, protection against bad weather and possible blows is much better on the Tmax. On the other hand, the drafts go up more easily along the calves on the Yamaha because of the position of the legs, more stretched forward..
Another small annoyance present on the Tmax – and totally absent from the X-Adv: slight vibrations are invited into the saddle between 3500 and 5000 rpm, or at the usual speeds in town. They are sensitive on the device without being unbearable. There are also some micro-vibrations in the levers, but fortunately not enough to give ants.
Thanks to its six-speed gearbox, the engine of the Honda "scooter" – for your information, the manufacturer himself classifies his machine in this department on its official website – turns slower on expressways. The sound volume on board is therefore lower than that of the Yamaha, whose vario imposes a higher speed.
What do they have in their stomachs ?
Like the Integra, the X-Adv is from the NC750 series of motorcycles. Honda has however made a small modification to its "scootrail": a 15-inch rear wheel – as on the Tmax – to free up space under the saddle without reducing travel..
The trunk available to the X-Adv is therefore more spacious than that of the Integra: its capacity of 21 liters can accommodate a full-face helmet. A 12V socket allows you to recharge a smartphone or any other electronic device if necessary. Provided, of course, that you have a cigarette lighter adapter…
The opening and closing – especially – of the trunk from the rear are unfortunately not very practical: with its single cylinder, the saddle tends to twist slightly. Our test model was also damaged at the plastic cutout under the saddle. Some obviously insisted heavily without making sure to properly align the saddle and its support…
No such problem on the Tmax: the two jacks guide the saddle perfectly. The opening is from the front and more widely. We therefore have better access to the small baggage compartment: we can put a full face helmet, gloves, a rain suit and a yellow vest, or two half-jets. The trunk is square, lined with carpet and lit by an efficient lamp.
The Yamaha scooter marks a new point thanks to its storage compartment located on the right, under the handlebars. Admittedly, its appearance is very basic and MNC had a little trouble opening it (little tip: do not try to push the button and pull the door at the same time). but it’s better than nothing. Better, in any case, than the X-Adv without any additional storage space !
It is at the bottom of its long storage compartment that the Tmax hides its own electrical outlet … in cigarette lighter format, as on its "X-Adversaire"! Here again, MNC imagines that "commuter" users would no doubt have preferred to find a USB socket, a format as practical as it is universal..
MNC notes that the Tmax’s large trunk will allow you to embed a very sturdy lock! Yamaha offers a complement to the essential chain: an application developed with Vodafone Automotive which allows you to be alerted in the event of theft. Included the first year on SX and DX, subscription is paid on the standard model.
The new Tmax is also equipped with the electric locking of the center stand. To do this, the driver must use the same button as the one used to block the steering: a short press for the handlebars, a long press for the stand.
Thanks to this clever gadget, it becomes impossible – or in any case much harder – to sting the maxiscooter while its owner buys his baguette and makes the eyes soft at the baker … It is all the less necessary to hesitate to use this second security that the Tmax is very easy to post on the control unit. Even easier than the X-Adv.
Verdict: scooter-motorcycle rather than motorcycle-scooter
Finally, the last confrontation for these two competitors: the one at the gas pump! According to on-board computers, the Honda narrowly won against the Yamaha with respective consumption of 4.5 l / 100 km against 4.6. But the drinks are different according to the Journal moto du Net…
During our driving, the X-Adv indeed consumed an average of 5.2 l / 100 km. With its 13.1-liter tank, it can therefore travel approximately 250 km between each refueling. The Tmax can push up to 270 km … thanks to its 15-liter tank and despite its average consumption measured at 5.6 l / 100 km! Not enough to make the Tmax waver from its throne … Except on the day when gasoline will cost the same as a bottle of mineral water in Paris: 9 euros per liter. If, if, we saw it !
In the end, the Tmax 530 emerges as the winner of this MNC duel: the pleasure and responsiveness of its engine, the comfort and protection on board, its handling and practicality make it the best machine for tackling large congested cities and for escape quickly.
By buying this entry-level version (11,399 euros anyway), the rider must accept some concessions in terms of equipment and finish. Above all, he must assume his belonging to the Tmax family … or work on the contrary to rehabilitate this formidable two-wheeler with the image crumpled by some of its users.
The X-Adv 750 nonetheless remains a very interesting alternative, because it is closer to a motorcycle in terms of behavior, more comfortable when the horizon is clear … and able to venture in the open. campaign on more or less beaten paths! A significant selling point for bikers who want to benefit from the services of a scooter without seeming to buy one.
Site once again welcomes Honda’s efforts to improve its concept and just regrets that the X-Adv has not retained its combined braking. Too bad also that the price of the "scootrail" is fixed on that of the Tmax. For comparison, the NC750X road trail is currently on sale at 8,500 euros…
Related articles
-
Duel Honda X-Adv Vs Yamaha Tmax: motorcycle, scooter or both ? A scooter spirit in a motorcycle body. Or vice versa ? With the Honda X-Adv 750 on one…
-
2020 Yamaha Tmax 560 test: king of the urban jungle ! With the motorcycle license and 14,000 euros in your pocket at a Yamaha dealership, you can opt for…
-
Duel CB650F Vs MT-07: the traditional Honda 4-legged against the sensational CP2 Yamaha Attacked from all sides, the Yamaha MT-07 remains the benchmark…
-
Duel Honda X-Adv Vs Yamaha Tmax: motorcycle, scooter or both ? A scooter spirit in a motorcycle body. Or vice versa ? With the Honda X-Adv 750 on one…
-
Duel Honda X-Adv Vs Yamaha Tmax: motorcycle, scooter or both ? A scooter spirit in a motorcycle body. Or vice versa ? With the Honda X-Adv 750 on one…
-
2020 Yamaha Tmax 560 test: king of the urban jungle ! With the motorcycle license and 14,000 euros in your pocket at a Yamaha dealership, you can opt for…
-
Duel Honda X-Adv Vs Yamaha Tmax: motorcycle, scooter or both ? A scooter spirit in a motorcycle body. Or vice versa ? With the Honda X-Adv 750 on one…
-
Tmax 2017 SX and DX test: Yamaha gives (sells) its maximum ! Yamaha is launching its new Tmax 530 2017, available in three models: the standard, the…
-
Duel Tricity 300 Vs MP3 300 HPE Sport: Yamaha challenges the Piaggio reference ! After 14 years of an undivided reign in 3-wheel scooters accessible to…
-
Duel Honda CB650R Vs Yamaha MT-07: chic roadster against shock roadster Exceeding a reference requires either putting on the brakes or taking another…