Scooter – Success Story Test – Used YAMAHA

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Success Story Essay

Scooter - Success Story Test - Used YAMAHA

Since its arrival in 2006, the Xmax has overturned the established benchmarks by establishing itself at the top of sales for all sizes combined. Reiterating its performance in 2007 and well on its way to doing the same in 2008, how to explain such a success ? Test.

As large cities saturate more day after day, more and more people are turning to two-wheelers. And the B license allowing motorists to drive motorcycles of less than 125 cc (124.9, therefore!), The 125 scooter, thanks to its practical aspects, takes full advantage of this trend.

It did not take long for the Xmax to meet with enormous success in France: upon its arrival on the market in 2006, it was able to take over with dignity from the 125 Majesty – still available – which then dominated sales of two-wheelers. (read our).

Since 2006 therefore – and it is well on the way to continue this year (read our and) -, the Xmax is at the top of sales for all engine sizes combined..

And this without counting the more modest scores of its twin brother, the MBK Skycruiser: lurking in the shadow of the Yamaha which benefits from a better brand image and a less typical 50 cc network, we can literally speak of " Tmax effect ".

So, how to explain the resounding success of the Xmax: successful marketing coup or qualities effectively placing the Yamaha scooter above the rest? Test !

First impressions

From the first contact, this scooter 125 knows how to enhance itself. Heir to the line of so-called sports scoots of the brand initiated by the Tmax (read), it uses most of the elements of the Xmax 250 which is also very successful in Italy. Version 125 imposes.

Generously equipped with its 36 mm telescopic fork, its 267 mm front disc and its large 15 and 14 inch wheels, the Xmax has a dynamic line of the most successful. And its tense features are inspired by the brand’s sports motorcycles with tuning forks, especially at the level of the front optics..

However, the results darken a little when the gaze lingers on certain aspects: a few finishing details are stain for a scooter of this price (€ 3,990)…

The glove box is the first thing that strikes: it may lock with a key, any user with common sense will not use it, due to the game inviting you to come and leverage to force it !

We will also note a counter not very inspired although complete as well as some massive plastic elements not very elegant. Note all the same that this 2008 model corrects certain points, such as the rear optics or the unsightly apparent screws which have disappeared..

When getting on this luxury utility, the first thing that strikes you is the riding position, which differs markedly from that of most GT scooters in the class..

To attention

Much less typical custom, the wide flat handlebars, the positioning of the feet and the shape of the saddle impose on the driver a position of "attention!" similar to that of some motorcycles.

Imposed is the right word, because the configuration of the Xmax does not allow the legs to relax. And if at first it has few consequences, as soon as you ride more than a simple work-to-sleep trip, the lower back may cause pain to the most comfortable.

The first engine sensations are a little disappointing. The scooter, with a significant dry weight of 153 kg betraying its heritage of the 250, struggles to extricate itself from red lights.

However endowed with a power of 14 horses, one should not hope to achieve the hole shot with his little comrades of the same category, even some supercharged 50 cc scooters !

Cruiser engine

On the other hand, after the trough with acceleration of up to 30 km / h, the single-cylinder revs up and bravely takes the crew along. Without being impressive, the engine with a very linear character tows efficiently to quickly find itself at speeds not admirable in built-up areas..

And even if the city remains its main playground, this scooter will also be at ease on expressways where the mill, with its surprising length, will reach 130 km / h odometer.

As a duo, the mechanics quickly show these limits: too much weight to tow! Acceleration is a bit more laborious as the top speed on the fast track takes a hit in the wing to painfully reach 110-115 meters.

Another negative point in duo: the passenger on a sufficiently soft seat has his calves sheared by the edge of the body. Pity !

In terms of satisfaction, it is appreciable to note that despite its good performance, the engine knows how to remain economical with a consumption slightly higher than 3 liters per 100 kilometers! The tank with a capacity of 12.5 liters therefore allows the Xmax a respectable autonomy avoiding going back and forth to the pump.

The engine, despite an unflattering metallic sound, has the merit of remaining relatively discreet for this type of machine which is often too loud. This will not prevent some from having fun by equipping the scooter with a "racing" – and noisy – muffler that we meet more and more often…

Above the lot

If there is one point on which the Xmax is a reference, it is its cycle part. This scooter has a sophisticated cycle part where mass distribution and chassis rigidity seem to have been two important aspects of its development, like its big brother the Tmax.

Its stability is quite remarkable, whatever the speed and the situation. Despite its substantial size and weight, it is easy to handle when stationary thanks to its low center of gravity. At low speed, for example when moving between two rows of cars, the scooter gives you confidence thanks to its good stability and its surprising maneuverability given its size.

At sustained speed on expressways and in curves, the Xmax remains on a rail as could a motorcycle equipped with larger wheels: bluffing! So much so that a biker can surprise himself enjoying himself on beautiful curves where he will seek to titillate the limits of the machine … Limits that will certainly never be reached for the main target of this scooter: the motorist converted to two-wheelers.

This efficiency has a counterpart: comfort. The respectably sized wheels will erase slight irregularities, but as soon as the road deteriorates, the very stiff suspensions transmit the jerks directly to the lower back..

Equipment a bit tight

On the braking side, the discs of respectable diameter (267 mm at the front and 240 mm at the rear) brake effectively with sufficient bite that will not trap when braking on wet fat.

On the other hand, impossible to date to equip the Xmax with ABS … A real shortcoming, given the target of this scooter and the competition which makes it an important selling point, like Honda which offers full ABS on its new S-Wing located at the same level of range.

Regarding the practical aspects, the Xmax is rather well positioned. Without being equipped with a real on-board computer, it indicates current information and some additional information, such as the outside temperature and the number of kilometers traveled during the passage on the reserve.

The trunk is gargantuan and can theoretically accommodate two integral and common equipment (rain gear, anti-theft …).

In practice, the two-storey arrangement and the non-flat bottom poses some concerns. So during our test, we had to force (brands insured on the helmets!) To accommodate a full face and a jet … Better to have a compatible model. In addition, we would have liked a slightly better finish (carpet or softer plastic), and why not a cigarette lighter socket.

CQFD

In conclusion, it is easy to understand the success of the Xmax: without being perfect, it has no real shortcomings. And the only real criticism that can be addressed to it is that it cannot be equipped with ABS.

In the end, it is the look and sporting temperament that best explain the success of this scooter: characteristics that it borrows directly from its big brother, the Tmax. And it is not for nothing that we find on board a large majority of "young dynamic executives" !

Rewarding, sporty, endowed with unprecedented dynamic qualities, never has a scooter in this category been able to come so close to a motorcycle. It’s not "Max" who wants !

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