Yamaha’s X-MAX 250 has been around for more than a decade now and next year it’s being redesigned and upgraded to a new 300cc engine.
The new engine is part of Yamaha’s ‘Blue Core’ range, which boasts improved economy and lower emissions. It’s still a single-cylinder, four-stroke, four-valve design, but the Blue Core tech includes improved valve timing and shape. There’s also a hemispherical combustion chamber and high compression ratio. An offset cylinder design, where the bore centre is out of line with the crankshaft, reduces mechanical losses.
As well as being EU4 compliant the new engine is claimed to offer more performance than the previous 250cc motor.
In terms of appearance the new X-MAX 300 gets LED headlights. What initially appears to be a central air intake between the main lamps is actually a third headlight that comes on with high beam. New TMAX-inspired instruments include an analogue speedo and tacho with a multi-function central display between them. A bar-mounted switch flips between the readouts.
The chassis is entirely new, and features motorcycle-style forks, while there’s also traction control as standard. Other technology includes keyless ignition. Under the seat there’s space for two full-face lids and there’s a 12V socket in the glovebox.
The wheels are larger than the scooter norm, with a 15 inch front and 14 inch rear, to improve the handling. ABS is standard on the 267mm front and 240mm rear disc brankes.
The bike will reach dealers in March in grey, white or bronze.