2018 X-Max 400 1202 miles review
Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2018 11:00 pm
1202 mile review. Decided to wait until I could give it some welly before reviewing.
So this scoot for me is the TDB’s. Picked up on 19 Dec, so not much mileage over Xmas, but 1202 miles made in 7 weeks. As soon as I rode off from dealer it felt totally different, far plusher ride, I’m sure they have worked on the front internals/damping as well. No more being bounced off the seat over bad bumps, which I had always put down to the harsh rear shocks on old 2015 400.
What’s good: handling, (bearing in mind it is winter and tyres are not getting that hot) the M/Cycle double triple yolks at the front just seem to cure everything, no more understeering, on some of my favourite twisties in East Hertfordshire, I am ploughing thru at err., 65-?? Instead of 35-40 max, I would say there is an average of 20 MPH gain on most bends. The repositioning of the main stand ‘kick down lever’ means no more scrapping of tarmac. The only bits that touch down are the feet of the main stand, but when this happens I am going for it, (these have now been cut off manually) the rear tyre marks show I am 4mm from edge of rear tyre and front 7mm.
Performance: roll on from tru 40mph to 70 is 8 secs, I am sure the old 400 was about 12 secs, roll on at 30 between two lampposts in my road is 2 secs quicker. Run in mpg @ 67mpg, and that’s ragging it. 75 mpg normal riding.
Comfort: The seat is far better, on old 400 I could only manage about 45mins-1hr before I had to get off. This one 2 hours and that was only cos I needed a pee. Leg room for me is fine with a 32†inside leg, I know the burg 400 has more leg stretchability, but is like old Yam X-Max 400, single clamp forks and no handling, (benefit of having a Yam/Suzi dealer) back to back testing is quick and easy.
Handlebars moved to forward position which gives less arm ache.
Nicely lit Icy white/blue speedo/rev counter and TFT central display at night. Awesome Icy white/blue headlights on dip. Screen has a slight flip to it which means not much wind noise and can do 70 without ear plugs (if I have forgot to put in).
New engine mounts cut vibes, linked with better Fuel Injection means dead smooth. Free revving even from new, did not feel like a tight engine at all. Only need 2500rpm to move off in traffic, 4000rpm on old 400. Normal for me no cars in front 3000rpm on 2018 model, instead of 4500 rpm on 2015.
What’s bad: The TFT central display is not bright enough during the day and can only be read clearly when sun is behind you! (Online videos show this as well). Not good Mr Yam for faking/photoshopping etc. promo/adds/Yam UK website pics.
High beam is as good as useless, just slightly brightens area of dip coverage but no good otherwise. Very rarely go on twisties at night, but never the less….!
Pain in the arse keyless controls. Ignition controlled aux. socket, (hence I fitted a direct wired one). Front panel to access battery very hard to get off which I needed to, to wire in basic alarm, extra aux. socket for charger, and ignition up Oxford grips.
The fairing curves round, and where top and bottom panels joins, directs a cold blast of air right at knee level. Have put on damarts for first time in 4 years cos of this.
Can’t think of anything else.
Verdict: Out of 13 bikes inc. 3 scoots owned in 39 yrs, only 3 have had it all, 1997 Honda CB1000 (The Big One), 2012 Suzi Bandit 650, 2018 X-max 400. Says it all. As long as the good outweighs the bad by a huge margin, that’s it.
https://imageshack.com/a/RJpl/1
So this scoot for me is the TDB’s. Picked up on 19 Dec, so not much mileage over Xmas, but 1202 miles made in 7 weeks. As soon as I rode off from dealer it felt totally different, far plusher ride, I’m sure they have worked on the front internals/damping as well. No more being bounced off the seat over bad bumps, which I had always put down to the harsh rear shocks on old 2015 400.
What’s good: handling, (bearing in mind it is winter and tyres are not getting that hot) the M/Cycle double triple yolks at the front just seem to cure everything, no more understeering, on some of my favourite twisties in East Hertfordshire, I am ploughing thru at err., 65-?? Instead of 35-40 max, I would say there is an average of 20 MPH gain on most bends. The repositioning of the main stand ‘kick down lever’ means no more scrapping of tarmac. The only bits that touch down are the feet of the main stand, but when this happens I am going for it, (these have now been cut off manually) the rear tyre marks show I am 4mm from edge of rear tyre and front 7mm.
Performance: roll on from tru 40mph to 70 is 8 secs, I am sure the old 400 was about 12 secs, roll on at 30 between two lampposts in my road is 2 secs quicker. Run in mpg @ 67mpg, and that’s ragging it. 75 mpg normal riding.
Comfort: The seat is far better, on old 400 I could only manage about 45mins-1hr before I had to get off. This one 2 hours and that was only cos I needed a pee. Leg room for me is fine with a 32†inside leg, I know the burg 400 has more leg stretchability, but is like old Yam X-Max 400, single clamp forks and no handling, (benefit of having a Yam/Suzi dealer) back to back testing is quick and easy.
Handlebars moved to forward position which gives less arm ache.
Nicely lit Icy white/blue speedo/rev counter and TFT central display at night. Awesome Icy white/blue headlights on dip. Screen has a slight flip to it which means not much wind noise and can do 70 without ear plugs (if I have forgot to put in).
New engine mounts cut vibes, linked with better Fuel Injection means dead smooth. Free revving even from new, did not feel like a tight engine at all. Only need 2500rpm to move off in traffic, 4000rpm on old 400. Normal for me no cars in front 3000rpm on 2018 model, instead of 4500 rpm on 2015.
What’s bad: The TFT central display is not bright enough during the day and can only be read clearly when sun is behind you! (Online videos show this as well). Not good Mr Yam for faking/photoshopping etc. promo/adds/Yam UK website pics.
High beam is as good as useless, just slightly brightens area of dip coverage but no good otherwise. Very rarely go on twisties at night, but never the less….!
Pain in the arse keyless controls. Ignition controlled aux. socket, (hence I fitted a direct wired one). Front panel to access battery very hard to get off which I needed to, to wire in basic alarm, extra aux. socket for charger, and ignition up Oxford grips.
The fairing curves round, and where top and bottom panels joins, directs a cold blast of air right at knee level. Have put on damarts for first time in 4 years cos of this.
Can’t think of anything else.
Verdict: Out of 13 bikes inc. 3 scoots owned in 39 yrs, only 3 have had it all, 1997 Honda CB1000 (The Big One), 2012 Suzi Bandit 650, 2018 X-max 400. Says it all. As long as the good outweighs the bad by a huge margin, that’s it.
https://imageshack.com/a/RJpl/1
. My brother has a 2015 T-Max and says it has very good lights as he travels the 35 miles to work, pity that hadn't done that with the X-Max. Do you think there is a way of improving the main beam? Can't wait to try out the handling. Just had a look at your photo's, where did you get the 400 badges that you've fitted to the scoot?