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“Product of intelligent design.”

written by Kochegarova on 15/08/2013

I'm a first time rider, just passed my CBT. Completed my test on a 100cc 4stroke Piagio, it had throttle lag, lack of graduation in the throttle and a rear drum brake that may have well not been there, not to mention unclear dials you couldn't read without ignoring the road ahead.

I had already taken a leap of faith pre-CBT with Yamaha and purchased an XMAX 125 based on many favorable reviews with emphasis on reliability and build quality. I had some concerns in my own ability after the CBT, the Yamaha figures showed that the machine was nearly twice the weight and size of the Piagio with far greater hp and torque figures. On top of all this was the fact that the Yamaha cost £4000 all of which made me a little nervous, however...

Getting on the bike for the first time you can feel the extra weight, that feeling lasted for about 3 minutes before I felt at total ease with it. This bike does nothing by surprise, the engineering is seriously well sorted. Throttle progression, brakes, suspension, balance, this bike fills you with confidence from the moment you start riding leaving you fully able to concentrate on the road.

Wheels, tires, suspension - My daily commute is 16 miles and consists of smooth fast roads, a 500ft hill a 1-3 incline and pot holed city roads. I work nights so I have a clear run going in at night when I can open the bike up and have to deal with the usual rush-hour commute on the way home. There is not a situation I have come across that this bike cannot handle with ease.

Storage - I can fit a 7KG 2m chain lock, a 15.3" full sized laptop in its laptop bag, towel, over trousers, x2 large bottles of diet coke, a regular sized food container and a jumbo sized bag of crisps (Don't judge me on my diet, I'm a big guy and I work out). All that without using the ample storage in the lockable glove box, in my opinion, that's a lot of storage!

Power/torque - to start with, the bike on a full tank weighs 172KG approx, I weight 107KG approx (17st 1 lb), chain and luggage for me is 14KG approx so we are looking at 291KG so well over a 1/4 tonne. This bike doesn't even blink at accelerating this weight up a 1 in 3 incline, I must admit this was probably THE most surprising aspect of the engine for me, serious torque as and when required.

Throttle/brakes - Very smooth progressive throttle, excellent brakes, especially when you take in to account the weight I carry, the brakes will give me as much or as little as I want at any time, seriously impressed.

Riding position - The 'Pièce de résistance'of the bike, incredibly comfortable (I'm 6ft) dominant position, my eye-line is usually above the roof of the car in front, the dials are large, clear, well positioned and very well illuminated at night (as well as really quite attractive when lit up if that makes much difference to you). All in all very comfortable for long or short journeys.

Economy - Let's start with the price £4000. Buy on Yamaha finance deal 5.9% over 3 years or 6.9% over 4 years, I went for 4 years £92/month. Insurance, 0%-no claims, CBT licence, parked on the road £230/year fully comprehensive £24/month, fuel WOW!!!! I'm filling it with premium unleaded and getting 115mpg fresh out of the box, >£20/month fuel. So I spend >£136/month on travel, I spent £80/month on public transport before and the prices are steadily rising, so I'm paying £56.00 more a month than before, HOWEVER, I'm saving 15 hours/week in travel time which is invaluable as a family man, I have collateral in the bike when I come to sell it and I don't have to cram myself on the bus or tube with Mr halitosis, or little Miss "SO I TOLD HER ANYWAY TO GO **** ERSELF INNIT!! YOU KNOW WOT I'M SAYIN' BRUV INNIT" TRUE-SAY!!!"... Priceless.

Aesthetics - I like it and so do most people I meet, If you don't like the looks try the Honda S-Wing 125, I've a friend who owns one and she loves it also being Honda you'll get as good a quality bike as the Yamaha with near identical statistics.

Downside - My daughter loves it, she's 5ft 1", no chance. If you've got a 32" or longer inside leg the bike is fine, however for those who are shorter a change in seat will be necessary and I do not know how this would affect the ride comfort.

Summation - If your tall enough, buy one, you won't regret it.