Ahnsahn

On 1/25/2018 at 11:56 AM, Carsten007 said:

Got mine about a week ago.

The Yamaha dealer near the Pawnshop on Sukhumvit asked for 175.000,

Watchara 172.000 and at Mityon it was 168.000 as it should be.

Mityon had two brown ones in Stock, so no waiting.

 

So far: Much better than the reviews i read.

Brakes very good, almost as NMax, but not the same.

Suspension much better than NMax and better than Aerox.

I had both for a year.

The windshield is nonsense, too much turbulence either up or down.

Mine came in the down position, you have to move the upper screws to "down" to get the windshield up..

I got a low sporty one at Kaidee for 950 Baht, much better now.

 

Quality all over is very good. It flies, no comparison to NMax/Aerox (of course).

Average fuel was 3,1 per 100 km. Have done just 400 and that at max 60km/h or 4.500 rpm.

Great bike, very agile, easy to slide between the traffic in Pattaya.

Great review!

Are you saying that the taller adjustable windscreen is more turbulent than the real short windscreen??  

Can you let us know how the Xmax 300's ride compares to the Forza 300?

2 hours ago, idman said:

Having previously rented an Xmax at Pop rental here in Chiang Mai for three days and riding the piss out of it there were no surprises.  Since this new baby is mine I intend to treat it with kid gloves until after the 1000K. checkup.  I orderd an extra smart key, 950baht and worth every baht, I opted for the 39L top box and bracket, 13000+baht but it will be a two month wait.  I got comrehensive insurance that covers everything, 10500baht.  I am not going to change anything as it fits me to a tee.  No loud sounding exhaust for ego sake, the stock shocks do the job for me, the seat height is perfect as is the tall stock windscreen.  I am 189cm and this is by far and away the most comfortable scooter I have ever owned/ridden.  The Honda Forza 300 is not even in the same ballpark on any thing you might want to compare to the Xmax 300.  Thank you very much Yamaha.

9 hours ago, idman said:

Lucky old me, I went into the big Yamaha shop around the corner from Chiang Mai Ram Hospital to put a deposit on a Xmax as I had given up waiting for Honda to release a new and improved Forza 300.  Lo and behold what did I see on the showroom floor but three, yes three brand spanking new Xmaxs for sale.  To say I was shocked is an understatement as all I have heard, have been told was at least a three month wait.  Now there are only two available, a white/black combo and a dark grey one as I jumped on the brown color.  I will be taking possession of my new toy on Friday. As I said at the top, lucky me.

Congratulations on your new XMax 300 purchase! Lucky you Indeed, to have to been there at the time they had 3 different color models for sale.

When you get the chance, would you share your impressions of your new XMax 300 with us and how it compares to the ride of the Forza 300 and the Silver Wing?

10 hours ago, Trikyle said:

Thank you Ahnsahn. Kinds words brother. I didnt do it for the ‘eye candy’ but more for a better feel for comfort especially the front fork upgrade.
Same exhaust just an extra sticker.
I asked them to readjusted the front forks right away after the install because all I ride is Bangkok and I wanted a softer response ( obviously ) from all the uneveness from Bangkok streets.
I may have to play and continuously adjust the rebound on the g-sport rear shocksfor a bit until im satisfied with the different amount of daily wieght I put on her. Ill let you know.
If I change anything else.. itll be the seat.. if the ever come out with a lower / narrower seat that doesn’t compromise the interior 45Liter storage... oh and also a better more user friendly left hand controller with a better placed passing light.


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It should be sweet when you find that perfect balance point between front and rear suspension settings. 
Don't let my 'eye candy' comment in any way detract from the far more magnitude of importance of your upgrades - they just add the additional benefit of increasing your scooter's already good looks. I too, will be doing the same upgrades as soon as I get my scooter. A perfect fitting seat is also an important factor to the rider in the overall quality of the scooter and the XMax and Forza 300 do have wide seats, IMO, though the XMax seat is visibly a couple of inches or so longer in length than the seat of the Forza 300.

 
How long did it take the mechanics to complete the work on your scooter?

8 hours ago, Trikyle said:

I could have debated with myself forever on getting it and lose sleep.. or..

just do it...

 

presenting...

Todays upgrade..

8 hours ago, Trikyle said:

 

 

 

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Trikyle, you really know how to do things all the way right - nice eye candy ...

excellent, excellent quality bike upgrades (and at the best facility ) to help bring out the best handling potential that your XMax 300 has to offer!!! 

Which model YSS shocks did you install and is that a new exhaust that you installed?

Would you do all of us a favor and let us know in what ways your XMax rides differently (improved?) since you added the upgrades? 

On 11/15/2017 at 11:37 PM, Trikyle said:

2 up riding on the Xmax is better.. heavier shocks.. but a little rough. Forget the PCX. And anyone riding long distance from Bangkok to Ayutthaya on the back pillion on the nmax would not be as comfortable as on the Xmax. It’s just a bigger better bike.


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I totally agree with your choice of YSS-G Sport shocks to help improve the performance and quality of ride of these classes of scooters especially on bumpy roads.

7 hours ago, Trikyle said:

Hi all, I thought I'd jot down some thoughts on my initial impressions of the new 2017 Yamaha Xmax in comparison to the 2016 Yamaha Nmax and also a slight comparison in regards to riding position to my previous sports tourer , a 2005 Kawasaki concours. This is to help those thinking of getting the nmax or Xmax. First off , I want to put the other scooter out of this equation. I’d agree 100% that then Yamaha nmax blows the Honda pcx away. I had a 2014. Many reviews and comparison on those two out there.
Im 5’10”... 177cm and 86kg. Inseam of 32. Experienced in city traffic riding in NYC, Bangkok.
The first 250 km on the Xmax was ridden locally in Bangkok, but mostly solo from Bangkok to Ayutthaya to visit family.

1. Is it worth 168,000 baht.
-thats relative. To me.. it is.

2. Does it meet my expectation.
-Yes and then some

3. What I like about it.
-More power
-higher seating position.
-Excellent large 45L underseat storage.
-Surprisingly more stabile in straight line filtering through Bangkok traffic at low speeds than the max due to stiffer steering response.
-Fatter tires.. increase stability at higher speeds on major roads.
-increased fuel tank for longer touring increases the miles between gas station fill ups.
-keyless remote.

4.Why not buy a real bike.
-I don’t need nor want to. I Usually ride locally or small trips to visit family. If I need to go farther , Id take a car or a plane. Im old. My ass like AC and comfort. I also don’t wanna spend anymore than I have to.
-chains. I just don’t wanna deal with it. nuff of it in this life.

5.its speed and power
-I had it up to 120 bangkok to/from Ayutthaya. Very nice. The high seating position was an advantage of course.
-I usually baby my bike unless Im in an emergency sit. I gotta quickly get out of.
-Im not a speed guy but she’s quick. I believe the power bandwidth goes past 140-150. Other reviews are out there
-didn't feel any negative vibrations but.. I wear gloves and I was on a new bike high. Lol
-I have enough injuries and I'm not looking for anymore. Road conditions(sand, oil, fish oil, cow shit, coconut shells and the worldwide popular potholes..etc... including other motorist on the road are the worst I've ever seen,and I've seen enough for one lifetime. I think we all know that. Large motoring population+ poor road maintenance (most are good tho)+ lack of education + modern tech in car and cctv cams = wonderful final destinations tutoring youtube videos and FB postings.. That being said...I'm fine being last.

6. Windshield
-two positions. I have it at the higher position. I may get a taller wider one, not sure yet. There is slight buffeting at high speed wearing a full helmet. Depending on your torso height, you may or may not get some bug DOAS on your face shield.

7.Dimensions
-According to Yamaha spec sheets its 10 inches linger with the same width across. I find the width part unbelievable. The 45 L trunk is Fat and wide. It can accommodate a medium shark spartan and a Shoe Rf1200 with sena 20s and Go pro mounts and then some perfectly. The front width of the handlebars appears to be an exact match . I added Mirror mount risers so I done have to tilt my head down. Works.

8.Power outlet `
-I added a 4 usb channel charger and the wires stickup perfectly with the cover locked and closed to charge a tomtom rider and iPhone on a quad lock case and mounts. The tomtom shook a bit at high speeds and bumps but quad lock was steady as a rock streaming iheartradio and google maps.

9.Improvements
-Taller and wider windshield for touring?
-yss g sport shocks?
-yss front fork springs upgrade?
-im just being picky.. these are upgrades but it really doesn’t need it if your doing just city riding.

11.Maintenance
-20000km.. change the belt..other than oil changes...thats it.. me like

10. What Id like to change and impressions
- the geometry of the seating position from upper torso to handlebars to neck and eye level sight is quite different between the max and Xmax, ideally I like it equal my Kawasaki concoursbut the Xmax has a bit more.. sporty lean… you lean in a bit lower and more. In Long distance.. it can strain more of your shoulders and back. But in city riding.. its fine. I know handlebar risers would do the trick but they’d never mass produce and manufacture such a thing. .. again I’m just being picky and everyones body profile and dynamics are different. Could I change to a lower seat to get a more touring seating position.. I guess I could.. but I may lose out on the sporty lean . A taller windshield could also help in my seating position. No bike is ever perfect. Just thoughts. Note.. a solo 3.5 hr ride from Bangkok to Lamnarai on the nmax was better for my shoulders. The nmax handled quite well, just a little light in weight on the bigger roads. The Xmax I believe has 100lbs over it.
-im not sure as my memory fades but this may be the highest seating position on a bike Ive ever rode.
-corner filtering may be slightly more difficult in bangkok traffic than nmax, but ill b fine
- the rear shocks seem fine for city traffic.

-at 168000baht,, its not for everyone… its not a small scooter. It doesn’t ride like a small scooter. Im not even sure how ill park in some of the busier malls in bangkok… Hard to get in to MBK scooter parking.. but I don’t quite fit in to big bike parking… hmmm.. Im sure Ill find a workaround tho..

-nmax is perfect for city riding. Its one of the best. The xmax 300 is for someone who wants a little more without going to a full size bike. The unseat storage is CAVERNOUS for grocery shopping.. which is what I do. lol

-I should mention I normally ride 50% of the time 2 up… she feels the rear seat is really big and sits up closer to the front with me because the Yamaha rear rack I ordered isn’t in from the shop yet , so I haven’t attached my givi trunk for her to lean on. Shes 45 kg.. so when the light turns green.. Id like to wake her up a bit… lol

- thanks for reading if you made it this far. Hope I didn’t waste too much of your time. cheers


 

Very good comprehensive review! 
You ticked all the boxes. 

Question: How does 2up riding on the Nmax compare with 2up riding on the Xmax and the 2014 Honda PCX? Is the ride smoother? Is the handling better? Also in comparison, what would be the level of comfort of the pillion riding on the Nmax on a trip to Ayutthaya?

11 hours ago, Trikyle said:

Yep, that’s delivery day. I have 250 km so far.. and have been putting my thoughts on paper.. maybe I’ll put up a small review / comparison between the nmax and Xmax if guys are interested. To answer your question.. then Xmax is stiffer.. possibly because it’s new?.. lol... straight away filtering in Bangkok traffic is surprisingly easy (provided there’s enough room because the rear is fatter and slightly longer). The added weight and its low center of gravity of the Xmax makes its an ease.

 

Great idea: A review / comparison of your Nmax and Xmax 300 to the Forza 300 and the PCX 150 (as well as 300 class vs 150 class scooters in general) is exactly what is needed! For example, your statement: "The added weight and its low center of gravity of the Xmax makes it an ease", how does this compare to the Forza with its added weight and low center of gravity?  Also, how do they compare in filtering, handling, acceleration. What, if any, do differences in wheel size affect handling and performance? Would after market shocks improve the ride? Etc., etc.

On 11/10/2017 at 3:16 AM, Trikyle said:

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1 hour ago, MrJ said:

1.800km on the clock - very happy so far

 

You guys have quite a nice collection of scooters! 

MRJ: No wonder you have that wind problem with that small windscreen, I thought the taller type windscreen was the standard.

Whoa, just noticed you added the Akrapovic! 

Trikyle: Would you describe the ride quality of your Nmax to be more 'stiffer' than that of your Xmax? Is that a pic of them delivering your Xmax off of the truck?

Really nice looking 300s! 

11 hours ago, idman said:

And now Pop rentals have another Xmax 300, this one is the brown/bronze color.  The ride up around and back down was another eye opener.  Simply put the Xmax was an amazing scooter.  Power on demand when asked for, superior braking on some of twisties, comfortable seat for my bum. This scooter fits me like a glove.  The windscreen was perfect so no adjustment was necessary, I did not mess about with the shock adjustments it was a rental and I was concerned with keeping the Xmax pristine and problem free.  I will however make that one of the first adjustments when I get one.  Under seat space is fantastic, a ton of room.  I stopped at Rimping for groceries and put three full bags under the seat without a problem.  I am by no means an expert when it comes to motorbikes/maxi scooters but I have ridden the Honda Forza 300 for a week earlier this year, I rented a blue one from Pop rental and I can say without any hesitation that the Forza was a heavy and not very agile scooter.  Yes, comfortable and adaquate get up and go but after only two days with the Xmax there simply is no comparison.  Unless the new rumered 2018 Honda Forza 300 can match the Xmax then once again Honda will be playing second fiddle to Yamaha.

Great postings detaling your impressions of your first rides on the Xmax 300. Not only can we all see its attributes, but we now also have a beginning basis on which to compare the Xmax 300 to the Forza 300! 

On 10/20/2017 at 2:13 PM, Badrabbit said:

Just driven the Xmax you wouldn't know the difference between it and the T Max it's incredible!!

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On 10/30/2017 at 8:36 PM, MrJ said:

the rear suspension is 5 way adjustable - check it out

On 10/30/2017 at 3:16 PM, idman said:

Yeah Baby, finally got my hands on an Xmax 300 this morning.  I had to drop off my PCX 150 at Honda Bigwing and decided to have breakfast at Maddogs. As I was walking along Moon Meung Road I looked over at Pop Rentals just up from Spotlight Go Go Bar and saw a shiney canary yellow scooter looking very much like a new Xmax.  Hurried over, yep spot on brand spanking new with only 454K on the odometer.  How much, 1200 Baht per day, sign me up for two days.  Ten minutes later out the door I went with the Xmax 300 underneath me.  The smile still has not come off my face, this scooter actually outperforms all the hype in the build up to its release.  I am 6"2' so the height was not an issue, the seat was very comfortable, the windscreen was in a perfect position for me, the weight was not a problem snaking through traffic and the acceleration from a stand still was very impressive.  The ABS system made hard stops no problem.  Once on a long stretch of open highway I opened the trottle and man was the response impressive, easily went to 115 KMP with some more trottle available.  Rock steady at that speed.  My one and only so far critique would be going over ruts and bumps, the rear shocks don't do much to dampen the effect.  An upgrade would be the only improvement I would make should I decide I want an Xmax 300 over the new 2018 Honza Forza 300.  So far today I have put 100 K on the scooter and tomorrow my intention is to go up 107 to Mae Rim, turn left at the junction for Tiger Kingdom and out on that country road, up and over the mountains until I come back unto 121 near Hang Dong.  That will be a worthy test I believe for the Xmax 300.  Like I said, the smile is still on my face and only gets bigger once I sit on the scooter and fire up the engine.  More riding later this afternoon and tonight.  IMO, Yamaha have a winner on their hands.

What a lucky dude to be in a city that's already renting the Xmax 300! 
Have you taken that ride up the 107 and back down the 121 to Hang Dong? If so, how was the performance of the Xmax 300? You already answered one of my pressing questions: 'How does the Xmax 300 handle road ruts (pot-holes)'. Can you give a head-to-head comparison between riding a Forza 300 and the Xmax 300? I know the Xmax 300 has more Hp and can accelerate faster than the Forza 300 and that the Xmax 300 can easily cruise at 115-120 km/hr (with more power to spare) while I understand the Forza 300 to be comfortable cruising at 100-110 km/hr, can you note other differences? Could you say one bike rides more smoother than the other? Did your Xmax have the taller, touring windscreen? Were you able to adjust the settings on your shocks?

On 10/5/2017 at 3:36 PM, MrJ said:

I wasn't there - the new owner did it alone........yes was easy quick sale .....

 

Just ordered a 2nd Xmax for my friend (currently in Europe) at Yamaha/Watchara Pattaya, black/grey color - expected delivery January 2018.

Honda is to unveil its 2018 PCX 150 at the Tokyo Auto Show later this month!

If an updated Forza 300 is unveiled there, too, there can be some good competition in the 300 cc scooter class!!

On 9/30/2017 at 10:46 AM, MrJ said:

yes I guess a smaller driver may don't have any issue, when I lower my head the wind is down to a minumum - but hope the short screen will send all wind to my chest only

 

get already good used to the brakes - would rate it over average 

I sure hope the higher-set windscreen works for me.

Just noticed that you sold your Forza 300 - nice one, that's why it sold so quickly!! How much time did you spend at the DLT office to complete the title transfer?

On 9/27/2017 at 5:13 PM, MrJ said:

thank for the warning - but 1st: Yamaha sells the Akrapovic as accessories via their website for the Xmax (Europe)

2nd; I will keep the original exhaust and its easy to switch back 3rd: my local Yamaha man in Pattaya told me he will "take care" any issues regarding warranty

 

update

- the 2nd remote is 1.500 only in Pattaya ordered already (2.200 in BKK)

- short/dark windscreen ordered already

- stock windscreen is on top position (tried lower position but was worse)

- waiting still for other quotes for the exhaust then the 32.5k (more/less similar price to Europe) from BKK Akrapovic black/carbon slip on with cat (official importer)

- have now 300km on the Odo, consumption 3.3l/100km or 30km/l (both ways indicated at the  board computer)

- get already more used to the brakes

- feels little less left at 120km/h on the throttle

- after 1 week still waiting to see the 2nd Xmax on the road

 

Anybody has experience about the breaking-in period? the Yamaha manual indicates 1.000km not over 4.500 revs (hard to do as easy revs up) and 1.500km not over 6.500 revs

Everything sounds to be going well, only +300 km on the OD?  :-)  

Of course outrageous accessory dealer pricing should be no surprise for one of its newly released models. :-|  though an extra remote key (or two) is definitely a wise option when thinking long term and the sweet sound of your Xmax 300 with an added Akrapovic black/carbon muffler can not be beat (except by a Xmax 300 with a with Leo Vince muffler !! - IMHO)   :-P  .... You will definitely be a unique Xmax 300 rider for awhile!!
I am surprised about your experience with the wind screen. Could it be that your height is too tall for it and that a shorter person might enjoy better wind protection? Do the brakes feel average now or better than average? 

No break-in experience with this 300cc engine

6 hours ago, Neilly said:

Let them bed-in would be a good start...he'd only done 50km  

The degree of 'brake responsiveness' I am referring to is way beyond the realm of remedy that any break-in period could ever resolve. The Nmax is renowned for its braking quality from the moment of purchase as is the Xmax 400 and the Tmax among others.

I would like to know, on a mechanical level, what is needed to bring the braking system of the Xmax 300 up to this standard.

8 hours ago, MrJ said:

Thanks

 

I guess I will get used to the brake set up and wont change anything - just need to use more hand power especially compared to the very good Nmax brakes.

I hope you keep us posted with frequent updates of your impressions of the Xmax 300 because you are in the unique position of having also driven the  Forza 300, Nmax 155 (with its excellent braking) and the classic PCX(?).

What do you think can be done to make the brakes of the Xmax 300 to be equally as responsive as the brakes on the Nmax?
 

On 9/15/2017 at 9:33 PM, MrJ said:

just got info that my Xmas has arrived and is ready for shipping to Pattaya - as I am abroad have to wait for next week :-(

Congratulations on your new Xmax!!Can you be the first to give us your take on a head-to-head comparison between your new Xmax 300 vs your old Forza 300? I am particularly interested in the comparison of the ride quality and handling (esp over pot-filled roads)? I know that the Xmax is probably more quicker than the Forza, but do you notice any ride difference that can be attributed to the difference in tire size between the two scooters? 

13 hours ago, MrJ said:

first impressions after 50km

 

• very good overall quality 
• very impressive handling and stability guess due to the big wheels
• very practical and large under seat storage
• great night vision / head lights
• very comfortable seat and sitting/leg position
• may want to change the standard wind shield to the short black one (original Yamaha accessories 3.4K) , design wise and to reduce some wind noise at the head/helmet
• may consider black/carbon Akrapovic slip on but with 32.5k very expensive
• will order 2nd/spare remote control 2.2K
• was so far only at 120km/h hardly notice the speed as it runs very smooth and effortless 
• as stated in various reviews in the net the breaks are missing little responsiveness and need a strong hand
• so far 4l/100km
• at least 1 league above my previous Forza 300

X-cellent, X-cellent first impression post!! 

So Xmax 300's larger 15" - 14" wheels (than Forza's 14" - 13") is immediately noticed during the ride
. Xmax 300 runs smoothly at a far higher speed (>120km/h) than Forza's ~110km/h

. What would be your recommendation to improve the 'responsiveness' of the brakes on the Xmax 300: Larger disc/caliper or dual disc (aka Xmax 400)?

. Is your windshield currently set to its highest position? Were you wearing a full face helmet when you experienced the wind noise? How do you compare the wind noise between the two scooters? 

. What is your impression bout the suspension: How would you compare it to that of the Forza's, while riding 2-up and while riding over pot-holed roads?

On 9/11/2017 at 6:22 PM, jtb said:

YouTube vlogger TheMissendenFlyer has just posted a first impressions/roadtest for the Xmax300 which is well worth watching.

Very informative video - gives me much more respect for the handling abilities and features of this 300cc class machine. Though the rider/narr ator did not go into any real detail about the quality of the suspension of the Xmax. I, too, then ran down to a local Yamaha dealer and got a chance to sit on their nice looking, newly arrived, gray Xmax 300 display model with some of the shipping plastic still on it. The driving position felt good to me. I then walked down the street to sit on one of Honda's nice looking blue Forza 300 display models ....
 

On 9/16/2017 at 4:21 PM, marino28 said:

if the xmax 400 really make it here, it will be the scooter to have.

 

 

While you do gain a few more bHP with the Xmax 400 vs the Xmax 300,  you lose in wheel size: 14" - 13" (on the Xmax 400) vs 15" - 14" (on the Xmax 300) and traffic filtering ... more pluses?

Initially, I did not see the seat height to be a big issue, but but your concern allows for a potential rebirth of demand for the Forza 300...for both the current model and any soon-to-be-released models. The features of the Xmax 300 seemed to have had the Forza 300 pinned on the ropes but this little incident.

1 hour ago, ragpicker said:

 I could have bought the Xmax on display yesterday (yellow & black) and would have if not for the seat height issue.  I assume Mityon would have replaced it with another one fairly quickly.  

I am confused,

not clear about what you are trying to say, can you help me understand the point(s) you are trying to make?
- What do you mean by, ' seat height issue'? What seat height issue?? Are you saying you did not buy the XMax 300 display model because the seat height is too high?

- What do you mean by, 'I assume Mityon would have replaced it with another one fairly quickly'.   ???

1 hour ago, idman said:

My heart says Get the BMW 650, it's what you really want but my mind says Get the Burgman 650 and save 170,000 baht for a very simlilar maxi scooter. Luckily I have the luxury of time to make a final decision.

The classic 'Heart vs Mind' decision, a conundrum indeed!: 
On the face of it, if it's solely about which scooter's features appeal to you the most then list all the + and - of each bike and let the 'best' list win. 
On the other hand, if you want to factor in the THB 170,000 price difference then you have to ask yourself what features of the BMW that you like to justify the additional THB 170,000 cost.
I personally like the 'Door #1' option.
These are two nice machines but maybe the head-to-head comparison in this review will help you with your decision:
https://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/bmw/2017-bmw-c-650-sport-c-650-gt-ar175199.html
The BMW with its renowed performance quality and those dual floating 270mm front discs are a sure winner but the Executive is one 'nice' machine, too.
No matter which machine you choose - you win!

8 hours ago, idman said:

Back from the show within the past hour and it was worth the trip to Bangkok to finally check out the XMax 300. It lives up to all the hype and then some. It was funny watching the Thais sit on it and observe their expressions when they discovered they could not reach the ground with their feet. Of course that did not deter them from taking lots of photos. I never saw another Farang in the twenty minutes I spent at the Yamaha section. I was drawn to the brown color first. I also checked out the Tmax 530 that was right beside the Xmax and man was that a mighty fine maxi scooter. Next stop was the Suzuki section to check out the Burman 650, at the price of only 384,000 baht for a well made and tricked out maxi scooter it was a nice alternative. Next stop was the BMW section and a look at their 650 GT scooter. Oh Boy, that was by far and away the nicest looking scooter I have ever seen. I sat on it for about ten minutes and chatted away with young girl who turned out to be a sales rep at the dealership in Chiang Mai and was anxious to offer a substantial promotion if I bought at the show. The last stop was the Honda section. What a disgrace, absolutely nothing to combat the Yamaha offerings, not even a Forza 300 2016 to be seen. I came away from the show satisfied and well informed. At this stage of my life along with being confortable financially maybe not settling for the ordinary, i.e. the Xmax 300 is something I should consider. You only go round one time, there is no do over and after seeing that BMW maxi scooter I have a decision to make. Being able to get a BMW 650 right away is also atractive, having to wait for up to four months for an Xmax 300 is a downer.

Nice 1st hand observance of the scooters displayed at the Bitec show. Have you decided which scooter you will buy? You can't go wrong with any of the 3 models you listed but that BMW 650 GT is particularly sweet with its performance components and like you said, 'At this stage of my life along with being comfortable financially, maybe not settling for the ordinary...'. 
The Xmax 300 looks good in its class but reviewers say there is room for improvement in its braking (especially when compared to the that of the TMax [and the NMax?]). Same for its shock absorbers when dealing with pot holes. I like the specs of the XMax 300 but when I get one, I am going to immediately upgrade those 2 components plus improve the quality of the tires. My riding comfort-quality is my priority. If Yamaha's build quality is anything like Honda's is famed to be, then it's a no-brainer of decision to improve the weak components because it's highly unprobable that any related warranty issue will ever arise. Luckily, I am able to wait to compare Honda's Forza 300 upgrade (Dec -Jan?) before deciding which 300 model to buy.

1 hour ago, MrJ said:

my sales lady at Bitec told me yesterday about 150 Xmas/day have been ordered

 

akrapovic is 22.5k silver and 32k/carbon look available in BKK acc. shops already, no idea about the seat, I ay opt for the short and sporty wind screen

150 scooter sales per day is very respectable indeed!

 
Speaking of Bkk acc - mod shops, there is a 2:16.58 video (in Thai) showing someone's new Xmax 300 complete with newly installed Malossi / YSS shocks (?) getting his variator upgraded with faster rollers/belt. They then follow the modded Xmax 300 through the streets of Bkk showing how much more quickly it accelerates and slices through traffic! 
Because I mostly ride with a passenger on pot hole roads, in addition to adding better shocks and a comfort seat, I would also add a storage box and Pirelli (or Michelin) tires - w/ a wider size rear tire if possible.

Will Yamaha post the number of Xmax 300 Thai orders that were placed at the Bitec show?
 
Does anyone know whether the optional 'comfort' seat offered on Yamaha's website is available for the Xmax 300 and whether the additional 'comfort' means the seat has more padding? Also, can the optional Akrapovic exhaust be ordered? 

12 hours ago, Trikyle said:

Heres your online downloadable english manual...
https://www.yamaha-motor.eu/uk/services/owner-manuals/index.aspx


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Thanks for the link to the Eng version of the Xmax 300 owners manual, it is a very interesting and informative look through, eg.: Every two years replace internal components of the brake master cylinder and calipers.

This is one nice looking, designed machine!