If the idea of a scooter conjures images of an anaemic 50cc buzzbox barely holding its own in traffic, the 2025 Yamaha XMAX 300 will blow that notion clean out of your helmet. Yamaha has doubled down on the idea that practical doesn’t have to mean boring - and with a host of updates, this year’s XMAX 300 cements itself as the smart yet frisky commuter’s weapon of choice.

The XMAX is powered by a fuel-injected 292cc single-cylinder engine, neatly tucked low and forward in the chassis to keep the centre of gravity low — crucial for the good balance and flickability that make urban commuting bearable. Power is delivered via a CVT (continuously variable transmission), which in scooter-speak means twist-and-go.

The engine feels lively enough, although I would say it’s somewhat sluggish from a standing start until the revs pile on a bit. It would be nice to have a bit more zip off the mark to keep you clear on the tin tops as you bag the holeshot.

Once the engine gets spinning higher in the rev range, there’s enough go to hum along at 110km/h on the freeway without the XMAX feeling stressed. And although it happily cruises the motorway, it is most at home screaming around town. Yamaha have refined the traction control system, which now adjusts ignition and fuel delivery more precisely to prevent wheelspin without killing the vibe.

The 2025 XMAX gets a redesigned exhaust and swingarm, shaving some weight and improving mass centralisation. The styling is tweaked too — the muffler is slimmer, the lines a little sharper, and that distinctive X-shaped LED lighting front and rear gives it a more futuristic look that stands out in the sea of grey traffic.

The tech updates are where the XMAX really lifts its game. Nestled behind the wind-tunnel-sculpted front fairing is a new instrument cluster: a backlit 3.2-inch LCD flanked by a vivid 4.2-inch colour TFT screen, bringing it in line with the rest of Yamaha’s smartened-up range. Hook up your phone via the Y-Connect app, and suddenly you’ve got Garmin navigation, call and message alerts, and vehicle status info - all easily accessible via handlebar toggles. There’s also a USB-C socket for on-the-go charging, tucked neatly into the left storage cubby.

Speaking of storage - it remains one of the XMAX’s strongest suits. The under-seat compartment is massive plus the front fairing hides two more glovebox-style compartments, one lockable, both waterproof.

The ergonomics are spot on for most riders, and even taller folk like me should find it immensely comfortable. The seat is wide and supportive without feeling like you’ve sat on a futon, and there’s acres of room if you want to throw a friend or some bric-a-brac on the back.

Suspension duties are handled by a non-adjustable telescopic fork up front and twin shocks out back - pretty standard fare, really. The suspension does a fine job of soaking up potholes and speed bumps, although you’ll occasionally feel the limits if you’re on the heavier side or tackling rougher roads at speed. That said, the XMAX’s suspension is a magnitude better compared to many scooters I’ve ridden, where suspension performance seems like an afterthought.

Stopping power comes courtesy of a 267mm front disc and 245mm rear, both equipped with ABS. Braking feel is decent and more than adequate for a scooter in this class, and the ABS isn’t overly intrusive unless you’re trying to rip out a cheeky stoppie - or so I’m told, because as if I’d do something like that.

Other niceties include an electronically adjustable windscreen, which raises or lowers at the touch of a button for tailored wind protection. In practice, it makes a surprising difference at highway speeds and adds to the XMAX’s versatility - this isn’t just a city crawler; it’ll happily tackle longer stints without leaving you battered by turbulence.

At 187kg wet, it’s no featherweight, but the bulk is low and central, making it easy to manage in tight city spaces. The 13-litre fuel tank gives you more than enough range for a week of commuting, and the smart key system means no more fumbling with gloves on - just approach, twist, and go.

The quality finish alone is worth the extra cost of admission over other, shall we say, more cost-effective options. It’s a smart-looking scoot, especially in the Dynamic Red colour you see here, which looks even better in the flesh.

The 2025 XMAX 300 doesn’t reinvent the scooter, but it polishes it to near-perfection. With updated tech, smart ergonomics, and subtle chassis tweaks, Yamaha has refined an already solid platform into one of the sharpest, most liveable scooters around.

Whether you're ditching public transport or just want practicality with style and a dash of speed, the XMAX 300 delivers. It’s still a scooter - just one you’ll actually look forward to riding.