Duel Honda XADV Versus Yamaha TMAX. The luxurious Yamaha TMAX 530 DX today faces the hybrid Honda X-ADV 750. A match at the top for two maxi scooters with the technique very singular and just as different to driving.
Here is the shock of 2018 maxi scooters high-end! On the one hand, the must-have Yamaha TMAX 530, sales leader in maxi scooters for ages and represented here in its best equipped and most technological version, the TMAX DX. On the other side of the ring, the new Honda X-ADV 750, a scooter that scrambles the cards, a kind of cross-over between the maxi scooter and the bike. What make it a real rival for the king TMAX, without giving the feeling of being in front of yet another copy. We chose to oppose them today, tests daily, road and measured in support to verify the arguments of each one. Is the Yamaha TMAX 530 DX still the must have of the segment? the new Honda X-ADV 750 is it relevant at all levels? The answers are here and now!
Honda XADV vs Yamaha TMAX Comparation
Presentation and finishing: Between luxury and daring
No doubt, we are in the presence of two maxi scooters really upscale. The general presentation, the equipment, the paintings, the apparent technical pieces, the instrumentations, everything here exudes quality and seriousness.
The Honda X-ADV is based on the originality of its line that always leaves the doubt on belonging to the motorcycle or scooter world. The Japanese manufacturer even accentuates the illusion with the three-color shade identical to that of the big trail Africa Twin. Very well assembled, the X-ADV is more modern than the Yamaha TMAX, especially in terms of its 100% digital instrumentation. It is also more compact and also displays a larger overall height. It has all the codes of the genre Cross-Over so much that many curious asked us if it was a motorcycle or a scooter.
If the Yamaha TMAX 530 remains faithful to the original line of the most famous maxi scooters launched in 2001 - that is already 17 years! - it has also considerably gentrified over the years, adopting equipment constantly enriched. This is noticed today at the level of overweight, the TMAX 530 (DX or not) is quite bulky. It is also lower, at all levels (saddle, bubble, handlebars) than the hybrid X-ADV. Statutory, the Yamaha TMAX 530, especially here in its DX definition, displays a remarkable presentation. The finish is neater than that of the rival Honda, as evidenced by the treatment of its cladding that sometimes imitates other materials than plastic, or its saddle that uses several different textures and a perfect finish of its seams.
The Yamaha TMAX wins the chapter finishing, the general presentation remaining a matter of taste.
Ergonomics: Not so accessible!
These two maxi scooters are homologated for the A2 license, either by construction for the TMAX or after clamping for the Honda X-ADV. They are therefore accessible to beginners. However, some aspects limit their ease of handling.
First, the size and weight of each: with 238.8 pounds checked all full facts, the Honda X-ADV claims a little biceps when maneuvering. Fortunately, its large handlebar located high is an excellent lever at the height of the bust as on a motorcycle all terrain. And it is this same handlebar that gives a typical motorcycle atmosphere to the X-ADV. Seated side, if its saddle is higher (820 mm), it is also narrower than that of the TMAX, which helps when putting the toes. In contrast, the X-ADV leaves much less space at the feet.
The Yamaha TMAX 530 DX may appear more intimidating compared to its size. The height of its seat, perched at 800 mm only, reassures compared to that of the Honda. Alas, this saddle is also very wide and it is felt at the level of the arch in the crotch. Result, better to exceed 1m70 or 1m75 to hope to touch the ground on both sides, otherwise, you will have the feeling of sitting on a barrel barrel... For the rest, the universe of edge of the TMAX remains faithful to what the We know the maxi scooter genre, with a handlebar that returns to the driver and implanted lightly below. In all cases, significantly lower than on the X-ADV. Difficult to judge the impact of ergonomics on the comfort of each at this stage of the comparison.
One thing is certain, if you like the driving position of motorcycles and especially big trails, the Honda X-ADV will be the most attractive.
Handling: They compete in balance!
During the first laps, you immediately notice the intuitive side of the Yamaha TMAX 530 DX that behaves like any maxi scooter. The engine mapping T (touring) is the sweetest to discover the scooter. The TMAX has a bluffing balance at low speed and discover it is really no problem except taking into account the overall size, similar to that of a GT type bike since its facelift in 2017.
The Honda X-ADV 750 has an elevated position and gives the impression of riding a motorcycle. The Honda crossover stands out very quickly with its double-clutch DCT transmission. In fact, we immediately perceive the shifting in automatic mode, which is very smooth and in sharp progression against the first generations of the DCT Honda, especially if we opt for D cartography, because the mode S, more appropriate in current use, is unfortunately too abrupt at the opening of the accelerator. It is also possible to switch to the manual shift mode and control the robotic box using the pallets on the left-hand side. It is interesting and it can spice up the driving, but the progress of the DCT in automatic invite to quickly switch to auto mode.
A common point to these two maxi scooters: they are quick to take off at green light and can quickly reach a reprehensible speed... do not have the wrist heavy city. In addition, the Yamaha TMAX 530 is overall intuitive and Honda X-ADV 750 more original, but the adaptation time will be short.
Urban and daily use: The TMAX does the max!
From day to day, the most classic Yamaha TMAX 530 DX pulls out of the game. Already, it shows better handling at low speeds. It could totally outpace the Honda X-ADV 750 in traffic, but it is slowed by its opulence and rearview mirrors placed at the height of those sedans, an annoying gap everyday!
Then, the TMAX offers greater mechanical smoothness thanks to its variator transmission while the Honda can sometimes show a slightly smoother ride because of the DCT. The TMAX also has other practical arguments, starting with its storage capacity: a practical pocket vacuum in everyday life while the X-ADV is simply lacking (to correct Mr Honda!) And a safe saddle more generous on the TMAX that can hope to accommodate two helmets (compact and well chosen anyway).
Finally, the TMAX offers passenger convenience: seat lower and therefore more accessible, saddle wider and comfortable...
However, do not bury the Honda X-ADV too quickly in this chapter. With its elevated position, it dominates traffic and this promotes safety. He is still very comfortable in town thanks to his good maneuverability and ease of placement. The passenger, as soon as he climbed onto the high seat, will find enough comfort even if the dressing will eventually hinder the calves.
On the road: The X-ADV exploits its kinship with La Moto
But the crossover Honda gets back on the road. He exploits here wonderfully his kinship with the motorcycle universe. Its cornering handling, like its higher-speed heading, is superior to the TMAX.
The Honda X-ADV is instantly more player than the TMAX on the winding roads despite its 18.7 kilos more (all fully fact checked) because it reveals greater precision and chassis behavior more typical motorcycle. In addition, this elevated architecture also allows him to escape from bitumen; which is hardly possible on board the TMAX.
In addition, the DCT automatic transmission, then parameterized on Sport 2, reveals an engine brake which helps to turn in corner as well as an extension longer than that of the TMAX. And if it is necessary to cut down the kilometer, the Yamaha defends its skin dearly thanks to its protection and the very appreciable presence of the speed regulator, but its position is more tiring in the long run (the low handlebar invites to sink to the controls and to compact the back) and especially, especially, its mechanics hardly side approval on highway. At 130 km / h, the Yamaha displays 5,900 rpm on its rev counter and its silencer buzzes copiously while the X-ADV rotates at 4,100 rpm in a silence of GT... What a pity that its protection is unequal and that cruise control is missing!
Comfort: The suspensions and the protection in question
Precisely, let's take a look at the comfort chapter without further ado and talk about each one's strengths in terms of protection and depreciation.
Recognize that the Yamaha TMAX bluffed us, here in its definition DX over-equipped. The protection offered by its wide fairing and its electric windshield are much higher than what can be found on the X-ADV. The feet, the knees, the bust, everything is more sheltered aboard the TMAX.
As for the suspensions, the Honda X-ADV can count on higher displacements (153,5 mm AV and 150 mm AR against 120 mm AV and 117 mm AR), but the damping of Yamaha appeared surprising of effectiveness, in particular on small shocks where the fork has shine of smoothness. In common use, especially during the winter, the TMAX DX will be a better companion thanks to its better protection and its series of heated accessories (handles and saddles).
Performance, security, consumption:
The Yamaha TMAX has long had the reputation of being the maxi most powerful scooter on the market. The attitude of some users who go gas large in the green light has also greatly participated in this image.
However, we had already found that the Yamaha TMAX could be outdone by the competition including the wise and utility Honda NC750D Integra. Rebelotte with the new Honda X-ADV 750 which takes full advantage of its superior capacity (215 cm3 more) to accelerate harder and resume more vigorously than the TMAX (6.21 sec at 100 meters DA for the X- ADV versus 6.68 sec for the TMAX during our measurements). Thanks to its variable drive transmission and visibly brighter engine, the TMAX manages to hold or even slightly exceed the X-ADV on the first meters, then the Honda always distances the Yamaha.
We also carried out emergency braking measures (50 km / h GPS at zero) and the verdict pays in favor of the Honda which braked (on average) shorter (12.86 m against 13.12 m), but especially, showed a better regularity during the exercise. In terms of consumption, the engine 700 and 750 cm3 of the Honda NC platform has always shown the greatest savings at the pump; this is true here: 4.53 l / 100 km for the Honda X-ADV and 5.27 l / 100 km for the Yamaha TMAX.
The Honda X-ADV 750 provides better engine and braking performance and is more fuel efficient.
Conclusion: Use and price can make a difference
These two maxi scooters represent the current best sellers of the category (874 TMAX and 592 X-ADV at the end of April). Quintessence of the genre, they are also clearly positioned towards the top of the range, with prices to match: € 11,799 for the Honda and € 13,299 for the TMAX DX (at 23/05/18)... Nice rates that can already tip the scales, and probably too high in the absolute, even if the equipment of the TMAX is bloated.
It would be quite risky to determine a winner by knockout at the end of this match as they are different. However, the use that will be made of each can already guide the choice: The Yamaha TMAX 530 DX remains a tool in everyday life, especially if one deviates little from the city. The Honda X-ADV 750 is an excellent commuter, which is more able to compete with some bikes on the road and in small roads... The network finds, the occasions for the purchase of an X-ADV are quite often motorcycles. If you hesitate between the two, we can not do better than to encourage you to try them, especially as they are often in demonstration, all over the territory. Photo Credits David Vincent (Forty Nine Agency)
The measurements: Honda X-ADV 750 vs Yamaha TMAX 530 DX
- Weight fully verified: 238.8 kg (X-ADV), 220.1 kg (TMAX)
- Average consumption: 4.53 l / 100 km (X-ADV), 5.27 l / 100 km (TMAX)
- Speed / RPM at 130 km / h: 4,100 rpm (X-ADV), 5,900 rpm (TMAX)
- Accelerations 100 meters standing start: 6.21 sec (X-ADV), 6.68 sec (TMAX)
- Emergency braking (50 km / h GPS at zero): 12,86 m (X-ADV), 13,12 m (TMAX)
Good points
- Original presentation (X-ADV)
- Finishing (TMAX)
- City Approval (TMAX)
- Road Performance and Accreditation (X-ADV)
- Comfort and protection (TMAX)
- Handling and braking (X-ADV)
- Consumption (X-ADV)
- Standard equipment (TMAX)
Negative points
- Template (TMAX)
- Seat height (X-ADV)
- Positioning mirrors (TMAX)
- Limited safe and no empty pockets (X-ADV)
- Engine Speed on Road and Fast Track (TMAX)
- DCT a little brutal when starting in S mode (X-ADV)
- Price (TMAX)
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