The Honda Forza 350 and Yamaha XMAX 300 are some of the most interesting medium-sized scooters around. Appealing aesthetics, plenty of storage space and pleasant performance with low fuel consumption are among the main qualities, plus a very interesting retail price. And that’s why they’re the choice of many two-wheelers all over the world!
We’ve said it many times and we’ll say it again. Medium-displacement maxi-scooters – between 300 and 400 cc – are very balanced and are among our favorites. For many reasons, but above all because they are not excessively expensive (slightly more expensive than the 125s that don’t need a license but are “limited” on the highway), because they are incredibly versatile and have a huge amount of space under the seat, which usually makes it possible to store two full-face helmets. They’re very easy to drive, economical and, basically, it’s unanimous that they’re the right two-wheeled vehicles for daily use in the city, with a few extra urban trips in between.
There are several proposals in this segment, but these two Japanese are among the most recognized in our country and around the world. Let’s find out the differences between these premium automatics!
FOR ALL TASTES
Some brands go all out on equipment and technology, like the Zontes 350E we tested in the February issue. Others manage to be quite exciting in terms of engine, such as the BMW C 400 X. Others have remained virtually unchanged for years, because you can’t change a winning team; but above all, there are models to suit all prices and all tastes. And we have also seen in this segment that scooters are increasing in displacement, with many going from 300 to 350 cc, as was the case with this Honda. The XMAX, recently refurbished, retains its 300 cubic centimeters.
DIFFERENCES
These models have single-cylinder engines, but when it comes to numbers, the Honda offers more power and torque, although they are minimal differences of just over 1 hp and 2.5 Nm, with the advantage going to the Golden Wing brand. In terms of weight, too, there’s practically a draw, with 184 kg for the Honda and 183 for the Yamaha, both in running order. As for the seat height, it’s slightly higher on the XMAX, although on scooters – as you know – you can always reach a little further forward when you stop to make it easier to put your feet on the ground. The fuel tank is a little larger on the Yamaha, but in both cases you can do a few hundred kilometers without having to refuel, which is great! Also noteworthy is the fact that both models used the traditional rim size for this segment, 14 inches at the rear and 15 at the front, as well as tires of completely similar dimensions.
The Forza 350 had its last major redesign three years ago, in 2021, but it’s still perfectly up to date, and features a super interesting treat that’s impossible not to love: the electric windscreen that many top-of-the-range touring bikes don’t have, even within the brand itself! The Honda’s instrumentation features two large analog spheres, with various digital information to go with them, and there’s a rather large glove box at the front. The Yamaha, restyled in 2023, now has fully digital instrumentation (even more complete on the Tech Max version), two gloveboxes, and under the seat there is space for two full-face helmets, something that happens on both models. In this area of cargo space, we prefer the Yamaha’s double glove box to the Honda’s single one, which is so deep that it’s difficult to reach some of the objects you put inside. Both have keyless ignition and smartphone connectivity, something that is increasingly ess
ential these days. Still on the subject of the Three Forks automatic, in the previous generation the braking was the target of much criticism and Yamaha has improved this aspect, with the levers offering a better feel.
LOTS OF EQUIPMENT
In this segment of sports or premium scooters, or even GT scooters as Honda puts it, this Forza 350 is in the middle of the range between the 125 and the Forza 750, the latter of which is quite different from the others as it has a DCT gearbox with dual-clutch transmission. As for the XMAX 300, it’s also halfway between the XMAX 125 and the famous TMAX, a top-of-the-range bike that’s actually more of an automatic sports bike than a scooter. Although this XMAX isn’t the best-equipped version, you can still pair your smartphone with the scooter via the MyRide app, with the LCD screen then notifying you of calls, messages and battery, as well as providing you with a wealth of other information. On the Forza, the dashboard integrates the Honda Roadsync system, which allows you to make calls, send and receive messages, listen to music and navigate via the device. Both scooters also have traction control and a wide range of accessories to choose from, so don’t neglect that part.
DIN MICA
On the move, it seems to us that this Forza is always a little smaller and easier to maneuver than the XMAX. The ride is always very pleasant, whether in town, on the road or on the highway, and the dynamics are good, with good suspension and very grippy dry tires. The XMAX also stands out for its seat, which is very soft, very comfortable, and also for some premium aspects, even though this is the base XMAX. The Yamaha has a slightly smoother engine at low speeds and always seems to have a little less engine brake. Maybe that’s why it’s possible to get slightly lower fuel consumption with the 300, although the differences are minimal and always below 4 liters at 100 in both models.
In terms of performance, we noticed that the Honda had a slight advantage when it came to acceleration, while there was also a small difference in top speed. Straight ahead, the Honda reaches 155 km/h and the Yamaha struggles to reach 150 km/h. It doesn’t seem to “breathe” as well in this latest generation, blamed as usual on the environmental regulations that have affected all manufacturers. In terms of braking, despite the improvements made by Yamaha, which are noticeable, Honda’s system is still a few notches above in terms of the feel of the levers and the ability to stop quickly. In terms of suspension, this is where there are the most differences, with the Honda standing out on the positive side (even if it isn’t perfect on the rear axle) and the Yamaha finding it harder to manage bad ground with the rear shock absorbers and also in sportier riding.
SUMMARY
All in all, these are two quality propositions with more than enough proven track record. The Yamaha has a slight advantage in premium finishes and seat comfort, while on the Honda we really liked the electric windshield, and the better cycling in terms of brakes and suspension. In terms of performance, load capacity and price, we’d give these two proposals a draw and, ultimately, any user can be very satisfied with either of these models. Oh, and by the way, those who choose the Honda can decide between five different decors, but the Yamaha is only available in two colors (with two more Tech Max decors).
Don’t forget that both brands have different options but with the same engine. In the case of Honda we find the ADV 350 version, more focused and inspired by off-roading, while on the Yamaha side we have the Tech Max version, which is even more premium than this base version, with some luxuries such as dual instrumentation. This was our feedback after a few hundred kilometers riding these models in the city, on the highway and freeway, in the dry and in the rain, but if you’re thinking of buying any of these automatics, there’s nothing like going for a test drive and clearing up any doubts!
