Once you hit a minimum level of acceptable performance (your preference), it's all about the experience you perceive. I've been riding two wheels seemingly forever (49 years). The list of rides has been long. Norton, Triumph, Jawa two stroke on and offroad Yamahas and Suzukis. Harley Choppers, built Buel Lightning and many other 2 and 4 cylinder bikes. Currently down to two, Electriglide and a new 150 Primavera. Never have I ridden the "best bike" of the year or the class. When you ride a bike that fits you personally, all the specs and comparisons don't mean anything. In my 400,000 miles on the two wheels, that's all that matters.
My experience similar to yours(56 years). While I thought it was entertaining riding British bike with shift on wrong side (oh, the right side), I've had 7 Gold Wings, 3 Voyagers, cruisers(big and small), maxis, and last year bought the GTS 300. This year I got the Primavera(35th bike). Two bikes now, the GTS and Primavera. The Primavera is my daily driver for under 200 miles round trip. The GTS is down to 1/2 times a week now. Thinking of adding the front rack to the Primavera and using it as my touring bike as well. I'm hesitant to enter a motorcycle shop now as I'm so gullible.......
Always ridden motorbikes over the years bought a scooter and it was a revelation, far more people should ride one instead of using a car free the roads up.
Oh sure, and then all you knuckle heads would be playing pole position out there and totally messing up traffic. Case in point, every nation where scooters outnumber auto's, traffic is a nightmare. Safety and road rules are non-existent. It's not even controlled chaos, just complete chaos! Let's face it, more scooters and motorcycles means less Safety. Less respect for other motorists and each other, I know, because I live with it in the Philippines and it's just damn crazy here.
I live in the Philippines too and I don't agree. It's chaos for sure but they make it work like they do in Thailand and Vietnam. Also, why would I begrudge someone the mobility that an affordable scooter or motorcycle offers? Without these options people would have to rely on public transportation or walking. They certainly wouldn't all be in cars and if they were, the gridlock would be off the charts with the roads here. I feel safer here on my XR 150 than on my HD in America with the big wide roads. In the US the speeds are higher so the crashes are worse.. It was a little intimidating riding my XR here without traffic lights or signals but after you get used to the flow of the traffic and you ride with other two wheelers around you, It starts to become fun..
Owned a vespa and sold it for an xmax.. in my own opinion, the vespa was an amazing scooter for the city, BUT the xmax is amazing in long drives, which is why i got it.. to each their own.. they both have their pros and cons, and both are great. The xmax is made for big fellas.. felt like i was a russian bear in a tricycle on the vespa
I'm 6'3" 205 lbs 34" inseam and the 2023 Xmax has plenty of leg room and is smooth as silk with the Blue Core technology it is the only motor in its class which has an offset cylinder AND a counterweight ......this is why it purrs at 80mph .....silky smooth unlike Vespa or Honda or Kymco .....ride one you'll see
@@ArmadilloGodzillai think u shoud try xmax, not for the beast looking but the performance it's pretty good tho, also the exhaust sound is more exciting!!!
@@MarkLoris Dear Sir, I've just read your comments, and I was wondering if you could help me? I am very tall, like yourself - 6ft 4" - and am struggling to decide whether to buy a new Vespa 300 GTS or a Yamaha Xmax 300. I live in England, but would like to take my scooter over to Europe, and do some touring around France, Germany and Austria. Could you tell me, in your honest opinion, which would be the more suitable scooter - the Vespa or Tmax? Obviously, I'll be riding hundreds of miles at high speeds (70mph plus) along the motorways/highways, and I need a bike that can cope with this for long periods of time. Your help and advice is much appreciated. Warmest regards from England, Neil. :)
Without a doubt the Xmax is faster....much more room ....rides better...better gas mileage.....very dependable.....and is priced better.....WITHOUT A DOUBT GO WITH Xmax !!!! Vespa has tiny storage under seat !!!! Good luck Neil ...you will like the Xmax better especially riding longer with its much better protection from the wind !!!!
Nice fair review. Either scoot will not disappoint. My 2020 Xmax has been my favorite of all bikes I have owned. Because of age, I had to downsize to a lighter bike. Xmax has so many features and info on computer dash readouts. Abs, traction control (on or off), ambient temperature (with freeze temp warning starting at about 37 degrees F) trip meters, gas mileage readout, amazing gas mileage, and just enough spunk to get in or out of trouble. There is no perfect two-wheeler, but Xmax comes so close.
Vespa all day long. What a masterpiece of engineering and a magnificent colour too. 82mph more than enough power for the majority of roads , an everyday Italian beauty ❤
Wrong! A Vespa HPE will not get close to 82 mph unless you're going downhill and have a strong wind behind you. Real time (speedo corrected) the Vespa will struggle to maintain 110kph on a motorway... it can touch 125 until it reaches a slight incline and then the speed will rapidly decrease
I’m a Vespa guy at heart, I love them and when I vacation in Rome I hire a Vespa GTS300 from Bici and Baci (highly recommended), but when it came to buying my last scooter I went with my head over my heart and bought the Xmax 300. The Xmax is just so much more practical much more scooter for your money, but Vespa lives in my heart ❤️
I ride a Vespa GTS300 but I am in the process of buying a second scooter. I am still analysing XMAX 300, Honda Forza 350 and Honda ADV 350? Any recommendations?
@@BernardoAfonso1908 go Japanese - read my post above re the Vespa and reliability. The BV is the most powerful but least comfortable and there were clutch issues (which they may have resolved). I've just sold my HPE for an XMax - I was considering the ADV 350 too but the XMax's design and seat comfort (which is subjective) won me over. The 1hp difference between the XMax and ADV will translate to very little on the road.
Interesting. I went for the Xmax. But the new 2023 version. To me it’s more practical for my type of riding. Some motorway, back roads and a little city. Wind protection, higher speed, massive storage, comfort, and long term reliability. City riding maybe I’d go for the Vespa. But due to the price and storage I’d probably just get an nmax. The looks of the Vespa is the only thing that takes a win. I don’t love the dash though.
3 years in and I still love my 300 GTS Vespa…. Great ride, super snappy and looks great! I don’t really mind the small storage, since I don’t ride in rain I just hang my full face helmet from the hooks under the seat so I don’t have to carry it around.
Great review, guys! The Vespa for me, any day. If I want a bigger machine for highways or for touring on longer distances, I would buy an actual touring motorcycle. Vespa wins on styling, heritage and just overall appeal. The Yamaha is a beautiful machine but it is trying to be everything and it is not superb at actually anything - too long for zipping around the city and definitely not good enough for a proper touring bike. Cheers!
I can tell you've never ridden a mile on the 2023 Xmax .....I tried Burgman 400 Vespa GTS 300 and Piaggio Beverly 400....and Xmax smoked all 3 of them for $6299 out the door 87 GPS mph 75 mpg at 70mph. More storage under seat 2 full face helmets. Smoother motor. more agile. 397 lbs. I love mine !!!!
"too long for zipping a long the city" Yeah, you've never ridden an Xmax. I live in one of the most densely populated cities in the world (NYC) and the Xmax gets me through congested traffic with ease. It's the better machine overall.
Everyone chooses their bike for their own purposes, but aesthetics are always a deciding factor. Both the Xmax and the GTS will work really well for everyday commuting. There is little reason to choose one over the other for their specs, features, or performance. The decision will be driven by the look of the bike and the culture associated with it - as it always has been and will be for everyone who gets a bike of any kind.
Yamaha reliability over Vespa style all day, every day. Also, you can actually lift the seat and put any helmet in it - super important element of having a scooter.
Im still going to go Max. I've never been a fan of the traditional scooter look. I think the only downside to it is the suspension and the stock lights which is an easy solve. I think for bigger guys the max is just where its at.
I just bought the 2023 Xmax 300 and wont look back because it was way way way way way more cheaper and it will last forever because of the quality build !!!!! Mine was $6,299 total out the door includes destination charge, taxes, etc....
I bought a X-Max 400 instead of Vespa 300 because with Yamaha you get more bike for the money. In my opinion Yamaha is definetely better quality, more storage and safer on the highway. I’ve sold the X-Max because i didn’t get the same fun as i got from Vespa 300 but that’s because i use it more for the city instead of highway driving. I didn’t listen to my heart but made a logical choice by choosing X-Max. Later on i regretted making a ‘analytical’ choice instead of listening to my heart. A major reason for also not buying the Vespa back then was the limited storage space, you need to buy a suit case in the back of the Vespa if you want to wear a full face helmet and i really want that at higher speeds but i hate the look of that suit case on a Vespa. Chances are i’m going to buy the new Vespa 300 model with extra storage space. In a nutshell in my opinion and experience: Yamaha is the better practical bike for commuting on highway. The Vespa is the way to go for citydriving and rural roads. Buying a bike based on common sense led me to X-Max but i have to admit that i have a crush for Vespa ❤, the fun factor is just too important for me, i get a smile on my face when i ride a Vespa and that is priceless…. A rather pricy pricelessnes 😂
Once you experience the Vespa, you either love it or hate it. I'm in the love group. Bought 2 in the past 12 months, GTS and Primavera 150. Wooooot!!!!!!
@@Scootphoria Vespa is a very beautiful scooter - perfect for a daily use in a town/city but not so good on a motorway. For roads with restrictions 90 km/h or higher I would choose a bigger scooter (maybe not a "maxi-maxi" scooter, as cost of buying and maintenance of these machines are very high, but xmax/forza are more stable on higher speeds).
@@PiotrPilinko Beautiful-check. Perfect for city/town-check. Not good on Motorway-Dang it, wish you had told me that 2 years ago as I thought it was doing well on my weekly motorway trip. Just joking with ya mate. If you aren't comfy with it on the motorway, then of course you shouldn't ride it there. Only ride what fits you. No many two wheels that don't look good to me. The Forza (2014, 300cc model) was indeed good. I used it weekly for a 400 mile round trip (pleasure) when I had it for about 5 months. Loved it, but it eat through rear tires like cotton candy.
These are my favourites if I'd buy a motorscooter next to my Kawa Versys😊. While watching your nice comparison i figured out that for city commuting, I actually would prefer an (e)bike or (e)moped even more (bikelanes galore 😊), which leaves the xmax as the most versatile and practical motorscooter for a tall guy like me.
Thanks for the video and comparison guys. I love scooters but I never thought I'd ever use "sexy" to describe a scooter. While the Xmax is a real cool looking scoot, the GTS is sexy! Yes, all you insecure folks out there who claim you wouldn't be caught dead on a scooter. The Vespa GTS is sexier than whatever Harley that you own and don't ride bc it's too heavy 😎
On my Xmax I upgraded shocks to Ohlins and a pipe and what a difference now. Vespa will always be that smaller scooter that better for in the city riding not highway when Xmax is goor for both especially having those bigger tires
Nice informative video.. I just got my first 2023 GTS gold, exactly the same one in the video.. my friend sold it to me because he likes the new Red gts 2024❤️.. I bought it for half price of brand new, I think it was a good deal for a vespa with 4000km only! 🤝 I hope i like it I’m planning to keep it with me as long as i can.
Maybe the Piaggio Beverly 350ST is a better comparison to make with the XMax, rather than the GTS300? After 12 yrs commuting on 150cc Vespa's every day, I tried the GTS300, Xmax300 and Beverly350ST. To me the Beverly felt closest to the newer Vespa Sprint I rode. It felt narrower than the Xmax and like the Xmax was very stable at Motorway speeds. By contrast the Vespa GTS300 wasn't as stable on the Motorway and it felt as though you were sitting on top of it, rather than in it, like the other two. I ended up getting the Beverly350 over the Xmax as it fitted me better. I've now done 21,000km on it. A great bike.
GTS!!! True step through. Easy to move around the garage. Trips the light at intersections. Brakes aren't so great. Easy to work on or modify. But if you dent the metal, you can't just buy another plastic panel to fix it.. Easier to park the GTS anywhere. Vespa accessories are too expensive.
Don’t like this review. They spend too long on the looks. Vespa with small wheels is nimble and best for city with tight traffic, but the Yamaha has larger wheels so able for both City and highway. Not the best for tight traffic. Given its versatility I would pick the Yamaha every day unless I lived in a congested European city and never needed to travel on highways. While smaller wheels give greater agility they are less stable.
I'm confused what you mean say but the vespa can't go on highways because it's small ? Or what's the best off brand bike that's good for highways or all roads and paths
Small Wheel Pros: 1. Agility on city 2. Low power needed 3. Mileage Cons: 1. Not good on Offroad or Potholes 2. Low stability on Highway or Highspeed. 3. Slipping chances
XMax all the way. But the Vespa is a really cool classic. Heart with Vespa. But practically as in freeway and long distance and comfort, the XMax. And the compartment under the seat is massive. I own an XMax. Cheers.
City Riding in your country looks INTENSE . Glad that's not my daily commute 🛵 I live / ride in suburban Boston Long time BMW rider , adapting to life after physical limitations I Now have 3 bikes : Vstrom 650, Yamaha CP250 morphous, most recently a Piaggio MP3 250 Each is better at something , but The CP is the Go To
We've been seeing Vespa bikes a lot more here in Texas. I don't think I've seen one yamaha scooter here where I live, I'm sure they're selling but I haven't seen one on the streets. The yamaha is a nice ride it's modern and very city. That's said, the Vespa is a modern classic. The world is in love with them. Even here in Texas we see one and it's just a beautiful little bike. I've never seen one broken down, and the people that have one swear by its reliability. These bikes are not fire long distance like the big Harley cruisers. They're for city commute. In the end it's just a matter of preference. Which do you like and makes more sense to you. Thanks for the review guys, first time I've seen this color on a Vespa.
Better Storage(2 full face helmet under seat) compare to ONLY fitting only single small MIDGETTTTTT half face helmet on Vespa. Reliability.. stable long base compare to Vespa. Yamaha Xmax any day
Nice one. For me it's the Vespa. I need a city scooter. I have a Honda pcx125 and a BMW G650GS. In the city by far the PCX is better, especially in traffic filtering, but i could do with a little more umph.
One thing not mentioned, unless I missed it, is that the Vespa is a true "step-thru". Technically, you can step through to mount the Yamaha but it is much harder work. This might be an important point for older riders who are giving up ordinary motorcycles for an easier to ride (and mount) scooter.
I just sold my HPE for a new XMax - the shape of the new Honda 350 scooters didn't appeal to me and 1hp isn't going to make a difference in city driving. I liked the XMax's new shape and colour schemes, its reputation for reliability and its ability to do motorway speeds with ease. I love Vespas (I've owned four) but the HPE was unreliable and the build quailty was poor. It's barely painted inside and since the tub is not galvanised, rust will set in pretty quickly (unless you Waxoil it every year). That part being solved the HPE engine consumes quite a bit of oil - although mine wasn't too bad (100 mls per 800 kms) some were much worse. Then there was the need to crank the engine 3 - 5 times when the engine was slightly warm or after a short ride. Then the fuel pump went on the blink... then the petrol guage sensor. AND, if you have a pillion pasenger your legs constantly hit the footpegs because their position was designed to favour looks not practicality... not to mention the fact that if your passenger is short, her legs won't reach the footpegs. So, bring on the XMax.
Have a look at the carrying capacity on the Yamaha grand filano scooter. It's only 125cc but hybrid giving more power for heavy loads or up hill climb. 56km per ltr in the city, it doesn't get any better.
Yamaha makes very good bikes but the Vespa is very special, not just on the look, It is so advanced in technology too. Yes!.. It's hard to compete with the awesome GTS-300 👍🇮🇹❤
I have both of these bikes - I have a 2020 HPE GTS and a 2023 XMAX - the Xmax is my daily commuter - and the Vespa, although not as polished, is just so much more fun! The Xmax is way better two up and that is the main reason I have it.
Two different applications. Vespa is a city/urban scoot while the Xmax is a suburban commuter. This shows in the wheel/tire size, wheel base, riding position.
After 53 yrs riding motorcycles from 90 cc to 1400cc illness forced me to get an auto so end up with 2021 vespa gts300 hpe bloody brilliant I've now added a yamaha tricity 300 different type of machines but I wouldn't part with any of them I have done 150 mile runs on both not a problem
A very biased review. I choose the XMAX also. XMAX more reliable, larger network of dealers world wide. No front end shimmy on the XMAX vs Vespa. XMAX has a oil sight glass, center stand, and it beats the Vespa. A true reliable scooter is the XMAX. Yamaha is a motorcycle company superior technology. Lap Aprons are available on both scooters. In the US vespa is 10k and the Yamaha is 6k. On the highway, the XMAX is better. In the US the XMAX is better for commuting.
And you know the Xmax is more reliable because you have owned one? It is rather you cant afford the Vespa……..and nobody cares about the US market anymore.
I like them both but prefer the look of the Vespa. I also have another bike. So for me it would be the Vespa. But if I didn't already have another bike and car for longer journeys then it would be the Yamaha.
OMG! I'm thinking of Forza too, but I had Xmax 125cc for two years, and I loved it so much, but for the looks Forza wins especially front . Is Forza as smooth and fast round corners as XMAX ? ( still I have to do motorbike license first😂 )
I think its time for Vespa to upgrade their desgn. Not saying it should look like the XMAX. But when every other scooter in the 300cc category looks better than it, its time for a change. I had a buddy that owned a Spree that looked just like the Vespa. It was loads of fun, but that was 30 years ago. Time for an upgrade.
I own a yamaha smax 155 , for the city this is the best 116 kph top speed and if i drive between 70 -80 kph i get about 107 mpg about 38kms per litre .
service and parts a way cheaper and easier to service on a Xmax. Vespa is a good city bike, but those small wheels are pointless other than in the city.
Regarding appearance, you should really withhold judgment, as it just comes down to personal taste. The Yamaha is hypermodern origami style; Vespa is modern classic style. Maybe if I was a young European in a city concerned with style, I would prefer the Vespa, but I'm a middle aged American living in a medium size city and going between suburbs, so it's XMax for me! 7:46 filtering is apparently legal where these guys are, but the streets are too tight to actually do it; too bad! (eBike/speed pedelec for the win?) 9:02 re. price: In the USA, the Vespa costs about $1500 more than the Yamaha. They are sold at "boutiques" instead of dealerships. 11:14 re. overall choice: in most states in the USA, filtering is illegal, so the longer length and slower acceleration from a stop wouldn't hurt the XMax much in our cities. In terms of long-term reliability, Yamaha is almost certainly going to be better.
Been riding the xmax since 2019. Crazy storage space, impressive fuel efficiency and low maintenance cost.. definitely a good choice! Actually nimble for a scooter that size. 5 years later, im actually switching to a GTS300 thanks to COE-related factors, machine depreciation value, lack of enthusiasm and also finally getting to indulge in my impulse of owning a Vespa! 😂
@@cascarification it depends on your needs. If u prefer more underseat storage, better fuel efficiency, and a little more power, the xmax scores perfectly for daily use. 🙌🏼
Yamaha is a clear winner in every aspect but the Vespa has the retro look and timeless style for many riders is more important than safety and performance
My vespra 300 has a turbo.So city cruiseing or highway.gives this classic a new lease on life.all through out the power range.it will easily do over a hundred mph.Ifvi wanted it for that.But im into the extra performace at lower speeds the turbo gives me.making it even better on fuel.using less power less throttle.but same power.as vespra without power.
I had a beautiful GTS 300 but ultimately ended up selling it for a Honda. Italian engines, while amazing feats of engineering, simply are not as reliable as their Japanese counterparts. I spent thousands on repairs and maintenance on a relatively new GTS 300 that had never been dropped or crashed, whereas my honda has cost me about a total of 250 dollars since I bought it a year ago, and that's including replacing two body panels after I slid on some gravel.
Lambretta has been officially dead for decades. There is now Scomadi and Royal-Alloy that share a platform and make a (fake) lambretta chassis that use Vepsa GTS (non HPE) 300cc engine and a Taiwanese 150cc engine.
I'm 70 years old and young chick's beg to ride with me on my Xmax and my friends Vespa they laugh at and say it looks like their grandpa's old scooter !!!!! Get an Xmax and you will get the young chick's!!!!
@@MarkLoris I’ve got a BMW C600 Sport, I bought it the only year they were imported in the US … the classic Italian style wins every time. It’s just simply a romance thing, not a speed and technology thing. I’m guessing the novelty of riding with a 70 year old guy is the draw, not a modern scooter
I know, right? They should go all metal that way it'll cost you an arm and a leg just to replace a panel like on a Vespa. Fun fact: you can literally replace all the fairings on an Xmax for about $400.
Why do you not bring up the miles per tank of gas, one of the most important things for me, I was looking at the XMax but went with the Honda CB 500 X and put a set of 33 liter side bags and a 46 liter top box for storage, as it will get me over well over 500 Km per tank of gas, I did have a Yama Majesty 400 with a top box on it and was a great ride. Still thinking of adding a scooter to the stable but wish they still made the 400 as it did get 160 km per hour not sure what the 300 would get. Not that I ride 160 km per hour but cruising at 100 km revs would be down and still have more if you need it. That is another thing wat are the revs at at highway speeds. You are really lacking on information hear. Do not think I would be interested in the Vespa as lack of storage, and small wheels.
The Vespa is a Good city scooter but rubbish outside the Yamaha is fine in the city but outside the city and on highways is much better also two up the Yamaha is outstanding. I have. BMW C400x I can do most things a motorcycle can do and a top speed of 120 km on the highway and country roads with a passenger.
Vespa is more beactifull ,but very very dangerous. It cant be stoped with that small tires , especially in bad road . If something happens you go to hospital ..
Vespa is garbage compared to a maxi scoot like the xmax, Xmax is bigger faster and more storage space, also bigger wheels to deal with potholes, Xmax has twin LED lights, Better weather protection, If you want a vintage look go Vespa, if you want practical and better top speed, including better resale price and reliability ease to work on go with the xmax,
Once you hit a minimum level of acceptable performance (your preference), it's all about the experience you perceive. I've been riding two wheels seemingly forever (49 years). The list of rides has been long. Norton, Triumph, Jawa two stroke on and offroad Yamahas and Suzukis. Harley Choppers, built Buel Lightning and many other 2 and 4 cylinder bikes. Currently down to two, Electriglide and a new 150 Primavera. Never have I ridden the "best bike" of the year or the class. When you ride a bike that fits you personally, all the specs and comparisons don't mean anything. In my 400,000 miles on the two wheels, that's all that matters.
My experience similar to yours(56 years). While I thought it was entertaining riding British bike with shift on wrong side (oh, the right side), I've had 7 Gold Wings, 3 Voyagers, cruisers(big and small), maxis, and last year bought the GTS 300. This year I got the Primavera(35th bike). Two bikes now, the GTS and Primavera. The Primavera is my daily driver for under 200 miles round trip. The GTS is down to 1/2 times a week now. Thinking of adding the front rack to the Primavera and using it as my touring bike as well. I'm hesitant to enter a motorcycle shop now as I'm so gullible.......
Always ridden motorbikes over the years bought a scooter and it was a revelation, far more people should ride one instead of using a car free the roads up.
Oh sure, and then all you knuckle heads would be playing pole position out there and totally messing up traffic. Case in point, every nation where scooters outnumber auto's, traffic is a nightmare. Safety and road rules are non-existent. It's not even controlled chaos, just complete chaos! Let's face it, more scooters and motorcycles means less Safety. Less respect for other motorists and each other, I know, because I live with it in the Philippines and it's just damn crazy here.
I live in the Philippines too and I don't agree. It's chaos for sure but they make it work like they do in Thailand and Vietnam. Also, why would I begrudge someone the mobility that an affordable scooter or motorcycle offers? Without these options people would have to rely on public transportation or walking. They certainly wouldn't all be in cars and if they were, the gridlock would be off the charts with the roads here. I feel safer here on my XR 150 than on my HD in America with the big wide roads. In the US the speeds are higher so the crashes are worse.. It was a little intimidating riding my XR here without traffic lights or signals but after you get used to the flow of the traffic and you ride with other two wheelers around you, It starts to become fun..
Owned a vespa and sold it for an xmax.. in my own opinion, the vespa was an amazing scooter for the city, BUT the xmax is amazing in long drives, which is why i got it.. to each their own.. they both have their pros and cons, and both are great. The xmax is made for big fellas.. felt like i was a russian bear in a tricycle on the vespa
How tall are you? I have the vespa and it's ok at my 187 cm, but I want something faster that I can fit on so looking around.
I'm 6'3" 205 lbs 34" inseam and the 2023 Xmax has plenty of leg room and is smooth as silk with the Blue Core technology it is the only motor in its class which has an offset cylinder AND a counterweight ......this is why it purrs at 80mph .....silky smooth unlike Vespa or Honda or Kymco .....ride one you'll see
@@ArmadilloGodzillai think u shoud try xmax, not for the beast looking but the performance it's pretty good tho, also the exhaust sound is more exciting!!!
@@MarkLoris Dear Sir,
I've just read your comments, and I was wondering if you could help me?
I am very tall, like yourself - 6ft 4" - and am struggling to decide whether to buy a new Vespa 300 GTS or a Yamaha Xmax 300. I live in England, but would like to take my scooter over to Europe, and do some touring around France, Germany and Austria. Could you tell me, in your honest opinion, which would be the more suitable scooter - the Vespa or Tmax?
Obviously, I'll be riding hundreds of miles at high speeds (70mph plus) along the motorways/highways, and I need a bike that can cope with this for long periods of time.
Your help and advice is much appreciated.
Warmest regards from England,
Neil. :)
Without a doubt the Xmax is faster....much more room ....rides better...better gas mileage.....very dependable.....and is priced better.....WITHOUT A DOUBT GO WITH Xmax !!!! Vespa has tiny storage under seat !!!! Good luck Neil ...you will like the Xmax better especially riding longer with its much better protection from the wind !!!!
Nice fair review. Either scoot will not disappoint. My 2020 Xmax has been my favorite of all bikes I have owned. Because of age, I had to downsize to a lighter bike. Xmax has so many features and info on computer dash readouts. Abs, traction control (on or off), ambient temperature (with freeze temp warning starting at about 37 degrees F) trip meters, gas mileage readout, amazing gas mileage, and just enough spunk to get in or out of trouble. There is no perfect two-wheeler, but Xmax comes so close.
Vespa all day long. What a masterpiece of engineering and a magnificent colour too.
82mph more than enough power for the majority of roads , an everyday Italian beauty ❤
Wrong! A Vespa HPE will not get close to 82 mph unless you're going downhill and have a strong wind behind you. Real time (speedo corrected) the Vespa will struggle to maintain 110kph on a motorway... it can touch 125 until it reaches a slight incline and then the speed will rapidly decrease
I’m a Vespa guy at heart, I love them and when I vacation in Rome I hire a Vespa GTS300 from Bici and Baci (highly recommended), but when it came to buying my last scooter I went with my head over my heart and bought the Xmax 300. The Xmax is just so much more practical much more scooter for your money, but Vespa lives in my heart ❤️
I ride a Vespa GTS300 but I am in the process of buying a second scooter. I am still analysing XMAX 300, Honda Forza 350 and Honda ADV 350? Any recommendations?
@@BernardoAfonso1908have a good look at the Piaggio BV 400
@@BernardoAfonso1908 go Japanese - read my post above re the Vespa and reliability. The BV is the most powerful but least comfortable and there were clutch issues (which they may have resolved). I've just sold my HPE for an XMax - I was considering the ADV 350 too but the XMax's design and seat comfort (which is subjective) won me over. The 1hp difference between the XMax and ADV will translate to very little on the road.
I come from the school of "Beauty is as beauty does." An XMax is the kind if scooter that will never let you down and be ready to go day after day.
Interesting. I went for the Xmax. But the new 2023 version. To me it’s more practical for my type of riding. Some motorway, back roads and a little city. Wind protection, higher speed, massive storage, comfort, and long term reliability. City riding maybe I’d go for the Vespa. But due to the price and storage I’d probably just get an nmax. The looks of the Vespa is the only thing that takes a win. I don’t love the dash though.
For City I'd rather just have a Dio, super thin and quick off lights. XMax I'd use for high speeds
The Vespa looks like it would have a girl hair dresser riding it......B O R I N G !!!!
Am I not right people ??????
3 years in and I still love my 300 GTS Vespa…. Great ride, super snappy and looks great! I don’t really mind the small storage, since I don’t ride in rain I just hang my full face helmet from the hooks under the seat so I don’t have to carry it around.
On Xmax 300 2 full face helmets go under seat plus more room for jackets....it's huge ....that sold me
Great review, guys! The Vespa for me, any day. If I want a bigger machine for highways or for touring on longer distances, I would buy an actual touring motorcycle. Vespa wins on styling, heritage and just overall appeal. The Yamaha is a beautiful machine but it is trying to be everything and it is not superb at actually anything - too long for zipping around the city and definitely not good enough for a proper touring bike. Cheers!
I can tell you've never ridden a mile on the 2023 Xmax .....I tried Burgman 400 Vespa GTS 300 and Piaggio Beverly 400....and Xmax smoked all 3 of them for $6299 out the door 87 GPS mph 75 mpg at 70mph. More storage under seat 2 full face helmets. Smoother motor. more agile. 397 lbs. I love mine !!!!
"too long for zipping a long the city"
Yeah, you've never ridden an Xmax. I live in one of the most densely populated cities in the world (NYC) and the Xmax gets me through congested traffic with ease. It's the better machine overall.
Everyone chooses their bike for their own purposes, but aesthetics are always a deciding factor. Both the Xmax and the GTS will work really well for everyday commuting. There is little reason to choose one over the other for their specs, features, or performance. The decision will be driven by the look of the bike and the culture associated with it - as it always has been and will be for everyone who gets a bike of any kind.
Yamaha reliability over Vespa style all day, every day. Also, you can actually lift the seat and put any helmet in it - super important element of having a scooter.
Im still going to go Max. I've never been a fan of the traditional scooter look. I think the only downside to it is the suspension and the stock lights which is an easy solve. I think for bigger guys the max is just where its at.
On the 2023 Xmax 300 the NEW lights are bright.....you won't have to touch them.....I know I have one!!!!
I just bought the 2023 Xmax 300 and wont look back because it was way way way way way more cheaper and it will last forever because of the quality build !!!!! Mine was $6,299 total out the door includes destination charge, taxes, etc....
I bought a X-Max 400 instead of Vespa 300 because with Yamaha you get more bike for the money. In my opinion Yamaha is definetely better quality, more storage and safer on the highway. I’ve sold the X-Max because i didn’t get the same fun as i got from Vespa 300 but that’s because i use it more for the city instead of highway driving. I didn’t listen to my heart but made a logical choice by choosing X-Max. Later on i regretted making a ‘analytical’ choice instead of listening to my heart. A major reason for also not buying the Vespa back then was the limited storage space, you need to buy a suit case in the back of the Vespa if you want to wear a full face helmet and i really want that at higher speeds but i hate the look of that suit case on a Vespa. Chances are i’m going to buy the new Vespa 300 model with extra storage space. In a nutshell in my opinion and experience: Yamaha is the better practical bike for commuting on highway. The Vespa is the way to go for citydriving and rural roads. Buying a bike based on common sense led me to X-Max but i have to admit that i have a crush for Vespa ❤, the fun factor is just too important for me, i get a smile on my face when i ride a Vespa and that is priceless…. A rather pricy pricelessnes 😂
Once you experience the Vespa, you either love it or hate it. I'm in the love group. Bought 2 in the past 12 months, GTS and Primavera 150. Wooooot!!!!!!
@@Scootphoria Vespa is a very beautiful scooter - perfect for a daily use in a town/city but not so good on a motorway. For roads with restrictions 90 km/h or higher I would choose a bigger scooter (maybe not a "maxi-maxi" scooter, as cost of buying and maintenance of these machines are very high, but xmax/forza are more stable on higher speeds).
@@PiotrPilinko Beautiful-check. Perfect for city/town-check. Not good on Motorway-Dang it, wish you had told me that 2 years ago as I thought it was doing well on my weekly motorway trip.
Just joking with ya mate. If you aren't comfy with it on the motorway, then of course you shouldn't ride it there. Only ride what fits you. No many two wheels that don't look good to me. The Forza (2014, 300cc model) was indeed good. I used it weekly for a 400 mile round trip (pleasure) when I had it for about 5 months. Loved it, but it eat through rear tires like cotton candy.
Collecting my new Vespa GTS 300 on Friday ….I just love the retro looks of the Vespa,
LOL your conclusion or wrap, didn't make it any easier than when I started LOL
But I enjoyed your discussions very much anyway
I love Vespa but I’d rather use Xmax all day everyday
I have both, vespa only for looks thats it! Yamaha has power and space and confort.
These are my favourites if I'd buy a motorscooter next to my Kawa Versys😊. While watching your nice comparison i figured out that for city commuting, I actually would prefer an (e)bike or (e)moped even more (bikelanes galore 😊), which leaves the xmax as the most versatile and practical motorscooter for a tall guy like me.
Thanks for the video and comparison guys. I love scooters but I never thought I'd ever use "sexy" to describe a scooter. While the Xmax is a real cool looking scoot, the GTS is sexy!
Yes, all you insecure folks out there who claim you wouldn't be caught dead on a scooter. The Vespa GTS is sexier than whatever Harley that you own and don't ride bc it's too heavy 😎
On my Xmax I upgraded shocks to Ohlins and a pipe and what a difference now. Vespa will always be that smaller scooter that better for in the city riding not highway when Xmax is goor for both especially having those bigger tires
I will take the new Vespa any day
I'll take the Yamaha.
I do like both though, I can see preferring the Vespa in congested areas that allow lane splitting and filtering.
You should. Vespas are perfect for women after all.
You just look so stylish, so cool on Vespa.
And on any other scooter, You look like on any other scooter 🛵…
Like million others…
Vespa = hipster
Yamaha = real man
@@Mcb0It wdym? the x-max looks like a crappy attempt at looking "cool" and futuristic. vespa is stylish and retro.
Nice informative video.. I just got my first 2023 GTS gold, exactly the same one in the video.. my friend sold it to me because he likes the new Red gts 2024❤️..
I bought it for half price of brand new, I think it was a good deal for a vespa with 4000km only! 🤝
I hope i like it I’m planning to keep it with me as long as i can.
5 MO old 2023 gts 2200 km half price also
Vespa gts all day
X max 300.....all the way bigger smarter ,sporter, longer, very good looking and quality....vespa easy to user.....good luck with it...👍🌹🥰🐈🐈🐈
Xmax : rational choice
Vespa : emotional choice
Neither are wrong 😁
Vespa is just timeless ❤
Actually my fave is the Honda ADV350/360.
Shame its not sold in the USA yet.
I have one in Thailand.
Türkiye de binlerce insan sıraya girmiş 450.000 TL ye bayiler saklı gizli satıyor 😏
There’s 11 minutes of my life I won’t get back 😖🔫
Maybe the Piaggio Beverly 350ST is a better comparison to make with the XMax, rather than the GTS300?
After 12 yrs commuting on 150cc Vespa's every day, I tried the GTS300, Xmax300 and Beverly350ST. To me the Beverly felt closest to the newer Vespa Sprint I rode. It felt narrower than the Xmax and like the Xmax was very stable at Motorway speeds. By contrast the Vespa GTS300 wasn't as stable on the Motorway and it felt as though you were sitting on top of it, rather than in it, like the other two. I ended up getting the Beverly350 over the Xmax as it fitted me better. I've now done 21,000km on it. A great bike.
I went from a GTS 250 to the Beverly 400. No contest value wise.
GTS!!! True step through. Easy to move around the garage. Trips the light at intersections. Brakes aren't so great. Easy to work on or modify. But if you dent the metal, you can't just buy another plastic panel to fix it.. Easier to park the GTS anywhere. Vespa accessories are too expensive.
Easiest choice ! 100% Yamaha
Don’t like this review. They spend too long on the looks. Vespa with small wheels is nimble and best for city with tight traffic, but the Yamaha has larger wheels so able for both City and highway. Not the best for tight traffic. Given its versatility I would pick the Yamaha every day unless I lived in a congested European city and never needed to travel on highways. While smaller wheels give greater agility they are less stable.
Not to mention pot holes.
I'm confused what you mean say but the vespa can't go on highways because it's small ? Or what's the best off brand bike that's good for highways or all roads and paths
Small Wheel Pros:
1. Agility on city
2. Low power needed
3. Mileage
Cons:
1. Not good on Offroad or Potholes
2. Low stability on Highway or Highspeed.
3. Slipping chances
XMax all the way. But the Vespa is a really cool classic. Heart with Vespa. But practically as in freeway and long distance and comfort, the XMax. And the compartment under the seat is massive. I own an XMax.
Cheers.
@@Marley417Personal preference I feel.
City Riding in your country looks INTENSE .
Glad that's not my daily commute 🛵
I live / ride in suburban Boston
Long time BMW rider ,
adapting to life after physical limitations
I Now have 3 bikes :
Vstrom 650, Yamaha CP250 morphous, most recently a Piaggio MP3 250
Each is better at something , but The CP is the Go To
We've been seeing Vespa bikes a lot more here in Texas. I don't think I've seen one yamaha scooter here where I live, I'm sure they're selling but I haven't seen one on the streets. The yamaha is a nice ride it's modern and very city. That's said, the Vespa is a modern classic. The world is in love with them. Even here in Texas we see one and it's just a beautiful little bike. I've never seen one broken down, and the people that have one swear by its reliability. These bikes are not fire long distance like the big Harley cruisers. They're for city commute. In the end it's just a matter of preference. Which do you like and makes more sense to you. Thanks for the review guys, first time I've seen this color on a Vespa.
Better Storage(2 full face helmet under seat) compare to ONLY fitting only single small MIDGETTTTTT half face helmet on Vespa. Reliability.. stable long base compare to Vespa. Yamaha Xmax any day
Nice one. For me it's the Vespa. I need a city scooter. I have a Honda pcx125 and a BMW G650GS. In the city by far the PCX is better, especially in traffic filtering, but i could do with a little more umph.
One thing not mentioned, unless I missed it, is that the Vespa is a true "step-thru". Technically, you can step through to mount the Yamaha but it is much harder work. This might be an important point for older riders who are giving up ordinary motorcycles for an easier to ride (and mount) scooter.
I just sold my HPE for a new XMax - the shape of the new Honda 350 scooters didn't appeal to me and 1hp isn't going to make a difference in city driving. I liked the XMax's new shape and colour schemes, its reputation for reliability and its ability to do motorway speeds with ease. I love Vespas (I've owned four) but the HPE was unreliable and the build quailty was poor. It's barely painted inside and since the tub is not galvanised, rust will set in pretty quickly (unless you Waxoil it every year). That part being solved the HPE engine consumes quite a bit of oil - although mine wasn't too bad (100 mls per 800 kms) some were much worse. Then there was the need to crank the engine 3 - 5 times when the engine was slightly warm or after a short ride. Then the fuel pump went on the blink... then the petrol guage sensor. AND, if you have a pillion pasenger your legs constantly hit the footpegs because their position was designed to favour looks not practicality... not to mention the fact that if your passenger is short, her legs won't reach the footpegs. So, bring on the XMax.
Seems the comparison missed a big factor in making the decision .. 'dealer support'. Is dealer support as available for both? I sense 'not'?
Vespa any time any day❤
All maxi scoots are for old folk
Gts for daily driving
A Harley bagger for the hwy
Have a look at the carrying capacity on the Yamaha grand filano scooter.
It's only 125cc but hybrid giving more power for heavy loads or up hill climb. 56km per ltr in the city, it doesn't get any better.
Yamaha makes very good bikes but the Vespa is very special, not just on the look, It is so advanced in technology too. Yes!.. It's hard to compete with the awesome GTS-300 👍🇮🇹❤
Yeah, it's so advanced that despite weighing 65lbs less than the Xmax it manages to still be slower and get worse fuel mileage.
Its a style thing with Vespa. Nothing else
Dont forget its fun!!!!
ahhh, i have ridden the gts and it's zippy along with xtra fun also.
Had a 2018 X ... Best I ever had after over 60 years of scooter Love
Wish I could have both. But, I can't afford either one. 😂
Super Video, best compairson I´ve ever sen, thank you very much. For me is clear now, Vespa for the City is the best choice :-)
I have both of these bikes - I have a 2020 HPE GTS and a 2023 XMAX - the Xmax is my daily commuter - and the Vespa, although not as polished, is just so much more fun! The Xmax is way better two up and that is the main reason I have it.
The Vespa still looks like a hairdressers bike 😄
Two different applications. Vespa is a city/urban scoot while the Xmax is a suburban commuter. This shows in the wheel/tire size, wheel base, riding position.
After 53 yrs riding motorcycles from 90 cc to 1400cc illness forced me to get an auto so end up with 2021 vespa gts300 hpe bloody brilliant I've now added a
yamaha tricity 300 different type of machines but I wouldn't part with any of them I have done 150 mile runs on both not a problem
Good health!
Vespa❤
So, two European Vespa salesmen like the vespa better! LOL!
A very biased review. I choose the XMAX also. XMAX more reliable, larger network of dealers world wide. No front end shimmy on the XMAX vs Vespa. XMAX has a oil sight glass, center stand, and it beats the Vespa. A true reliable scooter is the XMAX. Yamaha is a motorcycle company superior technology. Lap Aprons are available on both scooters. In the US vespa is 10k and the Yamaha is 6k. On the highway, the XMAX is better. In the US the XMAX is better for commuting.
And you know the Xmax is more reliable because you have owned one? It is rather you cant afford the Vespa……..and nobody cares about the US market anymore.
The Vespa is for posing.
I like them both but prefer the look of the Vespa. I also have another bike. So for me it would be the Vespa. But if I didn't already have another bike and car for longer journeys then it would be the Yamaha.
It's pretty obvious that Vespa is kindda look stupid when close to XMAX
For style vespa... Practicality xmax.... For me Forza350 😅
OMG! I'm thinking of Forza too, but I had Xmax 125cc for two years, and I loved it so much, but for the looks Forza wins especially front . Is Forza as smooth and fast round corners as XMAX ? ( still I have to do motorbike license first😂 )
xmax300
Id like the vespa in black with the gold stripes!!
I think its time for Vespa to upgrade their desgn. Not saying it should look like the XMAX. But when every other scooter in the 300cc category looks better than it, its time for a change. I had a buddy that owned a Spree that looked just like the Vespa. It was loads of fun, but that was 30 years ago. Time for an upgrade.
Puoi chiedere per piacere a tuo nipote che tipo è marca del coltello sta utilizzando..grazie mille
I own a yamaha smax 155 , for the city this is the best 116 kph top speed and if i drive between 70 -80 kph i get about 107 mpg about 38kms per litre .
xmax forever 😘
service and parts a way cheaper and easier to service on a Xmax. Vespa is a good city bike, but those small wheels are pointless other than in the city.
La meglio la Vespa è un mito non a niente da provare 💪👍🇮🇹
Regarding appearance, you should really withhold judgment, as it just comes down to personal taste. The Yamaha is hypermodern origami style; Vespa is modern classic style. Maybe if I was a young European in a city concerned with style, I would prefer the Vespa, but I'm a middle aged American living in a medium size city and going between suburbs, so it's XMax for me!
7:46 filtering is apparently legal where these guys are, but the streets are too tight to actually do it; too bad! (eBike/speed pedelec for the win?)
9:02 re. price: In the USA, the Vespa costs about $1500 more than the Yamaha. They are sold at "boutiques" instead of dealerships.
11:14 re. overall choice: in most states in the USA, filtering is illegal, so the longer length and slower acceleration from a stop wouldn't hurt the XMax much in our cities.
In terms of long-term reliability, Yamaha is almost certainly going to be better.
Been riding the xmax since 2019. Crazy storage space, impressive fuel efficiency and low maintenance cost.. definitely a good choice! Actually nimble for a scooter that size. 5 years later, im actually switching to a GTS300 thanks to COE-related factors, machine depreciation value, lack of enthusiasm and also finally getting to indulge in my impulse of owning a Vespa! 😂
Que tal la vespa ? Prefieres la vespa que la xmax ?
@@cascarification it depends on your needs. If u prefer more underseat storage, better fuel efficiency, and a little more power, the xmax scores perfectly for daily use. 🙌🏼
Only Yamaha for me
X-max any day. Short trips , long trips does it all.
Vespa ok for coffee and visiting grandma. Take her a small sliced loaf.
Yamaha is a clear winner in every aspect but the Vespa has the retro look and timeless style for many riders is more important than safety and performance
Just a hint: It’s the Xmax not the Nmax - correct the title 😉
My vespra 300 has a turbo.So city cruiseing or highway.gives this classic a new lease on life.all through out the power range.it will easily do over a hundred mph.Ifvi wanted it for that.But im into the extra performace at lower speeds the turbo gives me.making it even better on fuel.using less power less throttle.but same power.as vespra without power.
I like scooters!😊
The Royal Alloy 300 GTS is by far the nicest out of these three!
Simple, one’s a bike that’ll be history in no time, the others a piece of history. You decide 😁
I think 125cc is ok for the city. Xmax for me
For the vespa id get avwind screen that has a black border on edges of the screen
U guys tried very hard to sell Vespa..😂😂
No way, we just like it!
Are replacement parts ez to get in United States aside from the cost of a new Vespa
Yes! Vespa Motorsports in San Diego has it all. SIP in Germany as well. Quick shipping BTW.
I had a beautiful GTS 300 but ultimately ended up selling it for a Honda. Italian engines, while amazing feats of engineering, simply are not as reliable as their Japanese counterparts. I spent thousands on repairs and maintenance on a relatively new GTS 300 that had never been dropped or crashed, whereas my honda has cost me about a total of 250 dollars since I bought it a year ago, and that's including replacing two body panels after I slid on some gravel.
Reliability is n1 priority in bikes, if it's not reliable it's no good. X max 300 has 3 kW more so top speed should definitely go to Yamaha
Vespa is “All go….and show”. Yamaha is “All go……and…..Doh !!
I had both Vespa 300 GTS and Yamaha Xmax 300, the Vespa is much more confortable than the Yamaha, it is an inevitable fact.
can not imagine buying vespa when I have the option of having a Tmax. There is simply no comparison in my opinion.
Can you please do a comparison/review of Lambretta vs Vespa? Not sure if a 2023 Lambretta is obtainable because there is very scarce content on YT.
Lambretta has been officially dead for decades. There is now Scomadi and Royal-Alloy that share a platform and make a (fake) lambretta chassis that use Vepsa GTS (non HPE) 300cc engine and a Taiwanese 150cc engine.
@@kevinjiannotti4737Lambretta’s are alive and well in Bangkok. They actually look cooler than Vespas.
More girls will ask for a ride on a Vespa than any modern tech scooter
That’s a fact!
Yeah, if you're their gay bestie 😂
I'm 70 years old and young chick's beg to ride with me on my Xmax and my friends Vespa they laugh at and say it looks like their grandpa's old scooter !!!!! Get an Xmax and you will get the young chick's!!!!
@@MarkLoris I’ve got a BMW C600 Sport, I bought it the only year they were imported in the US … the classic Italian style wins every time. It’s just simply a romance thing, not a speed and technology thing.
I’m guessing the novelty of riding with a 70 year old guy is the draw, not a modern scooter
@@christianjforbes C600 is ugly af
What I dislike is Japanese brand loves to build a big frame bike with small engine.
Made in Indonesia
Indonesia
Except that the XMAX is bigger and heavier than the Vespa, but still faster and more powerful.
Vespas are trash 😂
Vespa are very good mechanically but are considered rather ugly. Royal Alloy 300 has both the looks and mechanical excellence..
Wouldn’t get away with carving thru traffic like that in UK
Xmax. More comfort.
Yamaha should decrease the plastic fairings a little bit on the Xmax.
I know, right? They should go all metal that way it'll cost you an arm and a leg just to replace a panel like on a Vespa.
Fun fact: you can literally replace all the fairings on an Xmax for about $400.
The XMAX is about to take the Vespa's lunch money.
Vespa all day 👍
Why do you not bring up the miles per tank of gas, one of the most important things for me, I was looking at the XMax but went with the Honda CB 500 X and put a set of 33 liter side bags and a 46 liter top box for storage, as it will get me over well over 500 Km per tank of gas, I did have a Yama Majesty 400 with a top box on it and was a great ride. Still thinking of adding a scooter to the stable but wish they still made the 400 as it did get 160 km per hour not sure what the 300 would get. Not that I ride 160 km per hour but cruising at 100 km revs would be down and still have more if you need it. That is another thing wat are the revs at at highway speeds. You are really lacking on information hear. Do not think I would be interested in the Vespa as lack of storage, and small wheels.
Battle? What battle? This video is a bit FAKE. Clickbaiting.
The Vespa is a Good city scooter but rubbish outside the Yamaha is fine in the city but outside the city and on highways is much better also two up the Yamaha is outstanding. I have. BMW C400x I can do most things a motorcycle can do and a top speed of 120 km on the highway and country roads with a passenger.
BMW IS MADE IN CHINA AT THE LONCIN FACTORY 🏭 SORRY 😞
Vespa is more beactifull ,but very very dangerous. It cant be stoped with that small tires , especially in bad road . If something happens you go to hospital ..
I agree 100% Vespa is the most dangerous scooter because of the small 12” inch tyres all the rest use 14” or 15”
Vespa is garbage compared to a maxi scoot like the xmax,
Xmax is bigger faster and more storage space, also bigger wheels to deal with potholes,
Xmax has twin LED lights,
Better weather protection,
If you want a vintage look go Vespa, if you want practical and better top speed, including better resale price and reliability ease to work on go with the xmax,
Évidemment que je préfère le 🛵 🛵 VESPA !!! Le Xmax est trop futuriste en ce qui concerne son design.....et puis trop de plastique.....