Yamaha XMax 300 Roma vs Honda Forza 300: Spec Comparo

The concept of a maxi-scooter is quite a European thing. With nearly twice as much power and double the weight of the 150cc scooters available in India, these maxi-scooters are used for more than just utilitarian purposes. Honda has toyed with the idea of introducing India to its first proper maxi-scooter before finally announcing that the launch of the Forza 300 is likely to take place by the end of the year. Up until now, India has had only maxi-styled scooters.

In Europe, the Forza 300 has been contending with the Yamaha XMax 300 for a long time, the latter receiving a new limited edition series called the XMax 300 Roma, paying tribute to the COVID-19 warriors of Italy. How do these two stack up?

Engine:

Specifications	Honda Forza 300	Yamaha XMax 300
Engine	279cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine	292cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine
Power	25.15PS @ 7000rpm	28PS @ 7250rpm
Torque	27.2Nm @ 5750rpm	29Nm @ 5750rpm
Gearbox	CVT	CVT

With a few more cubes and a shorter stroke, the Yamaha mill manages to pump out more power. It is even torquier than the Honda. It is noteworthy to point out that the XMax 300 is also lighter than the Forza 300 by three kilos. Both of these power units are liquid-cooled, have a four-valve head and have traction control to keep the rear end in control. 

Underpinnings

Specifications	Honda Forza 300	Yamaha XMax 300
Frame	Underbone	Underbone
Front suspension	Telescopic fork	Telescopic fork
Rear suspension	Twin shocks	Twin shocks
Front brake	256mm disc brake	267mm disc brake
Rear brake	240mm disc brake	245mm disc brake
Front tyre	120/70-R15	120/70-15
Rear tyre	140/70-R14	140/70-14

The two maxi-scooters are almost evenly matched in terms of hardware on offer. Both have a telescopic fork and twin shocks suspending an underbone frame. Both run on a 15-/14-inch alloy wheel setup but the Honda uses radial tyres. The XMax 300 has slightly larger discs, which should equate to better braking performance. Dual-channel ABS is standard on both maxi-scooters.

Dimensions

Specifications	Honda Forza 300	Yamaha XMax 300
Wheelbase	1,510mm	1,540mm
Ground clearance	135mm	135mm
Fuel tank capacity	11.5-litres	13-litres
Seat height	780mm	795mm
Kerb weight	182kg	179kg

Both maxi-scooters have aspects where they edge out one another. The Forza 300 has a shorter wheelbase and a more accessible seat height, stressing more on the latter as these scooters usually have wider seats, which mean that the more difficult it gets to get your feet on the ground. Both scooters have identical ground clearance, which to be fair is a bit too low in the Indian context. The Yamaha on the other hand is lighter by 3kg and that is despite it carrying 1.5-litres of fuel extra on board.

Price & Verdict

Honda Forza 300	Yamaha XMax 300
Rs 4.73 lakh	Rs 4.87 lakh (Roma edition: Rs 5.04 lakh)

(all prices, OTR Europe)

Given the tech on board and the capabilities these scooters possess, the asking price was bound to be on the higher side. The obvious choice has to be the Yamaha XMax 300 as it provides more oomph for the asking price. That said, we Indians will have to stay content with the Forza 300 (which is not something to be disheartened at all) as Yamaha has shown no inclination in bringing the XMax 300 or any other maxi-scooter that it makes to our country soon.