XMAX 125 (MY2006)

The XMAX 125 is Yamaha's idea of a scooter that thinks bigger than its displacement. A liquid-cooled 124 cc single makes 14 hp at 8,750 rpm and 8 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm, and sends it to the rear wheel through a CVT and belt. The real story is the package around that engine. It has a steel tube frame, a 15-inch front wheel and a 14-inch rear, which is maxi-scooter architecture rather than small-wheel city fare. Yamaha built it as the sporty alternative in a class full of tiny wheels. Big scooter, small engine.

On paper, this hardware is built for the daily grind: commutes, errands and the stretch between home and work. The seat sits at 31.3 in (795 mm), there's generous storage under it, a center stand comes standard and the rear suspension takes preload adjustment. The 3.3 gal (12.5 L) tank and a listed 67 mpg work out to roughly 220 miles (355 km) per fill. That points to you if you want utility first and something more substantial than a basic scooter. One wear item to watch: worn variator rollers or a worn belt gradually cost top speed, and fresh parts bring it back. Pragmatic to the core.