By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Scooter
Honda X-ADV (RC 95) vs Yamaha TMAX DX (MY2017)
Honda X-ADV vs Yamaha TMAX DX: which one to buy for your commute.
Roll on the Honda X-ADV in D mode and the gearbox doesn't need you at all. The Yamaha TMAX DX's throttle changes with its mode instead: in T-mode it's gentle and keeps the revs low. In S-mode it snaps sharper and the revs climb.
So which one do you buy?
The X-ADV has the edge if…
Comfortable long-distance riding
Nose ahead: X-ADV
For a day of interstate and back roads, the X-ADV makes a little more sense. What tips it: more range per tank and better wind protection. Sit on both, because the gap is modest.
What makes each one tick
X-ADV
With bars this wide, the X-ADV keeps both hands resting on the levers, with the rear brake soon worked by fingertip, not boot. On pavement the chassis turns in willingly at corner entry, and it's happy to hold a spirited line. The DCT's hard to feather slowly. The rear brake trims the power in parking lots.
TMAX DX
On the TMAX DX the chassis does the work, and the middling engine output doesn't take the lead. Over broken pavement at an eager pace, the soft fork and the shock's preload limits won't let you switch off. The weight hides down low.
Nils rode the TMAX DX in South Africa in 2017 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The TMAX DX has the lower seat: 31.5 in (800 mm) vs 32.3 in (820 mm).
- The TMAX DX has the lower wet weight: 476 lb (216 kg) vs 525 lb (238 kg).
- The X-ADV makes more peak power: 55 hp (40 kW) vs 46 hp (34 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Don't look for a gap on commuting, twisty roads, running costs, and a first bike: there isn't one. Go by how each one fits you.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
X-ADV
Strengths
- One bike for the whole day
- Storage ready to go
- Fingertip control at low speed
- Holds its line on knobbies
- Under-seat space that earns its keep
Trade-offs
- Not a true scooter for cargo
- DCT mistimes the corner you know
- Wide chassis wants longer legs
- Hard to feather at a crawl
- Heavy weight impacts low-speed handling
TMAX DX
Strengths
- The Chassis Leads Its Class
- Throttle and Drive in Sync
- Two Machines in One
- Storage Fits Real Helmets
- Traction Control You Never Feel
Trade-offs
- S-Mode Twitches on Bumps
- Connect App Is Filler
- Watch the Drive Belt
- Front Fork Won't Adjust
- High purchase price
What they share
- Engine
- Parallel twin
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Rear tire
- 160/60-15
Where the spec sheets split
| X-ADV | TMAX DX | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.3 in (820 mm) | 31.5 in (800 mm) |
| Wet weight | 525 lb (238 kg) | 476 lb (216 kg) |
| X-ADV | TMAX DX | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 745 cc | 530 cc |
| Power | 55 hp (40 kW) | 46 hp (34 kW) |
| Peak power at | 6,250 rpm | 6,750 rpm |
| Torque | 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) | 39 lb-ft (53 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 4,750 rpm | 5,250 rpm |
| X-ADV | TMAX DX | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 62 mpg (US) / 3.8 L/100 km | 39 mpg (US) / 6.01 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 3.4 US gal (13 L) | 4.0 US gal (15 L) |
| X-ADV | TMAX DX | |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 1-speed |
| Final drive | Chain | Belt |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 | 120/70-15 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| X-ADV | TMAX DX | |
|---|---|---|
| Traction Control | Not offered | Standard |
| Automatic Shift (DCT / ASA / AMT) | Standard | Not offered |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Not offered | Standard |
| Heated Grips | Option | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
