The Yamaha X-City 125/250 was introduced in 2007. It is available as a 125 cc or 250 cc model. Yamaha's internal code for this Maxi-Scooter is VP125 or VP250.

The X-City 250 achieves 65-70 miles per U.S. gallon (4-4.3 L/100 km). It is manufactured and assembled by Yamaha in Italy. The engine (Minarelli) and various other parts are shared with scooter models by Peugeot, MBK (Yamaha subsidiary) and other scooter manufacturers. It has the largest wheels available, 16 inches in the front and 15 inches in the rear, which gives it a very safe and comfortable ride, especially on bad roads.

Both engines, the 125 cc and the 250 cc, are equipped with the latest generation of catalytic converters, rated Euro 3. This is the cleanest level that a motorcycle can achieve.

Predecessor

The X-City's predecessor was the Yamaha Versity 300. The Versity 300 did not reach the sales goal that Yamaha had wished for due to its high price, even though it did sell well in Italy. The direct successor was the Yamaha X-MAX introduced in 2006 with 125 cc and 250 cc engines. The X-City shares many components with the X-MAX, like engine and suspension parts, but the wheels of the X-MAX are 1 inch smaller than the X-City's and the brake discs on the X-MAX are also a little smaller. The smaller wheels of the X-MAX allow for a larger luggage compartment under the seat to accommodate two helmets; the X-City can only accommodate one helmet.

Markets

The X-City and X-MAX are sold in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom. The main markets are Italy, France, Spain, the UK and Germany. It's not offered in Asia, nor in the North American market.

2009 Model update and accessories

The 2009 X-City 125/250 received an height adjustable windshield (four positions) and it now includes the rear carrier base. Both are welcome additions, especially the adjustable windshield is very good for taller drivers above 6.06 ft or 1,85 m, and the rear carrier base was also a very good addition, since most X-City scooters make use of the rear carrier in order to have enough space to store two full size helmets. The carrier base costs €140. The rear carrier, which still has to be bought separately (not in the Netherlands, where it is fitted as a standard accessory) costs another €140. Yamaha offers several accessories, including leg shields (€133) that protect against rain and wind at higher speed, as well as a taller windshield (€127) that includes protection for the hands.

Price

Depending on the market a 2009 Yamaha X-City 250 is sold at dealers for €4000 in France, €4300 in Spain (2008), €4500 in the Netherlands (2011) and €4800 (2010) in Germany. The Yamaha X-City 125 sells for €3500 in France, €3800 in Spain (2008) and for €4400 (2010) in Germany.

External links

Official Yamaha Europe X-City 250 Page