2026 KAWASAKI Ninja® 500 Base

Maximum Sport

The ultimate Sport Scooter with Y Connect smartphone connectivity and a liquid cooled engine that is both fuel efficient and performance proven.

Key Features New For 2026

New Electronically Adjustable Windscreen

For 2026 the new XMAX now comes equipped with an electronically adjustable windscreen for enhanced rider comfort and improved style. The new screen offers nearly four inches of stepless, vertical adjustment allowing riders of different heights to precisely dial in their preferred windscreen position. Windscreen adjustments can be made on-the-fly via a convenient new control switch located on the left handlebar switchgear.

Updated Front End Design

A redesigned front-end including integrated front turn signals provide improved wind protection to the rider's arms, and a restyled nose-cowling and spoiler help to reduce wind buffeting for a quiet, comfortable ride.

New Integrated Instrument Panel

For an even better riding experience, the 2026 XMAX features a new integrated instrument panel that arranges a 4.2-inch TFT screen and a 3.2-inch LCD screen into a single interface for a sleeker, more unified look and enhanced visibility. The LCD's backlighting is also updated, improving the brightness of the LCD display.

Optimized Traction Control

Enabling smooth starts from a stop and smooth acceleration on a variety of road surface conditions, the Traction Control System has been remapped for more refined intervention characteristics. The system's basic functionality remains the same with sensors on the front and rear wheels which instantly detect rear-wheel spin and adjust the engine's ignition system and fuel delivery to improve traction.

Top Features

Bold XMAX Styling

Virtually every part of the XMAX's sleek and sporty exterior is designed to create a more compact and visually impressive machine. Radical X-shaped LED headlights and taillights complement the aggressive styling and instantly distinguish the XMAX from anything else on the road. High-mount LED front indicators add to the streamlined look, while seat design increases comfort and decreases leg reach to the ground for greater accessibility.

Integrated Instrument Panel

The XMAX comes equipped with one of the most impressive dashboards found on any Sport Scooter. Redesigned for 2026, this comprehensive instrumentation features an integrated 3.2-inch LCD speedometer and high-tech 4.2-inch color TFT infotainment display.

Yamaha Y-Connect Smartphone Connectivity

Yamaha Motorcycle Connect (Y-Connect) smartphone connectivity allows riders to connect their smartphone directly to their scooter to enable a wide-range of convenient capabilities including phone and music control, extensive vehicle running information collection and shareability, along with a full Garmin turn-by-turn navigation system facilitated through Garmin's StreetCross app. Y-Connect rider selections are made via intuitive handlebar-mounted switchgear and displayed on the TFT screen. Best of all, Yamaha Motorcycle Connect, the Y-Connect app and the Garmin StreetCross app are all free-of-charge (available for iOS and Android).

Sporty, Fuel Efficient Engine

Featuring technology used in Yamaha's high-performance sport bikes, the XMAX's 292cc single-cylinder Blue Core engine is smooth, efficient and ready for everything from the day-to-day commute to fun rides on the weekend.

Convenience & Technology

With a fully-automatic transmission, the XMAX is exceedingly simple to ride and comes standard with an extensive list of rider aids, including ABS and updated Traction Control. Combined with a frame designed for light and neutral handling, the XMAX makes for a confidence-inspiring ride on any road.

Luxury + Comfort + Practicality

High-tech features distance the XMAX from your typical bare-bones scooter, including the unique LED lighting and advanced instrumentation. With plenty of lockable onboard storage, a new USB Type-C socket to recharge small devices, adjustable handlebars and new adjustable electronic windscreen, the XMAX is a ready to go whenever you are, whether you need to get groceries down the street or head across the state.

Engine

Advanced 292cc Engine

The XMAX is powered by an advanced 292cc liquid-cooled, four-valve single that develops smooth, tractable power. The cylinder is crafted from Yamaha's DiASil aluminum for excellent heat dissipation, with a lightweight forged piston and forged crankshaft. A counterbalancer ensures minimal vibration while the offset cylinder layout and semi-dry-sump lubrication system help reduce friction and drag inside the engine.

Full Automatic Convenience

Thanks to Yamaha's Continuously Variable Transmission, the XMAX offers the convenience of truly ‘twist and go’ riding, with no gears and no clutch. This gives the XMAX an easy-going riding character that is ideal for busting city traffic on weekdays and enjoying a relaxed ride on the weekend. The CVT system also features a large air-cooling path for the drive belt, reducing heat and engine noise significantly.

Fuel Injection & Traction Control

Modern fuel injection features a 12-hole injector for excellent response, and just like Yamaha's cutting edge supersport and sport-touring machines, the XMAX features a Traction Control System that has been remapped to provide more refined intervention characteristics. The TCS continuously monitors wheel speeds, and if the system detects rear tire slip, the engine smoothly cuts power to help prevent uncontrolled wheelspin.

Impressive Fuel Economy & Range

Thanks to the efficient engine design features and advanced powertrain, the XMAX delivers 73 mpg. Combined with a large 3.4-gallon fuel tank, the XMAX boasts impressive cruising range.

Chassis/Suspension

Max Series Dna

The XMAX pushes the design envelope with advanced sport styling and aggressive, angular cues that set this Yamaha way ahead of the competition with its high-class appearance and unique style.

Motorcycle-Type Front Fork

Unlike most scooters, the XMAX features a large motorcycle-type front fork that bolts to the steering stem at both the top and bottom triple clamps. This provides an ideal balance of strength and chassis rigidity, and better damping feel and shock absorption when compared to typical scooter-style forks.

Lightweight Steel Frame

Designed for light and neutral handling character, the XMAX's steel frame results in a wet weight of only 403 pounds fully fueled which makes for exceptional maneuverability.

Large Wheels & Tires

The XMAX features large 15-inch front and 14-inch rear wheels for enhanced handling and sporty style. The XMAX also mounts the latest Dunlop® Scoot Smart tires for excellent traction in both wet and dry conditions.

Anti-Lock Braking System

With large 267mm front and 245mm rear disc brakes, the XMAX gives the rider controllable braking power. Backed by the security of Yamaha's anti-lock braking system, you'll have confidence in all sorts of road conditions.

Specifications

Engine

Engine Type - 292cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke, SOHC single cylinder; 4 valves

Bore x Stroke - 70.0mm x 75.9mm

Compression Ratio - 10.9:1

Fuel Delivery - Fuel Injection

Ignition - TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition

Transmission - Automatic CVT

Final Drive - V-Belt

Fuel Capacity - 3.4 gal

Chassis

Suspension/Front - 33mm telescopic fork; 4.3-in travel

Suspension/Rear - Dual shocks; 3.1-in travel

Brakes/Front - Hydraulic disc, 267mm; ABS

Brakes/Rear - Hydraulic disc, 245mm; ABS

Tires/Front - 120/70-15 Dunlop® Scoot Smart

Tires/Rear - 140/70-14 Dunlop® Scoot Smart

Dimensions

LxWxH - 86.0 in x 30.5 in x 55.5 in – 59.3 in

Seat Height - 31.3 in

Wheelbase - 60.6 in

Rake (Caster Angle) - 26.5°

Trail - 3.7 in

Max. Ground Clearance - 5.3 in

Fuel Capacity - 3.4 gal

Fuel Economy - 73 mpg

Wet Weight - 403 lb

Other

Warranty - 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)