Had my 2019 Xmax 300 for almost 2 years and 50.000km now. Basically only positives. I have the silver one which looks gorgeous in the sun, sparkles and everything. The matte paint is very delicate though, would never get a vehicle with matte paint again, scratches just by looking at it wrong. Very reliable if serviced properly, battery goes weak below 5 celsius. It really doesn´t wanna start below that. Excellent storage space. Can fit my HJC RPHA 11 size L in both positions. Usually have a backpack, gymbag and my rain clothes in there with room to spare. If you ride all year round like I do, treat every bolt close to the ground with copper paste, they corrode and break off easily, especially on the CVT case. At 6´1" the seating position is sub-optimal. You need long legs to comfortably flat foot it but when you´re riding, there is no space for said long legs to go. The forward position is atrocious. On long rides my hip starts to feel really uncomfortable because of the high floorboards compared to the seat height. The lights are terrible. Once adjusted properly, good throw of light but not bright enough. Halogen bulbs on cars and even my bycicle lights are brighter. High beam is a nice gimmick for making reflective signs glow, nothing else. Decent power. You can smash most cars off the line and can easily get to 130kph and hold that even on the worst inclines. You need to think about overtaking though. Trucks and tractors are no deal but when you want to overtake someone who is also accelerating, don´t. It´s very frustrating, a lot of people here in Germany have a small ego and don´t want to let you go past. You have basically no power when they decide to hit the gas just as you are overtaking. You are at their mercy, not a good feeling at all. Excellent fuel consumption. You can easily get below 3l per 100km. I ride my scooter like a maniac. Lots of full throttle and Autobahn riding and get 3,26l per 100km as an average over the last 20.000km. I really like riding it. It is plenty fast for the city and just so easy with the cvt transmission. I´m thinking about going back to a bike. I just miss power in some situations and even shifting. I would certainly miss it though. The storage space, weather protection and ease of use/ low cost is unmatched by any motorcycle out there.
I own my Xmax300 from 2021 now for 7 months and have ridden 5000 km. Next week the V-belt is going to be changed.(20000 km) My cons are that the speedometer is 10% slower than GPS-speed-indication. The front lights are not really powerful. And it is very sensitive for strong side winds. But overall I don't regret this bike after 38 years of driving heavy BMW's. (I am 70 years old now)
Keep a spare key fob battery. The one problem is Yamaha and Honda dont give you a key, in the manual it even says the key fob may not work sometimes. Ive been stranded a few times. It need a manual key back up. Ive seen a few people now stuck when the key battery goes.
Good advice - worth noting for anyone reading that they do provide a spare key fob and a manual key for accessing the under seat storage should fob fail
Great review. I thought it would be, seeing the condition and sensible mods on the bike. I've got a Burgman 400 and I'm looking at the Xmax or Forza 300/350. As you say, far more practical than a motorbike, great in traffic and good storage and economy. Once you've tried one it's difficult to go back to a normal motorbike as they are just so practical and easy to live with.
As good as this and other maxi scooters are, I don't understand the fashion for endless GREY colour schemes which seem to be all the rage nowadays. Life in wintery UK is grey enough already. Don't riders want just a bit of colour to brighten up their day? Brilliant channel by the way.
Yep. Your someone like me...😊. I hate all the grey, light grey, dark grey, light black, dark black, mid black, dark black with light grey...Godelpus. Motorbikes, cars, everything... All the beautiful colours, and they dish up that crap. Now, what I hate even more is brown motorbike seats, and that garbage that every idiot wraps around his exhaust pipes...bloody hilarious. 😂🎉🎉🎉
The shock socks are nice, but get the generic rear tire hugger too, because the rear tire flings grit and salt directly at the throttle valve body, intake pipe, the engine, engine pivot bushings and the engine support bracket bushings (four of them made out of hollowed out vulcanized rubber).
Damn it, me too. My first 2 wheeler was a Vespa 150 when I was 14 years old, had a blast with it in Sicily. Now 30 years later I’m a bmw k1600b owner and love that bike but I am missing the simplicity and lighter nimbler scooters. I am cross shopping the Xmax with the bmw ct400…. Not sure yet but leaning toward the Yamaha for reliability
@@joecatalano82 the BMW scooter is Chinese made and i cant remember the other brand but basically theres a Chinese market version with different name and plastics but the engine is exactly the same as BMW. i bet youll get 15k miles outa the BMW until it starts having problems.
Really well thought through and put together video. I put together a similar video for my bike after living with it for a year, owners views I think are a great complement to the journalist views. I’m quite keen to swap the car for a more robust and comfortable commuter. One of these has turned up at my local dealer (same spec and colour). I’m convinced it’s worth a look. Keep up the great videos. Enjoy the ride, stay safe.
Just bought a 2021 a week ago. My son went to pick it up for me about 200 miles away , and trailered it back home. I left town to go to my summer home , so cant wait to get back and see and ride this scoot !!!! Thanks for video, ride safe.
Great video! Really enjoyed getting a true owner's perspective on what it's really like to own an Xmax 300. I'm looking to get one in the coming years. Would be great to see videos of your trips into Europe on your Xmax :) thanks for a fantastic video :)
Hi, great review thank you. I have one on order, due this week and would be really interested in the details on those aftermarket mirrors please? Many thanks in advance.
Good to hear! Thanks for watching. Hope it doesn't disappoint. Link below for reference and where I bought mine a few years back, saying unavailable now but you should be able to track them down elsewhere: amzn.eu/d/dDPACCP
Great review, looking in great condition. I notice they do a low seat 40mm lower for those that might need it (will eat up some under seat space) perfect town bike with enough for the motorway :)
Thank you for the review buddy, I have been thinking about getting one of those for ages now for a short commute, currently have a Speed Triple which I still want to keep, however its far too heavy for everyday use. After reading reviews from others regarding "Scooters" of this size "300cc - ish" the Yamaha Xmax 300 get the best compared to other manufactures, I did have a two stroke 50cc Yamaha Jog about 15 years ago to get me about locally and loved it. Anyway I have one question, even being 300cc how easy is it to "human" handle about, say for example your in a tight spot, would it be easy enough to lift "bounce" the rear end around a little? Only asking as my access for parking can be extreme at times, am in a city also. Cheers QQ.
Thanks for watching - I'd personally say the Xmax is a bit too heavy to be manoeuvring like you mentioned. Do have a go on one though if you can and see what you make of it
A mount like this: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/335465928477?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=lv9qh4pdrmu&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Got mine off eBay a while ago, you want something like these: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/315422486520?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=1xefgayrts6&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=QyhWHF9-QrW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
I have been riding a Yamaha aerox for 2 years now and enjoy it very much (my first bike as a 50+ rider), the only problem has been the bluetooth adapter that drained my battery so I needed to disconnect it. Now I am starting to think about an Xmax 300 as my next bike, it looks really nice but I am not sure about pros and cons. I am living in Bangkok where we navigate a lot between cars too so a bigger bike may have some cons I guess. Also I rarely have roads practical for more than 90 kmh but still Xmax look really fun. Any thoughts about an upgrade from Aerox to Xmax are very welcome!
I would reccomend going for a NMax. As someone that owns it and rides it a lot if you are not above 6.1 go for it. Its similar performance for cheaper and it fits everywhere, and if you can add a comfort seat option and you are set.
Some people struggle with passing their tests others find it alright. I'd say if you've already been riding for years on a 125 for example you should find it alright 👍
For the 125 variant you'd just need to get your CBT (1 days training) For the 300 you'd need either a full license or an A2 license. To get these you need to do a CBT / Motorcycle Theory Test / Mod 1 test and a Mod 2 test. What determines what license you get is the power of the bike you do your tests on. To ride an Xmax 300 you only need an A2 license but I would recommend getting a full license unless your under 24 I don't see why people get an A2 license
Unavailable where I got mine now but below is the link anyway so you can see the part to track down elsewhere: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09533WMWT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Good review, I was actually going to buy one last year in that colour, probably going to buy one this year (ice flou grey) looks white to me, also has extra display with phone connectivity (GPS) which is handy, but have heard that its very buggy & not easy to connect to phone, been riding my Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 for over ten years & need something more practical & less top heavy.....😅
I've had no issues with a pillion. Been on trips over to France two up and didn't feel under powered at any point. But depends how much performance you're after really
Yes it does. It will still get up to speed quick enough and keep up with traffic. Just don´t expect to overtake anything other than a tractor with a pillion.
I've said it before, what are they doing with these paint schemes? Give me something sporty. Go fluorescent, some stripes. This scooter looks like they are trying to sell the USSR vibe.
Worst build quality i've ever seen in a scooter, even china ones last better.... Mine was all rusted out from below, pretty badly, the chassis, the holder, everything underneath was plagued with rust, and with just 8 months of ownership, never rode them on ice neither on salty roads, can't imagine what salty roads would do with such poor quality. Very disappointed, as same happened to my MT07, yamaha? Anymore thanks, only the upper models are worth it long-term the rest they rust and are as cheap or even worse than many chinese brands/motorbikes.
Interesting - that doesn't sound good at all! I can only vouch for my bike and after 3 years there aren't any rust issues. What bike you currently got?
There seems to be something wrong with your Xmax, or the rider for that matter. I had my 2019 Xmax 300 for 2 years now and am close to 50.000km. Rode it all year round. Salt, freezing cold, rain, everything. Just clean it thoroughly in the winter and it´s fine. Definitely treat EVERY bolt close to the back wheel with copper paste though. I broke off several screw heads when I wanted to service the CVT the next spring.
Had my 2019 Xmax 300 for almost 2 years and 50.000km now. Basically only positives.
I have the silver one which looks gorgeous in the sun, sparkles and everything. The matte paint is very delicate though, would never get a vehicle with matte paint again, scratches just by looking at it wrong.
Very reliable if serviced properly, battery goes weak below 5 celsius. It really doesn´t wanna start below that.
Excellent storage space. Can fit my HJC RPHA 11 size L in both positions. Usually have a backpack, gymbag and my rain clothes in there with room to spare.
If you ride all year round like I do, treat every bolt close to the ground with copper paste, they corrode and break off easily, especially on the CVT case.
At 6´1" the seating position is sub-optimal. You need long legs to comfortably flat foot it but when you´re riding, there is no space for said long legs to go. The forward position is atrocious. On long rides my hip starts to feel really uncomfortable because of the high floorboards compared to the seat height.
The lights are terrible. Once adjusted properly, good throw of light but not bright enough. Halogen bulbs on cars and even my bycicle lights are brighter. High beam is a nice gimmick for making reflective signs glow, nothing else.
Decent power. You can smash most cars off the line and can easily get to 130kph and hold that even on the worst inclines. You need to think about overtaking though. Trucks and tractors are no deal but when you want to overtake someone who is also accelerating, don´t. It´s very frustrating, a lot of people here in Germany have a small ego and don´t want to let you go past. You have basically no power when they decide to hit the gas just as you are overtaking. You are at their mercy, not a good feeling at all.
Excellent fuel consumption. You can easily get below 3l per 100km. I ride my scooter like a maniac. Lots of full throttle and Autobahn riding and get 3,26l per 100km as an average over the last 20.000km.
I really like riding it. It is plenty fast for the city and just so easy with the cvt transmission.
I´m thinking about going back to a bike. I just miss power in some situations and even shifting.
I would certainly miss it though. The storage space, weather protection and ease of use/ low cost is unmatched by any motorcycle out there.
Thanks for this comment , very thoughtful and well put .. looking to get one and this helps .. safe rides everyone !!!
@@ElliottGuevara You won´t be disappointed. It´s an awesome scooter. Just do a test ride and you will feel if it´s for you.
I own my Xmax300 from 2021 now for 7 months and have ridden 5000 km. Next week the V-belt is going to be changed.(20000 km) My cons are that the speedometer is 10% slower than GPS-speed-indication. The front lights are not really powerful. And it is very sensitive for strong side winds. But overall I don't regret this bike after 38 years of driving heavy BMW's. (I am 70 years old now)
Keep a spare key fob battery. The one problem is Yamaha and Honda dont give you a key, in the manual it even says the key fob may not work sometimes. Ive been stranded a few times. It need a manual key back up. Ive seen a few people now stuck when the key battery goes.
Good advice - worth noting for anyone reading that they do provide a spare key fob and a manual key for accessing the under seat storage should fob fail
You can start, engine without key. Just entering code by fob. If you buy it new, u got code card, how to do read manual.
Great review. I thought it would be, seeing the condition and sensible mods on the bike. I've got a Burgman 400 and I'm looking at the Xmax or Forza 300/350. As you say, far more practical than a motorbike, great in traffic and good storage and economy. Once you've tried one it's difficult to go back to a normal motorbike as they are just so practical and easy to live with.
Completely agree Peter. I've actually been looking at Silverwings recently
As good as this and other maxi scooters are, I don't understand the fashion for endless GREY colour schemes which seem to be all the rage nowadays. Life in wintery UK is grey enough already. Don't riders want just a bit of colour to brighten up their day? Brilliant channel by the way.
I do like this particular colour scheme but I agree with you in general - Thanks for watching
Yep. Your someone like me...😊. I hate all the grey, light grey, dark grey, light black, dark black, mid black, dark black with light grey...Godelpus. Motorbikes, cars, everything... All the beautiful colours, and they dish up that crap. Now, what I hate even more is brown motorbike seats, and that garbage that every idiot wraps around his exhaust pipes...bloody hilarious. 😂🎉🎉🎉
My sister went the deep end with the color grey lol .
Car and house are both totally shades of grey 😂
SYM scooter has a Chameleon color that looks outstanding
Stealth mode for urban combat missions.
The shock socks are nice, but get the generic rear tire hugger too, because the rear tire flings grit and salt directly at the throttle valve body, intake pipe, the engine, engine pivot bushings and the engine support bracket bushings (four of them made out of hollowed out vulcanized rubber).
Ridden bikes for years! Now l strangely find myself lusting after one of these!
Same thing happened with me
And me, in fact I bought one today 🙂
Damn it, me too. My first 2 wheeler was a Vespa 150 when I was 14 years old, had a blast with it in Sicily. Now 30 years later I’m a bmw k1600b owner and love that bike but I am missing the simplicity and lighter nimbler scooters. I am cross shopping the Xmax with the bmw ct400…. Not sure yet but leaning toward the Yamaha for reliability
@@joecatalano82 the BMW scooter is Chinese made and i cant remember the other brand but basically theres a Chinese market version with different name and plastics but the engine is exactly the same as BMW. i bet youll get 15k miles outa the BMW until it starts having problems.
Really well thought through and put together video. I put together a similar video for my bike after living with it for a year, owners views I think are a great complement to the journalist views. I’m quite keen to swap the car for a more robust and comfortable commuter. One of these has turned up at my local dealer (same spec and colour). I’m convinced it’s worth a look. Keep up the great videos. Enjoy the ride, stay safe.
Kind words thank you
Just bought a 2021 a week ago. My son went to pick it up for me about 200 miles away , and trailered it back home. I left town to go to my summer home , so cant wait to get back and see and ride this scoot !!!!
Thanks for video, ride safe.
Enjoy - hope it works well for you
Great video! Really enjoyed getting a true owner's perspective on what it's really like to own an Xmax 300. I'm looking to get one in the coming years. Would be great to see videos of your trips into Europe on your Xmax :) thanks for a fantastic video :)
Thanks for watching!
Hi, great review thank you. I have one on order, due this week and would be really interested in the details on those aftermarket mirrors please? Many thanks in advance.
Good to hear! Thanks for watching. Hope it doesn't disappoint.
Link below for reference and where I bought mine a few years back, saying unavailable now but you should be able to track them down elsewhere: amzn.eu/d/dDPACCP
Great review. Have just got the 2024 xmax 300 and other than the lights and digital dash there appears to be no difference….
Cheers mate! Nice. They do look good the new models. Is the screen electronically adjustable on the new model?
No not electrically adjustable…. Great bike but not as quick as the Honda 350
Hi, very informative video as always. Would be great to see a review of your regular delivery scooter (Honda I think) at some point in the future!
Noted! Thanks mate. And thanks for watching
Great review, looking in great condition. I notice they do a low seat 40mm lower for those that might need it (will eat up some under seat space) perfect town bike with enough for the motorway :)
Thanks for watching mate - lower seat is a good shout for those who might need it
Thank you for the review buddy, I have been thinking about getting one of those for ages now for a short commute, currently have a Speed Triple which I still want to keep, however its far too heavy for everyday use. After reading reviews from others regarding "Scooters" of this size "300cc - ish" the Yamaha Xmax 300 get the best compared to other manufactures, I did have a two stroke 50cc Yamaha Jog about 15 years ago to get me about locally and loved it. Anyway I have one question, even being 300cc how easy is it to "human" handle about, say for example your in a tight spot, would it be easy enough to lift "bounce" the rear end around a little? Only asking as my access for parking can be extreme at times, am in a city also. Cheers QQ.
Thanks for watching - I'd personally say the Xmax is a bit too heavy to be manoeuvring like you mentioned. Do have a go on one though if you can and see what you make of it
DId you manage motorway speeds 2-up on your way to France?
Yep no problem 👍 certainly 70 mph is fine
Awesome video, curious as to what you used to attach the quad lock mount to? Thanks!
A mount like this: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/335465928477?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=lv9qh4pdrmu&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Great video!, can I ask where did you get the mirror mounts from - I think that is a must on the xmax !
Got mine off eBay a while ago, you want something like these: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/315422486520?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=1xefgayrts6&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=QyhWHF9-QrW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Good video but do you feel vibrations at higher speeds of 50, 60, 70, 80 , 90 mph ? Any increase of vibrations ?
Not particularly - certainly nothing uncomfortable 👍
@@TheLDNCourierThank you for your reply.
Thanks for watching mate
Could you link me the screws you used instead of the original mirrors please?
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134893270861?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=s52nhptitxc&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=QyhWHF9-QrW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
I have been riding a Yamaha aerox for 2 years now and enjoy it very much (my first bike as a 50+ rider), the only problem has been the bluetooth adapter that drained my battery so I needed to disconnect it. Now I am starting to think about an Xmax 300 as my next bike, it looks really nice but I am not sure about pros and cons. I am living in Bangkok where we navigate a lot between cars too so a bigger bike may have some cons I guess. Also I rarely have roads practical for more than 90 kmh but still Xmax look really fun. Any thoughts about an upgrade from Aerox to Xmax are very welcome!
Thanks for watching - sounds like in your case it might be worth sticking to a smaller bike
@@TheLDNCourier Yes I think this is the rational answer but I am not all rational, it would be fun to try out a bigger bike anyway!
Haha in that case go for it!
I would reccomend going for a NMax. As someone that owns it and rides it a lot if you are not above 6.1 go for it. Its similar performance for cheaper and it fits everywhere, and if you can add a comfort seat option and you are set.
Well an NMax is more or less the same as my Aerox, just a bit more expensive.
I do like the analog dials. Being human and kinetics are analog, so why would we try to express motion in digital?
The Honda Adv 350 is an alternative to this scooter also.
I hear the suspension on the Adv is far better than any scooter including the Honda Forza.
im a delivery driver and have seen that you had a full license. im thinking about doing mine is it difficult? (London)
Some people struggle with passing their tests others find it alright. I'd say if you've already been riding for years on a 125 for example you should find it alright 👍
Love the bike but wish it was a bit lower seat...or narrower
Agreed
How do you go about getting a licence to ride one I’m a car driver 52 yrs
For the 125 variant you'd just need to get your CBT (1 days training) For the 300 you'd need either a full license or an A2 license. To get these you need to do a CBT / Motorcycle Theory Test / Mod 1 test and a Mod 2 test. What determines what license you get is the power of the bike you do your tests on. To ride an Xmax 300 you only need an A2 license but I would recommend getting a full license unless your under 24 I don't see why people get an A2 license
6k miles in 3 years as a courier!! I was thinking 6k a month 😮
Absolutely haha - I have a different bike for couriering
Akubra butuh kendaraan merekmu urusan omahku kui aku nyileh harley Ducati walah dll kene wong kere boss rabutuh kene
How did you mount the mirrors on the windshield?
He used the same bolts, original, for windshield bracket, I ges, or use new ones from mirrors set.
The mountings came with the mirrors:
Link here shows images of how they are attached amzn.eu/d/01gShTLl
Rear shocks are horrible. Stiff, back breaker. Will look into a YSS set. Currently using an air cushion.
I've been thinking about it too
Red colour; green colour some colour at least...what colours are those ,,?😅
How are the front mirrors attached , is it an aftermarket or Yamaha attachment .
Aftermarket part - they bolt on underneath the windscreen into existing bolt holes 👍
Thanks for your reply , where did you get them please.
Unavailable where I got mine now but below is the link anyway so you can see the part to track down elsewhere: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09533WMWT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Good review, I was actually going to buy one last year in that colour, probably going to buy one this year (ice flou grey) looks white to me, also has extra display with phone connectivity (GPS) which is handy, but have heard that its very buggy & not easy to connect to phone, been riding my Kawasaki D-Tracker 250 for over ten years & need something more practical & less top heavy.....😅
Nice one - I don't know much about the latest model actually. Do they have an electronically adjustable screen?
5:30 Storage compartments that don't lock? Pointless. What are designers thinking? Not much, obviously. Thanks for posting.
Think its intended for quick access without the need of taking gloves off or stopping the bike
Where is the battery? I here itsit's down below the windshield.
Correct - between the windshield and lights
@@TheLDNCourier ok thank you sir
Does it have enough power for two persons (together 140kg) ?
I mean to be quick in city and for
short distance trip or even longer?🙂
I've had no issues with a pillion. Been on trips over to France two up and didn't feel under powered at any point. But depends how much performance you're after really
Yes it does. It will still get up to speed quick enough and keep up with traffic. Just don´t expect to overtake anything other than a tractor with a pillion.
Are you able to flat foot the Xmax at a stop?
Just about - but with a slight lean no problem
Have you had any thief issues? My biggest fear about getting one in London!
It was stolen a few years back yeah - did a video on it if you're interested
99.8 mpg? Is that imperial mpg?
It is - I've just toured across Europe on the bike and the mpg was 115!
@@TheLDNCourier is that freeway or country roads
Mixture but largely freeway
@@TheLDNCourier nice! What speed do you usually cruise at to get that mpg? Also, what gas do you put in it?
70mph - Unleaded E5 97
Xmax or Forza ?
Not much in it - but I prefer Xmax
23 minutes and no mention of how the scoot handles the rough road bits. Sigh..............
Well its a scooter. All scooters don't handle the rough roads that well
I've said it before, what are they doing with these paint schemes? Give me something sporty. Go fluorescent, some stripes. This scooter looks like they are trying to sell the USSR vibe.
seems like a good bike, where I live it has a name for idiots riding them unfortunately
Jazmin Mall
C00L T/C/E
gonna subscribe to put bro out of 666
You can unsubscribe @ 668 haha
@@TheLDNCourier surely wont
Worst build quality i've ever seen in a scooter, even china ones last better....
Mine was all rusted out from below, pretty badly, the chassis, the holder, everything underneath was plagued with rust, and
with just 8 months of ownership, never rode them on ice neither on salty roads, can't imagine what salty roads would do
with such poor quality.
Very disappointed, as same happened to my MT07, yamaha? Anymore thanks, only the upper models are worth it long-term
the rest they rust and are as cheap or even worse than many chinese brands/motorbikes.
Interesting - that doesn't sound good at all! I can only vouch for my bike and after 3 years there aren't any rust issues. What bike you currently got?
@@TheLDNCourier Triumph Street triple atm, never had any issues like this with any other bike.
That's a nice bike
@@TheLDNCourier Aluminum FTW, that doesn't rust hahaha 🤣😂
There seems to be something wrong with your Xmax, or the rider for that matter. I had my 2019 Xmax 300 for 2 years now and am close to 50.000km. Rode it all year round. Salt, freezing cold, rain, everything. Just clean it thoroughly in the winter and it´s fine. Definitely treat EVERY bolt close to the back wheel with copper paste though. I broke off several screw heads when I wanted to service the CVT the next spring.