Well today I had a shot on an X-max 300, nice.
You quite well described it . . ..
About the styling . . . I kind of like it. My kids call it the "Bat Cycle". Actually the "Bat Cycle" in the Batman TV series back in the '60's was a customized Yamaha. But that's not why I bought it.
People do notice it though. They may have that look of curiosity when they see you coming . . ..
I find that if I lean to the kickstand side at a level stop I can steady the scooter with one foot down. But otherwise I do have to keep both my feet pointed down so as to reach the ground. Moving forward in the seat also helps as you mentioned.
Today I took mine out for my usual 18 mile loop and am averaging about 86 MPG the last time I looked. Speeds were mostly 35 MPH or so on level terrain with only a few stops . . .. I always use 87 Octane (91 RON) 10% ethanol containing gasoline and StarTron fuel treatment to tackle any phasing issues.
Because of the lower center of gravity I find it's rather easy to keep upright at extremely slow rolls.
You are right about the helmet space under the seat. I can get my HJC SyMax III under it and shut it in the rearmost location but not my new CL 17. I can however hang it by the D-Ring on that helmet peg that's on the starboard side forward and lock it in when I close the seat. Otherwise it's got enough space for me. I pushed the limit by putting a 17 lb. bag of birdseed in it a few weeks ago and although I could sense the effect on the handling characteristics it held it's own. I think the under seat load limit is 11 lbs. (without looking it up). That said there was plenty more space to put stuff. I've loaded groceries in there too and sometimes I have to ask myself is it worth taking the car . . ..
I never get tired of the "Welcome Aboard" notification and always feel like I'm ready to "leave the dock" for another adventure. It's like being at the "helm".
One thing to note though is that in some circumstances with an uneven road surface you will feel the suspension negotiating with itself. Not unruly but noticeable. A bit of flex is one way to describe it. It's a scooter with scooter characteristics and dynamics. It may crop up while riding on the "crown", or middle of the road like when you have to get around something like a parked truck or group of bicyclists to give them room or on a steel grated bridge. Just something to note . . ..
No regrets with the purchase . . .. It's a refined ride and at a reasonable price.
If I ever hit the lottery though I would still like to have that Vespa Sei Giorno II Edition though. One can never have too many toys.
