Yamaha Tmax

WHAT WE LIKE
-- Performance
-- Stability
-- Comfort

NOT SO MUCH
-- Scooter stigma
-- Errr, not much else...

When Yamaha's original Tmax maxi-scoot hit the road in 2001 it changed the scooter world overnight. Here was a scooter that didn't handle or behave like a traditional scooter.

The Tmax - or XP500 to give it its model designation - was unveiled to the European press in July 2000 and went on sale the following year. It was subsequently acclaimed by everyone who rode it, and other manufacturers followed suit with their own take on the Tmax.

At its unveiling Yamaha claimed the Tmax offered a mix of sportsbike-like performance combined with scooter sophistication and functionality - and the claim was pretty much spot-on. There's no doubt the original Tmax started a scooter revolution.  

With extra competition in the marketplace as other players joined the maxi-scoot category, Yamaha updated its Tmax super scoot in 2008. The latest version is lighter and sleeker, with restyled bodywork and larger wheels among the upgrades, as well as more powerful brakes and increased storage capacity.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
The second-generation Tmax (as tested here) features new styling, the sleeker and lighter body parts also contributing to a 5kg weight reduction.

The new bodywork includes a second glovebox just below the left handlebar, while the new aluminium frame freed up more space for the fuel tank, which is now almost seven percent bigger and up one litre in capacity to 15 litres.

The windscreen is now easily detachable to allow quick changes from the standard screen to a short sports screen, the latter available as an accessory.

The dash panel contains triple instruments which house analogue speedo, fuel gauge and temperature gauge plus digital clock. There's a handlebar-mounted parking brake for when the Tmax is at rest.

An all-new aluminium frame replaces the tubular-steel unit of the original 2001 Tmax, and is constructed from a mix of extruded and cast aluminium sections. The composite design allowed Yamaha's engineers to create a lighter frame with improved rigidity.

Complementing the new frame and improved stability is a 15-inch front wheel (the previous model featured a 14-inch front), with both front and rear wheels featuring a hollow three-spoke design.

The front fork tubes are up in diameter from 41mm to 43mm, with a 5mm-longer wheelbase (1580mm, up from 1575mm) also improving top-speed stability.

Triple disc brakes look after stopping, with the 2008 redesign adding monobloc four-piston front brake calipers.  

The fuel-injected 499cc twin-cylinder engine has also been upgraded in the second-generation Tmax with Yamaha's engineers working on the fuel-injection mapping, air intake, combustion chamber and exhaust system to improve throttle response.

Price is $12,990.

ON THE ROAD
Yamaha's PR blurb says the company was the first to create a maxi-scoot with the practical features of a scooter, but with the engine performance and handling characteristics of a motorcycle. It's right on both counts.

I've done plenty of kilometres cosseted in the comfy surrounds of a Tmax - three touring trips through the Snowy Mountains region in fact, as well as plenty of urban commuting in Australia's two largest cities. There's no denying I'm a big fan of the Tmax.

As far as maxi-scoots go, I reckon the Tmax is quite a looker with its rakish styling and polished alloy. Build quality is high too.

The Tmax doesn't have the underseat storage capacity of Honda's Silver Wing or Suzuki's Burgman 650 Executive, but is better off for luggage space than the sporty Gilera Nexus. Storage in the Tmax dash is limited, but the Yamaha is not pretending to be a luxo-scoot like the big Suzuki Burgman.

The Tmax seat hinges up high and handsome to allow good access to the storage hold, and the pillion seat is broad for additional luggage attachment if required. There's also a rack and topbox available via Yamaha's genuine accessories catalogue.

The pillion grab-rails are among the sturdiest around, and should an 'air gap' be required between rider and pillion passenger there's a small backrest that can be slid forwards or backwards to creating a variable division. Its primary purpose of course is to fine-tune the riding position for the pilot.

The TMax's twin-cylinder 500cc engine is a beauty, with the twist'n'go automatic transmission providing rapid and fuss-free traffic-light getaways. The Tmax may give away capacity to the two bigger 'tourer-scoots' from Honda and Suzuki, but not performance.

Fuel consumption was a commendable 5.1lt/100km, given the spirited use the testbike was subjected to.

If you want to surprise some of your sportsbike mates on a weekend fang in the hills, grab the Tmax key. Sure footed and nimble, the Tmax can be hustled along surprisingly quickly - even by normal motorcycle standards.

Ground clearance is ample, and the engine and chassis performance will surprise. The brakes are strong too - the Tmax is an all-round sporting package disguised as a scooter.

Stability is exceptional from a 'motorcycle' with 15-inch wheels. Bumps don't faze the Tmax, and there's no reason to doubt it couldn't tour at 160km/h all day if our Aussie speed limits allowed. Top speed is in the vicinity of 180km/h.

There's a nice fruity note from the muffler too. Never thought I'd say that about a scooter.

The two-step dual seat has been re-profiled on the second-generation Tmax for improved leg reach to the ground, which will please those with shorter legs. Comfort remains in the 'armchair' category for those used to sportsbike saddles.

I'm 187cm tall, but despite the seemingly small distance from saddle to footboards I had no trouble with inadequate leg room as it's possible to move your feet to different positions.

The strength of the Tmax is its ability to do things traditional city-targeted scooters can't, while still providing comfort, convenience, excellent weather protection and capacious luggage capacity compared to a normal motorcycle.

The major drawback to Tmax ownership in Australia is the possible reaction of your mates, and the stigma associated with riding a scooter. If only they knew.

Yamaha's Tmax reinvented the scooter category and is arguably the most underrated motorcycle on the market. Try one - you'll be surprised.

TRANSMISSION
Type: V-Belt Automatic

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Aluminium spar
Front suspension: 43mm-diam telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Swingarm with single shock
Front brakes: Twin 267mm discs with four-piston monobloc calipers
Rear brake: Single 267mm disc
Tyres: 120/70-15, 160/60-15

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Wet weight: 221kg (with full fuel load)
Seat height: 800mm
Wheelbase: 1580mm
Fuel capacity: 15lt

PERFORMANCE
Max power: 44hp (32kW) at 7500rpm
Max torque: 45Nm at 6500rpm

OTHER STUFF
Price: $12,999
Colours: Extreme Yellow or High Tech Silver
Bike supplied by: Yamaha Motor Australia, www.yamaha-motor.com.au
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres