YAMAHA TMAX (XP500)

The plethora of online reviews available on the TMAX and my lukewarm affection for maxi-scooters means that I’m not going to dish out an in depth review of this scooter.
TMAX
Better writers that I (who have actually ridden this scoot) have already done that which you can find here and here.

If you don’t want to read those reviews, I’ll offer a brief abstract for you. The TMAX offers awesome handling and braking. It’s the gold standard for maxi-scooters. The die cast aluminum frame and 15” wheels combined with light weight and R6 inspired brakes makes this scooter a blast through the twisties. Unfortunately, Yamaha didn’t squeeze that much power out this scooters 495cc engine. The TMAX’s engine can propel this scooter to an impressive 100mph, but it is slow getting there. Hitting 60mph takes 10-11 seconds with this scooter which means you’ll be battling Corolla’s off the line. If there’s one reason to overlook the TMAX for a bigger scooter, it’s lackluster acceleration
Pasted Graphic
Yamaha has squeezed from this engine. It seems that Yamaha oriented this big fuel injected scooter a bit to far towards fuel economy (50mpg) rather than performance. This doesn’t really fit with the rest of the scooter which seems very sports oriented.

Compared to larger scooters (i.e. Honda’s Silverwing and Suzuki’s Burgman 650), the TMAX is less suited for long trip comfort but it does offer better fuel economy and a 30-70lbs lighter weight. The TMAX also has less storage than those two larger scooters so the TMAX is more at home as your daily commuter than as a long distance touring bike.

Pros:
* Aluminum Frame
* Dual floating 267mm 4 piston front brake
* Gorgeous 15” Rims
* Sporty styling and handling

Cons:
* Lackluster engine
* Ineffective windscreen

Links:
MotorscooterGuide Forums - Visit the forum on this site to chat about this scoot.
TMAX Service Manual - Very helpful for anyone who works on their own scooter.
BikeBandit.com - Good for looking up OEM parts and finding out what’s available
Nice TMAX Review: Check out this writeup from MotorbikesToday.com
TMAX Review - Great article from TheScooterReview.com
Another TMAX Review - From Wheels.ca and the Toronto Star

Key Specs:
* Engine: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve, parallel twin
* Displacement: 495 cc
* Bore and Stroke: 66 x 73mm
* Compression Ratio: 11:1
* Maximum Torque: 4.7 kg-m (34.2 ft-lb) @ 6,500 rpm
* Maximum Horsepower: 43hp
* Fuel Delivery: Mikuni 31mm fuel injection
* Estimated Fuel Consumption: 50mpg
* Lubrication: Dry Sump
* Ignition: TCI / Electric Start
* Transmission: Fully automatic
* Final Drive: Enclosed chain
* Suspension (Front): 43mm fork, 120mm (4.7") travel
* Suspension (Rear): Single shock swingarm, 116mm (4.6") travel
* Brakes (Front): Dual 267mm discs, 4 piston caliper
* Brakes (Rear): 267mm disc
* Tires: 120/70R15 (Front), 160/60R15 (Rear)
* Length: 86.4''
* Width: 30.5''
* Height: 56.9''
* Wheelbase: 62.2''
* Ground Clearance: 4.9"
* Seat Height: 31.5''
* Fuel Capacit: 15 litres (3 Gallons)
* Wet Weight: 488lbs

Colors:
2009: Dark Metallic Blue, Cadmium Yellow (aka Reddish Yellow)
2010: High Tech Silver