Yamaha T-Max

The Yamaha TMAX (or T-Max) series of maxi-scooters has been manufactured by Yamaha Motor Company for the European market since its debut at July 2000 press events in Naples, Italy and Iwata, Japan, combining motorcycle performance with the convenience and flexibility for commuting of a scooter.

When it was introduced, the 500cc TMAX engine was the largest (and most powerful) ever used in a production scooter. Yamaha enlarged the engine to 530cc for 2012 and subsequent models. The most recent TMAX redesign, with the model designation XP530, is for the 2017 model year. This model includes D-Mode which lets the rider select a sportier engine running mode for more thrilling performance. Yamaha used the designation XP500 for all previous model years; more than 233,000 TMAX scooters have been sold in Europe.

Notwithstanding the fact that the TMAX was Yamaha's second maxi-scooter, the first being the YP 250 Majesty introduced in 1996, motorcycle journalist Kevin Ash said that the "T-Max is the machine that invented the maxi-scooter class in 2001." The development team received a 2001 Good Design Award (Japan) gold prize for the original TMAX, and Yamaha's design studio won a Red Dot award for product design on the 2012 TMAX.

Yamaha launched the TMAX 560 in May 2020 which has replaced the 530. Sales remain strong mainly in France, Italy and Spain despite the high prices and strong competition from Honda with the new NC750X range.

Design

Following the 1996 success of Yamaha's first maxi-scooter, the YP 250 Majesty, in Europe (and especially in Italy) Yamaha began work on a "New European Commuter" a larger-displacement scooter-type concept. Their objective was to create a maxi-scooter suitable for high-speed motorways, such as the German Autobahn system or the Autostrade of Italy, and better suited to European physiques than the Majesty (designed for the Japanese market).

Marketing strategy for the TMAX targeted three groups of riders: existing scooter riders; owners of middleweight motorcycles; and new or returning riders who would want scooter simplicity combined with automotive luxury. Yamaha estimated there were millions of holders of full motorcycle licenses in Europe no longer riding any kind of two-wheeler.

TMAX rolled-out as a hybrid, combining motorcycle and scooter traits. In order to cope with the power of a larger engine, the TMAX swingarm was the kind found on motorcycle, rather than incorporating the swingarm and engine into a single unit, as on conventional scooters. Yamaha bolted the engine to the frame, but much farther forward, arriving at the weight distribution of a typical motorcycle. Although it was a step-through design, TMAX was built around a motorcycle-type tubular steel frame instead of a U-section pressed steel monocoque frame, as was the case on most scooters.

TMAX designers chose a novel engine configuration: a water-cooled four-stroke horizontal straight-twin (both cylinders pointing forward) with four valves per cylinder operated by dual overhead cams. Engine vibrations were offset not by a balance shaft but by reciprocating balancer (i.e., a third 'dummy' piston driven from a central crankpin). By comparison, transmission design was the norm for scooters: a twist-and-go automatic transmission.

Model history

The 2000 launch of the first generation TMAX in Europe was followed by a second generation 2004 model with performance and handling improvements. The third generation TMAX, a major revision, was introduced in Europe for the 2008 model year. This was the first version to be sold in North America, starting with the 2009 model year.

2001–2003

The initial TMAX was produced for three model years, 2001 to 2003, with no significant changes.

2004–2007

Engine upgrades for the 2004 model year included replacing the twin carburetors with fuel injection, and raising the compression ratio, to boost horsepower and torque. In front, the original 38 mm diameter fork tubes were enlarged to 41 mm, and dual discs replaced the original single disc brake; ABS was available. A parking brake mechanism was added to the rear disk. Radial tires were fitted to both ends, and rear wheel size grew to 15 inch instead of 14 inch. A tachometer was added to the instrument panel. Minor styling changes included new paint colors, including a ''BLACK MAX'' special edition for 2006.

2008–2011

The 2008 model had new bodywork and a lightweight cast aluminum frame instead of the original tubular steel frame. The 2nd generation 41 mm diameter fork tubes were further enlarged to 43 mm, and front wheel size grew to 15 inch instead of 14 inch. Fuel tank capacity increased from .

To mark the tenth anniversary of the TMAX roll-out, Yamaha produced a ''WHITE MAX'' special edition for 2010.

2012–2014

The fourth generation TMAX had a redesigned body and powertrain. Cylinders were bored-out by 2 mm, increasing displacement to 530cc. Other engine modifications included a newly designed pent-roof combustion chamber and a reworking of the fuel injection. The continuously variable transmission and final drive system were redesigned; the previous chain drive enclosed in an oil-bath (attached to one side of the swingarm) was replaced by a belt drive with a separate die-cast aluminum swingarm.

2015–2016

Front suspension was revamped on the fifth generation TMAX with an upside down (inverted) telescopic fork with radial-mounted brake calipers. Bodywork received modest styling updates. Yamaha also produced an ''IRON MAX'' special edition.

2017 to 2022—

Chassis and bodywork updated. TMAX 530 was offered in 3 versions: standard, SX and DX. All versions have an electronically controlled throttle and a traction control system. SX and DX versions have switchable power modes; the DX version also has cruise control and an electrically adjustable windscreen as well as keyless ignition (the electronic key must be near to the bike). In early 2020 the 530 was discontinued and the 560 launched in its place. The 560 was an updated version of the 530 and complied to the latest emissions regulations. In 2022 Yamaha launched a new version of the 560 called the TMax Techmax with a new all colour dashboard and a full set of electronics including ABS, Traction Control, Cruise Contol etc.

References

{{Yamaha motorcycles

TMAX
Maxi scooters
Motorcycles introduced in 2001
Motorcycles powered by straight-twin engines