Yamaha TMAX XP500. May 2008
It's lighter and sleeker in design, with top performance from its powerful, hi-tech 499cc twin cylinder engine. And the ride quality is improved along with increased agility, comfort, enhanced everyday convenience and upgraded environmental friendliness.
The 2008 TMAX features new sports styling with sleek, sculpted bodywork, eye grabbing headlight design and remarkable new muffler design that accentuate the original model's lightweight aluminium chassis.
The design retains the TMAX's signature boomerang shaped side covers and features elements of the 'mass forward' styling used in Yamaha street bikes and supersport bikes to emphasise the TMAX's front biased weight distribution that promotes excellent rider control. Five kilograms lighter than the panels on the old TMAX, the new bodywork also improves stability in side winds.
Of course, the new body keeps the weather at bay, keeping the rider's upper body, arms, legs and feet away from the wind and rain. The new design windscreen is easily detachable to allow quick changes from the standard screen to a short sports screen (especially good for urban riding), which is available as genuine Yamaha accessories.
The 2008 TMAX also features a classy new dash panel that offers all the information you need in an easy to read format.
The triple instruments house analog speedo, fuel gauge and temperature gauge plus digital clock.
TMAX chassis
Yamaha test riders evaluated the new TMAX on track to ensure that its all new aluminium frame allowed the machine to handle, steer and grip the road like a sports bike. Replacing the original tubular steel unit, the new frame is constructed from a mix of extruded aluminium sections and cast aluminium sections formed by Yamaha's exclusive CF die-casting technology.
Suspension settings have been retuned to complement the new frame, and the addition of a 15-inch front wheel (previous models featured a 14-inch front) delivers a more stable, comfortable ride.
Engine
Featuring digital fuel injection, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 11.0:1, the TMAX 499cc twin cylinder engine delivers brilliant acceleration for swift urban getaways and effortless overtaking. With smooth riding in mind, an inbuilt balancer shaft ensures silky cruising.
TMAX - the background story
The TMAX was unveiled to the European press in July 2000 and went on sale the following year. The machine was acclaimed by everyone who rode it and very soon there were many imitations, but none have been able to match its blend of sporty sensation and deluxe ride. Yamaha has a unique feel for this sector of the market because the original maxi-scooter was Yamaha's Majesty 250, launched in 1994.
The T of TMAX stands for twin, as in twin-cylinder scooter, but also for twin as in dual purpose. This is a unique creation that's more like two machines, each with its own job: to excite you like a motorcycle and to be as easy to live with as a scooter.
The 2008 TMAX continues the original theme of duality, its in depth development program was conceived to enhance its commuter functionality, sports bike performance, tourer comfort and environmental credentials.
In brief: 2008 TMAX XP500
Engine: Liquid cooled 4-stroke, DOHC,4-valve, forward-inclined parallel 2-cylinder;
Displacement: 499 cc
Bore x stroke: 66.0 X 73.0 mm
Compression: ratio 11:1
Lubrication: Dry sump
Fuel System: Electronic Fuel Injection
Clutch type: Wet, multiple-disc auto
Ignition system: TCI
Starter system: Electric
Transmission: Automatic with V-Belt
Fuel tank: 15 L
Chassis: Front susp. Telescopic forks
Rear susp.: Swingarm.
Brakes:
Front - Dual Discs, Ø 26 mm
Rear Disc, Ø 267 mm
Tyres: front120/70-15; rear 160/60-15
Dimensions
LxWxH: 2195 x 775 x 1445 mm
Seat height: 800 mm
Wheel base: 1580 mm
Min ground clearance: 125 mm
Dry weight: 203 kg
Other
Colours: Stealth Metal; Electric Blue
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kms, parts and labour
RRP: $12,499
