Yamaha TMAX560 TECH MAX Details and Test Ride Review
When people think of Yamaha's long-selling models, they think of the SR400 and the Serow 250, but unfortunately both of these models are already in their final editions. So what about the next long-selling models? Former editor-in-chief of a motorcycle magazine for beginners, Hiroaki Yatagai, reports on a test ride of the TMAX, which was introduced in 2001 to compete with the FJR1300 for the moped class title.
Styling for a sports riding
[Overall length/Overall width/Overall height] 2,200mm/765mm/1,420mm
[Vehicle weight] 218 [220] kg
[Distance between shafts] 1,575mm
[Minimum Ground Clearance] 125mm
The front and rear 15-inch wheels are unusually large for a scooter. Inverted fork with 41mm inner tube diameter. The TMAX is equipped with a variety of sporting features. The TMAX is equipped with a swingarm, which is a distinctive feature that sets it apart from scooters. The TMAX uses a swingarm for sportiness just like a normal motorcycle. The rivals such as KIMCO's AK550 and SYM's Maxim TL all adopted the swing arm system because they were aware of the style established by TMAX.
[Selling Price]
Pastel Dark Gray/Matte Dark Gray Metallic A/Matte Blueish Gray Metallic 3: 1,276,000 [1,419,000] yen (tax included)
*As of March 2021
* With [ ] is TECH MAX.
Large position with a sense of popularity overseas.
[Seat Height] 800mm
The seat is high for a scooter, at 800mm, and the wide bodywork makes it easy for a 172cm tall man to sit on the ground with his heels about 10cm off the ground. The TMAX's main market is Europe, so the riding position is quite large, and the backrest is too far away for the average Japanese rider.
Reaffirming its sportiness -Actual riding review
Is the TMAX an 'automatic sport' and not a 'scooter'?
I've always seen Yamaha as a manufacturer that builds motorcycles that doesn't fit into any existing genre. They are original, they are unconventional, and for someone like me in the motorcycle industry, it can be difficult to decide whether a motorcycle is an off-road or on-road motorcycle. Is it a road motorcycle? (Tricker)", or "Is this a naked model like the XJR series? (MT-01)" and so on. There are so many unique models that it's difficult to categorize them all.
The TMAX introduced here is one such model that represents Yamaha. Today, the TMAX is synonymous with sports scooters, but what's interesting is that Yamaha never used the word "scooter" to describe the TMAX. Of course, when we in the motorcycle industry created the catalog pages, we took the liberty of including the TMAX in the scooter category, but at the time, the manufacturer's official website classified the TMAX in the sports motorcycle section, not the scooter section. The term "automatic sport" was used to describe the TMAX as a vehicle.
At the time of its debut, there was no similar model, and it was difficult to handle. The Majesty was introduced in 2001, when the popularity of big scooters was swelling due to the street motorcycle boom. The Majesty, which had been marketed to old men, became popular with young people, and the TMAX was introduced as the next step in the pursuit of sportiness that seemed like overkill.
Since then, the TMAX has exploded in popularity in Europe, making a huge leap forward. The continuing popularity of the TMAX in Europe is remarkable, and the reason why it has been loved by users for 20 years since its debut is no doubt due to its unique and sharp "automatic sport" character. Today, with the introduction of Kymco's AK550 and SYM's Maxim TL, the "sports scooter" genre has come into its own, but the TMAX remains the standard-bearer.
Let's take a look at the new TMAX, redesigned for 2021. Displacement has been increased by 31cc to 561cc, mainly to comply with Euro 5. It's a shame we only have wet weather memories of the previous generation TMAX530, but we do remember that the 2017 model change gave it a more 'sports tourer', travelling character. Traction control and cruise control (the previous generation had a range of 50-100km)/I also have the impression that the motorcycle was equipped with the engine and body performance of a pure sports model, but it was steered in the direction of "travel" or "luxury".
However, the new model is energetic from the start of accelerating. The maximum output is increased by about 2PS, and the gear shift characteristic is also made high geared, but I had the impression that it was so sporty. I had the impression that it was so sporty. Well, it's nonsense to compare with the previous one because it was a review in the rain.
The body of the motorcycle is still as deep as ever, "How far can I lay it down? The bank angle is so deep that it makes you wonder how far you can lay the motorcycle down. The stability of the motorcycle when turning is also typical of the TMAX. You can feel how well the front tire is gripping the road surface, and you can open the throttle with confidence. The TMAX is an automatic sportbike, not a scooter. This test ride reaffirmed that.
Meter & Lights
Lights
The headlight is a four LED headlight, and the rear tail and stop lights are arranged in a "T" shape. The indicator lights are also LED, and the front side has three lights laid out vertically in the cowl.
Meter
[Displayed items]
Speed/Engine RPM/Remaining fuel level/clock/odometer/Trip meter x 2/fuel trip/cruising range/external temperature/average fuel consumption/instantaneous fuel consumption/drive mode/Grip heater level/Seat heater level/water thermometer
The TFT multi-function meter is laid out between the two eye style guiding tachometer (right) and speedometer (left). Once you get to grips with it, you'll be amazed at the versatility of this compact TFT meter. It may take some time to learn how to use it, as it is operated by a combination of menu buttons and select switches, but it offers a wide variety of display items and various settings for the heater and other equipment.
Riding performance
Engine
[Engine type/Displacement] Liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC parallel twin-cylinder/561cc
[Maximum output] 35kW/7,500 rpm
[Maximum torque] 56Nm/5,250 rpm
With the 2020 model change, the engine displacement was increased from 530cc to 561cc to comply with environmental regulations and to improve sportiness, including acceleration characteristics from the mid-to-high speed range. While the previous generation's development concept used words such as "mellowness" in the direction of maturity and luxury, the new model emphasizes sportiness. The perspective view of the engine and the photo of the pistons are from the 2001 model (the first generation T-Max). Behind the two pistons is a third piston, the horizontally opposed balancer, which is the most distinctive feature of the TMAX engine. Of course, this horizontally opposed balancer has been inherited to the latest model.
Mode switch
By pressing the mode button on the left switch box, the engine response can be changed. The "T" is the touring mode, the so-called STD mode that pursues a smooth ride. On the other hand, "S" is the sport mode, which has a sportier engine response from low to medium speeds.
Traction control
It is equipped with traction control for peace of mind in slippery conditions such as rainy weather and low-μ roads in winter. In fact, even if you step on floating sand or a wet manhole, the engine output is cut to reduce the possibility of a slip-down fall. The TMAX is a high-powered machine, but thanks to this traction control, you can use the throttle even more aggressively. It's easy to concentrate on the ride because it doesn't pitch the motorcycle or make you want to back off the throttle.
Handlebar
From the outset, the TMAX was designed to have a front/rear load distribution similar to that of a sports motorcycle (47% front/53% rear), a philosophy that has remained unchanged over the past 20 years, although the front-wheel load has been further increased as the motorcycle has matured. The handlebar position and stiffness of the controls also ensure that the front tire is properly loaded, making the motorcycle suitable for hang-on riding.
Foot grounding
[Tire size] Front: 120/70R-15, Rear: 160/60R-15
When it was introduced in 2001, it was 14 inches in the front and rear, but in 2004, the rear became 15 inches, and in 2008, it became 15 inches in the front and rear, and the tire size has been gradually increased in order to improve the sportiness. The front fork is a φ41mm upside-down suspension and the rear is a link-type monocross suspension.
The belt drive, which is similar to a standard motorcycle drive chain, has been further strengthened with a 25mm wide carbon fiber. The higher-end Tech Max models also feature adjustable spring preload and rebound damping for the rear shock.
Brakes
Front: Monoblock opposed 4-pot radial-mount/Floating mount disc φ267mm
Rear: Single press 1-pot/Disc diameter 282mm
The suspension equipment, such as the inverted front forks, is incredible, but the braking system is as luxurious as any supersport model. Double monoblock calipers and radial mounts are installed to withstand harder braking. Naturally, the rotors feature floating mounts that prevent the rotors from changing touch even when they expand thermally.
Exhaust system
The twin catalytic converters, which are located in two places, as well as the optimized design of the intake and exhaust systems and combustion chambers, make the engine Euro 5 compliant.
Utility
Electric screen
Whereas the STD has a removable, two-stage adjustable screen (55mm wide), the Tech Max has an electrically adjustable screen that can be raised or lowered with a switch at hand. By selecting the windscreen on the menu switch and pressing the up/down button on the select switch, the screen can be adjusted to 135mm wide without steps while riding. In fact, the wind hitting the helmet is greatly reduced on highways.
Cruise control
The Techmax is equipped with a cruise control system. The speed can be increased or decreased in 2km/h increments, and there is also a resume function to return to the set speed. The latest cruise control systems are usually capable of increasing or decreasing the speed by 1km/h, but even at 2km/h the system does not feel particularly inconvenient.
Smart Key System
A smart key system is adopted, and when starting, the main switch on the right switch box unlocks all locks at once. On the other hand, when locking, it is possible to lock the ignition off as well as the steering wheel and center stand individually. In addition, the trunk space and other areas can be locked automatically 60 seconds after the power is turned off.
Small case
The front trunk space is also linked to the smart key. It can be unlocked by the button on the steering wheel and also has an alarm answer-back function. There is a 12V accessory socket inside.
Fuel tank
[Fuel capacity] 15L (high octane designated)
The lid of the refueling port is also linked to the smart key, and can be opened by pressing the button on the top of the seat when the engine is stopped. The fuel capacity is 15 liters, but the gauge can also display the cruising range. When the remaining fuel level drops below 3 liters, the fuel trip function automatically starts. When the fuel level drops below 3 liters, the fuel trip function automatically starts, displaying the distance traveled from that point on to prevent the driver from forgetting to refuel.
Seat
Two-stage integrated seat with backrest. The patterned stitching on the surface of the leather also has a high-quality feel. However, the position is designed for larger riders and the front seat cushion is thin, so it's best to sit in one and see how comfortable it is.
Under the seat
The rear trunk, which opens backward, has enough space to store one full-face helmet or two jet helmets. The shape is almost rectangular and easy to use in business scene. In addition, the seat hinge damper is a double type, and the opening and closing movement has a high quality feeling.
Heated seats
The higher-end Tech Max models are equipped with a heated seat on the rider's side. The switch box allows the rider to switch between three temperature settings, and the strength of these three settings can also be freely set from a range of 10 levels.
Grip heater
Like the seat heater, it is a three-stage switching system, and individual temperature settings can be made in 10 stages. If the menu button is pressed and held (for 2 seconds) when the motorcycle is stopped, it is possible to enter various setting modes.
Step Board
If you're Japanese, you probably don't feel cramped. The pillion footpeg is a retractable bar-type footpeg that's easy to step on. As with any sports scooter, the center tunnel is high and a little difficult to straddle.
Center Stand
The center stand is equipped with a smart key-linked locking mechanism. It's not the easiest to operate, but it's easy to put your weight on and apply pressure, thanks to the firm grab bar as a handle.
Parking brake
This is Yamaha's original handlebar-type parking brake. The lever is located in the area where you hold it, so you don't forget to put it back when you start the motorcycle. The rear brake is mechanically operated by wire and has a small caliper attached separately.
Switch box
Left: Headlight switch & flashing/Blinker/Horn/Cruise control set button/Cruise control speed set button/Menu button/Select switch
[Right] Main and starter switch/mode button/kill switch
Because it is quite multifunctional and has many operations, there are more buttons on the switch box, which unfortunately is not intuitive. This is not the case. The same buttons are used to turn the screen up and down, change the display on the gauges, and operate the grip heater and heated seats, so it takes some getting used to. Until you get used to it, you'll have to face it with the instruction manual in hand.
Summary
For riders who just want to sport with no clutch!
Scooters are generally designed to be "comfortable" rather than "maneuverable". Yamaha's Max series (TMAX, XMAX, etc.) are easy to ride and automatic but have been developed so that they are fun to ride as motorbikes. The result is a motorcycle that makes you want to ride forward, fast and sporty. In recent years, AT models such as the DCT have also appeared on the market, so it is difficult to say that the TMAX is the best AT model, but among AT models with a CVT mechanism, the TMAX is the most fun to ride. Rival "sports scooters" are appearing one after another, but the character that the TMAX has built up over the past 20 years still seems to have an advantage.
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