Yamaha T-MAX (XP) 530 ABS (2012-current): Scootercycle!
The scooter tested was equipped with a complete exhaust system Remus Okami, a Pipercross air filter, PP levers and a Push and Block anti-theft system.Engine: The twin cylinder liquid cooled 530 c.c. engine produces 45,7 bhp / 6750 rpm and 5.33 Kgm/ 5250 rpm (38.55 lbs ft/5250 rpm), torque claimed figures.
Actually the sound of the silencer is aggressive. There is no vibration derived from the engine. Under full throttle acceleration the speed of 100 km/h (62 mph) is achieved very fast, the speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) very easily, the speed of 170 km/h (106 mph) which is the top speed, relatively easy. The speed of 160+ km/h (99 mph) may be preserved on minor uphill roads. On downhill roads the speedometer could be indicating more than 180 km/h (112 mph).
There are indications concerning fuel consumption and external temperature. A Kevlar belt is equipped at the final drive, instead of the chain at the former model. An indicative fuel consumption figure is 6.3 l/100 km, (45 mpg Imperial). Tank range is 320 km (200miles).
Riding position: The seat height is average 800mm (31.5 in), the dimensions of the saddle are great though. It will be adequate to riders taller than average. The room on the saddle for the pillion is very spacious.
The dimensions of the T-max 530 belong to the mega-scooter category, especially the length which is increased.
Despite the weight of the bike, 221 nominal Kgs (487lbs) full for the ABS version, 217 Kgs (478lbs) for the base model, the scooter feels comparatively light for this engine capacity, while centre of gravity feels average. Thus in case that the scooter leans motionless at either side, female riders will support the weight, up to a certain angle of course. In case that the rider will have to push the scooter, the weight feels considerable. It should be reminded that the specific scooter tested was lighter than the stock model due to the aftermarket exhaust.
Rider is placed over the scooter, riding position is comfortable and neutral: The handlebar is relatively low and forward.
On the road: The twin spar frame and the swingarm are made of aluminium. The suspensions are hard for the scooter category standards, they feel firm for the motorcycles¢ standards. In any case the T-max feels a user-friendly, yet robust bike.
Tyres fitted are Bridgestone BT-011 with dimensions 120-70-15 at the front and 160-60-15 at the rear. They are considered to be a good choice for the T-max.
On urban rides the T-max will be adequate as long as traffic is normal. Agility feels increased compared to what someone expects. The T-max feels like a low and long bike underneath the rider.
On downtown rides, steering lock is average, it will not be helpful on tight maneuvering. The length of the scooter will also be a disadvantage then.
Filtering is slightly improved compared to the former model. The mirrors of the scooter are higher than car mirrors, lower than SUV mirrors though. The mirrors of the T-max are as high as SUV mirrors.
Street imperfections are absorbed moderately, like a sporty street bike would do.
The weight of the scooter will be an issue only on frequent short rides. The same applies also for the tunnel between rider¢s legs.
Consequently except from the automatic transmission, the usability of the T-max on traffic congested streets is equivalent to that of a 600-750 cc bike which is normal for the mega-scooter category.
On B-roads the T-max is very agile, inspiring confidence, always. The scooter provides a feeling of a long, low bike. Actually it feels more of a very confident scooter than a motorcycle.
At the fast pace the agility is combined with impressive stability. On low friction factor roads sliding at the exit is neutral and well controlled. The joy of drifting! With a 1580 mm (62.2 in) wheelbase, control is an easy task!
On sweepers the cornering of the T-max is the best so far from any mega-scooter reviewed from www.moto-choice.com. At the end of the day, the rider will be wondering with the cornering of the T-max, thinking that a scooter cannot be cornering like that. However the T-max is still feeling comfortable at such a pace! Feedback to the rider is naturally diminished then, although riding confidence is still reassuring.
Generally speaking, its better if a balance is maintained between these two riding elements, feedback and confidence, otherwise the system of motorcycle and rider or scooter and rider could slide away quite unexpectedly!
On the highway the air protection is good up to the speed of 160 km/h (100 mph). Tall riders may need a larger screen. The factory fitted screen may be adjusted in two increments, although tools will be required to do that. Riders feeling faster than that travelling speed, will be better off on a touring motorcycle. The engine revs quite comfortably at such a speed, thus the optimal travelling speed will be between 150 and 160 km/h, (93-100 mph).
The ABS brakes are also motorcycle oriented. The front features two 267 mm (10.5 in) rotors, four piston callipers. The rear features a 282 mm (11.1 in) rotor and a single pot calliper.
Whenever the ABS is activated, the rider feels the levers moving, there is no pulsing at all though. Braking power is really good, as long as the front and rear brakes are applied together.
Model history/reliability/quality build: Compared with the former model T-max 500 (2001-2011), the engine is larger, more powerful by 3 bhp, torque is greater, fuel consumption is improved. However the new T-max 530 is lighter than the latest T-max 500 by 4 kgs (8.8 lbs).
There are no specific reliability issues, even after covering great mileage on the clocks. Quality build is superb.
Comments: From the rider¢s point of view, due to the numerous edges observed, the T-max resembles to the Star Trek spaceship Galactica. That review is published here, (that was a joke). The display is also futuristic, despite the clocks. The red light on the dash provides a sporty touch.
The are two gloves compartments at the front which may be locked. Under the seat there is storage space much larger than a full face helmet. The handbrake is useful when parking on inclined roads. Heated grips are an optional although hand protectors are not.
At the specific scooter tested a Push and Block anti-theft system had been installed at the centre stand. Pressing the button the centre stand is locked extended, the scooter cannot be ridden.
The unique real disadvantage of the Tmax is the high tag price. Çowever rider will rely on it for a wide variety of rides. Some compromises will be asked at mega-scooter riding boundaries e.g. heavy traffic congestion, fast pace riding feedback, or travelling with a speed higher than 160 Km/h (100 mph).
Compared with the ex T-max 500 (2011) its obviously improved, asking for less compromises concerning these riding boundaries. Therefore it is basically a scooter although the riding of it resembles to that of a motorbike. It¢s a scootercycle.
Price : 10990 Euros
Price ABS : 11650 Euros
+ Integrated product of three (town, B-roads, highway use) into one
+ Handling
+ Quality build
- Price
- The screen adjustment requires tools.
More, specifications
Thanks to Yamaha Center Spiliotis, Thivwn 129, Peristeri, Athens, tel. +302105777906, for the bike test.