2017 Yamaha T-MAX Test Ride

2017 Yamaha T-MAX test ride 13

Overall Ratings

Ride:
Look:
Value for money:

In a Nutshell

The scooter that feels like a sports bike

It’s wrapped like a scooter, but it can easily match a motorcycle. T-max is the ultimate urban vehicle and deserves a class of its own. It is a different riding experience built by Yamaha for those who want the whole package. The looks bring the T-max close to a race-bike with lines that inspire speed and agility. From the second you pull the gas, you will fall in love with the smoothness of this scooter’s acceleration.

What We Liked

The power unit that Yamaha built for the T-max is a 530cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC inline twin-cylinder with four valves/cylinder that produces at his peak 33.8 kW. The transmission is the classic CVT (continuously variable transmission) found on every scooter. The power delivery is extremely smooth. The T-max is very responsive, the usual lag found on this kind of machine is gone. The moment you roll the gas no matter the rpm you feel the push, all of this with almost no effort from the engine.

Regarding the sporty look, this scooter is very easy to ride. Although is a big scooter the wheelbase of 1,575 mm keeps it very responsive in traffic jams. The handlebar seems to be lowered but without affecting the handling. The T-max raises the stakes in the big scooter area. It can easily handle the highway and the city making it ideal for fast commuting.

The ECU of the T-max brings a linear power feel and great acceleration with minimum fuel consumption. The top feature is the new smart key system that allows you to use it while keeping the key in your pocket. The steering lock and the seat lock buttons are situated on a central panel underneath the handlebar you only need to carry the key. The traction control and the ABS come in as the standard for enhanced safety.

The first time you pull the gas you will have a shock, it reacts incredibly smooth and fast. The engine has a nice roar the response is close to an electric scooter. It can easily handle traffic jams, even though it’s a big scooter.

The T-Max features a fierce look. The LED headlight is made from two pieces and gives the T-MAX a sporty and aggressive appearance. The LCD dash seems borrowed from a sports tourer machine and is easy to read. The smart key feature makes it even easier to use. It also has the keyless go system, and everything is at the touch of a button. The storage compartment underneath the saddle can handle two jet helmets.

What We Disliked

Besides the seat height 800mm (31.5 in) that will give some issues to smaller riders and the limited room for your feet, everything is in your close range. The seat foam is not that comfortable though, but you will get used to it. The suspension is soft adding to a comfortable ride. The position is very relaxed and, in combination with the smooth engine response, it will give you a floating sensation.

The build quality of the 2017 T-MAX looks pretty good, but the price seems a bit high for a scooter.

Raw Data

Depending on the type the price starts at:
11.500€ for the base version of the T-MAX
12.100€ for the intermediate T-MAX SX
13.100€ for the top version T-MAX DX

The average fuel consumption in the test was around 4.5l/100km

Yamaha offers a varied range of accesories for the T-MAX. Starting with Akrapovic exhaust systems to windshields and engine covers.

Year introduced 2017
Max power (horsepower, KW) 33.8 kW @ 6,750 rpm
Max torque (NM, lb-ft) 53.0 Nm @ 5,250 rpm
Top speed (km/h, mph) Over 100 mph (160 km/h)
Engine (CC, CI) 530 cc
Frame lighweight die-cast aluminium frame
Weight (KG, Lbs.) 213 Kg
Seat Height (CM, IN”) 800 mm (32 in)
Front Brake Hydraulic dual disc, Ø 267 mm
Rear Brake Hydraulic single disc, Ø 282 mm
Front Tire Size 120/70 R15
Rear Tire Size 160/60 R15
Front suspension Telescopic forks
Rear suspension Swingarm
Fuel Tank (L, Gal) 15 L
Avg. fuel consumption (L/100 KM, MPG 4.5 L/100 km
Safety ABS, Traction control, Riding modes
Price (EUR, USD) 11.500€

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