Yamaha T-Max (2001-2011)

If you want to tour occasionally, a Deauville 650 does it better. If you want to commute, a YP250 Majesty is probably all you'll ever need. So where does that leave the maxi-scooter Yamaha YP500 T-Max? Good fun to ride, but just too expensive for most urban riders sadly.

Engine

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The Yamaha YP500 T-Max's twin cylinder 40bhp motor is a gem and the auto transmission makes commuting along urban motorways a joy in stop-start traffic. Car drivers cannot believe they've been overtaken by a scooter doing 70mph plus.

Ride and Handling

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The Yamaha YP500 T-Max has a sturdy chassis, bit like a cut down motorcycle really, and the beefy 38mm forks, plus monoshock rear end help keep it handling on the sporty side, until the sheer weight of the thing starts some misbehaviour if you push it. At 197kgs the Yamaha YP500 T-Max is as heavy as a Yamaha Thunderace 1000.

Equipment

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The Yamaha YP500 T-Max's underseat storage space is plentiful, but you can't fit hard panniers to this scooter if you fancy touring - just a top case. Useful features on the Yamaha YP500 T-Max include an adjustable backrest for the rider, reflector beam lighting, optional wind deflectors and higher screen. Outstanding brakes and comprehensive dashboard too.

Quality and Reliability

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You can tell straight away that Yamaha wanted the Yamaha YP500 T-Max to set a new standard in sporty maxi-scooters when they built this one. It's a classy looking vehicle. Many French and Italian riders choose a Yamaha YP500 T-Max instead of a second car and do 10K miles per year on `em.

Value

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The Yamaha YP500 T-Max is an expensive machine and the truth is that many 500-600cc class roadster motorcycles, or 250-400cc scooters can cover all the commuter/weekend fun bases nearly as well as the Yamaha YP500 T-Max, for substantially less cash. You can get better fuel consumption out of some 600cc bikes, that are just as fast as the Yamaha YP500 T-Max.

Model History

2001: Yamaha YP500 T-Max launched.

Other Versions

None.

Specifications

Top speed	100 mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Max power	40 bhp
Max torque	34.2 ft-lb
Weight	197 kg
Seat height	795 mm
Fuel capacity	14 litres
Average fuel consumption	45 mpg
Tank range	130 miles
Annual road tax
Insurance group	9 of 17

Engine size	499 cc
Engine specification	4 stroke, parallel twin, auto
Frame	Steel diamond type
Front suspension adjustment	None
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload
Front brakes	282mm disc
Rear brake	267mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 14 in
Rear tyre size	150/70 x 14 in