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

Yamaha YZF-R1 (1998-2003)

MCN overall verdict

The third and final great sports bike of the nineties. The FireBlade set the agenda, the 916 added finesse and the Yamaha YZF-R1 topped them off with extra power and madness. Even today the original Yamaha YZF-R1 is a sports tool to be reckoned with and updated Yamaha YZF-R1s are even more potent and easier to use too.

Engine

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Evoultion at it’s finest – the technology’s not hugely changed since the FZR1000 of 1989 but the Yamaha YZF-R1 has always delivered a minimum of 150bhp (130 at the wheel). Torque is never in short supply and the bike’s light weight makes the most of both. The Yamaha YZF-R1's gearbox can be a little reluctant.

Ride and Handling

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The Yamaha YZF-R1 is a track bike to demolish rivals and wring the rider’s adrenal glands dry. The original 98-99 model was the liveliest and hardest to tame. Later Yamaha YZF-R1s were easier to pilot but don’t think that means they’re soft in any way. The original Yamaha YZF-R1 was slightly hard to turn into corners and could run wide. Later versions were improved with a stiffer headstock and firmer forks. Ace brakes.

Equipment

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Extra equipment on a race rep just ads weight so the Yamaha YZF-R1’s pretty minimal. Comfort’s pretty good for a rider although Yamaha YZF-R1 pillions must be brave. Headlights are effective even if the mirrors aren’t brilliant. There’s some underseat storage too unlike later Yamaha YZF-R1s where exhausts occupy that space – although from 2002 it’s minimal.

Quality and Reliability

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No major problems and finish is much better than early/mid 90s Yamahas. Beware race/track Yamaha YZF-R1s which have been thrashed. Problems with the gearbox are very rare despite internet rumours suggesting otherwise. The black finish on the frame and swingarm of 2003/03 Yamaha YZF-R1s rubs off easily.

Value

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The Yamaha YZF-R1 was top dog sports bike until the GSX-R1000 appeared in 2001. Parallel imports and stiff competition from Honda and Suzuki mean prices stay sensible. But equally there’s no such thing as a good, clean, cheap Yamaha YZF-R1 – they’re a desirable bike and good ones always sell. Honda’s FireBlade from 2002 onwards is a comparable machine and the GSX-R arguably better.
 

Model History

1998: Original Yamaha YZF-R1 launched.
2000: Revised Yamaha YZF-R1 has 150 changes – most noticeable sleeker tail unit and titanium exhaust.
2002: More changes to Yamaha YZF-R1 for less weight, more power, fuel injection  and more environmentally friendly. Black frame and swing arm, letterbox tail light.

Other Versions

None.

Specifications

Top speed	175 mph
1/4-mile acceleration	10.8 secs
Max power	150 bhp
Max torque	80 ft-lb
Weight	175 kg
Seat height	815 mm
Fuel capacity	18 litres
Average fuel consumption	38 mpg
Tank range	150 miles
Annual road tax
Insurance group	16 of 17

Engine size	998 cc
Engine specification	20v in-line four, 6 gears
Frame	Aluminium twin spar
Front suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound, compression
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound, compression
Front brakes	Twin 298mm discs
Rear brake	245mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	190/50 x 17

Yamaha YZF-R1 (2004-2006)

It’s hard to fault the clinical, precise and devastatingly fast Yamaha YZF-R1. Its chassis can cope with all kinds of road surfaces and demolishes tight hairpins at any track. But it does demand skill and rivals like the CBR1000RR and GSX-R1000 are simply less work. For purists the Yamaha YZF-R1 still has something unique; a superb focus on the dark art of riding extremely fast.

Engine

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The Yamaha YZF-R1's 20-valve four-cylinder motor makes more power than 90% of all road riders can cope with, and delivers it in one long, ever increasing howl of delight. Nifty gearbox helps the fun, plus the fuel injection is excellent, too. Yamaha YZF-R1 SP version has a slipper clutch and another 3bhp if you really, really need it – it costs £14,000 however.

Ride and Handling

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The only weakness with the Yamaha YZF-R1's Deltabox chassis is that it needs a bit more effort, more precision, to get the very best from it at the track, compared to the  incredibly adroit Gixer 1000. It's as if the mass of the Yamaha YZF-R1 is carried a fraction higher than on the Suzuki.

Equipment

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The Yamaha YZF-R1 has all the sports bits you need, plus a handy clock on the dash, high rpm warning light and a token pillion. The mirrors aren't too narrow, but the seat is higher than the CBR1000RR or GSX-R1000. The Yamaha YZF-R1's OE Dunlop tyres don't suit some riders either, but they'll be shredded after your first track day anyway.

Quality and Reliability

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Lush paintwork, beautiful alloy cycle parts and very well put together. Apart from the odd clutch niggle (it has a tall first gear ) the Yamaha YZF-R1 has an excellent reputation for long life and can do seriously high miles, not that many owners care to rack them up. Nick Sanders has been around the world on a Yamaha YZF-R1, dodging cattle chicanes and all sorts, so it can handle anything you throw at it.

Value

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The Yamaha YZF-R1 was the UK's top seller in 2004, but in 2005 the GSX-R1000 arrived and things have been tougher for the Yamaha YZF-R1 since. Good deals can be had so shop around.  Special editions? The Kenny Roberts yellow and black painted model Yamaha YZF-R1s will possibly be collectable in the future. It's only worth considering the high spec SP model if you have the spare dosh and track time to enjoy it, as depreciation will be harsh.

Model History

2005: No major changes from 2004 Yamaha YZF-R1.
2006: Yamaha YZF-R1's swingarm is 20mm longer, rear spindle 16mm further forwards, plus a little bit of tweakery to the headstock and fork yokes. 3bhp gain in stock R1 model's claimed power output.

Other Versions

Yamaha YZF-R1 SP:  A limited edition semi race spec variant, with fuel injection tweaks, special Ohlins suspension, top end work to squeeze another 3bhp from the motor and matt black paint.

Specifications

Top speed	175 mph
1/4-mile acceleration	10.4 secs
Max power	165 bhp
Max torque	78 ft-lb
Weight	173 kg
Seat height	835 mm
Fuel capacity	18 litres
Average fuel consumption	38 mpg
Tank range	130 miles
Annual road tax
Insurance group	17 of 17

Engine size	998 cc
Engine specification	16v transverse four, 6 gears
Frame	Aluminium twin spar
Front suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound, compression
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound, compression
Front brakes	Twin 320mm discs
Rear brake	220mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17 in
Rear tyre size	190/50 x 17 in

Yamaha FJR1300 (2001-2012)

The Yamaha FJR1300 is the first from-the-ground-up touring bike the Japanese firm has built. With shaft drive, comprehensive fairing, bespoke hard luggage, massive tank capacity etc, this motorcycle ticks plenty of boxes. From 2006 on it has an automatic gearbox option (AS model) available too, as well as a restyled fairing, adjustable handlebar and seat. All of which means the Yamaha FJR1300 definitely adds up to travelling in style.

Engine

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The Yamaha FJR1300's has loads of power and the four cylinder engine makes 99 ft/lbs of torque at 7K revs too. That means grunt and plenty of it, more than enough to help two people, plus loads of kit, overtake safely on A roads. You'll probably get about 40-45mpg from the Yamaha FJR1300's smooth-running, and generally very reliable motor too.

Ride and Handling

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For its weight and size, the Yamaha FJR1300 handles well. You won't be dicing with Sprint ST riders on the roads of Provence, but the FJR1300's huge 48mm forks and compliant monoshock can be set up for semi-sporty riding if the mood takes you - the rear preload is adjustable via a jack up lever in a matter of seconds. Loads of pillion room too.

Equipment

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Panniers were standard fitment on the Yamaha FJR1300 from 2006 onwards, and a small luggage rack, plus ABS braking is standard too. The AS auto version gets heated grips, plus it has adjustable handlebar, windscreen and seat heights as part of the 2006 makeover package. The Yamaha FJR1300 is undeniably a well equipped motorcycle and competes strongly with the cost of a fully kitted Beemer or Pan-Euro.

Quality and Reliability

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There is a little bit of a question mark over the auto gearbox version of the Yamaha FJR1300 because it will take time and lots of miles to suss. But every detail on the A and AS models shows Yamaha are determined to produce a genuine class leading touring motorcycle, so it should prove a more durable, low maintenance machine for 60,000 miles of touring fun than many an oddball European rival.

Value

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The Yamaha FJR1300 represents loads of motorcycle for the money and ready to head to Spain straight from the showroom floor, unlike some rivals which need expensive additional luggage options. The key factor about the Yamaha FJR1300A is that it looks, feels and rides like it was designed specifically to waft two people in luxury for two weeks of motorcycling leisure. It delivers on all counts.

Model History

2001: Yamaha FJR1300A launched.
2006: Reworked Yamaha FJR1300A and AS models appear; new fairing, wider range of screen adjustment, plus adjustable seat and handlebar height. Luggage now standard, not optional extra, plus AS model has heated grips as standard fitment too.

Other Versions

Yamaha FJR1300AS: Same as standard model but with semi automatic gearbox, button operated on handlebars, or via gear lever [£16,499]

Specifications

Top speed	154 mph
1/4-mile acceleration	11.6 secs
Max power	143.5 bhp
Max torque	99 ft-lb
Weight	264 kg
Seat height	805 mm
Fuel capacity	25 litres
Average fuel consumption	41 mpg
Tank range	210 miles
Annual road tax
Insurance group	14 of 17

Engine size	1298 cc
Engine specification	16v transverse four, 5 gears
Frame	Aluminium diamond
Front suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, rebound
Front brakes	Twin 320mm discs
Rear brake	Single 282mm disc
Front tyre size	120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size	180/55 x 17