The Yamaha TMAX series of maxi-scooters has been manufactured by Yamaha Motor Company for the European market since its debut at July 2000 press events in Naples, Italy and Iwata, Japan, combining motorcycle performance with the convenience and flexibility for commuting of a scooter. When it was introduced, the 500cc TMAX engine was the largest ever used in a production scooter. Yamaha enlarged the engine to 530cc for 2012 and subsequent models. The most recent TMAX redesign, with the model designation XP530, is for the 2017 model year. This model includes D-Mode which lets the rider select a sportier engine running mode for more thrilling performance. Yamaha used the designation XP500 for all previous model years; more than 233,000 TMAX scooters have been sold in Europe. Notwithstanding the fact that the TMAX was Yamaha's second maxi-scooter, the first being the YP 250 Majesty introduced in 1996, motorcycle journalist Kevin Ash said that the "T-Max is the machine that invented the maxi-scooter class in 2001." The development team received a 2001 Good Design Award gold prize for the original TMAX, and Yamaha's design studio won a Red Dot award for product design on the 2012 TMAX. The maxi-scooter used by Mohamed Merah in the Toulouse and Montauban shootings was a Yamaha TMAX and it, in turn, became instrumental in the police search for the gunman.
Design
Following the 1996 success of Yamaha's first maxi-scooter, the YP 250 Majesty, in Europe Yamaha began work on a "New European Commuter" a larger-displacement scooter-type concept. Their objective was to create a maxi-scooter suitable for high-speed motorways, such as the German Autobahn system or the Autostrade of Italy, and better suited to European physiques than the Majesty. Marketing strategy for the TMAX targeted three groups of riders: existing scooter riders; owners of middleweight motorcycles; and new or returning riders who would want scooter simplicity combined with automotive luxury. Yamaha estimated there were millions of holders of full motorcycle licenses in Europe no longer riding any kind of two-wheeler. TMAX rolled-out as a hybrid, combining motorcycle and scooter traits. In order to cope with the power of a larger engine, the TMAX swingarm was the kind found on motorcycle, rather than incorporating the swingarm and engine into a single unit, as on conventional scooters. Yamaha bolted the engine to the frame, but much farther forward, arriving at the weight distribution of a typical motorcycle. Although it was a step-through design, TMAX was built around a motorcycle-type tubular steel frame instead of a U-section pressed steel monocoque frame, as was the case on most scooters. TMAX designers chose a novel engine configuration: a water-cooled four-stroke horizontal straight-twin with four valves per cylinder operated bydual overhead cams. Engine vibrations were offset not by a balance shaft but by reciprocating balancer. By comparison, transmission design was the norm for scooters: a twist-and-go automatic transmission.
Model history
The 2000 launch of the first generation TMAX in Europe was followed by a second generation 2004 model with performance and handling improvements. The third generation TMAX, a major revision, was introduced in Europe for the 2008 model year. This was the first version to be sold in North America, starting with the 2009 model year.
2001–2003
The initial TMAX was produced for three model years, 2001 to 2003, with no significant changes.
2004–2007
Engine upgrades for the 2004 model year included replacing the twin carburetors with fuel injection, and raising the compression ratio, to boost horsepower and torque. In front, the original 38 mm diameter fork tubes were enlarged to 41 mm, and dual discs replaced the original single disc brake; ABS was available. A parking brake mechanism was added to the rear disk. Radial tires were fitted to both ends, and rear wheel size grew to 15 inch instead of 14 inch. A tachometer was added to the instrument panel. Minor styling changes included new paint colors, including a BLACK MAX special edition for 2006.
2008–2011
The 2008 model had new bodywork and a lightweight cast aluminum frame instead of the original tubular steel frame. The 2nd generation 41 mm diameter fork tubes were further enlarged to 43 mm, and front wheel size grew to 15 inch instead of 14 inch. Fuel tank capacity increased from. To mark the tenth anniversary of the TMAX roll-out, Yamaha produced a WHITE MAX special edition for 2010.
2012–2014
The fourth generation TMAX had a redesigned body and powertrain. Cylinders were bored-out by 2 mm, increasing displacement to 530cc. Other engine modifications included a newly designed pent-roof combustion chamber and a reworking of the fuel injection. The continuously variable transmission and final drive system were redesigned; the previous chain drive enclosed in an oil-bath was replaced by a belt drive with a separate die-cast aluminum swingarm.
2015–2016
Front suspension was revamped on the fifth generation TMAX with an upside downtelescopic fork with radial-mounted brake calipers. Bodywork received modest styling updates. Yamaha also produced an IRON MAX special edition.
2017 to 2019—
Chassis and bodywork updated. TMAX offered in 3 versions: standard, SX and DX. All versions have an electronically controlled throttle and a traction control system. SX and DX versions have switchable power modes; the DX version also has cruise control and an electrically adjustable windscreen as well as keyless ignition. In early 2020 the 530 was discontinued and the 560 launched in its place.
