Recently, scooters are becoming increasingly popular, because they are a cheaper and more convenient alternative to motorcycles, which are not so accessible to the average consumer. It is especially worth noting such a thing as a maxi scooter. Unlike ordinary models, these have a larger size, greater performance, and outwardly they are no longer so much different from motorcycles. That is why this version is gaining worldwide success, and many manufacturers begin to produce their analogues and improve previous vehicles in order to be able to promote their products to the masses. This article will focus on one of the most popular maxi scooters today called the Yamaha T-Max 500, which was first released more than fifteen years ago, but is still being improved and updated. Why is he so good? What are its specifications? Meet the Yamaha T-Max 500 maxi scooter in all its glory.
Introduction
Yamaha T-Max 500 is one of the very first maxi scooters to hit the market. The Japanese company announced that it was going to release an unusual model in 2000, but only a year later it was put into production and brought to market. And even then, this scooter began to gain fans. People appreciated the unusual combination - a vehicle, which is something between a scooter and a full-fledged motorcycle. Since then, many manufacturers began to produce maxi scooters, some of them are not even shy and directly copy what they created at Yamaha. But we can say with confidence that the products of this enterprise turned out to be the most impressive. Fifteen years have passed, and the Yamaha T-Max 500 is still in production. Several generations of this scooter have changed, and the latest versions look incredibly attractive.
Maxi scooters in Japan and the world
Japanese scooters are considered one of the most popular and successful in the whole world, and Yamaha is the leader in their production. However, it is worth noting that maxiskooters appeared relatively recently compared to motorcycles. More specifically, their debut took place in 1994. It was then that the first Yamaha T model appeared, from which the scooter described in this article later developed. How did he differ from the rest? The fact is that the letter in the name - “T” - is an abbreviation for twin, that is, “double”. This indicates, first of all, that this scooter, unlike ordinary ones, uses a two-cylinder engine, and secondly, this letter shows that this model has a dual purpose, that is, it can be used both as a scooter and as a motorcycle . Since then, a variety of Japanese scooters and models of other manufacturers have appeared, which combined both functions, but this one has become a landmark in history.
Specifications: engine
Since we are talking about the engine that this scooter is equipped with, you should take a closer look at this heart of the Yamaha T-Max 500. First of all, you should know that this motor is a four-stroke engine, has liquid cooling, and is also equipped with four valves on each of two cylinders. Its volume is 499 cubic centimeters, and power - 44 horsepower. It is also worth noting a good torque of 45 Nm. These are basic parameters, but if we talk about more specific features, then you should know that this engine has an fuel injection system, and its clutch is multi-disc automatic. Well, of course, it is worth noting that the fuel tank of this model is fifteen liters. However, the engine is not all that the Yamaha T-Max 500 scooter has.
Scooter frame
As mentioned earlier, this model has been released for a long time, so do not be surprised that the frame of each of them will be slightly different. New scooters take on a more modern look, which is why their frame is changing accordingly. This article will describe the latest generation of these scooters, which was launched for sale relatively recently - in 2012. So, the front suspension of this model is made in the form of a telescopic fork, and the rear is a pendulum lever. On the front wheel there are two brake discs with diameters of 267 millimeters, and on the rear wheel there is exactly the same one disc. The size of the front tire is 120 by 70, while the rear has slightly different parameters - 160 by 60. Well, of course, it is worth noting that the new scooters do not look like the representatives of the previous generation, and the difference is even more noticeable. if you compare the last generation with the first.
Dimensions
Since we are talking about how the Yamaha T-Max 500 scooter looks, the technical characteristics of this model also include its overall dimensions. In length, this scooter is about 2.2 meters, in width - 77 centimeters, and in height - 1.4 meters. The length of the wheelbase is one and a half meters, and the height, measured not as a whole, but by the seat, is 80 centimeters. In addition to the basic parameters, there is also a minimum ground clearance, which for this scooter is 12 and a half centimeters. As for the mass, compared with previous generations, the new model is better - now it weighs 208 kilograms, which is a very good indicator for such a vehicle. At the same time, all the devices of the scooter remained in place, that is, the loss in mass did not occur due to the rejection of important elements.
Two options
Be sure to pay attention to the fact that the Yamaha T-Max 500 Maxiscooter is available in two versions - regular and special. What is the difference between the two? In fact, the difference is quite small and weakly perceptible, but it still exists. Manufacturers have designated a special version designed for long trips - in other words, a tourist one. This tourist modification has some differences, such as a less massive fairing, altered optics, a more impressive windshield, as well as additional suspension settings to make it easier to ride on the road. Thus, you can independently perform tuning “Yamaha T-Max 500”, while not requiring any additional funds. But if you wish, you can get an ordinary model and run it with your own hands, which will be discussed later.
Improved braking system
Scooter Yamaha T-Max 500 also has one feature that you can get for a small additional fee. The fact is that the manufacturer allows the buyer to choose a brake system, and if you want to pay a little more, you can get an ABS system that is much more reliable and efficient, electrically controlled and the most progressive today. But, as in the case of the tourist version, no one obliges you to make such a choice, so you can stop with standard brakes. In the case of the Yamaha T-Max 500 scooter, reviews regarding the basic brake system are good, so the choice in favor of ABS can only be made with a strong desire - there is definitely no need for this. However, user reviews will be considered in more detail a little later.
High competitiveness
Many people may wonder: why buy such a maxi scooter if you can buy a Tourer motorcycle and enjoy traveling on it? But in reality, practice shows that already a huge number of people have opted for this model for a variety of reasons. And if it seems to you that a scooter cannot be as comfortable as a motorcycle, then you should pay attention to the fact that this model has absolutely all the necessary accessories that can be found on any tour of the latest generation - including even heated ones handles and seats for those who like to travel at night or in the cold season. As mentioned earlier, in recent years, maxi scooters are not much inferior to full-fledged motorcycles.
Speed indicators
Particular attention should be paid to what speed this scooter is capable of developing. People are accustomed to the fact that such a vehicle is a kind of toy that can travel no more than sixty kilometers per hour. Of course, there are scooters that even teenagers can ride, but this particular model, like many modern highly specialized scooters, can demonstrate incredible performance. For example, this scooter can accelerate to 187 kilometers per hour, which is very good. Naturally, this can not be compared with the latest generation motorcycles, which can accelerate to more than 300 kilometers per hour, but it is worthwhile to understand that the maxi scooter does not set itself the task of overtaking the motorcycle in a speed race. And in the sales race this vehicle adds every year.
Tuning
As for tuning, many users of this scooter report that, if desired, it can be “pumped” very well, and you can start with the engine and brakes and even finish with the body itself. Naturally, many concentrate on pumping the suspension, because this model has some difficulties with it. And the matter is not even in the quality of execution, because here it is at the highest level. You will learn more about the disadvantages of the suspension later, when reviews on this scooter will be considered. Now it’s time to figure out how much the acquisition of such a last generation scooter will cost. After all, not everyone is ready to spend a round sum on the purchase of a scooter, when you can add a little and buy a motorcycle already.
Cost
If you are looking for used scooters, then you are likely to find more advantageous offers. However, if we consider exactly the new models that are bought immediately after their production, then here the prices may vary depending on the configuration that you choose for your scooter. The most basic version costs about 830 thousand Russian rubles, but as you recall, you can provide it with a modern brake system, heated accessories - or even choose a tourist version of the model. All this can gradually increase the cost until it reaches its maximum level. A fully equipped maxi-scooter of this model will cost one hundred thousand rubles more, so you will need to wisely approach the choice of which components you want to see in your vehicle.
Positive reviews
First of all, it is worth considering the positive reviews of those people who own this scooter or have the opportunity to spend so much time driving it to form any clear and informed opinion. So, most people note the outstanding design of this vehicle - especially compared to how this scooter started in 2001. Also, people like the speed of this model, and in addition to it, and the sound of the motor with a large acceleration. Almost everyone notes the high build quality and reliability in use. Some especially highlight the fact that a maxi scooter with its large dimensions does not require a huge amount of fuel, and is also extremely easy to drive. At the same time, an impressive wind protection is also recorded in the benefits - naturally, especially in the case of a tourist model.
Negative reviews
There are practically no negative reviews on this scooter - most people simply note some of its shortcomings in their positive reviews. And this can be easily understood by the fact that they distinguish only two shortcomings, both of which are repeated from review to review. The first is the suspension, about this drawback was already mentioned in the article. The fact is that the suspension of this scooter was developed for Europe and, accordingly, for European roads, such as the German autobahn. Therefore, the suspension here is extremely sensitive, and if you go on a rough road, you will feel every bump on which to ride. The second disadvantage is the high cost of repair and maintenance. Indeed, this scooter itself is not so cheap, but repairing it is a real nightmare. Therefore, it is much easier not to break it, that is, to drive carefully and wisely.