NRMA Scooter Review - Yamaha XP500 T-MAX 500

Yamaha XP500 T-MAX 500 Review
Motorcycle & Scooter Reviews » Yamaha Reviews
XP500 T-MAX 500 - NRMA Scooter Review - August 2008
The 2008 Yamaha XP500 T-Max 500 is classed as a maxi-scooter. Apart from its looks and the automatic gearbox, the T-Max has more in common with a normal motorcycle than other scooters on the market. It is an all-round, easy two-wheeler to own.

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NRMA Scooter Review
Pluses Braking power
Engine performance
Comfort
Storage space
All-round performer
Minuses Screen height for taller riders
LCD screen unreadable in sunlight

Engine Type Liquid cooled 4-stroke
Country of Manufacturer Japan
Colour Choice Thunder Blue
Stealth Metal
Prices $12,499

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For 2008, Yamaha has created a host of meaningful improvements to further enhance the T-Max's reputation as a maxi-scooter with motorcycle performance.

Value for money

Pricing
What is one of the best maxi scooters on the market will set you back $12,499 plus associated dealer and on road costs.

Standard features
Engine immobiliser, parking brake, 15 litre fuel tank, 15 inch wheels, aluminium frame, heaps of storage space, great looks and loads of power.

Accessories
There are: three different screens, a 46 litre top case, a 48 litre top case, top case carrier, console bag, two different types of leg shields, knuckle covers, protective sticker kit, heated grips, 12V outlet, mobile phone charger socket, rain seat cover, luggage carrier, passenger backrest and a passenger footrest extension kit.

Design & function

Comfort
With a wide fairing that gives good protection from the weather and a large soft seat with excellent back support, the T-Max is very comfortable to ride short or long distance. There are two footrest positions which really allows you to get into a relaxed spot.

If anyone is after a motorcycle with no gears and that is easy to get onto, then this bike will suit your needs. It gives the design and function of a motorcycle rather than a scooter.

For those that are taller than most, a higher screen is necessary as the standard height does buffet your head around.

Another great option is the knuckle covers, which would provide even more shelter from the elements.

Ergonomics
The T-Max has an LCD centre dash panel that houses tachometer, trip meter, clock and total kilometres. The speedometer, temperature and fuel gauges are very easy to read and look especially nice at night with the red backlight; however, the LCD panel is unreadable when the sun is on it.

The mirrors are very high and wide, giving a perfect view to the side and rear. They are actually too wide for trying to sneak through tight gaps, but would preferred having the vision.

Wide footrests do require you to extend your legs a little further than normal which may be an issue for those who are vertically challenged.

The T-Max has three very well placed and large storage compartments. There are two in the dash and the under-seat space can easily hold an open face helmet and some shopping bags stacked with the essentials.

Build quality & finish
Yamaha T-MAX frameApart from the exhaust, not much of the engine can be seen, which cleans up the scooter's look. The fairing offers a presence on the roadway and, looking at it from a distance, you would be hard pressed to know that this is a scooter - it looks more like a touring motorcycle.

I really liked the fact that Yamaha have made this bike easy to clean. Having ridden in the rain a couple of times, the bike got quite dirty. I gave it a quick wash and chamois and the bike looked great again. Little things like the smooth paintwork on the V-Belt cover and the front mudguard extension make so much of a difference.

On the road

Fuel
With a larger tank than the previous model, the T-Max has increased its touring and commuting value. Achieving an average fuel consumption of 5.6L/100km, I can see a tank being good for about 260km.

I am sure if touring you would see more range, but I enjoyed twisting the throttle so much I didn't achieve low figures.

Performance
Acceleration off the line is smooth and the T-Max really takes off around 20km/h, progressing very quickly to highway speeds which the T-Max has no problems maintaining. I see this bike making a worthy tourer.

Gearbox
The automatic gearbox gives good performance off the line and excellent performance at speed.

Ride
City riding was an absolute breeze on this bike. How easy is it just to twist the throttle and not worry about using the clutch and changing gears! Every time I got off this bike I was refreshed and relaxed, even through thick, normally tiring, city traffic.

Country riding was again very easy and relaxing. The T-Max handled some quite rough roads well.

Handling
Most scooters I have ridden are not a patch on most motorcycles. However the T-Max handles extremely well and is more like a motorcycle to ride.

Pushing the T-Max hard through corners was loads of fun. The turn-in is precise and allows, again, for a relaxed easy ride. I am sure some riders of much larger motorcycles were shocked to see a scooter pass them.

Riding two-up did zap a little power but handling was still great and was not upset over rough roads and short sharp bumps.

Braking
With front calipers borrowed from the Yamaha YZF-R1, the T-Max stops with loads of power and gives heaps of reassurance in the wet and dry. I could squeeze very hard on the brakes with the confidence that no lock up would happen unless I wanted it to. The rear brake is also very effective, given the weight of the engine over the back wheel.

Smoothness & quietness
The T-Max gives a small rasp from the exhaust under acceleration, otherwise it is very smooth and very quiet at speed.

Riding Gear:
KBC VR2R Stealth Helmet
RST Rift Textile Jacket
Alpinestar Bionic Back Protector
Alpinestar 365 Gloves
Shift Kevlar Denim Jeans
Alpinestar SMX-4 Waterproof Boots

Supplied by: Monza Imports
Phone: (03) 8327 8888

Summary

The 2008 Yamaha XP500 T-Max 500 is classed as a maxi-scooter. Apart from its looks and the automatic gearbox, the T-Max has more in common with a normal motorcycle than other scooters on the market. It is an all-round, easy two-wheeler to own.

Offering heaps of show 'n' go, along with tons of stopping power, this is the scooter that potential scooterists looking for performance and fun should consider buying.

The 'scooter' image might turn a lot of people away, but they will miss out on an extremely practical bike that has the capablility to commute, tour and scratch with much larger bikes on the road.

Test bike supplied by Yamaha Motorcycles Australia.

By Stuart Woodbury - NRMA Motoring, August 2008.




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