Tougher • Sportier • More TMAX than ever!
From the first glance, it's clear that this model represents a new chapter for TMAX. A more prominent, angular design gives a concentrated, piercing look, at once more aggressive and more dynamic. It grabs the attention and accentuates the scooter's presence on the road like never before.
Beneath the fairing, an optimised, lighter aluminium chassis and a 530cc engine provide the new TMAX in 2012 with a combination of smooth, ultra-direct acceleration and best-ever torque from a standing start. Handling and stability have also been improved, with weight distribution and balance now more like a motorcycle than ever, for instinctive, ultra-precise turning, every time.
Make no mistake, this is still a TMAX. In fact, it's the purest TMAX riding experience yet.
TMAX: the legend continues
In 2001, the original TMAX announced a new era in scooter riding. A scooter like no other, it established an entirely new category: the Sports Maxi-Scooter.
The idea behind the TMAX was to combine the performance, handling and speed of a motorcycle, with the convenience and practicality of a Maxi-Scooter. This unique proposition made the TMAX an immediate hit. Experienced riders across Europe, with a love of prestige styling and sporty performance, quickly came to enjoy its versatile, dynamic riding style. A fun-filled commuter during the week and an enjoyable ride for a weekend getaway, the TMAX was just as at home in the countryside as it was on busy city streets – either with a passenger or without.
While successive models of the TMAX have continuously evolved since 2001 – setting new benchmarks for performance and handling – the core concept of the TMAX has always remained the same: combining the performance of a motorcycle and the convenience of a scooter.
TMAX in 2012 doesn't deviate from that formula: it improves it – in a host of new, exciting ways.
More Power
One ride on the new TMAX will convince any rider that the scooter's improvements can't be conveyed in spec numbers alone. From the noticeably smoother, direct acceleration feeling, to the instant, powerful response delivered by the engine, it offers boosted levels of excitement that have to be experienced to be believed.
This TMAX evolution starts with a new 4-stroke, DOHC, in-line 2-cylinder, 4-valve, 530cc fuel-injected engine with continuously variable transmission (CVT). Compared to its predecessor, this new engine delivers extremely strong torque in the low to mid-speed range, achieving a significant increase in torque output.
This remarkable torque is achieved by an engine full of lighter, more efficient components, including forged aluminium pistons with optimised valve recess; a pent roof type combustion chamber with optimised squish area; and a new cam profile. A lightweight aluminium balancer sleeve is used in place of a steel sleeve. This balancer system is optimised to reduce horsepower loss, using a vent to eliminate pumping effect. Similar vents in the inner walls of the crankcase reduce pressure.
The result? A noticeable boost in acceleration in the 40-90 km/h speed range. It's an improvement riders will feel every time they power away from the lights, or effortlessly pass rush-hour traffic.
To better accommodate the new engine, all-new intake and exhaust systems are used. Instead of aluminium, the intake manifold is constructed from lightweight plastic resin. Other changes include a 34mm diameter throttle bore, longer exhaust pipe, and new silencer.
Such serious levels of torque are reflected in a new, higher-capacity wet sump design, and a redesigned CVT unit, with new build materials, a new belt chamber cooling system, new optimised speed ratios, and an updated fuel injection system. Thanks to these extensive changes, riders don't just get the thrill of powerful acceleration; they get a sensation of effortless, fluid driveability, across the whole power band.
The secondary drive features a new belt drive mechanism, clearly visible at the rear of the scooter: a Yamaha world-first in this class. With virtually no play in the belt, power delivery is more linear, the throttle is more connected with the engine, and the rider also feels closer to the machine. Constructed from lightweight aramid fibre – famed for its excellent tensile strength, durability, shock resistance and anti-corrosion qualities – the new belt drive further contributes to the reduction of un-sprung weight, and the centralised mass that gives the TMAX its unique, motorcycle-style handling.
More like a motorcycle: reduced weight and adjusted weight distribution
At the heart of the 2012 TMAX is a die-cast aluminium frame, with optimised rigidity balance, that lets riders enjoy the full effect of the 530cc engine and CVT transmission. Weight distribution follows a pattern similar to that of a motorcycle, with the engine rigidly mounted within the frame, using newly-refined steel parts, and a low-sitting fuel tank.
In total, the scooter has lost approximately 4 kg in weight: this is largely thanks to a new die-cast aluminium swing arm, with separate right and left halves. The swing arm incorporates a chain tensioner identical to those used on Supersport models, which further helps optimise the rigidity balance that is so crucial to this scooter's exciting, sporty performance.
Combined, these design elements deliver best-ever weight distribution towards the front wheel and noticeably improve handling; riders can follow their intended line with stability and ease, even through the tightest corners. Similar to a motorcycle, TMAX in 2012 is also incredibly responsive: by providing riders with precise feedback from the road, it allows for an enhanced level of control.
More braking power, ultra-responsive suspension
With a scooter as powerful as the TMAX, reliable, effective braking is essential. A large diameter 282 mm rear disc brake is added to TMAX in 2012, working in combination with dual 267 mm front disc brakes and the TMAX’s famous 4-pot front calliper. An ABS option is also available for even more confidence during breaking.
TMAX suspension lifts both handling and comfort to new levels, with excellent cornering, stability and overall feel. The cushioned ride provided by the strong rear shock is complemented by motorcycle-style telescopic front forks: highly resistant to twisting, they keep the front wheel tracking straight and true in various road conditions.
Aggressive, high-prestige style
Visually, the new TMAX refines its signature blend of distinctive, streamlined design and functionality. For 2012, the look is sportier, tougher and edgier than any TMAX to date; in short, it’s more TMAX than ever,
Newly shaped, streamlined body panels are combined with new aggressive front end styling, which provides ample room for the re-styled, symmetrically shaped dashboard and new rear-view mirrors, which reduce the effects of turbulence and vibration. The completely new, modern instrument panel shows every piece of key ride information at a glance. Dual, polygon-shaped analogue counters make striking additions to the dashboard: the speedometer on the left side, the tachometer on the right. The dashboard is also backlit, for excellent visibility.
Yamaha’s instantly recognisable ‘twin eye’ projector headlights with sub-reflectors are more compact, yet more efficient, and they complement the distinctive, angular front flashers. Meanwhile, an accent line above the headlights creates the appearance of a ‘face’: the distinctive Yamaha touch. A new LED tail lamp is taken from Yamaha’s flagship Supersport bikes, emphasising the TMAX’s sporty DNA.
Underlining the scooter’s versatile and sporty character – the exciting city commuter that’s more than capable of opening up on the open road – is a new aerodynamic 2-step adjustable windscreen, which can be adjusted to suit riding conditions. Despite being smaller than the screen on its predecessor, a sophisticated design allows it to achieve identical levels of air resistance and wind noise, for total rider comfort.
Additional modifications include new, dynamic-looking 5-spoke wheels and a high-quality, forged aluminium side stand, which helps keep overall weight down.
The visual 'boomerang'-shaped line, running from front to rear, is as distinctive as ever. Luxurious levels of comfort remain the standard, with wraparound fairing providing protection from the elements, and a sporty seat providing an optimal, active riding position with the flexibility to move. Grab rails, fold-out footrests and redesigned rear panels ensure that a passenger travels with new levels of comfort and confidence. Multiple gloveboxes and underseat storage provide substantial luggage space.
More TMAX than ever
While these changes build substantially on the TMAX’s character, the fundamentals remain: the new TMAX is more TMAX than ever.
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