Top of my Christmas List - Yamaha

[KCScooterDude]

Check this out. G-Max might have to wait for T-Max

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/produ ... /home.aspx

[babblefish]

I've also been looking at that bike, but I don't know if Yamaha is going to bring it into the US. It's also not a regular size scoot, it's considered a maxi, if that makes any difference. I'd buy one for longer distance rides, but still keep a smaller scoot for the city.

[KCScooterDude]

I've also been looking at that bike, but I don't know if Yamaha is going to bring it into the US. It's also not a regular size scoot, it's considered a maxi, if that makes any difference. I'd buy one for longer distance rides, but still keep a smaller scoot for the city.

Sure looks like they are. Click on the video. If they aren't, their marketing is strange. I believe this is the Yamaha site for the US.

[illnoise]

It is coming for 2009. I haven't seen a price yet, but doing the math based on their other models, it'll be crazy expensive.

The Morphous costs ¥661,500 (US$6396) in Japan and $5299 here, so by that math, the T-Max (¥850,500, US $8188) would cost $6813. More than the Majesty and the Morphous, but a good deal less than a SilverWing.

[babblefish]

Great to hear something decent is coming over here. Under $7000 sounds somewhat reasonable to me considering I almost bought a motorcycle for $14K.

[GFridrich3]

If you look at the specs page

$7999 for the blue one
$8099 for the yellow one

Plus, figure in an adder for a hot new model to the price.

Id rather buy a low mileage used or new 650'ish sport cruiser at those prices.

[illnoise]

Yeah, under 7K isn't out of the question, but 8K is an awful lot.

Then again, they get FANTASTIC reviews, people love 'em.

Bb.

[babblefish]

And hop-up parts are plentiful!

[babblefish]

Any idea's when this scoot will get here? I know, '09, but is that late '08 for the '09 year or mid '09?

[GFridrich3]

Spec page also says starting in July 08.

I wouldnt doubt pre-orders are being filled at least into 2009 since its a new model. Same thing is happening with that ungodly expensive BRP Can/Am Spyder roadster thats going to be delivering preorders well into spring/summer of 09. Theres good chance that many of the pre-orders will either be dealer allocation or cancelled orders, so they will be available as new, just gotta get your name on the list asap so you can get one if you really want it.

[illnoise]

Seems like they usually have their new-year stuff out in the fall, but I don't think the C3 came until spring. If they announced it this early, I'd bet on October or November.

[beelzebubbles]

I think this scooter got written up a lot on European scooter magazines - if I recall right, it's used often in scooter racing. It looks very nice, especially the yellow one (although, what's with that model riding on the scooter in the photos - dude looks like a total squid). I used to ride another big scooter, Piaggio BV500, which had its pluses, but which I ultimately sold off because something about the way it handled and lack of storage space made the Blur much more fun/convenient for me on the city streets. I'd like to check out the T-Max, though, since as mentioned elsewhere it's a megascooter that's gotten some great reviews.

At that price point and weight, though, I'd have to start wondering if it's the way to go, or the Aprilia Mana 850 with its motorcycle ergonomics and handling. It's still cheaper than the Mana, and probably has a bigger storage space.

[KCScooterDude]

I'm interested in something for touring. I like the T-Max because it reminds me of the Blur, which I'll be keeping for commuting.

[bs318is11]

Well its been awhile. From what i have been told, the T-Max has very little cargo space compared to other maxi scooters. I just recently purchased a Burgman 650 to compliment my Blur. I must say that the T-Max is overpriced for what you are getting. If it where my decision i would definitely buy a Burgman 650. They are about the same price and you are getting alot more with the Burgy. The Burgman has a mass amount of storage space, an overdrive transmission that can be shifted manually, and the good old Power button. Just by pressing the button, the engine revs a thousand rpm so when you hit the gas you take off like a bullet. Also, the 500cc T-Max gets about the same mpg as the Burgman. All of that said, i still love my Blur and use it for my daily driver. There is nothing like going out and scraping around turns to get your adrenaline pumping.

[illnoise]

I think the sales point of the TMax vs. the Burgman is just its sportiness, like I said, it just gets fantastic reviews for handling, ergonomics, power, etc. It's a Ducati Monster to the Burgman's Harley cruiser, maybe?

I'm guessing it's all about the riding experience, there aren't many scooters in that size/displacement range that fit between the urban commuter size and the highway cruiser size, and if it's just engineered perfectly and "feels right," then a certain market will snap it up at any price.

Look at us, we paid $1000 more for the Blur than people pay for the Buddy because we realized what a great ride it was, whereas by the numbers, they're not radically different scooters.

Bb.

[babblefish]

I think the sales point of the TMax vs. the Burgman is just its sportiness, like I said, it just gets fantastic reviews for handling, ergonomics, power, etc. It's a Ducati Monster to the Burgman's Harley cruiser, maybe?

I'm guessing it's all about the riding experience, there aren't many scooters in that size/displacement range that fit between the urban commuter size and the highway cruiser size, and if it's just engineered perfectly and "feels right," then a certain market will snap it up at any price.

Look at us, we paid $1000 more for the Blur than people pay for the Buddy because we realized what a great ride it was, whereas by the numbers, they're not radically different scooters.

Bb.

And that's exactly why I would buy a TMax over a Burgman.

[BeachBuzz]

I think the sales point of the TMax vs. the Burgman is just its sportiness, like I said, it just gets fantastic reviews for handling, ergonomics, power, etc. It's a Ducati Monster to the Burgman's Harley cruiser, maybe?

I'm guessing it's all about the riding experience, there aren't many scooters in that size/displacement range that fit between the urban commuter size and the highway cruiser size, and if it's just engineered perfectly and "feels right," then a certain market will snap it up at any price.

Look at us, we paid $1000 more for the Blur than people pay for the Buddy because we realized what a great ride it was, whereas by the numbers, they're not radically different scooters.

Bb.

And that's exactly why I would buy a TMax over a Burgman.

that's exactly why I bought the Burgman 400!! and compared to the TMAX I would absolutely buy the Burgman 400 again. 65-70 mpg, plenty of power for 2-up cruizin and still low 60s mpg, and it loves the twisties.

ride what you like....

[KCScooterDude]

Well its been awhile. From what i have been told, the T-Max has very little cargo space compared to other maxi scooters. I just recently purchased a Burgman 650 to compliment my Blur. I must say that the T-Max is overpriced for what you are getting. If it where my decision i would definitely buy a Burgman 650. They are about the same price and you are getting alot more with the Burgy. The Burgman has a mass amount of storage space, an overdrive transmission that can be shifted manually, and the good old Power button. Just by pressing the button, the engine revs a thousand rpm so when you hit the gas you take off like a bullet. Also, the 500cc T-Max gets about the same mpg as the Burgman. All of that said, i still love my Blur and use it for my daily driver. There is nothing like going out and scraping around turns to get your adrenaline pumping.

Okay, okay. So I'll leave the Burgman wallpaper up on my laptop. I do want lots of storage in a maxi, so that would be an issue. I like the racy look of the T-Max and I do like to lean into those twisties!!!

Do you have a 650 or a 650 executive? I think the only thing I might like about the executive (over the other) is difference in the in-dash storage.

[bs318is11]

KCScooterDude,

I have the base 650. It has plenty of upfront storage for my needs. It has two compartments that are about 5x5x8. Also, it has a locking glove box with a 12 volt power outlet. If you want to know more about both the Burgman and T-Max, check out www.burgmanusa.com . As far as handling, the Burgman is very capable. Although, it could use a little more ground clearance. The one knock i have is the dieseling noise of the Burgman at idle. It can be annoying. In the end, what you buy comes down to personal preference. You need to go out and test drive both machines. I doubt you would be disappointed in either. Your needs will dictate which you purchase.

The T-Max is a great looking machine and they made a very funny commercial that i think we can all relate to. http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/produ ... video.aspx

[babblefish]

I was just thinking it would have been nice if they also brought in the XMAX version of this. I think the lighter weight of a 250 would make it more practical within city limits and would still have enough power for short freeway stints. Plus it would be cheaper to buy.

[ERik3tb]

I talked with the local Yamaha dealer this past weekend and they are already able to special order it in. I could have one next month if I wanted it.

[zuman]

It's a great-looking bike and I'm sure it's a really cool ride, but they ought to be able to do better than 47mpg. I'm assuming the transmission is optimized for acceleration instead of high-speed cruising.

[babblefish]

It's a great-looking bike and I'm sure it's a really cool ride, but they ought to be able to do better than 47mpg. I'm assuming the transmission is optimized for acceleration instead of high-speed cruising.

The low MPG is probably because it's a 500cc engine moving about 425 pounds. Just to put that into perspective, some 1000cc motorcycles are very close to that weight. Plus the CVT may not be as efficient as a gearbox. I remember my 750 Suzuki returned only 35mpg if I rode her hard which, unfortunately, was most of the time. Then again, premium wasn't $5 a gallon either.

[KCScooterDude]

Well its been awhile. From what i have been told, the T-Max has very little cargo space compared to other maxi scooters. I just recently purchased a Burgman 650 to compliment my Blur. I must say that the T-Max is overpriced for what you are getting. If it where my decision i would definitely buy a Burgman 650. They are about the same price and you are getting alot more with the Burgy. The Burgman has a mass amount of storage space, an overdrive transmission that can be shifted manually, and the good old Power button. Just by pressing the button, the engine revs a thousand rpm so when you hit the gas you take off like a bullet. Also, the 500cc T-Max gets about the same mpg as the Burgman. All of that said, i still love my Blur and use it for my daily driver. There is nothing like going out and scraping around turns to get your adrenaline pumping.

How does the Burgman do on the freeway? My interest in buying a maxi-scoot is to do some Inter-city travel. I'm not looking to ride to Colorado on I-70, but short-stints on the Interstate would be a real possibility. Two-lane is a lot more fun anyway.

[BeachBuzz]

the Burgman is an awesome machine capable of everything you would expect of a maxi scooter. others certainly compare and even out-perform in certain areas. i've had mine on every kind of road around here, solo, 2-up - it just does it all. I try to stay off the superslabs when ever possible - it's just better on the backroads, my additude, not the scoot!
if you're interested in a maxi, do yourself a favor and check them all out, try them on for size and include your riding partner if you hanve one - not all creature comforts are the same.

[jrsjr]

Any idea's when this scoot will get here? I know, '09, but is that late '08 for the '09 year or mid '09?

My dealer is quoting October availibility. Note the word availibility. According to him, the TMax 500 wil be a special order item like the FJ motorcycles. Start saving your pennies...