Yamaha XP 500 TMax

scooters have been on different planets ever since the days of the Mods and Rockers four decades ago. No self-respecting biker would be seen dead on a single-speeder and the same parents who’ll happily buy their a daughter a scooter to commute to college would freak out if she wanted a motorcycle.

Now Yamaha, which led the way with the 250cc Majestic in 1994, has tried to combine the best features of the two genres in the 500cc T-Max by endowing it with a number of big-bike features.

Conventional scooter design has the engine and transmission pivoting as a unit so they actually form the rear suspension, a practice that leads to high unsprung weight and shortcomings in handling.

The T-Max has its motor and belt drive rigidly mounted in the frame; final drive is by an enclosed chain running inside one arm of an otherwise standard cast-alloy motorcycle swing-arm. The suspension is entrusted to a horizontal pull rod-operated shock absorber, as used on Buells and other interesting motorcycles.

The front suspension is also well up to motorcycle standards: 38mm conventional cartridge forks, wheels that are 14" in diameter and shod with serious rubber - 120/70 in front and 150/70 in back, the same widths as my 750cc sport bike.


Yamaha XP 500 TMax

Year 2003-04

Engine Liquid cooled, four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.

Capacity 499
Bore x Stroke 66 x 73 mm
Compression Ratio 10.1:1

Induction

Ignition / Starting - / electric

Max Power 40 hp 29.2 KW @ 7000 rpm

Max Torque 45.8 hp @ 5500 rpm

Transmission / Drive CVT drive with wet multiplate centrifugal clutch.

Front Suspension 38mm Telescopic forks with 120mm wheel travel.

Rear Suspension Swinging arm with 120mm wheel travel.

Front Brakes Single 282mm disc

Rear Brakes Single 267mm disc

Front Tyre 120/70-14

Rear Tyre 150/70-14
Seat Height 795 mm

Dry-Weight 197 kg

Fuel Capacity 14 Litres

Reviews Motormag / Motorbikes Today