SBF Tmax Cafe

[Guest chaochao]

All i can say is that now mine is not so new bike and just clocked 1000 km. City riding is estimated to be around 20km/I. Not bad in my personal opinion.

 

Only have 2 small compains so far:

 

a) some rain water do seep into the under storage area thru the rider's backrest holes (2 holes) will try to find something to water proof it.

 

b) wish that one of the front glove compartment have a lock instead. (how come Yamaha never look into this at all?)

 

Otherwise, i am looking into buffering up stationary drops impact points... still thinking.....

 

 

Good! I've also sold off my FJR after owning the TMAX, bet U wont regret it, as long as U dont take the MAX up to long trips on the NSH.

 

to get 25Km/L, I think quite hard leh, not many bikes can give that type of FC, esp when the MAXXER is like 200KG.

 

doubt the FY-plates would gor for $6.5K... likely higher.... take yr time to scout ard, sadly, new MAXXERS have shot thru the roof in prices, and resale ones are rare in-between....

 

Rain water may seep into the rider's backrest holes?? Thanks for sounding that out - I better retract my X9 back rest!

 

From what I read, getting 25km/L from TMax is not possible when riding in city. But why would TMax not suitable for long-distance riding?? Is it because its fuel tank is 14 Litres?? Over-heating? How about to K.L. or Cameron Highlands?

I read that Piaggio XEvo 400 can achieve 27KM/L @ 90kph.

 

This is the TMax on sale and it is 2004 FY Plate.

Err... anyone care to go with me to view the bike tmr, Sat 1130am? Could use some advice as I know little about scooters.

Edited September 4, 2009 by chaochao

[Swing 7777]

y not suitable?I full throttled all de way to malacca n back with no issues..back no ache..still bought a truck load of stuff..no issues..just that fuel tank abit small..

Chaochao,try to get a FI model..(04 above)..better handling at high speeds (thicker rear tyres)..n better braking as has 2 brake discs up front..

[sexyh]

Rain water may seep into the rider's backrest holes?? Thanks for sounding that out - I better retract my X9 back rest!

 

Sorry i may not have explained the statement well. The 08-09 Tmax seat has a detachable small rear cushion that sits between the rider's back and the passenger's front. It is more like a kidney/ rear butt rest and can be removed with 2 nuts at the bottom part of the whole seat. This butt rest at the bottom has 2 long bolts that is inserted into 2 holes that goes right thru' the centre of the whole seat, finally at the bottom, the tightening is done by the 2 nuts.

 

I usually seldom cover my bike at night and over the last couple of days there had been some wet nights, and i found out the the storage below the seat alittle wet when i open it in the morning.

 

So when i have time, might need to look for some rubber mat, resize them (thin but strong ones) or grommet and will try to waterproof the top part of the seat where the two long bolts are inserted to.

 

I don't think the X9 part will have any effect to this problem that i have. Cheers!

[FJRider]

All i can say is that now mine is not so new bike and just clocked 1000 km. City riding is estimated to be around 20km/I. Not bad in my personal opinion.

 

Only have 2 small compains so far:

 

a) some rain water do seep into the under storage area thru the rider's backrest holes (2 holes) will try to find something to water proof it.

 

b) wish that one of the front glove compartment have a lock instead. (how come Yamaha never look into this at all?)

 

Otherwise, i am looking into buffering up stationary drops impact points... still thinking.....

 

I just sent my Max to MT for 2nd servicing @1770mls. The Max is getting more fun to ride then ever..

 

While Calvin have 2 complains ... I have only one. Rainwater will seep thru the fuel tank door. If the Max is parked and there is a downpour, water will collect around the buffer rim. Is this normal?

[FJRider]

All i can say is that now mine is not so new bike and just clocked 1000 km. City riding is estimated to be around 20km/I. Not bad in my personal opinion.

 

Only have 2 small compains so far:

 

a) some rain water do seep into the under storage area thru the rider's backrest holes (2 holes) will try to find something to water proof it.

 

b) wish that one of the front glove compartment have a lock instead. (how come Yamaha never look into this at all?)

 

Otherwise, i am looking into buffering up stationary drops impact points... still thinking.....

 

 

Just sent my Max to MT for 2nd servicing. Mileage clocked 1784mls. Changed EO and R6 oil filter @ $60.00

 

While Calvin have 2 complains ... I have only one. WHen the Max is parked and there is a downpour, rainwater will seep thru the fuel tank door resulting in rainwater being collected inside the buffer area around the fuel intake opening. Is this normal or is there a factory fault ?

[nkan0]

 

From what I read, getting 25km/L from TMax is not possible when riding in city. But why would TMax not suitable for long-distance riding?? Is it because its fuel tank is 14 Litres?? Over-heating? How about to K.L. or Cameron Highlands?

I read that Piaggio XEvo 400 can achieve 27KM/L @ 90kph.

 

how can a scooter be more fun than the FJR, on the NSH ???

 

even assumably, U can hold the MAX at full blast 180kph on the NSH, it'd not have as good control, stability and comfort, compared to the FJR??

 

somehow, I've noticed that with footpegs right below yr butt, tends to support yr weight (lower-back) better than resting yr legs infront, like on a scooter, for long distance riding.

 

above is my personal opinion, in the context of my riding style, and i'm no fast rider

 

There's this TMAX owner recently rode to CH & Penang, check with him for feedback

[bigcow]

how can a scooter be more fun than the FJR, on the NSH ???

 

even assumably, U can hold the MAX at full blast 180kph on the NSH, it'd not have as good control, stability and comfort, compared to the FJR??

 

somehow, I've noticed that with footpegs right below yr butt, tends to support yr weight (lower-back) better than resting yr legs infront, like on a scooter, for long distance riding.

 

above is my personal opinion, in the context of my riding style, and i'm no fast rider

 

There's this TMAX owner recently rode to CH & Penang, check with him for feedback

 

as for me, my burgman 400 & 650 definitely more fun & comfortable when going for long distance because i had the backrest to support my waist, a lot of room for my legs to run abt & the big seat to shift my butt around. even when reach phuket, i still had the energy to go jalan jalan.

now riding the FJR. 1st few times went for trips, damn shack man. now getting better. but nothing beats riding a scooter. waiting to sell my FJR to get a scoot man!!!

getting a tmax for trips, can ask Momo. he rode to Suratani Thailand all by himself alone 1 bike.

[bigcow]

as for stability on NSHW, my burgman 650 confirm more stable at 180km/h compare to the FJR. i can even light a ciggy at 150km/h. haha...... in case shits happens, i can flip my 650 easier than the FJR, good thing abt the FJR is only the speed & engine reliability. nothing else.

[mrmagoo]

Fellow TMax riders.....I just sold my Tmax and bought a GP800.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k229/nikhuzlan/01GP.jpg

 

I have about 30,000miles of TMax over 7 years but less than 1000 miles of GP800 experience.

My Tmax has an Arrow full exhaust system, a Mallosi variator, braided steel hoses. All else is standard. Its a 2002 model, with 5 less HP, one less front disc,no fuel injection, and without the ABS.

 

My Tmax when it was fitted with a roof.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k229/nikhuzlan/maxred.jpg

 

My Tmax just before I sold it. I took off the roof and repainted the bike.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k229/nikhuzlan/Cars%20and%20Bikes/01color.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k229/nikhuzlan/Cars%20and%20Bikes/02color.jpg

 

The TMax handled well enough. Even with the roof on scraping mainstands was easy.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k229/nikhuzlan/roofmax2.jpg

 

Here's my short comparison impression.

 

Low Speed

 

The TMax is more agile at lower speeds, possibly due to its lesser weight and shorter wheelbase. While the TMax is more flickable, the GP is not that far behind in that area. Stability at radical lean angles is slight less than the GP, as the GP seems to hold its line better and is more neutral. Once the GP is in a set degree of lean angle, it will track without almost any need for input. The GP is also superior when the tarmac is less than smooth.

 

The GP with better stability and superior ground clearance gives confidence to the rider. Even then the centerstand and main stand scrapes, but not as easily as the TMax. Most of the mainstand on my TMax was ground away after seven years of use.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k229/nikhuzlan/Itwin1.jpg

 

In traffic the TMax is superior, again due to its lower weight and shorter wheelbase, but that is not something I miss when riding the GP. U Turns are better on the TMax; Tighter turning radius is the reason.

 

High Speed.

 

This is one area where the GP800 outshines the TMax significantly. Sweepers can be taken at speeds the TMax can only dream of, corners where I normally have to roll the throttle off on the TMax can be taken without doing so on the GP. The TMax feels a lot more 'flighty' on sweeping corners above 150km/h while the GP feels rock solid.

 

The GP's adjustable rear suspension also allows a good range of handling feel when set for the right range of rider weight and riding style. The TMax suspension is fixed. The rear axle of the GP is cocentric, and twisting it around will also change the rear ride height, giving more or less ground clearance as well as front fork rake angle. ( I have not tried this yet as I am just getting to know the GP.

 

Engine

 

The VTwin of the GP with 800cc gives much more power than that of the 500cc paralle twin of the TMax. So much so that in most cases where I will just twist the TMax throttle to the max on corner exit, I will only do it gently on the GP, as the rear WILL step out, just like a Superbike.

 

The feel of power on the GP is very very bike like, the delivery relaxed and effortless, while on the TMax, you will always sense there is a motor between your legs that is working very hard.

 

Brakes.

 

The GP is again better than the TMax in this area. The front brakes offers better feel, a more consistent bite and also fells more controllable.

 

Th GP also has a less tendency to 'stand up' and go wide when the front brakes are applied while leaned over. There is also less front end dive. Not much can be said of the rear brakes of both bikes, as they seems equal in bite and feel.

 

Storage Space.

Both are pathetic from a scooter perspective, with the TMax winning out the storage wars. Both cannot keep cokes cool as the compartment gets very warm. The GP is especially bad in this area.

 

Reliability.

 

I can now live without the TMax, and it will be going to its new owner after 7 sterling years of good service, living its life with the throttle on the upper third of its rev range on every ride. I changed the battery and the drive belt once, tyres numerous times, serviced it as per recommended. Only two things were defective; the speedometer pickup at the front axle and the rectifier failed. I can easily say that the reliability of the TMax is just slightly less than a pet rock.

 

I will be very happy if my GP can be as reliable.

 

Last Words;

 

In my opinion, the GP800 trumps the TMax significantly in areas that matters to me, ie, power headroom, handling, brakes, top speed, riding position and controllability. I wish the GP has ABS.........

 

While I'd think twice about Touring with mates on STs, RTs, Goldwings, FJRs and the like on the TMax, the GP I know will be able to easily hold the favorite 150-170km/h constant speed favored by these bikes. The TMax will be strung out at those speeds, while the GP still have some headroom in reserve.

 

And, probably peculiar to Malaysia, both bikes are priced similarly. When this is taken as a yardstick value, the only reason anyone buys a TMax over the GP here can be due to just seat height/ leg reach to the ground, and possibly suspicion over Italian reliability and after sales support.

 

Two days ago I fitted my GP800 with a MIVV full exhaust system.

 

Original system

http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/af138/nikpix_photos/TwoWheels1/mivv05.jpg

http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/af138/nikpix_photos/TwoWheels1/mivv07.jpg

http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/af138/nikpix_photos/TwoWheels1/mivv06.jpg

 

The Mivv full system. Weight saved is more than 5 kgs

http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/af138/nikpix_photos/TwoWheels1/mivv02.jpg

 

http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/af138/nikpix_photos/TwoWheels1/IMG_3993a.jpg

http://i1001.photobucket.com/albums/af138/nikpix_photos/TwoWheels1/IMG_3996a.jpg

 

 

Cheers From Malaysia.

 

ps. Is there a GP800 thread here?

Edited September 6, 2009 by mrmagoo

[madtmax]

Hi Capt,

 

My friend bought your ex. Must say he got a good 2nd hand tmax.

 

 

Last time I followed mrmagoo aka captain adviced when deciding my next ride and now after 5 years and almost 55,000miles, I still enjoying my Tmax.

 

I have no problem in long ride with Tmax. I had ride around Malaysia twice and the longest journey was to Bangkok... no problem what-so-ever. Am planning for chiengmai next year..

[mrmagoo]

Hi there,

 

Good to hear from you. He did call me but I have yet to meet up. The TMax is a really good scooter. Very reliable. He will be very happy with it.

 

We should meet up one day.

 

Cheers.

[cagiva03]

Something to laugh about!

 

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs265.snc1/9229_127171946686_683366686_2594765_6587029_n.jpg

 

First T-Max on the Starting Grid of Singapore Grand Prix (Restricted Zone).... Pole position somemore! Hahaha! I had some fun time inside! Woooo, the tarmac really shiok sia!

[momo1605198623]

Hi Maxxers,

 

I am quite new to scootering and own a X9 180cc for 3mths now. Before this, I was not a scooter kind of person. It took me a while to appreciate my current X9. Loved the smooth and easy riding + lotsa luggage space.

 

Now, I am considering upgrading to larger CC maxi-scooter. I'd like my next maxi for city-riding + occasional long-trips into Msia. So I am looking for a maxi that can provide a reasonable fuel consumption (25km/L) and cruise about 140kph at freeways.

 

After reviewing the specs of X9 400, SilverWing 400 and TMax, I am narrowing down to TMax. It said to be nimble enough for twisties and have good fuel economy.

 

I'd be grateful if any the experienced Maxxers here would advise average city riding F/C (Most occasions, I'll have a pillon). Would Tmax able to withstand long distance riding without causing too much damage to Belt, clutch, rollers and etc?

 

There are a few TMax on re-sale in SBF. An FY-plate going for $6.5K. Not sure if it is worth getting. Do the majority ppl here usually go for used ones?

 

Thanks.

 

dun worry abt short trip or even to Thailand on the Max. But its all up to individual. Fuel consumption so far is ard 20km/l - 21km/l for me.

 

My one belt change took me twice to Hatyai and a few short trips in Malaysia, but i believe can do better as i got it changed every 25000km.

 

But if u happen to go up north wif cheongster, juz b prepare to be left behind, cannot expect much from a scooter.

[Swing 7777]

is the GP800 a single cylinder?

[Guest chaochao]

y not suitable?I full throttled all de way to malacca n back with no issues..back no ache..still bought a truck load of stuff..no issues..just that fuel tank abit small..

Chaochao,try to get a FI model..(04 above)..better handling at high speeds (thicker rear tyres)..n better braking as has 2 brake discs up front..

 

how can a scooter be more fun than the FJR, on the NSH ???

 

even assumably, U can hold the MAX at full blast 180kph on the NSH, it'd not have as good control, stability and comfort, compared to the FJR??

 

somehow, I've noticed that with footpegs right below yr butt, tends to support yr weight (lower-back) better than resting yr legs infront, like on a scooter, for long distance riding.

 

above is my personal opinion, in the context of my riding style, and i'm no fast rider

 

There's this TMAX owner recently rode to CH & Penang, check with him for feedback

 

 

Thanks for the advice. The FY-plater is carb model. I wld opt for FI model since there's more improve to scooter's performance.

 

Nice to know that TMax can go high speed touring. Of course, I would not compare it with FJR or the like with a TMax. I'd get separate bike for chiong-ing NSH.

[Guest chaochao]

as for me, my burgman 400 & 650 definitely more fun & comfortable when going for long distance because i had the backrest to support my waist, a lot of room for my legs to run abt & the big seat to shift my butt around. even when reach phuket, i still had the energy to go jalan jalan.

now riding the FJR. 1st few times went for trips, damn shack man. now getting better. but nothing beats riding a scooter. waiting to sell my FJR to get a scoot man!!!

getting a tmax for trips, can ask Momo. he rode to Suratani Thailand all by himself alone 1 bike.

Hey bigcow, I am also considering the Burger400 too. Comparing it with TMax. Yah - I'd think a maxi is more comfy than FJR, but does not have that kinda punch as an FJR would offer.

[Guest chaochao]

;5784574']dun worry abt short trip or even to Thailand on the Max. But its all up to individual. Fuel consumption so far is ard 20km/l - 21km/l for me.

 

My one belt change took me twice to Hatyai and a few short trips in Malaysia, but i believe can do better as i got it changed every 25000km.

 

But if u happen to go up north wif cheongster, juz b prepare to be left behind, cannot expect much from a scooter.

Mmmm... so TMax can really tahan long trips! Thanks for sharing the info.

 

Have to rid my X9 and FJR first, then jump-ship to large cc maxi.

[Swing 7777]

y not keep de FJR for up north riding n a Tmax for local zipping

[momo1605198623]

Mmmm... so TMax can really tahan long trips! Thanks for sharing the info.

 

Have to rid my X9 and FJR first, then jump-ship to large cc maxi.

it definitely can do the job. moreover, i'm not the only maxxer tat have done it, even a carb model been there done there, its juz all in the mind and individual liking for the ride up north.

[yogi]

good job mr MrMagoo

Edited September 7, 2009 by yogi

[Guest chaochao]

y not keep de FJR for up north riding n a Tmax for local zipping

I'm changing my riding preference after riding a X9. Found maxi scooters are pretty practical yet fun. So, if I can have a large cc maxi which can do both local and up north, then my secondary bike can be a either sports or hypersports type. Even if I do not have a second bike, I can still use a large cc maxi for up north.

 

So it is either TMax or a SilverWing. Am considering whether is it gonna be a Cls2A scooter (cheaper tax, insurance, parts and servicing) or Cls2.

[FJRider]

I'm changing my riding preference after riding a X9. Found maxi scooters are pretty practical yet fun. So, if I can have a large cc maxi which can do both local and up north, then my secondary bike can be a either sports or hypersports type. Even if I do not have a second bike, I can still use a large cc maxi for up north.

 

So it is either TMax or a SilverWing. Am considering whether is it gonna be a Cls2A scooter (cheaper tax, insurance, parts and servicing) or Cls2.

 

 

I rode the Silverwing before. This is strictly my very own opinion, compared to the T Max on a scale of 1 to 10 ... I'd give the SW a 5 for speed and power but definately a 9 on comfort to the T Max's 9 and 5 respectively.

[Guest chaochao]

I rode the Silverwing before. This is strictly my very own opinion, compared to the T Max on a scale of 1 to 10 ... I'd give the SW a 5 for speed and power but definately a 9 on comfort to the T Max's 9 and 5 respectively.

what an opposite! But I bet TMax's power, pick-up and speed wld be better as it is 500cc. It is more sporty isn't it?

[FJRider]

what an opposite! But I bet TMax's power, pick-up and speed wld be better as it is 500cc. It is more sporty isn't it?

 

So very true. The Max is sportier and powerful as it's a 500cc. On the SW, going up a slope is like the engine suffering an asthma attack but this can't be said for the Max. I weight about 85kg and I can still chuan eui to get more power ...

[bigcow]

what an opposite! But I bet TMax's power, pick-up and speed wld be better as it is 500cc. It is more sporty isn't it?

 

u ask abt whether to buy a tmax or silverwing in a tmax thread, of cos people in this thread will ask u to get the tmax.

Of cos tmax is faster cos the final drive is chain driven. Unlike the silverwing's final drive being belt driven.