Recently, scooters are getting morepopularity, because they are a cheaper and more convenient alternative to motorcycles, which are not so accessible to the average consumer. Especially worth noting such a thing as a maxi-scooter. Unlike conventional models, these have a larger size, greater performance, and externally are not so different from motorcycles. That is why this version is gaining worldwide success, and many manufacturers begin to produce their counterparts and improve previous vehicles to be able to promote their products to the masses. This article will discuss one of the most popular today maxi-scooter called “Yamaha T-Max 500”, which was first released more than fifteen years ago, but still continues to be improved and updated. Why is he so good? What are its specifications? Meet the maxi-scooter "Yamaha T-Max 500" in all its glory.
Introduction
The Yamaha T-Max 500 is one of the very firstmaxi scooters on the market. The Japanese company announced that it was going to release an unusual model in 2000, but only a year later it was launched into production and launched onto the market. And already then this scooter began to gain fans. People appreciated the unusual combination - a vehicle that represents something between a scooter and a full-fledged motorcycle. Since then, many manufacturers began to produce maxi-scooters, some of them are not even shy and directly copy what they created in the Yamaha company. But we can safely say that it was the products of this enterprise that turned out to be the most impressive. Fifteen years have passed, and the Yamaha T-Max 500 is still in production. Several generations of this scooter have changed, and the latest versions look incredibly attractive.
Maxi scooters in Japan and the world
Японские скутеры считаются одними из самых popular and successful all over the world, and the leader in their production is Yamaha. However, it is worth noting that max-scooters appeared relatively recently compared to motorcycles. More precisely, their debut took place in 1994. It was then that the first model, the Yamaha T, emerged, from which the scooter that this article deals with later developed. What is it different from the rest? The fact is that the letter in the name - "T" - is an abbreviation for twin, that is, "double". This indicates, first of all, that this scooter, unlike conventional scooters, uses a two-cylinder engine, and secondly, this letter demonstrates that this model has a dual purpose, that is, it can be used both as a scooter and as a motorcycle . Since then, a variety of Japanese scooters and models from other manufacturers have appeared, which combined both functions, but this has become a landmark in history.
Specifications: engine
Раз уж речь зашла о двигателе, которым снабжен This scooter, then you should take a closer look at the heart of the Yamaha T-Max 500 model. First of all, you should know that this motor is four-stroke, has liquid cooling, and is also equipped with four valves for each of the two cylinders. Its volume is 499 centimeters cubic, and power - 44 horsepower. Also worth noting is a good torque of 45 Nm. These are basic parameters, but if we talk about more specific features, then you should know that this engine has an injection fuel supply system, and its clutch is multi-plate automatic. And, of course, it is worth noting that the volume of the fuel tank of this model is fifteen liters. However, the engine is not all that a Yamaha T-Max 500 scooter has.
Scooter frame
As mentioned earlier, this model comes outfor a long time, so you should not be surprised that the frame of each of them will be a little different. New scooters get a more modern look, so the frame of them is changing accordingly. This article will describe the latest generation of these scooters, which was launched for sale relatively recently - in 2012. So, the front suspension of this model is made in the form of a telescopic fork, and the rear one is a pendulum lever. On the front wheel there are two brake discs with diameters of 267 millimeters, and on the rear one there is exactly the same one disc. The size of the front tire is 120 to 70, while the rear has slightly different parameters - 160 to 60. And, of course, it is worth noting that the new scooters look different from the previous generation, and the difference is even more noticeable. if you compare the latest generation with the first.
Dimensions
Since we are talking about how a scooter looks"Yamaha T-Max 500", the technical characteristics of this model also include its dimensions. The length of this scooter is about 2.2 meters, in width - 77 centimeters, and in height - 1.4 meters. The length of the wheelbase is one and a half meters, and the height, measured not as a whole, but over the seat, is 80 centimeters. In addition to the basic parameters, there is also a minimum ground clearance, which this scooter is 12 and a half centimeters. As for the mass, then, compared with previous generations, the new model felt better - now it weighs 208 kilograms, which is a very good indicator for such a vehicle. At the same time, all the devices of the scooter remained in place, that is, the mass loss was not due to the rejection of important elements.
Two options
Be sure to pay attention to the fact thatMaxiscooter Yamaha T-Max 500 is available in two versions - regular and special. What is the difference between them? In fact, the difference is quite small and weakly perceptible, but it is still there. Manufacturers have identified a special version designed for long journeys - in other words, tourist. This touring modification has some differences, such as a less massive fairing, modified optics, a more impressive windshield, as well as additional suspension settings to make it more comfortable for you on the road. Thus, you can independently make tuning "Yamaha T-Max 500", while not needing any additional funds. But if you want, you can get an ordinary model and customize it with your own hands, which will be discussed later.
Improved braking system
The Yamaha T-Max 500 scooter also has oneA feature that you can get for a small extra fee. The fact is that the manufacturer allows the buyer to choose the brake system, and if you want to pay a little more, you can get the ABS system, which is much more reliable and efficient, electrically-controlled and the most progressive today. But, as in the case of the tourist version, no one obliges you to make such a choice, so you can stop at the standard brakes. In the case of the Yamaha T-Max 500 scooter, the reviews regarding the basic braking system are good, so the choice in favor of ABS can be made only with a strong desire - there is definitely no need for this. However, user reviews will be discussed in more detail a little later.
High competitiveness
Many people may wonder:Why buy such a maxi-scooter if you can buy a motorcycle touring and enjoy traveling on it? But in reality, practice shows that already a huge number of people have made a choice in favor of this model for a variety of reasons. And if it seems to you that a scooter cannot be as comfortable as a motorcycle, then you should pay attention to the fact that this model has absolutely all the necessary accessories that can be found on any tour of the latest generation - including even heated ones. arms and seats for those who like to travel at night or in the cold season. As it was said earlier, in recent years, maxi-scooters are not much less than full-fledged motorcycles.
Speed indicators
Particular attention should be paid to whatspeed is able to develop this scooter. People are accustomed to the fact that such a vehicle is a kind of toy that can travel no more than sixty kilometers per hour. Of course, there are such scooters that even teenagers can ride, but this particular model, like many modern highly specialized scooters, can demonstrate incredible performance. For example, this scooter can accelerate to 187 kilometers per hour, which is very good. Naturally, this can not be compared with the latest generation of motorcycles, which can accelerate to more than 300 kilometers per hour, but you should understand that the maxi-scooter does not set itself the task of overtaking a motorcycle in a speed race. And in the sales race this vehicle adds every year.
Tuning
As for tuning, many usersThis scooter reports that, if desired, it can be very well "pumped", and you can start with the engine and brakes and end even by the body. Naturally, many are concentrating on pumping the suspension, because with it this model has some difficulties. And the matter is not even in the quality of performance, because here it is at the highest level. You will learn more about the shortcomings of the suspension later when reviews for this scooter are considered. Now it's time to figure out how much the purchase of such a scooter of the last generation will cost. After all, not everyone is willing to spend a round sum to buy a scooter, when you can add a little and buy a motorcycle.
Cost
If you search for used scooters,It is likely that you can find better deals. However, if we consider exactly the new models that are purchased immediately after their production, then the prices here may vary depending on the equipment you choose for your scooter. The most basic version costs about 830 thousand Russian rubles, but as far as you remember, you can supply it with a modern braking system, heated accessories - or even choose the tourist version of the model. All this may gradually increase the cost until it reaches its maximum level. Fully equipped maxi-scooter of this model will cost you a hundred thousand rubles more, so you will need to be wise to choose which components you want to see in your vehicle.
Positive reviews
The first thing to consider is positive.feedback from those people who own this scooter or had the opportunity to spend so much time behind the wheel to form any clear and reasonable opinion. So, most people celebrate the outstanding design of this vehicle - especially when compared to how this scooter started in 2001. Also, people like the speed of this model, and in addition to it, the sound of the engine during high acceleration. Almost everyone notes the high build quality and reliability in use. Some particularly highlight the fact that the maxi-scooter with its large size does not require a huge amount of fuel, as well as extremely easy to manage. At the same time, impressive wind protection is also recorded in the benefits - naturally, especially in the case of the tourist model.
Negative feedback
Specifically negative reviews on this scooteralmost none - most people simply point out some of its flaws in their positive reviews. And this can be easily understood by the fact that they distinguish only two shortcomings, both of which repeat from review to review. The first is the suspension, this shortcoming has already been mentioned in the article. The fact is that the suspension of this scooter was developed for Europe and, accordingly, for European roads, such as the German autobahn. Therefore, the suspension here is extremely sensitive, and if you go on a rough road, you will feel every bump on which to ride. The second drawback is the high cost of repair and maintenance. Indeed, this scooter itself is not so cheap, but at the same time repairing it is a nightmare. Therefore, it is much easier not to break it, that is, to drive carefully and wisely.
