Sportbike Wallpapers: Yamaha Tmax 2009

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Yamaha Tmax 2009

Already a favorite on the other side of the Atlantic, Yamaha has brought its TMAX Stateside to sate American scooter aficionados. The latest maxi-scooter from Yamaha, the TMAX pushes the scooter/motorcycle hybrid to the sporty end of the spectrum. Featuring a fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, four-valve per cylinder Twin, the TMAX mill displaces 499cc through a 66mm bore and 73mm stroke. The Twin's grunt is delivered with a continuously variable transmission, wet centrifugal clutch and V-belt final drive. No power claims are given, but Yamaha does promise a smooth power delivery sufficient "for two-up touring at highway speeds."

Mated to the engine is a chassis that features a CF die-cast aluminum frame. Giving the TMAX a more motorcycle flavor are a 43mm telescopic fork and 15-inch cast aluminum wheels with radial tires. Also adding to the performance factor are triple 267mm disc brakes, with dual units up front and a single disc out back.

With its larger two-cylinder engine compared to its smaller single-cylinder scooter kin, the TMAX doesn't get earth-shattering fuel economy, although 47 mpg is respectable. Teamed with its 4-gallon tank, riders will have 160-plus miles of road to explore. For those explorations, long or short, the TMAX delivers wind protection via its large windscreen and a front fairing that looks much sportier than its maxi-scooter sibling - the Yamaha Majesty. Potential owners can utilize underseat storage capable of stowing away a full-face helmet.