Yamaha TMAX 2022. Details about the special version and model history

The two-wheeled world changed forever when Yamaha released the TMAX in 2001. It was the first ever product to combine the comfort and convenience of a scooter with motorcycle-level performance, and this sporty scooter changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of owners around the world.

Since then, TMAX has won and firmly holds the title of bestseller in Europe, has gone through a considerable path of technical updates and has earned the status of a legend. Two decades after the introduction of the first TMAX, Yamaha has created a special edition of one of the company's most beloved creations.

Yamaha TMAX 2022

Featuring exclusive equipment and a unique new color scheme, the TMAX 20th Anniversary has been created to highlight the global success of Yamaha's sports scooter and give TMAX enthusiasts the opportunity to own a rare version of their favorite model.

Before the introduction of the Yamaha TMAX, anyone looking for a fast, comfortable and enjoyable motorcycle vehicle for everyday riding was forced to either choose a small-capacity scooter or look among motorcycles with a manual transmission. Both of these options are good, and millions of people around the world have chosen them, but the combination of the convenience of a scooter with the power, responsiveness and handling of a motorcycle has always attracted practical lovers of a breeze without the hassle of changing gears. For a long time, such models could only be dreamed of, until the TMAX was released, combining the ease of control of a scooter (open the gas and go) with the acceleration, handling and stability of a sports motorcycle.

In response to market demand, Yamaha designers decided in the late 90s to create the world's fastest scooter. In their usual style, the company's engineers ignored the generally accepted rules and created an entirely new version of two-wheeled transport, successfully combining advanced engine and suspension technologies with the friendly ergonomics of scooters. A chassis with a low tank and a foot tunnel that's easy to get on, a wind-resistant hood to protect you from bad weather, an automatic transmission, a comfortable seat and a large underseat rack - the TMAX was a huge gamble for Yamaha, but in the end it was a gamble that forever changed how the everyday world motorcycle transport, and the approach to long trips.

The scooter was very warmly received in the European market, and for 20 years since its introduction, TMAX has been a bestseller in its segment. However, it was quite ahead of its time, so Yamaha called it a sports scooter (with an allusion to the fact that it is a hybrid between a sportbike and a scooter), thereby defining the scope of the segment. To date, almost 300,000 TMAX units of different generations have been sold in Europe, which makes this model the most successful sports scooter ever produced, and in the Yamaha line this model is considered one of the most significant.

Ikebana: express test of the Yamaha NM-X scooter

In Asia or Europe, a scooter is one of the most popular types of transport, but in Russia such equipment is almost not in demand. Why don't people want to take, for example, a Yamaha NM-X scooter instead of a motorcycle?

Yamaha NM-X is the entry level of “adult” scooters. When you have grown from a “fifty kopeck” (that is, from 50 cm³), and finances do not allow you to handle a large cubic capacity, you choose just such a device: 125 “cubes” and the power of nine Japanese ponies.

The nine-horsepower hostage of environmentalists surprisingly cheerfully accelerates the scooter to 70-80 km/h, but then his enthusiasm predictably fades away. However, if you pretend to be a puny samurai and try to hide behind the microscopic glass of the dashboard, then under favorable conditions, a fair wind and a descent from a large mountain, you can see as much as 120 km/h on the speedometer. The actual speed at this moment is 110 km/h, but still not bad for 9 hp!

True, even if you maintain the general speed of the flow, you will inevitably make everyone want to immediately drive away, by unknown means, a small scooter brought into the left lane. Don’t forget about the 13-inch wheels, which force you to be pretty careful on deep ruts. Not to mention serious holes, where you can instantly “square” them, and in bad situations you can lose control.

Oh, what a pity! The device is convenient. Even on much larger scooters I have problems with the fit: my knees just don’t fit. But here everything is in order, and there is much more space for the passenger than on many full-size motorcycles. A huge “toilet bowl” (as in the world of scooterists they usually call the luggage container under the seat) can easily eat up a full-fledged integral helmet. What about fuel consumption? With the gas fully cranked up, I got 2.5 l/100 km! Here's an example of how you can travel about 300 kilometers on a tiny 6.6-liter tank, without any eco-perversions like start-stop or hybridization.

Well, why then do we hardly see scooters on the streets of Russian cities? Firstly, the price: a Yamaha costs 240 thousand rubles here, and for this money our compatriots will definitely buy a “liter”. Yes, it will be a museum piece and problematic, but 150 hp. will give a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate to others who is Chuck Norris and who is the office plankton on a credit car. And secondly, even the nine-horsepower Yamaha NM-X, according to Russian legislation, is already A1, and not category M, which is automatically attached to B. That is, you will still have to study at a motorcycle school and pass exams.

However, a scooter, compared to a motorcycle, is simply more convenient! Hassle-free landing, full two seats, continuously variable transmission that does not require the skill of shifting gears, ridiculous fuel consumption and an evil design. A great option for all beginners, short girls, glamorous metrosexuals and other hipsters. Or simply for people who value their time and know how to count money.

The evolution of the Yamaha TMAX legend

Over the 20 years since its inception, TMAX has systematically developed, meeting the needs and desires of new customers. The two-cylinder 500 cc four-stroke engine allowed the 1st generation TMAX to reach a speed of 160 km/h. The motorbike-style engine is mounted rigidly in a tubular steel frame, providing a new level of stability at high speeds and making the TMAX the ideal vehicle for fast, comfortable and easy long-distance riding.

Between 2004 and 2007, the second generation TMAX received a more powerful fuel-injected engine, and handling was further improved thanks to a new fork and dual front disc brakes with optional ABS. In addition, the updated model received a parking brake and a 15-inch rear wheel, and the TMAX is also known for being “equipped with R1 brakes” - a touch that speaks to the seriousness of Yamaha's approach to the design of this model.

The third generation TMAX, introduced in 2008, received new cladding and handling was further improved by moving to a new cast aluminum frame. The fork was increased by 2mm to 43mm, and the front wheel followed the rear by increasing to 15 inches.

In 2012, the fourth generation TMAX appeared with a new body design, an increased displacement of the engine with a belt drive (instead of a chain drive) to 530cc and a new aluminum swingarm, which reduced unsprung weight and thereby made the rear suspension even smoother and more responsive.

The fifth generation TMAX was launched in 2015 and features, among other features, inverted motorcycle-style forks and radial brake calipers to highlight the top-end trim.

The sixth generation of 2022 received a new dynamic appearance and a range of on-board assistants that provide even greater control in various driving conditions. The updated model received electronic gas with an electronic throttle Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), TCS traction control, and in addition, two versions of TMAX were released, including the top-end DX with switchable traction modes D-MODE, cruise control , heated seats and grips, as well as electronically adjustable windshield.

The year 2020, despite all its features, pleased us with the most dynamic and powerful TMAX in history, with new aggressive plastic and an engine increased to 560 cc.

Yamaha TMAX 2021

Finally, a tribute to the TMAX's remarkable success will be the new Yamaha TMAX 20th Anniversary, limited to 560 numbered units. The key feature of the exclusive model is the body kit made from the so-called forged carbon composite, which gives each model its own unique appearance thanks to the individual arrangement of fibers. Forged composite is so called because it consists of patches of reinforcing material that resemble the pattern of a forge's hammer marks. In premium designs, this material replaces the more streamlined (and therefore less durable) carbon composite with a woven structure.

The characteristically shaped body panels (“boomerangs”), as well as the front fender and thermal muffler protection, are made of durable and lightweight carbon composite, giving the TMAX 20th Anniversary an even more dynamic look and the feeling of an expensive, quality item. And the yellow accents on the boomerangs and wing are reminiscent of the bright yellow paint job of the original model.

The exclusive version of the scooter features a seat with yellow stitching, highlighting the accents on the boomerangs and front fender, as well as the 20th Anniversary logo. In addition, the seat is heated, as are the steering wheel grips, further confirming the premium status of the limited edition model.

Each TMAX 20th Anniversary will be equipped with a custom numbered badge indicating the number of the piece in the limited edition of 560 pieces. Together with the unique pattern of the carbon body kit, the number plate gives each example a unique personality.

Yamaha TMAX 2021

The unique special version of the TMAX will be painted in a special Tech Graphite color scheme, emphasizing the dynamic appearance of the scooter and ideally complementing the exclusive carbon body kit. Contrasting bronze wheels highlight the premium color scheme.

Key features of Yamaha TMAX 2022 20th Anniversary

• Unique forged (patchwork) carbon body kit
• Special saddle and heated grips
• Exclusive coloring
• Powerful engine, Euro 5 compliant
• Dynamic and aggressive design
• Electric windshield height adjuster
• Cruise control
• Built-in LED front turn signals
• Top equipment
• Lightweight aluminum frame
• Traction control and riding modes
• Large seat case
• Keyless entry Smart Key
• LCD instrument panel
• Motorcycle-type suspensions with optimized settings
• Center stand locking system
• The model is available for pre-order online

The new Yamaha TMAX 2022 20th Anniversary will be available exclusively for online pre-order (in Europe).

Links[edit]

1. “Sentul Circuit Becomes Launch Place for Yamaha NMAX 150!” . GridOto
   . February 7, 2015. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
2. “Yamaha Motor presents the NMAX sports scooter from Indonesia, a global model equipped with the newly developed BLUE CORE engine” (press release). Yamaha Newsroom. January 26, 2015. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
3. "New Yamaha NMAX Released, Here Are 4 Color Options". GridOto
   . December 9, 2022. Retrieved December 22, 2022.
4. "This is a 2022 Yamaha NMAX, Full LED, Use Soft Starter". GridOto
   . December 2, 2022. Retrieved December 22, 2022.