Yamaha TMAX
Boris gives us the green light for a few more miles
Easy living is what the TMAX hasto offer. Great!
Sorry to have to mention the dreaded Covid-19 again, I feel sure you are as fed up with the lockdown as I am. The effect it has had on our ability to ride our bikes is unreal - a ride to the doctor or local store to collect essential food stuff is not much, is it?
As I write this, Boris Johnson has just allowed us to travel any distance within England to exercise.
So, the measly 32 miles covered last month is in the distant past. Now, with a further 300 miles on the clock, the good and not so good are being exposed.
LOOKING FOR THE SOFT OPTION
still surprises me, the turn of speed and acceleration that can be obtained from this 560cc A2-compliant motorcycle.
What a superb responsive engine helped by a good direct throttle connection. None of the lag when opening the throttle as experienced with some scooters.
It is interesting that I find myself using the rear brake more than I would on a motorcycle, especially going downhill and into a corner when the clutch will engage, therefore offering minimal engine braking. Not an issue, you just need to get used to it.
As you would expect from a sports scooter, the suspension is on the hard side and unfortunately on this base model TMAX it is non-adjustable. My local, very bumpy, suspension testing back road had me out of the seat on several occasions at my set speed of 50mph.
My 650cc single cylinder trail bike would just float over the bumps as if they were not there. An unfair comparison, I hear you say, so dropping the speed on the TMAX a few mph will suffice.
On more favourable A- and B-roads the harder sports suspension comes into its own - this scooter really can be pushed hard when called for (makes for a rather big grin under the helmet).
With those extra miles on the clock, I find the best riding position is feet forward (a 90-degree knee angle can be used) with my bum resting on the rear lip of the rider's seat. On a 120-mile non-stop ride, it felt as though at least double this mileage could be covered without the usual aches, etc. The only grouse is the slightly hard seat, which is fine for urban rides, but could be a tad on the softer side for longer rides.
MAKING THE RELATIONSHIP EASIER
The hinged seat reveals an illuminated area big enough for two open face helmets, perfect for a few shopping items without the need for a top box.
One thing I have learned about the smart key operation is NOT to rush. Take everything easy and just listen to when the unit finishes with all its clicks and whirrs after being switched on, then the operations such as unlocking the steering, opening fuel panel or seat can be done with ease.
The TMAX has now become my day-in, day-out bike. is just so easy to wheel out of the garage and go.