YAMAHA TMAX 500 (2012 - 2019) Review

A little breathless at times in T mode rather than S and underpowered compared with either Burgman or Forza (I've test ridden all the on same day) and the brakes are shockingly bad considering the momentum gained. Compared to the rivals though...Oh My God So much fun!

As mentioned, it feels underpowered somehow. Between services, by 2k miles it's gruff, by 3k yep, change the oil and it smooths but only fur the next 1k... by 6k you will desperately want the service to get the smooth feel back.

Overly expensive in every respect. Clutch gone after 11000 miles ... I've never had a clutch go on a bike before ever! £900.... electronics regularly immobilise the bike it inopportune time... 5 months with dealer being unsuccessfully repaired (no charge). Battery dies on a semi regular basis. At one point I was changing batteries more regularly than filing up fuel. 57mpg is terrible, I'd expect closer to 70 for a 530 bike tbh. Fuel cap flap sometimes won't open (immobiliser again). I'm assuming the electronics are also the reason the clutch went but I'm not a mechanic or technician and so don't know if the EMU electronically controls any clutch parts

No idea of actual service costs as, each time, I've had big repairs done at same time. Last bill was £1600 total for service & clutch (!) @11000 miles (at yamaha dealer). Tyres were £500 after just 5000 miles and then again after another 5000 miles just 6 months later (tyre: SC2s)... it's a hefty bike. 57mpg average, 64mpg directly after service gradually drops to 52mpg by next service. Yamaha could do hugely better there I think, my rav4 4wd did 54mpg!

I needed the cruise control due to damaged nerves... it's a godsend. Heated grips, heated seat and motorised windscreen are all used regularly. 800 mile trip in a day and still comfortable.

Ride quality can be better , brakes excellent

engine is smooth and quiet how I like it

The only issue I have is a dead battery in the keyless key fob

American gas mileage between 45 to 49 MPG

I have the Givi windscreen and Givi topcase

Glides along ,up to a good 70mph motorway. decent fairing and screen ( set to highest setting ,which i keep on) bit of raincoat keeps in clear. good tip in and stability owing to engine not being part of rear suspension. Warning back brake viscous until run in (carefully). some people have problem with wide comfy front seat when stopping .cant get feet on ground ( fixed problem ,as theres no tank move yourself forward then feet go flat foot on the ground)

gets a bit getting used to after riding bikes for a while ,bit like a elastic band stretches then gives power

as apposed to a motorbike (been riding bikes since 1972 ,bit like a fully enclosed touring bike, easy to clean and maintain.added extra 45 litre top box .

everything locks electronically ,including centre stand. lost a star because fairing storage right hand side doesn't lock ,come on yamaha,its like having a four door car where you can only lock 3 doors?.

Just excellent all round. I've outridden plenty of bigger bikes through twisties, it goes and it handles and it stops!! :)

You have to keep it on the boil, but it's rewarding.

its been used for 3 solid years and still looks and goes like new.

Expensive to buy and majorly expensive to service. This is the only downside. Seems crazy a new one costs the same as an MT-10!!!!! Come on Yamaha!?

The ride quality is amazing BUT the ABS is really annoying, I feel as when I have been in a situation I needed to slow down immediately, the bike just would not stop. I personally would prefer an edition without the ABS.....as in much much much more prefer it.

Very smooth engine, amazing responsiveness and great power for a maxi-scooter.

I am now on 12,000km and the quality of the bike is outstanding, absolutely great. Nothing has broken down and it is riding like it was new.

The services are decent but a bit on the expensive side, I am still waiting for the 20,000km service which I've heard is expensive. The Tmax has one issue, it is very expensive for the bike you get. Yes the quality is amazing but you are paying sportsbike prices for a scooter at the end of the day.

As with any bike purchase the best tires possible. I added an Akrapovic system and a malossi variator and the combo is great. It is much quicker and sounds great!.