Test: Yamaha TMAX 560 (2020) // 300.000 tied

The Yamaha TMAX has become the adult scooter this season. It has been 18 years since the first presentation of the model, which turned the world of scooters (especially in terms of driving performance) upside down. As many as six generations have worked their average three-year term on the market during this time. So this year it's time to freshen up.

TMAX - seventh

While at first glance the seventh generation may appear slightly different from its predecessor, a closer look will reveal that only a large part of the scooter's nose remains the same. The rest of the scooter is almost complete, visible to the naked eye, and the appearance of the scooter is not so obvious.

Starting with the lighting, which is now fully integrated with LED technology, the turn signals are built into the armor, and the rear light has received a special recognizable element in the style of some other house models - letter t... The rear part has also been redesigned. It is now narrower and more compact, while maintaining the comfort of its predecessor. The central part of the cockpit is also new, it remains mostly analog, but hides a TFT screen, which displays all the necessary information. Quite right, but unfortunately a little outdated, especially in terms of graphics and color. Even in terms of volume of information, the base TMAX doesn't offer much wealth compared to some of its competitors. In the basic version, the TMAX is not yet compatible with the smartphone, but the connection is available on richer versions of Tech Max.

The essence of the repair is the engine

While, as said, this year's update also brought with it a relatively extensive redesign, it does the essence of the seventh generation is technology, or rather, especially in the engine. It is expected to be cleaner, but at the same time more powerful and economical, thanks to the Euro5 standard. The designation 560 itself indicates that the engine has grown. The dimensions remained the same, but the working volume increased by 30 cubic meters, that is, by about 6%. The engineers achieved this by rotating the rollers another 2 millimeters. As a result, the two forged pistons also got their new place in the engine, the camshaft profiles were changed, and much of the rest of the engine was significantly changed. Of course, due to the more efficient combustion, they also changed the compression chambers, installed larger exhaust valves and new 12-hole injectors that serve for the controlled injection of fuel into those parts of the cylinder where it is most optimal. in terms of speed and required ignition.

In the engine acoustics department, they also played with the flow of intake air and exhaust, resulting in a slightly different engine sound from what we were used to with its predecessors. The engine is also special from a technical point of view.... Namely, the pistons move parallel to the cylinders, which means that ignition occurs every 360-degree rotation of the crankshaft, and to reduce vibrations, there is also a special "fake" piston or weight that moves in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the crankshaft. working pistons. happen to pistons in an opposed cylinder engine.  

You will be a little disappointed if you expect large or at least proportionate increase in the volume of technical data changes due to the increase in the working volume. Namely, the power has increased by a little less than two "horses".but it is important to know that Yamaha did not want to exceed the 35 kW limit, which is the extreme limit for A2 driver license holders. As a result, the engineers focused much more on developing the power itself, and here the new TMAX won a lot. Thus, the new TMAX is one shade faster than its predecessor. The plant claims a top speed of 165 kilometers per hour, which is 5 km / h more than before. Well, in the test we easily brought the scooter to the 180 km / h mark.But more important than the final speed data is that due to the new gear ratios, the number of revolutions at cruising speeds is lower, and at the same time the scooter accelerates from cities even more decisively.

In driving - focused on pleasure

For those of you who also look at the world of scooters and motorcycles strictly analytically, it is probably difficult to understand everything. often praised for superiority and domination this scooter. The TMAX has never been the most powerful, fastest, most practical and most rewarding scooter ever. In the past few years, the decline of his kingdom's rivals, who, frankly, have also become more and more superior. But what, then, were the nearly 300.000 customers convinced of?

 

Otherwise, I have to admit that the very first impression of the TMAX was not the most convincing. It is true that the engine is very lively regardless of its speed. cars are not a problem... It is also true that I have ridden several faster and more powerful scooters. Also, in terms of equipment (test), the TMAX is not the pinnacle in the world of maxi scooters. What's more, the TMAX fails the usability test compared to some of the competition. A center bump that is too high, which also hides the centrally located fuel tank, takes up too much leg and foot space, and the seat ergonomics are not active enough for a scooter with such strong sporty overtones. The trunk capacity is average, and the small compartment, despite the sufficient depth and roominess, is somewhat inconvenient to use. To draw the line under all this, I find that his competitors in many areas are already parallel to him or almost caught up with him. However, expecting the TMAX to be the first in all areas is not entirely correct. Last but not least, it's not the most expensive.

But countless things literally came true after a few days with TMAX. TMAX every day more and more convinces me with its driving characteristics.which, in my opinion, are mainly related to the construction of the scooter itself. The recipe is familiar and very different from the classic scooter design. The drivetrain is not part of the swingarm, but a separate piece mounted in an aluminum frame, just like on motorcycles. As a result, the suspension can perform significantly better, the engine mounted centrally and horizontally helps to better centralize mass, and the aluminum frame provides greater strength, stability and agility, as well as less weight.

 

Yamaha has already honed some of the suspension to detail in the previous model with a new frame and swingarm (made of aluminum). also set new standardstouching mass and prestige. This year, the non-adjustable suspension also received a completely new basic configuration. Without hesitation, I say that TMAX is the best spring scooter. What's more, many classic bikes in this price range can't match it in this area.

The engine offers two power transfer options, but to be honest, I did not feel a significant difference between the two folders. So I opted for the sportier option forever. Although 218 kilograms is no small amount, it is a significant improvement over the competition, which is also felt on the trip. The TMAX is fairly light in city driving, but its strong frame, excellent suspension and sporty character on more open roads prove even more. Combinations of two, three or more consecutive moves they are painted on his skin, and at some point I realized that every time I ride this scooter, I am hungry for fast and long turns. I am not saying that it is comparable to all motorcycles, but for you it is not a problem. on all twenty fingers I list those who cannot compare with him... I'm not talking about hundreds of seconds and degrees of tilt, I'm talking about feelings.

 

For the scooter to suddenly react to almost every push, for the fact that it likes to fall on the descent at the entrance to the turn, and for the fact that when exiting a turn to turn the throttle lever it reacts like a gear (and not in some endless sliding stage ), but I immediately stick one big plus on it. For a clean top ten, I would otherwise have preferred a more accurate front end shade and now I notice myself getting picky. I also want to note excellent anti-slip system... Namely, it is able to take care of safety, and at the same time deliver a little joy and fun. Namely, the engine is sufficiently tuned at wide open throttle that the rear wheel tends to overtake the front wheels on slightly more slippery asphalt, so the traction control system has a lot of work to do. Meanwhile, in sport mode, while safety is paramount, it allows that the power and torque of the engine at the rear of the scooter in the driven frcata in a short and controlled slip... For something more, or rather for the public, the system must be turned off, which, of course, is possible in one of the easily accessible menus on the center screen. But don't do it in rainy weather.

TMAX Secret - CONNECTIVITY

Although the TMAX has been moving through its features over the past two decades, a kind of cult statusbut this also becomes one of his weaknesses. Well, a lot really depends on where you live, but at least in the Slovenian capital, TMAX (especially old and cheap models) has become a kind of symbol of the status of youth, among which those who somehow walk along the edge stand out. ... Hence, it also gives him some negative connotations, especially in terms of whether the over-popularity of the above could be problematic. This is probably not the case, and I don’t mean to mistakenly condemn or hang labels, but the thought of my TMAX donating parts or just becoming a toy for hours of pampering and showing off to the ladies is terrifying for me personally. Well, I went to Piaggio's Medley to have a slightly longer meeting in Ljubljana on Shishka and not with TMAX. You understand, right?

If I try to answer the question from the middle of the text at the end, what is the secret of TMAX? Probably, many will become masters before he takes advantage of everything sports potential TMAXlacked convenience and practicality. However, he will be very pleased with this. Engineering excellence is more than just great performance, ride and feedback, but it is also important for the communication between man and machine... And this, dear readers, is an area in which the TMAX remains the king of the class.  

• Basic data

  Sales: Yamaha Motor dating in Slovenia, Delta Team doo

  Base model price: 11.795 €

  Test model cost: 11.795 €

• Technical information

  engine: 562 cm³, two-cylinder in-line, water-cooled

  Power: 35 kW (48 hp) at 7.500 rpm

  Torque: 55,7 Nm at 5.250 rpm

  Energy transfer: variomat, Armenian, variator

  Frame: aluminum frame with double girder

  brakes: front 2x discs 267 mm radial mounts, rear discs 282 mm, ABS, anti-skid adjustment

  Suspension: front fork USD 41mm,
  
  
  introduce vibrational nihik, monoshock

  Tires: before 120/70 R15, rear 160/60 R15

  Growth: 800

  Fuel tank: 15

  Wheelbase: 1.575

  Weight: 218 kg (ready to ride)

We praise and reproach

appearance, engine

driving performance, design

podcast

brakes

simple information menus

Average for usability

Barrel shape

Central ridge dimensions

I would deserve a better (more modern) information center

final grade

The TMAX is without a doubt a scooter that the entire area will envy. Not only because of the price, but also because you could afford a scooter of the highest class. If you are looking for the best value for money, there are more affordable options. However, if your mind is dominated by the desire for driving pleasure, knock on the Yamaha dealership door as soon as possible.