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T Max Mk1 - Why not?

Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 7:12 am
by capitano
A brief explanation first.

I'm a tad compromised as regards riding now, and post prostate surgery (this year I hope) I will continue to be for at least 2 years whilst being monitored.

There are a limited number of scooters I can sit on without them harming me. Whilst I have identified a few smaller scooters I could ride, I do have a need for a larger capacity machine.

I cover most of my local riding with my Cub (C90) that I ride by preference. Basically, any decision on a journey starts with the question, "Can I do it on my Cub?"

However, I do a few motorway-mainly journeys every year to visit my Son in Leicestershire, my Dad in Yorkshire, friends in Notts, gigs any of my mates are playing that are accessible to ride there and back overnight etc. plus I'd like to cover rides like Mottza's Pie & Mash run and take Mrs Capitano on the odd ride now and again in half-decent pillion comfort.

We're probably talking about 3000 miles a year maximum for a couple of years after which I'd review again.

OK, to the point. I can sit safely on a T Max Mk1. I know because I've tried. I can pick one up for £1500 or less with all the trimmings, and if all it costs me is maintenance and consumables after 2 years I can basically move it on for nothing if need be.

I've never had a T-Max, let alone an older one. I do know that the carbs mean more fuel consumption, and the single disc means compromised braking, but I rode carb'd, piss-poorly-braked Harleys for 15 years so both those don't really phase me that much.

Any other reasons why this is a bad idea?

eg. Bad spares availability? High mileage issues? Consumable prices?

I'll ask again for buying advice if I decide to pull the trigger but anything that could sway my decision is valuable advice for now.

Cheers! 8-)

Re: T Max Mk1 - Why not?

Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 7:28 am
by Deleted User 7077
Can you lift leg up to get across the step thro is all I'd ask apart from that its same risk for any older scoot .If not main transport not problem if its off road once and a while .I've got used to light weight and flat floor but want a tour scoot .That's my only concern going back to bigger scoot .

Re: T Max Mk1 - Why not?

Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 7:34 am
by XP500FUN
A MK 1 T max is superb, also a Silverwing is very handy re getting on and off and at stops, a lot easier than the T max, and not so far away on the handling.

I find the Silverwing seat more comfortable. But the rear suspension is less effective than the T max, but not by a great deal with a soft tyre on.

The T max for what it does and its weight or lack of it is brilliant. Its lots of fun too.

Best Mark.

Re: T Max Mk1 - Why not?

Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 7:37 am
by MrGrumpy
No, no reason why this a bad idea, though pre 2003 ones are liable to some sort of engine failure (cam chain?) around 30,000 miles. But the mk2s are exactly the same chassis/body but with more power, better brakes, better front forks, probably better economy - so the same thing but better. More expensive to run probably (radial tyres cost more, 2 sets of front pads to replace).
To be fair, the mk1 single front disk isn't actually a problem - it works fine, but the mk2 has an extra 6bhp or so which is well worth it, and the mk2 forks are better. The mk1 is an old beast now - the newest ones are 14 years old now!

Re: T Max Mk1 - Why not?

Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 8:02 am
by horobags
you know what I'm going to say Ged, :) whatever you can feel comfy on , get one!!
I had a mk1 t-max and loved it. I actually owned it a long time (10 months). :shock:
The mk2 as already said is better than a mk1, I love the black max. If you buy a bargain now and keep it a couple of years and look after it you wont lose too much money, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Liam has recently sold his newer '11 plate t-max because he prefers his mk2.

Re: T Max Mk1 - Why not?

Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 9:59 am
by MrGrumpy
Yes - should have said that Yes, any Tmax is a great scooter, and will do almost any job brilliantly.
Spares availability doesn't seem to be a problem, despite the age of early models, though of course any bit with a Yamaha label seems to cost several times as much as you'd think! Obviously for running costs, think medium sized bike level, rather than cheap scoot prices! Though there are probably less bits to replace on the mk1 than later ones, which get more & more complex....

Re: T Max Mk1 - Why not?

Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 3:20 pm
by kayz1
I have had MK-1 MK2 and MK3, i would go MK2 as prices are ok-ish and a great all round machine as has already been said. Only MK 1 had the cam chain issue as far as i can remember...Funky will be along shortly to give you the gen. ( if memory serves me, i am thinking it was the cam chain tensioner
that failed and took out the chain ) I did one that had just started to rattle, new tensioner £39 at the time, and it is still running around North Wales.

Lyn.

Re: T Max Mk1 - Why not?

Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 4:04 pm
by capitano
Thanks for the contributions. I'll await Funky's comments, too.

I didn't know that the MK2 was the same dimensionally as the MK1 so that does open up other options. Although the price difference in those local to me is a factor:

- MK1s 18-22k miles, FSH £1200-£1500
- MK2s 38-52k miles no service history £3200-£4000

None of them seem to be selling, either.

If a decent MK2 raises its head locally over the next few months at a reasonable price I could well be tempted. The power increase I'm not fussed about but I do prefer F.I and the tyre/fork upgrades on the MK2 sound worthwhile.

An older Silverwing is another option (I can sit on those without harming myself, too), but Pikey already has a thread running on that subject so I figured I'd avoid muddying the waters.

8-)

Re: T Max Mk1 - Why not?

Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 4:24 pm
by Deleted User 7077
I went from Silvewing to Mk1 tmax lot more fun bit lighter less storage .I've had smaller cc since .I'm just after bigger scoot for trips away and value for money .My first choice would be 2007 on burgman if one comes cheap enough old Silverwing will do me uses a bit more fuel but if right price I'm happy .Tmax has best leg room I've had on a scooter .I'd always wanted one sold it on before it cost me any money .

Re: T Max Mk1 - Why not?

Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2018 5:23 pm
by Scootypuff snr
Capitano have you tried the silverwing or T max on a long run yet?
Only if you'd like to try mine attending something like the pie n mash to be sure, shout out & see what we can organise.
(Haven't got/had a T max & won't be in the latest guise either as dealer couldn't match my PX price)