TMAX 530 Update

[Jedburgh]

Not been on for a while due to IT issues, but to those who are interested the 530's had the first service (£107) and I can now give it some more revs. Someone stated on a previous post that keeping the revs below 4000 is dangerous and I would have to agree, although the book does say "avoid prolonged periods above 4000rpm" so I suppose it's open to interpretation what that means. I revd it 5k to get the speed up then settled back to 4000ish to knock the miles off. So I've taken it relatively easy and have now moved up 1000rpm to 5000rpm ish. The only issue I had was whiney transmission which was caused by an overtight final drive belt, it's now sorted and silent! Compared to the excellent Mk3 it's faster, sharper, lighter and sounds better. The screens better and the mirrors worse. I'm delighted with it and ride it nearly every day day unless it's snowing. My Mk3 was great but this....................................!

[MrGrumpy]

Compared to the excellent Mk3 it's faster, sharper, lighter and sounds better. The screens better and the mirrors worse. I'm delighted with it and ride it nearly every day day unless it's snowing. My Mk3 was great but this....................................!

Thanks!!! Thats exactly the sort of feedback I've been looking for. I'm obviously a TMax fanatic, and I've been contemplating buying a mk4, but have been worried that it'd be a lot of money for something that isn't a lot better (and no demo bikes within 200 miles of me!!). So if you thought the mk3 was great, but the mk4 is a good step up, then that is reassuring.
There again, saying the screen's better than the mk3's isn't saying much - the mk3 screen was abysmal (for me, anyway).

[Jedburgh]

The screen on the Mk3 produced a lot of turbulence and therefore noise behind it for me. I've left the 530 screen at the factory setting which is at it's lowest setting and it seems much better, I'm 5'9". It's narrower than the Mk3, the whole of the front of the bike is. I know there is an issue with the price of the 530 and it is expensive but I got a satisfactory trade in on my Mk3 (which I got new on a great deal on from Robspeed's in Grimsby - they don't sell many maxi scoots up here!) so overall I am happy, it's perfect for me. Yamaha are not stupid they have kept the essence of a great scooter and tantalisingly improved it into tempting you to change up. Is it enough for you? well, when some demo's arrive in the spring I recommend you give one a go.

[MrGrumpy]

well, when some demo's arrive in the spring I recommend you give one a go.

That is, if any demos manage to wander this far North! There may be an ABS version around, though one wonders how much extra they will charge for it.

[Jedburgh]

Strange isn't it, I would never dream of buying a car without a demo or test drive, but I've bought most of my bikes without. I took a punt on the 530 as I'd never actually seen one in the flesh, I read/watched every review I could find (including the foreign ones) and based it on my experience with the Mk3. I think the dealers have to order demo's so best you start hassling, my local dealer told me he could not get a 530 before February which is why I finished up going to London to get it. I'm not fussed about ABS and I think it will push the price to BMW C600 territory.

[tmaxrobbo]

Nice to hear you are pleased with it . Love my Mk3 but like the look of the Mk 4 , well made and great styling , just had not heard any positive feedback . May chop mine in next year . Cheers

[Jedburgh]

I'm very happy with the Mk 4 and like you I also loved the Mk 3. When I've run her in completely I'll report back on the performance, but I can say the extra torque is noticeable especially 2 up and it's well made and looks great.

[wozza]

Sounds a fantastic machine... I wouldn't mind trying a test ride.