Honda Integra or Tmax 530

[Aaron]

I’m looking at getting a bigger scooter later this year. I currently have a Honda PCX125, which is great for commuting to work, but I plan to do some longer rides, where I'll need a bigger scoot. I plan to keep the PCX for my wife to run around on.

I like the Honda Integra and the Tmax 530. The Tmax does look a little more aggressive, and I’ve always wanted to get one.

In the long term, I am thinking that the DCT gearbox on the Integra will be cheaper to maintain than the belt/rollers/slides of the CVT gearbox on the Tmax 530.

I’ve read people saying that the Tmax CVT is expensive to maintain. But I'm not sure why, as the CVT technology seems pretty bullet proof now, and on my old scooters with CVT, I’ve hardy spent any money on new parts for the CVT gearbox's.

I see the Tmax as a bike that is built from top to bottom as a Tmax, where the Integra (sharing the frame/engine/wheels with 2 other motorbikes) seems like it’s not really built as a complete unit, but rather the scooter/maxi plastics are put on it as an afterthought.

I want to keep this scoot for quite a few years, and do some long rides on it. So I will have to try to decide what I think will be the best scoot for the job.

Tmax seems to have more storage space, but uses a little more fuel than the Integra. Tmax looks nicer than the Integra (but I have yet to see the Integra, other than in photos)

Over a few years, do you think maintenance costs would be much different beween the Integra or Tmax 530 ?

Thanks

Aaron

[bornagainbiker]

I think they are totally different to each other. The TMax is cool and aggressive where as the Integra will be sensible and sedate.

The Integra will be cheaper than the TMax by about £1000, and will get considerable more mpg than the TMax. It's quoted at about 79mpg but I have seen reports of the 700X getting up to 91mpg riding sensible (non DCT model). I would think the TMax will be about 50mpg?

The Integra will also be a lot cheaper on servicing as it will probably have the same 8000 mile interval as quoted for the 700X, however as a negative it has a chain drive.

Also to consider when they arrive next month you could look at the DCT versions of the NC700X and 700S, they are £5850 and £5350 respectively and add about £700 for DCT. I am waiting to see the 700S and Integra as the seat height is about 35-40mm lower than the 700X.

The head says TMax but the heart says Integra.......

[SH125Paul]

The head says TMax but the heart says Integra.......

All the above... would love a T-Max, is the Honda gonna be better, but not really a scoot

My Head would say honda - Sensible cost effective etc, but my Heart would say T-Max...

But gonna have to stick with the X-Max and squint a bit!

[poldark]

You may have already considered and discounted slightly smaller scoots, but unless you're doing lots of 2-up riding or "fast" European trips, then I'd have to say there's one other impending new scoot to consider.

Although it may not be prudent to buy a new design, especially Italian(!) the X10 350 will benefit from same good mpg and low service interval that the Honda does, but will give a more "normal" maxiscoot ride and storage.

There's a few of us waiting for demo units to be available, April I believe.

[Aaron]

Thanks. Yeah I will look at the X10. But I was going to stay with Honda or Yamaha. I am in Australia. I wont be buying for at least 6 months. Ive had 2 piaggios, and had quite a few troubles with them. And I've had no trouble at all with my current PCX.

[poldark]

Thanks. Yeah I will look at the X10. But I was going to stay with Honda or Yamaha. I am in Australia. I wont be buying for at least 6 months. Ive had 2 piaggios, and had quite a few troubles with them. And I've had no trouble at all with my current PCX.

Do you also get the newer 400cc SWing model in Aus, seen some good reports of these?

[Normsthename]

They really spoilt the Integra by fitting a chain

Andy

[gn2]

Not just the chain that spoils it, there's the absence of decent underseat storage and the looks are a bit of a marmite job.

[Sgt Ernie Bilko]

The Honda is a pig... the Tmax too expensive. I'd look around for a new old stock Tmax mark 3...

[snowgum]

Tmax mark 3. Best scooter I've ever ridden. No inclination to get the new model.