MK3 T-max.

[chippie]

Good and bad points,never had one never rode one so as much information as poss thanks.

[DougL]

Bad points. Small storage, noisy screen, not much else. No ABS. However, it's a wonderful scooter to ride quickly around the twisties - much better than a GP800 and a topbox and aftermarket screen sort out the other two issues. Thinking of getting one?

[MrGrumpy]

Compared to any other scooter or to other Tmaxs?

Now I'm a Tmax fanatic so I'm biased.....
The best bit about the Tmax is the handling, chassis and general suspension. Its totally sorted and a Tmax handles superbly and is great fun. Comfort is pretty good, though the mk3's rear shock is a bit bouncy, though the handling is probably the sharpest of any of the Tmaxs. Basically, the TMax is complete fun - and commutes & tours equally well. Not many toys to play with though - heated grips, power sockets etc are extra, and no electric screens or heated seats or other namby pamby stuff like that.

Performance is good rather than brilliant, economy so-so. I normally got between 52 and 56 mpg out of my mk3. Pretty practical - luggage space takes one anysize full face helmet plus other bits and pieces. Servicing can be pricy, with Yamaha crazy prices on parts. The labour requirements aren't huge (apart from 24,000 valve clearance check), but I spend £60 just on various filters at a 12,000 mile service! + V-belts at £100 every 12,000 miles plus tyres are between £150-200 a pair and I got through a set in 4000 miles! Most people seem to get far longer out of them.

As Doug says, standard screens are all pretty poor - the mk3's standard screen was the worst most unbearably noisy and turbulent screen I've ever come across (cured with a Laminar Lip).

In many ways, a Tmax is a bike disguised as a scooter, but with weather protection and luggage space. Yamaha have sold 180,000 of them (and around 100,000 of those in Italy) so that must tell you something!

[bikerdezzie]

I fancy another, best thing I ever did was change the variator for a j costa, it was like a turbo boost, I found the seat uncomfy but the standard screen was fine for me at 5ft 11, but I put a sport screen on anyways and never switched it back, ultimately I had a loud bike with all the tuning and the v2 bomber drone give me migraines in the end, but I would still like another fast scoot, still fancy an integra!

[horobags]

I had a blue mk1, loved it, I want another !!!!!

[Jedburgh]

I've had a Mk3 and now a Mk4, great bikes and I pretty much agree with all the above. I can't see myself not having a Tmax to be honest, I use it for business & pleasure.

[Funkycowie]

Love mine to bits

[MjW]

Storage isn't an issue for me, although the more the merrier. I take the top box only when I carry a pillion, for extra storage and the backrest.

The screen is notoriously noisy as others mentioned. It's quieter even if you just remove it altogether.

Other than the above, and the spartan equipment, it's a great scoot if not one of the best.


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[spdtwn]

The T-Max here in New Zealand is a rare fairy indeed. The last Mk3 sat in the dealers for over three years and the went heavily discounted shortly followed by the dealer going belly up. There are no Mk4s. My Mk 2 Black Max continues to be the biking love of my life.
Since my first Mk1, when the Maxi die was cast, the times I have ridden my Bimota can be counted on one hand. That could be partly due to an age thing (mine)... plus me and Max totally bonding. The necessities of life include hand guards, J Costa, Leo Vince and a short smoke screen.
Come new tyre time the question is not 'what shall I fit?' but 'can I find ANY tyre at all. The last change was to Metzler Freerange Wet...or summit like that. At TWICE the price of the previous Michelin Pilot Sports . 'That's all there is in the country mate...' Well, was I in for a surprise. Cost not withstanding, these would have to be the best handling , confidence inspiring tyre I have had on Max. A bit harder ride on our rough chip road surfaces but well worth the effort.

On to Hard rides. My mate, who is a recent Maxi convert from BMW R and F series bikes, bought a C650 GT which he rides like there is no tomorrow. He cant get away from me in the twisties but on the straight bits in-between I have to reach dizzy heights in the rev range!
However, he is not a happy lad. When we stop, he dismounts in agony. The GT is giving his back such a pummeling that the wee back rest feels like a jack hammer. His dealer has what spring adjustment there is set as soft as possible. We reckon it's non compliant damping. As I said, our roads are not Euro smooth and any decent bike will act-up somewhat.
Any info out there? that could help this soon to be BMW cripple. I assure you, he would have a bought a Max.

[MrGrumpy]

On to Hard rides. My mate, who is a recent Maxi convert from BMW R and F series bikes, bought a C650 GT which he rides like there is no tomorrow. He cant get away from me in the twisties but on the straight bits in-between I have to reach dizzy heights in the rev range!
However, he is not a happy lad. When we stop, he dismounts in agony. The GT is giving his back such a pummeling that the wee back rest feels like a jack hammer. His dealer has what spring adjustment there is set as soft as possible. We reckon it's non compliant damping. As I said, our roads are not Euro smooth and any decent bike will act-up somewhat.
Any info out there? that could help this soon to be BMW cripple. I assure you, he would have a bought a Max.

Interesting...when I test rode the BMW C600 I found it firm but taught ride wise. The mk2 Tmax was a bit odd ride wise - dodgy surfaces could make it feel like it had square wheels, whilst it would ride large bumps like they weren't there! Maybe the roads in NZ are bumpy enough for the Tmax to work well, whilst the BMW is designed with high quality roads in mind!
The mk3 was a bit different - the oddities had vanished, but it was a bit firmer, but consistent. The rear did bounce a bit over the big bumps. The mk4 has more or less got it sorted - slightly softer and the bounciness has vanished.