Scooter – Tmax 2017 SX and DX test: Yamaha gives (sells) its maximum! – Tmax 2017 test page 3 – Rather standard, SX or DX?

Tmax 2017 SX and DX test: Yamaha gives (sells) its maximum !

Scooter - Tmax 2017 SX and DX test: Yamaha gives (sells) its maximum! - Tmax 2017 test page 3 - Rather standard, SX or DX?

Yamaha is launching its new Tmax 530 2017, available in three models: the standard, the slightly sportier SX and the DX – very – upscale. Site was able to test the last two versions which are currently arriving in dealerships for bikers who always want more… Test.

Tmax 2017 test page 3 – Rather standard, SX or DX ?

On a scooter, pleasure also rhymes with practicality. However, the new Tmax offers a slightly larger trunk: two demi-jet helmets can be arranged head to tail, but still not a full face and a jet, unfortunately. The saddle locks automatically thanks to the new version of the "Keyless" system, installed as standard on the three 2017 models (standard, SX and DX).

Practical not to get your hands dirty, an angled (and extended) valve is installed on the front rim. Behind it, oddly, a basic valve will require more skill. Likewise, some users will find it strange that the Japanese keep a 12V cigarette lighter-type socket at the end of the glovebox, while USB is a more common format today..

Scooter - Tmax 2017 SX and DX test: Yamaha gives (sells) its maximum! - Tmax 2017 test page 3 - Rather standard, SX or DX?

Well thought out this time, the steering lock mechanism is seconded by another which blocks the center stand when the scooter is stationed on it. This should prevent thefts on the sly, when stopping for a simple race (purchase of an anti-theft device, an alarm, a tazer?)…

The problem of Tmax theft is also addressed – fixed ?! – by Yamaha by means of an application developed by Vodafone Automotive, mainly allowing to geolocate his machine and to be warned if it moves when it was supposed to stay in its parking place…

Scooter - Tmax 2017 SX and DX test: Yamaha gives (sells) its maximum! - Tmax 2017 test page 3 - Rather standard, SX or DX?

“This system is built into the SX and DX models to deter thieves,” said Yamaha officials. "Its price is included in that of the scooters, and the application is operational the first year. The annual package will then be offered at 90 euros, a little less if the customer commits for a longer period".

Also absent on the “standard” Tmax 2017, the engine mapping modes (D-Mode) are present on the “sporty” and “luxurious” versions of the Yamaha maxiscooter. By selecting T (Touring) mode, the engine is less lively when revving up, and therefore less constraining the rear tire.

Scooter - Tmax 2017 SX and DX test: Yamaha gives (sells) its maximum! - Tmax 2017 test page 3 - Rather standard, SX or DX?

Although the difference is clear between the T and S (Sport) modes, it did not seem useful to us … On the one hand, because the pilot controls the throttle precisely via the "wireless" grip and on the other , because the TCS traction control is efficient enough.

Also, the owner of the standard Tmax has nothing to be jealous of facing the owner of the SX version displayed 800 euros more expensive. A few small finishing points must make the difference: SX badges, texture of the central tunnel, tint of the fork and calipers on the sidewalls…

Spoiled for choice, really ?

Finally, the choice will be made more on the colors: a unique and classic black "Midnight" for the standard, matt and shiny black "Liquid Darkness" or matt silver – with blue rims in "Race Blu" style – for the SX. Count 800 euros more for the SX … and 1000 euros more to acquire the DX !

Scooter - Tmax 2017 SX and DX test: Yamaha gives (sells) its maximum! - Tmax 2017 test page 3 - Rather standard, SX or DX?

In its – very – high-end version, the Tmax 2017 takes the "dark liquid" of the SX but swaps the sporty color for a classy "Phantom" blue. But the Tmax DX is not distinguished from the SX only by its color: it also incorporates interesting equipment.

With the summer heat that accompanied us during this press launch (over 30 ° C in the air), Site did not find the heated grips and saddle – rider – more useful than D-Mode. As soon as we returned to the grayness of Paris, however, our opinion completely changed about them..

Scooter - Tmax 2017 SX and DX test: Yamaha gives (sells) its maximum! - Tmax 2017 test page 3 - Rather standard, SX or DX?

The electrically adjustable windshield instantly convinced us: in its low position – similar to all three models – the helmet and shoulders are too exposed to the wind on expressways. A pull of the index finger to select the bubble setting followed by a pressure of the thumb, and it is all erased.

While the use of tools is a must on standard and SX models to raise the screen by 55mm, the DX owner can raise their screen by 135mm and completely isolate themselves from the impact of wind – even rain at high speed – and noise !

Scooter - Tmax 2017 SX and DX test: Yamaha gives (sells) its maximum! - Tmax 2017 test page 3 - Rather standard, SX or DX?

In summer – so currently in South Africa -, you can choose the height of the bubble almost to the nearest millimeter, so that the vents at the top of the helmet are not devented and thus continue to cool the top of the head..

The legs, on the contrary, cannot be perfectly protected, unless you invest in a skirt. While driving, MNC – who had beautifully squeezed his feet against the central tunnel – felt a slight current of air rise up along his calves: warm and almost pleasant in hot weather, it could become unpleasant in winter….

Scooter - Tmax 2017 SX and DX test: Yamaha gives (sells) its maximum! - Tmax 2017 test page 3 - Rather standard, SX or DX?

Le Journal moto du Net also noted that slight vibrations appeared in the saddle when the engine speed was maintained around 4000 rpm, or about 70 km / h. Site readers – who, as everyone knows, are more finicky than others – will confirm in the comments below if their own copy tickles their butt on the ring road and other ring roads. !

Finally, the last asset in the DX game, the cruise control is doubly useful: on the one hand, in France and on the other, the Tmax DX offers such good protection and performance that it is not. not always easy to realize your speed…

Scooter - Tmax 2017 SX and DX test: Yamaha gives (sells) its maximum! - Tmax 2017 test page 3 - Rather standard, SX or DX?

You will therefore be careful, if you do not use the precious "cruise control", to take a frequent look at the speedometer … which remains analog like the tachometer, in 2017, including in the "DeluXe" version ! Admittedly, the small central screen is updated, but will this be enough to satisfy the demanding clientele? ?

The Tmax 530 DX perhaps deserved a more sophisticated instrumentation, given the amount of the invoice: it appears in Yamaha dealerships at 13,299 €, halfway between one (10,499 €) and one (17,199 €) !

An indecent price for fans of the simple "scooto-boulot-dodo", but which will not make Tmax fans cough: many of them always want more – even if it means paying more – and will probably not be disappointed !

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