Tmax 2017 SX and DX test: Yamaha gives (sells) its maximum !
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 4 – Technical point
Engine
The years go by, the engine capacity remains! The twin cylinder of the Tmax does not take the slightest cubic centimeter for 2017: bore of 68 mm and stroke of 73 mm, still 530 cc. Despite this, the switch to Euro4 is almost unnoticed with regard to the maximum values: the watermill develops 46 horsepower (33.8 kW) and 53 Nm, against 46.5 hp and 52.3 Nm on the previous one. model.
On the other hand, there is a big change in the management of the throttle: the maxiscooter is equipped with electronic control of the throttle opening (YCC-T for Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle): a first for a Yamaha scooter !
"A 32-bit electronic injection unit continuously monitors the pilot’s acceleration actions and adjusts a throttle valve controlled by a servomotor, to achieve optimum performance", recall the Japanese engineers.
This cable-free system – called "ride-by-wire", that’s better – combined with a redesigned air filter housing, a reconfigured exhaust (shorter by 77 mm and higher), a belt and transmission pulleys lighter, as well as a displaced catalytic converter improves the performance of the scooter on two opposite levels: acceleration and pollution !
“To reduce the unsprung weight and help the mass concentration of the Tmax, a new transmission was used for 2017. The new secondary transmission belt is made of carbon fiber, a material whose legendary lightness and strength have allowed Yamaha engineers to reduce the width of the belt up to 25 mm, compared to 40 mm on the previous model ", specifies the Iwata firm.
"The transmission system also uses new lightweight front and rear pulleys, which reduce the weight of the 2017 model by 9 kg." On the manufacturer’s scale, the full weight of the new Tmax 530 is limited to 213 kg (for the standard and SX, 216 for the DX), against 222 kg for the previous model. But the weight gain isn’t all about this…
Cycle part
The reduction in the weight – unsprung – of the maxiscoot is also due to the use of new tires "specially equipped with a new internal structure", lighter in spite of identical dimensions: 120 / 70-15 and 160/60/15. The rear rim is also revving: 4.5 inches wide, against 5 previously.
"In addition, these light tires reduce rolling resistance, while increasing grip on dry and wet roads", announces the press kit of the Japanese, decidedly rave about the tires … yet different depending on the version: Bridgestone Battlax on Standard and SX, Dunlop Roadsmart III on DX.
"The Bridgestones allowed us to gain 1 kilogram compared to the previous Tmax which was equipped with specific Dunlop Sportmax GPR-100 M. The new Dunlops weigh around 800 grams less", specifies Site the project manager, Makoto Horikawa.
The braking system, on the other hand, remains unchanged: installed on the 2015 vintage, the two 267 mm discs clamped by 4-piston radial-mount calipers – still associated with the inverted 41 mm fork – and the single 282 mm rear disc. with single piston calipers are renewed in their functions.
Still in aluminum, the frame is deeply redesigned: "characterized by a new geometry and better mass centralization, this new perfected frame largely contributes to the 10 kg weight reduction of the new model", this time Yamaha rounds up..
The oscillating arm is lengthened by 40 mm, in order to bring – even more! – the behavior of the Tmax to that of a motorcycle, a real one! The connection with the frame is ensured by a new rear suspension with connecting rods, with horizontal rear shock absorber.
"The progressive lever ratios of the new system are designed to provide flexible damping during the initial stage of the suspension movement, then hardening of the damping as the load increases," explains the manufacturer..
On the – very – high-end version of the new Tmax designated by the suffix "DX", the preload and rear damping can be adjusted according to the load and the course, "offering a comfortable ride at low or medium speed, as well. precise road holding at high speed ".
Still on the Tmax DX, the screen can be raised or lowered with a simple push on the left stalk. "This special screen works in conjunction with the central air intake to reduce air pressure and turbulence that bothers the pilot, and thus create a more restful and comfortable environment," says Yam.
On the entry and mid-range "SX", the screen has a lower latitude (55 mm) and its adjustment requires the use of tools to modify the adjustment bolts of the screen. Likewise, only the – top – DX model is equipped as standard with a handlebar and a saddle – rider only, why ?! – heated.
Electronics and piloting aids
Originally on the three new versions of the Tmax 530, the new "Smart Key" system prevents their owners from having to take out their key to start the engine, unlock the saddle (to access the trunk where two half-jets or a full ) and the glove box, lock or unlock the main stand.
Like those used by the competition (Harley-Davidson, Ducati and BMW in particular) or in the automobile, the system is not strictly speaking "keyless" since the "intelligent key" must be in the pilot’s jacket … Yes, in the jacket (or jacket, jeans, etc.) he is wearing, not in the one used the day before then stored carefully in his cupboard: watch out for oversights !
The three brothers also have the same dashboard which consists of a speedometer on the left and a tachometer on the right, highlighted by blue circles on a black background … and analog, while the some 125 (orange) motorcycles are entitled to color screens! "What The Flute" ?
“In the center, the monochrome TFT display includes an odometer, two totalizers, the current fuel consumption and the outside temperature,” lists Yamaha. "There are also other function indicators here, including TCS, D-Mode and cruise control, if applicable" … because the SX and DX offer more than the standard version !
If the arrival of the YCC-T is doubled on the three versions of a traction control (TCS, deactivatable … by the stunters ?!) which acts on the ignition, the fuel injection and the opening of the gas to ensure safe starts or acceleration on wet and / or slippery surfaces.
On the mid- and top-of-the-range models, it is also accompanied by driving modes (D-mode) which "allows the power curve to be adjusted to the driving conditions and the situation", underline the Yamaha officials: T mode, for "T-urban" driving, S mode, for "Sporty" driving.
Like the Piaggio group (on models as distant as the RSV4, MP3 or California), Yamaha is developing applications for smartphones. After that of the R1 – very useful for analyzing its sessions on circuits -, here is the "My Tmax Connect", developed in collaboration with Vodafone Automotive.
Reserved for holders of Tmax SX and DX, this app includes "in particular a motorcycle locator (thanks to the integrated GPS system), a remote warning and flashing function, an alert in the event of a low battery, a speed alert, the Geofence function and a mileage report ".
Finally, this time exclusive to the Tmax DX, a speed regulator makes good use of the YCC-T system: it "controls the intake air flow in order to maintain the selected speed (above 50 km / h, because it would not be about falling asleep in town, editor’s note!), regardless of the inclination of the road or other factors such as headwind. Hence more pleasant long-distance journeys, "says Yamaha.
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