With a newly designed aluminum frame A more mature version of the "Sports Commuter" 2008 European model Yamaha TMAX

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (YMC) announces the latest model change of its "sports commuter" model TMAX, mounting a 500cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC in-line twin cylinder 4-valve fuel-injected engine on a newly designed aluminum frame. This new model will be displayed at the Mondial du Deux Roues 2007 show opening in Paris on Sept. 28 and will be released on the European market as a 2008 model.
While maintaining the originality of the existing TMAX, the new model has been developed around the concept of "an evolution of the sports commuter" with measures like optimization of the intake and exhaust systems, adoption of a new-design aluminum frame, 15-inch tires front and rear and a new exterior design. The result is a new TMAX with new levels of performance in the ride, the look and feel of quality and environmental performance. There is also an A.B.S version as with the existing model.

Yamaha TMAX

From Oct. 2007 (dates will vary by European distributors)

Matte Gray Metallic 1
Dull Purplish Blue Metallic X
Silver 3
Black Metallic X

Yamaha introduced the first TMAX in July of 2000 as a new kind of bike called the "sports commuter" and sales were begun in Europe in 2001. Its release brought a big reaction in the marketplace as it was hailed as a bike with a completely new sense of value, combing a ride like a sport motorcycle and the comfort and functions of a commuter bike in one package.
It was at a time when the Majesty (250cc released in Japan in 1995 and Europe in 1996) had expanded the big scooter market in Europe and become established, but customers were also beginning to ask for a big scooter that could offer expanded use like high-speed touring and enjoyable performance in tandem riding. Yamaha's answer to these needs was the "sports commuter" concept embodied by the TMAX.
But the TMAX was not just a larger, more powerful version of the 250cc scooter. Everything from the engine to all the details of the chassis to the body design was unique and new, and by adding new features ( (1) a DOHC 2-cylinder 4-valve engine with a reciprocating piston balancer and automatic transmission, (2) a high-rigidity diamond type frame, (3) motorcycle type front fork, etc.) it became a machine that could offer enjoyable tandem riding in town and in a radius of 100 to 300 km around the cities. Its sporty ride and original styling won it popularity and established for itself a new positioning known as the "automatic transmission supersport" bike.

After that, the TMAX underwent further maturation with the addition of fuel injection, a larger radius rear wheel and double-disc front brake in 2004, and for 2006 the specs of both wheels were changed, adding further product value to keep it a market leader.
The new 2008 model TMAX has undergone further maturation and refinement while retaining its inherent originality with development efforts aimed at raising the level of both its performance and quality. With a development concept of "an evolution of the sports commuter," the latest Yamaha technologies have been adopted in everything from the engine and electrical components to the body and environmental performance.

1) Optimized intake/exhaust systems with new-design air cleaner adopted
A new-design air cleaner is adopted to increase air intake efficiency and bring out the potential of the fuel injection system to its fullest. Also, the same type of intake system layout as a motorcycle has been adopted. The air cleaner is positioned behind the frame's head pipe to make the course of the air intake passage straighter and shorter in length to achieve better intake efficiency. This combines with the optimized settings of the fuel injection system to help produce better mid- and low-speed torque and deliver excellent performance in passing acceleration. The exhaust system adopts a new-design muffler with a dynamic, light and sporty look. This connects to the flow lines of rear cowl in a way that reminds one of the YZF-R series models.

2) New-design aluminum frame (CF Aluminum Die-cast)
A lightweight new aluminum frame design is adopted for the main frame and rear frame. The frames are made by the Yamaha-exclusive "CF Aluminum Die Casting" technology that provides greater design freedom and enables a high-level unity of sporty performance and utility. Also, extruded aluminum parts are used for the connecting members between the main frame and rear frame. By continuing the use of rigid engine mounts, an excellent rigidity-strength balance is achieved.

3) 15-inch front wheel and dimension optimization
A 120/70 15-inch wheel with radial tire has been newly adopted for the front wheel. This makes both the front and rear 15-inch wheels, for excellent handling stability and riding comfort (previously the front mounted a 14-inch wheel). To accommodate this change, the dimensions of the front assembly have been optimized, including changes in the fork offset (35 mm→30 mm), the caster (28 °→25 °) and trail (95 mm→92 mm). These changes help achieve natural handling from extremely slow speeds all the way up to the high-speed range. Also, new-design lightweight 3-spoke die-cast wheels have been adopted front and rear.

4) New front fork with 43mm inner tubes
The diameter of the front fork inner tubes has been increased from 41 to 43 mm. Also, the exterior diameter of the steering shaft ball bearings has been increased (47 mm→55 mm). This reduces sliding resistance for a lighter steering action. What's more, the handlebar crown and under-bracket have been fine-tuned in terms of shape, stock thickness and rib shape in order to achieve the ideal rigidity balance.

5) Innovative new designs for the front and rear views
The body of the new model features new designs for the front and rear views and the meter panel. The front assembly retains the same basic flow lines while adding design changes that stress a strong, tight concentration of elements. Also, a two-piece front screen has been newly adopted along with a front fender that accentuates the look of down-force even more and contributes to excellent airflow to the radiator. The rear assembly retains the basic image of the existing model while achieving a sharper design that projects a new, sportier look.
The new-design meter panel is a left-right symmetrical type with the keyhole in the center, and the face plate is set at an angle that enable more 3-dimentional recognition. This is positioned in the center with the fuel gauge to the left and the temperature gauge to the right.

6) Other changes
Other changes include (1) a rear arm with a new rib assembly design to integrate with the new frame, (2) new monoblock type front brake caliper and 5-step adjustable front and rear brake levers, (3) new seat that achieves both easier leg reach to the ground and greater riding comfort, (4) a rear hinge type seat opening system for greater ease of operation from the dismounted position, (5) a left-side front trunk and (6) a 15-liter fuel tank (previously 14 liters).