(Top Bikes) The Yamaha TMax is probably the best success story of a maxi scooter in the Philippine market. First introduced in the global market with a two-cylinder in-line, four-stroke, liquid-cooled 500cc power plant, the 2020 TMAX took a little more steroids to come up with a meaner 562cc mill that generates 47hp.
The new TMax also boasts of modern electronic rider support systems and awesome features like cruise control, heated grips and seat, a monochrome TFT display, a new set of LED lights, a GPS tracking system, and two-level riding modes.
These leave the owners of the previous generation TMax drooling. Is it time to let go?
Not for Xavi Gil of Lobomotive, a Spain-based manufacturer of custom-built engines, parts, and accessories in Europe. According to a report by Pipeburn, Xavi decided to do magic with a 2011 TMax 530 scooter and transform it into a sportbike using his long years of experience customizing motorbikes — most of them being Pro Street Harleys.
Before it waved its magic wand, Lobomotive wanted the old TMax to appear (and perform) like Yamaha’s famed sportbike, the YZF-R1. The first parts to go were the traditional commuter-style body claddings followed by the big comfy seat.
Crazy over MotoGP race bikes, Lobomotive installed a set of CNC-machined alloy, nickel-plated Brembo GP4RX calipers designed for hard core track sessions. To keep up with the enormous stopping requirement, Lobomotive used a pair of 320mm carbon disc brakes in front and a single 220mm disc at the rear.
However, replacing the old-school telescopic fork with an upside-down unit did not come easy. A bigger 17-inch OZ Racing wheel must be mounted in front to achieve proportionality with other the other superbike components and modified parts, and it required a serious engineering effort to come out perfect. The original wheels were size 15. With patience and determination, this mission was fully accomplished.
Designed for serious track sessions, Lobomotive chose a pair of sticky Michelin Power Cup Evo tires to ensure optimum surface grip while pursuing better lap time. A specially built YSS shock absorber with a piggyback reservoir was mounted to the TMax’s swingarm.
To make the TMax really look like an R1, Xavi fitted this superbike — er, maxi scooter — with the latter’s sport seat. Lots of carbon fiber components were used to enhance brake vents, swingarm covers, instrument display, and even front and rear tire huggers.
This article originally appeared in Top Bikes Philippines. Minor edits were made by Spin.ph staff.
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