Yamaha has slammed the Indian Government over the complete closure of industry for the pandemic while also releasing a tribute scooter (above) to the resilience of Italians through the crisis.
The Japanese motorcycle manufacturer, which has three factories in India, says the complete closure should have been reviewed carefully.
Yamaha India boss Motofumi Shitara says India is one of the world’s largest economies and is the world’s largest two-wheeler market.
Complete closure
“Complete closure of economic activities in this market as well as other markets in the world has led to a massive depression, the worst since Great Depression in 1920s. The recovery period from such depression will take a long time,” he says.
Shitara says that with possible second and third wave infections, the world “needs to learn to live with coronavirus” with effective safety precautions.
Roma Edition
Yamaha Roma Edition scooter
This comes as Yamaha Europe has launched the Roma Edition MMXX maxi scooter for the Italian market in recognition of its resilience during the pandemic.
Italy was among the worst-hit countries with more than 233,000 infections and 33,415 deaths.
To pay homage to the resilience of the Italian people, Yamaha’s Europe Design Division in Gerno di Lesmo has spiced up the XMax Roma Edition with graphics of Roman streets on the fairing and silhouettes of the Colosseum on the rear.
It also comes with a sporty windscreen and aluminium.
The XMax is one of the top-selling scooters in Italy.
I’ve ridden several leaning three-wheelers and found them much more stable at high speeds than a conventional trike.
The double front tyre contact patch also makes them much safer on entering a corner where low friction from gravel or oil could cause a low-side crash.
Tricity
This configuration provides much greater rider confidence pushing into corners.
However, we wonder if this conventional trike layout with two wheels at the back but also leaning might actually decrease front tyre friction and therefore rider confidence.
Piaggio design
The Piaggio design actually only allows the front end to lean while the rear axle remains parallel to the ground via a car-like Constant Velocity joint.
It would certainly improved traction under power coming out of a corner.
The patent drawing seems to suggest a scooter with the engine in the rear like a Porsche 911.
And like the German Porker, it might be a hoot to ride — or drift — with its pendulum-like handling.
Paul Andrew Brown faced a hearing in Burwood Local Court today (27 May 2020) on charges of failing to stop and render aid, negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, and not exchanging particulars.
The collision occurred at the intersection of Wellbank and Spring streets, in Concord, about 7.45pm on 14 August 2019.
Police told the court the driver of the utility failed to stop to render assistance to the rider and continued to drive north on Spring Street.
The scooter rider, a 34-year-old woman, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Crash Investigation Unit officers found the ute parked in North Strathfield about 2.30pm the next day.
After a short foot pursuit, police arrested Brown and took him to Burwood Police Station were he was charged.
Guilty
Brown has been in and out of court since and was today found guilty. He will front court again on 15 July 2020 for sentencing.
Last year Italian motorcycle and scooter company Piaggio lost a landmark case against a Chinese company over a copycat scooter, but now it has won a similar case.
The first case against Zhejiang Zhongneng began in 2014 over a copy of their Vespa LX scooter which has been around since the end of World War II.
But it wasn’t China that made the decision.
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) ruled that the designs were significantly different and Zhejiang had not stolen any intellectual property.
This time the EUIPO has ruled against Chinese scooter companies Motolux and Dayi Motor for their copycat design of the Vespa Primavera, registered in 2013.
The ruling says the EUIPO was “unable to elicit a general impression different from the registered design” of the Primavera.
The Communist Party of China has imposed hefty tariffs and threatened other measures on some Australian exports after Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for an independent inquiry into the origin of the coronavirus outbreak.
Other Chinese copycats
There are many other cases where the Chinese have quite blatantly ripped off the designs of other models.
Check out some of our articles on this topic at the end of this article.
As an example, how about this BMW G 310 GS knockoff from Chinese company Everest.
They claim the global market is flooded with replicas of their classic scooters from China, India and Thailand.
The Chinese seem immune to international trade laws that bind other countries and their latest blatant ripoff is an electric Honda Goldwing.
We all know the Chinese make cheap copies of well-known brands and many of us probably have a Gucci belt made of plastic in a sweatshop in China.
However, they have also made a lot of copies of bigger and more expensive products such as cars.
Some of the cars these manufacturers have copied include the Range Rover Evoque, Smart ForTwo, Hummer, Porsche Cayman, Audi A6, Jeep Cherokee, BMW X1, Rolls-Royce Phantom and MINI Cooper.
Land Wind knockoff of the land Rover Evoque
Some car manufacturers tried to stop them copying their cars, but failed in an obstructive and partisan legal system, so they formed alliances with Chinese companies to make their products for the local market.
Like the car makers, Honda has formed an allegiance with one of the knockoff companies in China to make their bikes for the local market.
The pandemic has caused a severe setback to globalised manufacturers because of the al-pervasive Chinese element in their supply chain.
We wonder how many manufacturers will now source components from other countries other than China.
Japan is even given tax breaks to companies that remove Chinese components from their supply chain.
The Laverda name conjures up thought of big brawny triples and twins – scooters? Not so much…
Laverda’s 49 Mini scooter
However as a result of changes to the Italian highway code in 1959 (which saw the requirement for mopeds to have pedals abolished, while letting them be used without number plates or a driving licence, with a maximum speed of 40 km/h), Laverda designed a scooter to compete with Vespa and Lambretta.
Laverda’s 49 Mini scooter Laverda’s 49 Mini scooter
Production of the 49 Mini started in 1960 with the single seat machine using a 48.9cc OHV four-stroke motor that used a cast iron barrel fitted with an alloy cylinder head.
Laverda’s 49 Mini scooter Laverda’s 49 Mini scooter
A two-speed gearbox was fitted. Flywheel magneto ignition was employed and a Dell’Orto carburettor was fed by a four-litre fuel tank positioned under the seat.
Laverda’s 49 Mini scooter Laverda’s 49 Mini scooter
In 1962 new versions fitted with a 50cc or 60cc motor, three-speed gearbox and a lengthened seat were introduced. These were also sold in Spain as the Montesa Micro Scooter.
Laverda’s 49 Mini scooter
Output of the 49 Mini was 1.3 hp at 4500 rpm, with a weight of 40 kg and top speed of 40km/h.
Can you identify this scooter thief from the inset image of the man while riding in the back of a taxi?
Sunshine Coast detectives want to speak to him about the theft of a Suzuki UK110 scooter from outside a surf club at Coolum last week.
Just after 4pm last Saturday (9 May 2020), the man attended the surf club on David Low Way where he stole a silver 2015 Suzuki UK110 bearing Queensland registration 095QU.
Prior to this, the man attempted to steal a car from a house on First Avenue at Coolum Beach, just after 3.30pm.
The man was confronted by the residents and ran from the area.
He is described as Caucasian in appearance, of a solid build with short dark hair. He is also described as having New Zealand accent and wearing a black shirt and shorts at the time.
Anyone with information that could identify the man, or the whereabouts of the scooter, is urged to contact police.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
Quote this reference number: QP2000959139 within the online suspicious activity form.
Two drivers have been charged after separate Sydney crashes in the past couple of days that cost the lives of two riders.
A 24-year-old male motorcycle rider died at the scene of a crash with a Toyota Camry about noon yesterday (9 May 2020) on Soldiers Parade, outside Edmondson Park Railway Station.
The driver, a 37-year-old man, was taken to Liverpool Hospital for mandatory testing.
He was then taken to Liverpool Police Station where he was charged with negligent driving occasioning death, and not give way at lights to oncoming vehicle (right turn).
The Edmondson Park man was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear at Liverpool Local Court on Monday 13 July 2020.
Investigations are continuing.
Second driver charged
A 22-year-old male driver has been charged after a fatal crash involving his Mitsubishi Challenger SUV and a Yamaha scooter in Sydney’s east on Friday (8 May 2020).
The crash occurred about 2pm at the intersection of Fitzgerald Ave and Bunnerong Rd, Eastgardens.
The scooter rider, a 29-year-old man, was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to St Vincent’s Hospital in a critical condition.
The Mitsubishi driver, a 22-year-old man, was arrested and taken to Prince of Wales Hospital for mandatory testing.
Officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command established a crime scene, which was examined by specialist police from the Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit.
Investigators were later notified the rider had died in hospital.
The driver was taken to Maroubra Police Station and charged with negligent driving occasioning death.
He was granted conditional bail to appear before Waverley Local Court on Wednesday 29 July 2020.
Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 orhttps://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Our sincere condolences to the riders’ families and friends.
French-born Bertrand Cadart, 71, the scooter-riding Mayor who played Clunk in the first Mad Max movie and registered the first motorcycle-friendly municipality in Australia has sadly died in Queensland after a long fight with cancer.
Peter “The Bear” Thoeming wrote this article for us in May 2018 after he handed over his Honda SilverWing scooter, riding gear and the boots we wore as “Clunk” to the Swansea local history museum in Tasmania:
Since rolling ashore in Australia in 1972 aboard a BMW R 69 S, bought from the Gendarmes in New Caledonia, Le Frog (as he became affectionately known) has had a major impact on motorcycling in Australia. He worked as an on-air presenter for Radio Australia’s French-language programs for some years, but in 1976 he decided it was time to make it his life’s work to improve Australia’s motorcycling experience.
To sell the clever, effective fairings he had designed he launched his company La Parisienne. Its frog logo became well-known quickly, and his fairings found themselves fitted to a wide range of bikes. Keep in mind that few motorcycles came from the factory with fairings then, and there were few aftermarket options available. La Parisienne’s products made it more comfortable for many long-distance riders, including the author.
Bertrand didn’t stop there. He contacted Jean-Pierre Fournales in Toulouse, back in his native France, and arranged for the Australian distributorship of the oleopneumatic Fournales shock absorbers, which offer superior compliance and won’t bottom out. Does that sound like an advertisement? Well, we’ve tried them, and we would not go back to any other shocks. Harley-Davidson Softail riders especially have reason to be grateful to Jean-Pierre for adapting his original design fitted to the revolutionary Concorde supersonic aircraft. Bertrand imports the shocks to this day.
One of his many, and typically quirky, contributions to the Australian motorcycle scene was the introduction of the Lost Balls Rallies. Instead of the usual rally activities, these centered on a game of golf – but you could only bring three clubs, and you had to carry them on your bike. If you didn’t know one end of a club from the other, you could… throw the ball instead.
Bertrand and author, The Bear
Director George Miller came to see Bertrand while he was trying to put together a low-budget film to be called “Mad Max”. He needed help with all sorts of bits and pieces, including the appearance of the bikes ridden by the Toecutter bikie gang which was a central part of the movie. Bertrand obliged with his iconic fairings and a lot more; in the end he even took a part in the film as bikie Clunk.
At the turn of the Century in a classic example of ‘cherchez la femme’, Bertrand followed a woman to Bicheno in Tasmania, and found his spiritual home. With a climate similar to France and an opportunity to become involved in civic life, he found Tasmania very much to his liking. He stood for the local council, was duly elected and not long afterwards, in 2007, became Mayor.
He also became a local, national and even international legend. For the locals he created a botanic garden and a boules pitch among many other innovations. Nationally, he turned Glamorgan Spring Bay into Australia’s first motorcycle friendly municipality. Internationally, he starred in European TV programs about Tasmania, and fostered close relations with New Caledonia, where he had served as a French Marine. It’s probably fair to say that he turned Glamorgan Spring Bay into the most famous Australian municipality in the entire world.
An expatriate Taswegian and personal friend, Stuart Strickland from Honda MPE Australia, saw the opportunity to do a good deed and get some publicity for one of the company’s models at the same time. He lent Bertrand that 600cc SilverWing scooter. Bertrand liked it so much that the municipality bought it. It became his mayoral transport and also internationally famous. Bertrand put 65,000 kilometres on the scooter and says “I’ve never enjoyed a ‘motorcycle’ more!” He even bought it from the municipality when his term as mayor ended. It’s probably best not to dwell on the speeds with which he visited meetings and other mayoral events.
Bertrand Cadart moved to Queensland three years ago to be closer to his family and continue his battle against leukaemia. He passed away on Good Friday.
Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Suzuki Australia is recalling its more than 2000 UK110 scooters over an issue that could cause the horn to fail.
The official recall notice, issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, says the improper plating on the moveable contacts on the horn and starter switch, if continuously used, can allow dust or water to enter the switch block.
This could lead to corrosion on the contact surface of the terminals and cause the horn to stop operating correctly.
“The unit may not start, increasing the risk of an accident or injury to the rider and other road users,” it says.
Consumers will be contacted by Suzuki Australia in writing. Consumers with affected Scooters should contact their nearest authorised Suzuki dealer service department to arrange to have the recall carried out.
Vehicle identification umbers of the affected 2014-19 scooters are from MH8DE111300100004 to MH8DE111300102403
Even though manufacturers and importers usually contact owners when a recall is issued, the bike may have been sold privately to a rider unknown to the company.
Therefore, Motorbike Writer publishes all motorcycle and scooter recalls as a service to all riders.
If you believe there is an endemic problem with your bike that should be recalled, contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.
To check whether your motorcycle has been recalled, click on these sites:
Right from the off, Yamaha’s TMAX maxi-scooter struck a chord in Europe. In France and Italy especially, they loved and still love Yamaha’s premium scooter but the uptake for premium scooters has been a little slower in Australia. The first TMAX was introduced in 2001, and since then Yamaha has sold two million units in various capacities worldwide, with a chunk of those sales in mainland Europe. It’s easy to see why; it’s such a brilliant, versatile bike.
The new for 2020 Yamaha TMax 560
To widen its appeal and make sure the TMAX remains on top (and Euro-5 compliant), Yamaha have delivered a new 560 TMAX for 2020. It is bigger in capacity and faster than ever before. They’ve also improved the design while retaining a premium feel. If you’ve never considered a maxi-scooter before, maybe it’s about time because this iteration is the fastest, sportiest and, in my opinion, best-looking TMAX yet.
Maximum power is up from 45.3 hp at 6750 rpm to 46.9 hp at 7600 rpm and peak torque is up from 39 ft-lbs to 41.1 ft-lbs at the same 5250 rpm. Peak power has moved up the rev range, and the torque has increased due to the increase in engine capacity from 530cc to 560cc. Yamaha is claiming the Euro5 2020 model is five-km/h faster and accelerates quicker.
The TMax features a liquid-cooled parallel two-cylinder
It certainly feels nimble. If you’ve never ridden a maxi-scooter before, its ability will take you by surprise. 120 to 135 km/h cruising speeds are uneventful and easy, and if you push hard enough you see the analogue speedo top out at 177 km/h. What surprised me the most was the bike’s acceleration from 120 km/h upwards – it’s still brisk and doesn’t labour, unlike most models in this maxi-scooter category.
There are two engine modes to choose from (which can be changed on the fly with a closed throttle) – touring and sport. Yamaha claim there is now a greater step between the two than before, but I’d contest that. There is a noticeable difference between the two modes, but it’s not huge. I spent 95 per cent of the ride in the touring mode which never felt lacking.
The TMax also features an electronics suite, including riding modes and traction control
One of the most significant changes for 2020 is the 2 mm increase in the bore, from 68 mm to 70 mm, which ups capacity from 530 cc to 560 cc. But it wasn’t just a case of oversizing the engine, there is more to it than that. The intake valves have increased in size, and there are new connecting rods, a lighter crankshaft, new camshaft, and new aluminium forged pistons. As before, the two cylinders are balanced by an opposed ‘dummy’ piston.
The increase in power and capacity means heat generation has increased, obliging Yamaha to improve the cooling system with a larger radiator and new air duct. But, despite the larger radiator, coolant capacity is reduced due to shortened coolant routing. The TMAX still uses a CVT transmission – automatic, twist-and-go to me and you.
The TMax features an automatic CVT transmission, ideal for city and commuting conditions
However, the clutch engagement has reduced by 300 rpm to 4000 rpm, and gear ratios have been reduced, again to give a sportier feel and match the new engine performance. To meet strict Euro 5 legislation, Yamaha had to produce a new exhaust system, with a twin catalytic converter. The materials used are stronger, which allows for the thinner exhaust, reducing its weight. Airfilter, throttle body and fuelling are all new for 2020.
The TMAX twin-cylinder engine has always had a distinctive feel and exhaust tone but now sounds meatier than before, with a little more character. Despite its capacity increasing, the overall bike is only 1 kg heavier, with some of this weight saved from the new exhaust.
The TMax also benefits from a meatier exhaust note alongside the capacity boost
Despite capacity and performance increases, Yamaha are claiming a 10 per cent improvement in fuel consumption for the already frugal Yamaha. 4.8 litres per 100km works out at around 59 mpg while the 15-litre fuel tank means the new TMAX should have a range of about 310 km (194 miles).
On test, I achieved considerably less than the claimed figure, but I did spend the majority of the time with the throttle wide open – sorry. However, I’ve ridden the now ‘old’ model extensively in the past, even attending the world launch in Cape Town in 2017, and achieved 55 mpg, so Yamaha’s claim seems reasonable.
2020 TMax updates include optimising the suspension settings
When Yamaha re-vamped the TMAX in 2017 they increased its sportiness by reducing weight (by 9 kg), moving the engine further forward in the chassis and by giving it a steeper head angle plus new suspension and a revised swing-arm. For 2020 the set-up changes aren’t as dramatic, but they have gone one step further, to make it sportier than before. The suspension has been ‘fine-tuned’ and the damping settings ‘revised’ with spring rates, front and rear, also increased.
Simply put, the set-up feels firmer than before but still plush. On the motorway the ride is smooth end effortless, without jolting on bumps and road imperfections. Equally, the handling is impressive, still very ‘scooter-like’ and easy to throw around considering the bike tips the scales at 220kg.
The result is a firmer but still plush ride from the 2020 TMax 560
Stability is also excellent, not what you would normally associate with a maxi-scooter on 15-inch wheels. In the mountains I was impressed enough to, on occasion, drag its centre stand though tight turns, and you could certainly embarrass a few conventional bikes if you were in the mood. Don’t underestimate the handling of a well-ridden TMAX.
When we encountered some heavy rain later in the day, the Yam’ didn’t disappoint. The feedback for a scooter was impressive and the Bridgestone rubber gave consistent grip, wet and dry.
The TMax is also formidable in wet conditions, with good grip from the Bridgestone rubber
My only complaint was that the TMAX felt a tad harsh over very bumpy sections, as if there was too much pre-load on the springs (pre-load is adjustable on the top-spec Tech model, but not in the standard bike). The first 1/4 to 1/2 of the suspension travel was smooth but the later part of the stroke was a little harsh. In fairness, we did encounter some very poorly surfaced roads as well as ancient cobbles (that were taken at speed). It will be interesting to see how the bike performs in the UK.
The brakes are unchanged for 2020 and do an excellent job of slowing proceedings. With no clutch, the back brake is on the left bar and comes into constant use, more so than normal. ABS, as you’d expect, is standard and isn’t too intrusive. There is also a parking brake on the left bar because, obviously, you can’t leave the bike in gear when parked on a hill.
R6 style brakes remain on the TMax 560, not needing any upgrade
We benefited from testing the top of the range Tech model which comes with an electronically adjustable screen that makes a huge difference on the motorway. Once fully raised you’re forced to look through the screen and not over it (this rider is 5 ft 7′), though very tall riders may be able to peer over the top.
With the screen up you’re in a cocoon of silence, all wind and wind-noise taken away from your upper body. Personally, I preferred the screen raised to just a quarter of the way up so I could look over rather than through.
The generous screen offers good protection on the TMax
Simple and easy-to-use cruise control comes as standard on the Tech model and there is enough storage under the seat for a reasonably large bag or two open face helmets – yes, touring is a genuine option on the TMAX.
The seat is nearly identical to the previous model’s, comfortable with small lumbar support ahead of the pillion seat. It was only towards the end of the day that I was forced to move around to ease nub-bum ache. From memory I thought the older bike was slightly better in this department, which may be down to the seat or perhaps the new suspension. It was far from uncomfortable, but I knew I’d done a full nine-to-five day in the saddle.
The TMax offers a generous and comfortable seat, with lumbar support
Traction control and ABS both come as standard, but are not lean-sensitive (there is no IMU monitoring lean angle). When the traction control kicks in it’s smooth, and the reintervention is effortless. And yes, on wet cobbles and white lines it did kick in from time to time.
The Tech MAX comes with an electric screen, cruise control, heated grips and seat, adjustable rear suspension, slight cosmetic changes, and My TMAX connectivity. The connectively not only allows you to view your ride, speed and lean angle but can be used as a tracking device.
2020 Yamaha TMax 560 in action
There is also a sports pack that includes a backrest and mounting, aluminium pegs, number plate holder and sports screen. An urban pack includes a top case and mounting, backrest and universal bar mounts.
Finally, a winter pack comprise of heated grips, apron and knuckle visor (handguards). Akrapovic produces silencers with a choice of two finishes for the new model and there is a range of detailed cosmetic options you can choose from.
A winter pack is also available for cold weather quality of life mods
Price at $16,599 ride away in Australia the TMAX is at the top end of the scooter food chain, but deservedly so.
The Yamaha TMax 560 faces some fierce competition in the Maxi-Scooter category
Yamaha Roma Edition scooter
Niken (Image: Yamaha)
AKO leaning electric trike
Tricity
Vespa Primavera
Everest Kaiyue 400X
Land Wind knockoff of the land Rover Evoque
