| Author | Message | ||
     Jaimec |
There was a thread here earlier on what you would replace your 1125R with. Well, my time has come. Several things have nudged (not pushed... nudged) me in this direction: 1) The "local" Buell dealership is too damned far away. 2) They aren't very good, either. 3) Seriously... it's a SPORT bike, but I'm using it primarily to commute to and from work. 4) The gas mileage isn't that much better than my car, and a lot worse than my K1200LT. 5) The insurance is ridiculously high. 6) Getting it serviced means that Harley Davidson is STILL getting my hard-earned cash (and that pisses me off) 7) I will never have the time nor the talent to service it myself. All that being said, I've traded it in and I'm picking up a brand new (left over) 2009 Yamaha TMax today. This should hold me over until I can see what Erik and Erik Buell Racing have in store for the future... Maybe I'll put those Erik Buell Racing Stickers on the sides of the TMax to mess with people's heads... | ||
| Velocity |
Hey do you have your saddle bags? If so do you want to sell them? Good luck with the new bike. Scott | ||
| Sprintst |
a TMax??? Seriously??  | ||
| No_rice |
i was thinking it, i just didnt say it... i was wondering if you couldnt find a blast? better mileage and just as fast while still being well... a motorcycle... if it works for you great, im not really knocking it. just in no way shape or form do i "get it"... | ||
| Jaimec |
No_rice: Did you not see Points #1 & #6 above? And I've ridden a Blast... same issue of tired/cramped clutch hand in NYC Metro traffic. This thing is a HOOT! Don't knock one till you've tried one. It's got an aluminum deltabox frame, Two-cylinder, 500cc double overhead cam, eight valve fuel-injected engine, triple disk brakes with monobloc calipers... does that SOUND like a scooter to you? There are also THREE Yamaha dealers, all closer than the closest Buell dealer, where I live. Velocity: Yes, I still have the bags. PM me with an offer (I was about to put them up on eBay). I also have the Buell tank bag and (are you ready for this??) The Erik Buell Racing ECU for the stock airbox and exhaust. All of them will be going up on eBay within the week. (Message edited by jaimec on October 08, 2011) | ||
| Jaimec |
Sprintst: That looks like the pre-2009 TMax. I got a leftover 2009 in Yellow/Black:  Just to mess with people's heads, I've placed two "Buell" stickers under the Yamaha logos on the front. That photo isn't mine, by the way... just a random photo I pulled from the web. | ||
| Jaimec |
Oh, here's the review that "sold" me: http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/281/5207/Motorcycle- Article/2009-Yamaha-TMAX-Scooter-Review.aspx I think it was someone here who pointed me towards the TMax. I was originally thinking of the Suzuki Burgman 650 till I read the above article. | ||
| Ridegreen2oo |
PM sent about the ECM. | ||
| Syonyk |
I'm interested in the tank bag. PM sent. | ||
| Ridegreen2oo |
Disregard myself about the ECM. Brainfart...I have a CR (Message edited by Ridegreen2oo on October 09, 2011) | ||
| Thefleshrocket |
Wow.. I think the only way I'd ever consider switching to a scooter is if a motorcycle raped my wife, beat my kid, and burned my house down. AND. If it was just OR, I'd still ride. | ||
| Froggy |
I'd love to pick up a scoot scoot one of these days | ||
| Ysracer |
Jaimec - I just traded my '09 TMAX for a Versys last weekend. Great machine, I put 20k miles on it. It's apparent that those knocking it are not very knowledgeable. I had no problem riding with sport bikes in the twisties with it. I have some goodies if you're interested; Corbin seat, top case rack with Givi Monolock plate, and a Bitubo double adjustable shock. I also had Bitubo gas charged forks, but I let it go with them still on it  When you need tires, get Michelin Pilot's. I tried them all and they are the best match for that bike. | ||
| Jaimec |
Two people said they sent me PMs, but I haven't received either of them. Is there a problem with BadWeb? I've verified my profile, but I haven't changed my E-Mail address in over ten years... Ysracer: Damn! And I just bought the rack on eBay! What color is the Corbin seat? (Message edited by jaimec on October 08, 2011) | ||
| Jaimec |
And here it is! Check out the stickers on the front fairing:  | ||
| Luv2spd |
That scooter looks interesting, but for that price I would buy a used bike. There are a lot of fun bikes on the used market for that price. If I were to buy a scooter for around $8,000, I would get a used Honda DN-01, that bike looks very interesting and has more technology than the TMax. | ||
| Jaimec |
But the DN-01 has absolutely no luggage capacity, and no easy way of carrying anything except via backpack. Do they still even sell that thing? I'd ridden the Burgman, and mentioned it here, and that's when someone pointed out that the TMax might be a better choice. The Burgman has a bigger motor, but the TMax will run circles around it. The TMax is essentially a low-slung sportbike wrapped in scooter clothing. Read the article I linked above. The only other bike I was considering was the Aprilia Mana... but Aprilia doesn't EXACTLY have a sterling reputation for reliability. Remember... I was looking for a COMMUTER, and I live on Long Island. I don't think people who don't live here have any idea of what kind of TRAFFIC we deal with on a day-to-day basis. It can get downright PAINFUL with a clutch, especially if it is as stiff as the air-cooled Buells. Fortunately, that wasn't as bad an issue with the 1125R, but the HEAT coming up from the engine was painful, even with heavy riding gear as "insulation." I might've been better off with the 1125CR (with high bars) but my legs still got stiff and cramped after too long a stint in the saddle. I am, however, anxiously awaiting what new magical creations will be coming soon from the elves in East Troy... PS: A used bike would NOT have a one year, unlimited mileage warranty either. (Message edited by jaimec on October 08, 2011) | ||
| Brumbear |
I don't know what to say? Good luck with it I guess? | ||
| Daggar |
Nice scooter, man. I dig it. Great color combo, too. | ||
| Jaimec |
That works. Thanks! | ||
| Rpm4x4 |
I think youve lost your mind, but I wish you the best. I hope your new wheels are everything your looking for. | ||
| Dktechguy112 |
That should not have a Buell sticker on it. | ||
| Dannybuell |
The TMAX seems like a perfectly acceptable answer for an uber urban environment like yours. | ||
| Duphuckincati |
I'd say something, but I drive a Miata, the scooter of sports cars. Have fun. | ||
| Rkc00 |
Jamie What dealer and how much did you get for the trade? | ||
| Tbowdre |
WOW! what a difference in machines form an 1125 to a scooter my commuter option is a 2006 DRZ400SM, open airbox, 39mm FCR card, full FMF exhaust, steering damper, pro taper bars, ASV shorty levers, 1/4 turn throttle, smaller rear sprocket..... and a backpack LOVE IT... 50mpg if Im not acting like a squid | ||
| Rogue_biker |
Jaimec, congratulations. I think you made the right decision. You were honest with yourself and your needs and bought the right machine for your needs. Many people are not quite as well focused. I know I'm not! I briefly considered the TMax last year. Sat on one at a dealership and really liked how it felt. I also read all the reviews of the bike and liked what they said. TMax is THE BEST maxi-scooter out there. It has more in common with sportbikes than it does scooters. In fact, it IS a sportbike underneath that Scooter exterior, albeit one with a 500cc vertical twin! That was the only way Yamaha was able to make it handle and stop as good as it does. I too commute on my 1125R. A TMax would be perfect for me during these rides, but it would be unsuitable for my sport rides in the mountains. Plus, I really, REALLY like the 1125R's power and handling! Good luck and enjoy your new machine. | ||
| Jaimec |
The HANDLING on the TMax has to be experienced to believed. I'm not really missing the handling of the 1125R at all. The POWER, on the other hand... Well, on the bright side, I never have to worry about being in the "wrong gear" on this thing. Rkc: I got it at Long Island Kawasaki/Yamaha in Hicksville. Of the three local Yamaha dealers I contacted, they were the only ones that actually had one (actually, they have a few left overs in their warehouse from 2009/2010). I only got $3,500 for the 1125R but I honestly wasn't even expecting that much considering how much they've plunged in value since Harley cut our throats by slashing their prices back in 2009/2010. Rogue_Biker: It's technically a "Horizontal Twin," not a vertical twin.  (Message edited by jaimec on October 09, 2011) | ||
| Kenm123t |
Cool Scooter Proper tool for the job! Its a better choice in city traffic. Like golf you have putters and drivers. | ||
| Jramsey |
"The Burgman has a bigger motor, but the TMax will run circles around it." I'd argue that point as I've ridden both and ridden with another TMax rider,Sure it has somewhat better suspension and slightly better brakes for corner carving but acceleration from 50 on up there is no comparison especially 2 up. Great choice for your needs and I doubt you'll ever regret it. Welcome to scooters and don't worry about what others think because you will get flack from those who don't know the potential of a properly set up maxie scoot. Peace.  |
