Ludovic Lazareth has done it again. This interesting creation is a Yamaha TMax 500 scooter, fitted with a Rotrex supercharger, doubling the horsepower and making for what looks like a fun ride, what Lazareth calls the “TMax R.” It retains the twist and go, no clutch simplicity of a regular scooter but packs a high power punch and better handling, probably enough to embarass quite a few unsuspecting motorcycle riders. Of course, you would have to tone down the paint scheme if you really wanted to spring the surprise.
Starting with the Yamaha TMax, a 500cc parallel twin scooter with an output of 44 horsepower, he first fitted an upside down fork from a Yamaha R1 for the scooter’s 14 inch wheels along with two Galfer Wave rotors and 4 piston calipers.
After getting the suspension in order, he added a belt driven Rotrex supercharger running at 12 times crankshaft speed. The engine compression was lowered to 9.1:1 from the stock 10:1 and he also fitted an intercooler. Exhaust is handled through twin Devil mufflers.
Engine power is now 84 horsepower, enough to get 0-150km/h (93mph) in 10 seconds and in one track test, saw speeds as high as 180km/h (111mph).
Peugeot, I believe, has the only production supercharged scooter so far, the 125cc Jetforce Compressor. Nice power from a scooter, to be sure, but this blown scooter raises the bar quite a bit beyond that. This would actually be fun to ride. No shift simplicity, supercharged performance, big storage, … this scooter thing could catch on.
Link: Lazareth via Scooters Info via Motoblog.it
The Kneeslider: Peugeot JetForce 125 Compressor
Gaijin Biker says
Is it possible to order a custom scooter like this one from Lazareth? I checked their site and it looks like they sell some old bikes they don’t want any more, but it’s not clear if they’ll build new ones on request.
kneeslider says
Gaijin,
The article mentions a price of 23,000 euro, which is one helluva lot for a scooter, massaged or not. As you say, whether that applies to this as a one off or whether they’ll build more for the same figure isn’t clear.
Gaijin Biker says
That is quite a bit. But oh, it would be a blast…
Borkonnen says
Why would anyone want a muscle scooter instead of a motorcycle? This is not a sarcastic question, I’m sure there are good reasons, but I just can’t think of any.
Gaijin Biker says
Well, scooters have more storage space, weigh less, are usually more compact, and are simpler to operate.
But who said it has to be one or the other?
Borkonnen says
You’re probably right, Gaijin. My mistake is that I look at scooters as motorcycle-wannabes. I wouldn’t own a motorcycle and a scooter. Instead I’d buy a beter motorcycle.
Gary says
The supercharged Tmax is a VERY delectable bit of work, and even more handsome than the stock machine. The front suspension mods sound good – is the rear suspension stock? I would have concerns as to this scoot’s ability to tour (increased fuel consumption from an already small 14 litre tank!) and its overall reliability. I own a stock Tmax that has covered almost 50,000 trouble-free kilometres – in Australia that sort of figure is unremarkable. I love my scoot but hate the high service costs. If my concerns were unfounded I would DEFINITELY buy a supercharged one. Great stuff Lazareth
Leo says
Any idea what the max speed of this is? In one of my stupider moments I got up to 175 kmph on my stock model. In bad weather, carrying an extra 20 kgs of luggage and a less than svelte rider. Bring on a stock 750 so I can be even sillier!
Gary says
From the pic of the blown Tmax, it looks like the new exhaust system has possibly obliterated the underseat storage (but boy does it look good!). I would create a larger fuel tank to fill the available space, and then fit a custom single-seat which incorporates a large integrated storage area where the pillion used to sit (who needs 70+kg of additional mass when you are having fun?). Additionally, filling the useless ‘step-thru’ space in front of the seat with a lockable storage box (the equivalent of a motorcycle tankbag) would be a huge improvement. Are you listening, Yamaha and/or Givi?
And Borkonnen, your views are totally reasonable. I shared them until I test-rode a Tmax in 2003, at which point my 33 years of ‘motorcycle only’ attitude had to be reassessed. I bought it – and I am hooked.
cx says
I am smitten…!
I was so intrigued with this Tmax since launch, I finally bought one. I’ve pushed it off since the carb model right through their face lift, and now finally, the current model.
I’ve never had to resist so hard on a bike…I’ve finally given in.
Mike says
Hi guys
I am interested in the engine of the Tmax scooter, in particular the balancing system. Has anyone had one of these motors apart. Does anyone have a picture of the crankshaft and the balance piston and conrod. Is there a workshop manual which illustrates these parts. I have ridden one of these scoots and the smoothness is incredible
jetmir says
quanto costa per comprare mi mandi unn eseme sul mesagr ok
Emily Zaplatosch says
Does anyone have any ideas on where I can get the work down on a T MAX like this one? I would like to do some work with mine just wondering where I can get it done?
Thanks