Yamaha T-MAX 500 (XP 500) – 5GJ1 Full Specifications & Ownership Data

The 2001 Yamaha T-MAX 500 (5GJ1) represents a pivotal moment in motorcycle history. While contemporary scooters utilized the engine as a stressed member of the swingarm, Yamaha’s engineers took a radical approach: they mounted the 499cc parallel-twin engine rigidly into a diamond-shaped steel frame. This engineering choice effectively birthed the ‘Sport Scooter’ category, offering the handling characteristics of a motorcycle with the convenience of a step-through chassis.

Technical Engineering Highlight

The 5GJ1’s heart is its liquid-cooled DOHC parallel-twin engine. To eliminate the vibrations inherent in a 360-degree crankshaft layout without the bulk of traditional balancer shafts, Yamaha utilized a unique ‘third piston’—a reciprocating balancer located 180 degrees from the main pistons. This design allows the T-MAX to remain exceptionally smooth at high cruising speeds while maintaining a compact engine footprint.

Maintenance Guidelines

For the 5GJ1 generation, maintaining thermal efficiency and lubrication is paramount. The system requires 2.9 liters of 10W-40 oil meeting JASO MA standards to ensure the wet centrifugal clutch operates without slippage. Given the 5GJ1 utilizes carburetors (unlike later fuel-injected models), ensuring the NGK CR7E spark plugs are gapped correctly is vital for cold-start reliability.

Chassis and Safety

The 14-inch wheels were considered massive for the era, providing stability that remains impressive today. Owners must strictly adhere to the pressure specifications of 2.25 bar (Front) and 2.5 bar (Rear) to prevent ‘hunting’ during high-speed cornering, a common trait when tires are under-inflated on this heavy 200kg+ machine.

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