Yamaha TMAX 500 (SJ08) — OEM Fluid, Tire Pressure & Maintenance Specs
499cc Liquid-Cooled Parallel-Twin DOHC 8-Valve FI (Enclosed Oil-Bath Chain) · Source: Yamaha TMAX 500 (SJ08) (2008–2011) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications
According to the Yamaha TMAX 500 (SJ08) (2008–2011) Official Owner’s Manual Maintenance Specifications, the 2008–2011 Yamaha TMAX 500 (SJ08) (chassis SJ08/4B5) requires 2.8 L (2.96 US qt) of SAE 10W-40 (JASO MA2, API SG or higher) engine oil for a drain-only change and 2.9 L (3.06 US qt) with filter service (5GH-13440-80 / HF204). Standard solo cold tire pressure is 225 kPa / 2.25 bar / 33 PSI front (120/70R15M/C 56H) and 250 kPa / 2.50 bar / 36 PSI rear (160/60R15M/C 67H), paired with 2× NGK CR7E spark plug(s) and a YTZ10S battery.
Drain only: 2.8 L (2.96 US qt)
R 250 kPa (2.50 bar)
Est. Range: ~278 km (173 mi)
1. Engine Lubrication, Filter & Clutch Specifications
| Clutch Architecture | Wet Multi-Plate Automatic Clutch NEVER use JASO MB |
|---|---|
| Recommended Viscosity & Grade | SAE 10W-40 · JASO MA2 · API SG or higher |
| Oil Volume (Drain / With Filter / Overhaul) |
• Drain only: 2.8 L (2.96 US qt) • With filter/strainer: 2.9 L (3.06 US qt) • Complete dry overhaul: 3.6 L (3.80 US qt) |
| OEM Oil Filter Code & Type | 5GH-13440-80 / HF204 |
| Correct Oil Level Check Method | Hold bike upright on level ground 3–5 min after warm shutdown; read crankcase sight glass |
| Oil Drain Bolt Torque | 43 N·m (31.7 lb-ft / 4.38 kgf·m) — Use fresh crush washer |
| Final Drive / Bevel Gear Oil | 700 ml (0.70 L) — SAE 80W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil GL-4/GL-5 (700 ml enclosed chain case) |
2. Cold Tire Pressures, Wheels, Ignition & Drivetrain
| Front / Rear OEM Tire Sizes | Front: 120/70R15M/C 56H · Rear: 160/60R15M/C 67H (Tubeless) |
|---|---|
| Cold Tire Pressure — Solo Riding |
Front: 225 kPa / 2.25 bar / 33 PSI Rear: 250 kPa / 2.50 bar / 36 PSI |
| Cold Tire Pressure — 2-Up / Loaded Touring |
Front: 225 kPa / 2.25 bar / 33 PSI Rear: 280 kPa / 2.80 bar / 41 PSI |
| OEM Spark Plug & Quantity | NGK CR7E × 2 (Gap: 0.7–0.8 mm) |
| OEM Battery Code & Rating | YTZ10S (12V 8.6Ah MF AGM) |
| Final Drive Maintenance | Enclosed Swingarm Oil-Bath Dual Silent Chain (700 ml hypoid gear oil) |
| Brake Fluid & Coolant | DOT 4 · Silicate-free ethylene-glycol OAT coolant for aluminum radiators (50:50 premix) |
3. Ergonomics, Range & Scheduled Service Intervals
| Displacement · Max Power · Peak Torque | 499 cc · 43.5 hp @ 7,500 rpm · 46.4 N·m (34.2 lb-ft) @ 6,500 rpm |
|---|---|
| Seat Height & Wet Curb Weight | 800 mm (31.5 in) · 221 kg (487 lbs) |
| Fuel Tank & Est. Real-World Range | 15 L (4.0 US gal) · ~18.5 km/L → ~278 km (173 mi) |
| OEM Scheduled Maintenance Intervals |
• First Break-In: 1,000 km • Engine Oil / Filter: 5,000 km / 10,000 km • Air Filter / Spark Plug: 20,000 km / 20,000 km • Valve Clearance Check: 40,000 km |
4. Generation Cutoffs & Real-World Wrenching Gotchas
Model-Year & Chassis Generation Notes
Produced from 2008 to 2011, the SJ08 (4B5) introduced the cast-aluminum frame and 15-inch front wheel while retaining the 499cc twin’s enclosed oil-bath swingarm chain drive.
Oil & Clutch Mechanical Engineering Note
In addition to 2.9 L of JASO MA2 10W-40 engine oil feeding the wet multiplate clutch, the SJ08’s enclosed left-hand chain case requires 700 ml of SAE 80W-90 gear oil.
Garage Wrenching Gotchas
- Do not confuse the SJ08 with later belt-drive 530 models—drain and refill the 700 ml left swingarm chain-bath gear oil every 10,000 km to protect internal chain guides.
- Avoid running the tank repeatedly on low-fuel reserve in summer heat, as the submerged fuel pump impeller on early SJ08 units is sensitive to heat-soak seizure.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What oil volume, JASO grade, and oil filter code does the Yamaha TMAX 500 (SJ08) (2008–2011) require?
Because its wet multi-plate clutch shares engine oil with the gearbox, run SAE 10W-40 (JASO MA2) at 2.8 L (2.96 US qt) drain-only and 2.9 L (3.06 US qt) with filter (5GH-13440-80 / HF204). Also service final drive 700 ml.
How do you accurately check the oil level on the TMAX 500 (SJ08), and what are its service intervals?
Hold the motorcycle dead-vertical on level ground 2–3 minutes after warm shutdown and verify the oil sits mid-way between the Upper and Lower marks in the crankcase sight glass—never on the sidestand. Torque the drain plug to 43 N·m with a new crush washer. Factory oil change intervals are every 5,000 km, with valve clearance inspection every 40,000 km.
What are the cold tire pressures, puncture repair type, seat height, and range of the TMAX 500 (SJ08)?
Fitted with 120/70R15M/C 56H front and 160/60R15M/C 67H rear tubeless rims (compatible with roadside plug kits), set cold tire pressures to 33 / 36 PSI (225/250 kPa) solo or 33 / 41 PSI loaded. Seat height is 800 mm (31.5 in) at 221 kg wet weight, delivering ~278 km per 15 L tank.