Yamaha’s first TMAX arrived in 2001 and, with its motorcycle-inspired chassis, 500cc twin, 100mph-capable engine and scooter comfort and convenience, it was hailed as the first, revolutionary ‘super scooter’. Although it remains something of an oddity on the British Isles (although those who know, know) it’s proved a big hit particularly on the scooter-favouring Continent (it’s sold over 330,000 in Europe alone).
Since its launch over two decades ago, it has gone through eight generations of updates, inspired Yamaha’s whole family of sporty, premium ‘Max’ scooters and remained the definitive example of the breed.
This latest refresh is more gentle improvement than wholesale change. Yamaha’s intention was simply a series of subtle updates to deliver ‘a more refined riding experience, more sophisticated look and an enhanced ride’. This comes via an evolved look plus updates to the powertrain, brakes and equipment.
Its sound has been acoustically enhanced via new inlet trumpets; the exhaust tracts are TiG welded to smooth gas flow, even the heated grips have been improved. There are two new colours: grey and ‘Magma’ and, although the overall effect is subtle, it raises the bar again. The new TMAX delivers rapid, luxury, two-wheel transport like little else.
Performance and handling are essentially unchanged, but then with the ‘old’ and now 560cc TMAX already producing 47bhp and thus at the limit of its intended A2 licence category, there was no real need for more. It’s already capable of a theoretical 110mph top speed and delivers its performance more than adequately. Instead, its bespoke parallel twin engine has been tweaked for 2025 and given a new exhaust to pass Euro5+ regulations.
Its two driving modes T (Touring) and S (Sport) have been revised to be more distinct. Initial acceleration is improved via revised clutch settings, although you’d only notice if you tested old and new back-to-back. Otherwise, the TMAX’s performance is just the same – and as good – as it ever was, in being a smooth and effective 100mph twist ‘n’ go with all the hilarity – and commuting practicality – that implies.
Handling’s little changed, either – but, again, there was no real need for it to be. Yes, the TMAX is still a ‘small wheel, step-thru’ scooter, with a low slung, feet forward riding position when compared to a traditional motorcycle, but once you’ve tuned into it, thanks to its rigid frame, motorcycle style 41mm USD forks, monoshock rear and more, it handles far more sportily and entertainingly than any other scooter.
Its ride is good, but not perfect: due to the riding position and short-travel suspension. Speed bumps and potholes jar, while the front end can sometimes feel remote. On the whole, though, it’s good enough to dice with some sports bikes and, believe me, that’s tremendous fun for experienced motorcyclists.
There are few changes when it comes to comfort, practicality and equipment either, but, again, there wasn’t much wrong with the old one. The TMAX’s seat is spacious and deeply padded and the pillion provision is even larger, with both three-way heat adjustable (as are the grips) for year round riding comfort.
The riding position is upright with feet slightly forward; your arms extend straight forwards to the ‘bars, and in front is the restyled, less pointy, voluminous fairing and big electrically adjustable screen which, in its fully upright position is capable of deflecting most of the windblast at an upright 100mph.
Powered two wheelers don’t get much more practical than the TMAX. As a traditional ‘twist and go’ scooter, riding is easy. As the definitive big, fast superscooter, it’s easily fast enough (I saw 180kph or 112.5mph flat out in a controlled test laid on by Yamaha) for motorway miles and it has a reasonable luggage compartment under the seat); plenty of equipment and a premium, luxury feel second only to full dress tourers such as Honda’s GoldWing.
Speaking of equipment, the TMAX has always been luxurious but this latest, ninth generation version is so lavish it’s now more of a case of what HASN’T it got, rather than what it has: there’s an inner fairing cubby hole where you can store and charge your phone; it’s keyless, has heated grips, seats and an electrically adjustable screen and its equipment levels (Bluetooth, TFT, free satnav download) just go on.
And, if all that ISN’T enough, there are now 47 official accessories (up from 33) which cover everything from winter ‘skirts’ to an Akrapovic exhaust and are possible to order in six cost-saving packs.
The elephant in the TMAX room, at least for British buyers, has always been the price. At £14,400, it sounds a lot for a scooter – and it is – but the TMAX is no ordinary scooter. Instead, with 47bhp, 100+mph capability and more luxury, comfort and gizmos than many full-dress touring motorcycles, in reality it’s more some kind of magical carpet ride. On the continent it has found a diverse range of customers, but here it’s a far more niche offering which has found a place in the garage of riders who want a fast and comfortable machine, which is easier to ride and more manageable than a big tourer.
Since 2001, thanks to repeated updates and improvements over numerous generations, if you wanted the sportiest and arguably most luxurious and classy maxi scooter, the TMAX was the one. This time round, it was already the best – and now it’s even better. Its delivery is improved, its modes are better, its equipment is also improved, and it looks better, too.
That said, its UK appeal is still likely to remain limited. Although a huge hit in France, Italy and Spain, big, expensive scooters don’t have the same success in the UK, due to both culture and climate. But if a sporty maxi-scooter is what you want (and you don’t baulk at the price) the 2025 TMAX is a two-wheeled executive express and possibly the ultimate in slick two-wheeled transport.
Yamaha TMAX Specification
Price: £14,300
Engine: 560cc twin, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Power: 47bhp (35kW) @ 7000rpm
Torque: 55Nm (40.6lb-ft) @ 5250rpm
Transmission: CVT, belt
Frame: Aluminium diecast monocoque
Suspension: (F) USD forks (R) Monoshock, preload adjustable.
Wheels: Spin forged aluminium, (F) 15 x 3.5in/ (R) 15 x 5.5in
Tyres: Bridgstone Battlax (F) 120/70 x 15, (R) 160/60 x 15
Brakes: (F) 2 x 267mm discs, four-piston radial calipers, (R) 282mm disc, single piston caliper. ABS
Weight: 221kg (kerb)
Wheelbase: 1,575mm
Seat height: 800mm
Fuel tank: 15 litres
Fuel consumption: 70mpg (claimed)
Service intervals: 6,000 miles/12 months
Service intervals: 6000 miles/12 months
Warranty: 36 months unlimited mileage
Contact: https://www.yamaha-motor.eu
Words: Phil West
Photos: Yamaha
