09 January 2025

Riding to the Max

A quarter of a century in and, arguably, Yamaha’s TMax has set the super scooter standard.

Extremely well spec’d, highly responsive, agile and designed for comfort, it remains a cut above, reports Paul Browne.

It’s now over twenty five years since the world was graced with the Yamaha TMax.

Since then it’s evolved into a premium machine, a maxi-scooter that has enough tech to put ‘real’ motorcycles to shame!

The TMax is powered by a 560cc parallel twin engine and, because Yamaha have been at this so long, it’s managed by an exquisitely smooth  automatic gearbox which the company has perfected over the years.

Having a set up like this allows for easy and rapid acceleration, ideal for commuting!

It also enables near instant power delivery, as there is virtually no acceleration lag. It’s not completely different from an electric bike.

Controlled power

While 47bhp may not sound like a lot, it, and 55Nm of torque, are plenty to be having fun with.

But power is nothing without control and to that end, and probably more significantly, the bike is housed in an aluminium chassis which sits on adjustable suspension.

This is where it starts to differentiate itself from the rest of the super scooter pack.

The suspension adds a significant amount of comfort for the rider and provides the base for everything else that makes this scooter a standout machine.

Tech spec

While there are a number of model choices the ‘Tech’ is the one with all the toys.

There’s a brake control system that helps the rider to manage the brake ‘load’ between the front and rear wheels.

Adding cruise control helps, particularly on motorways and other places where exceeding the speed limit would be very easy.

Traction control is also part of the offering while ABS is standard, as it is on all bikes and scooters over 125cc these days.

Both can dialled in or dialled out using the bike’s Yamaha D-Mode which can provide a choice of two levels of stopping and traction control intervention. It also even has a tyre pressure monitor while the ignition is keyless.

Well connected

Yamaha’s ‘My Ride’ app allows the rider to download data from their TMax via a simple Bluetooth connection.

This means you can log journeys, manage fuel consumption and even see the machine’s location. That one is particularly helpful if you’ve forgotten where you parked it.

All of the TMax’s features are controlled through a menu button and a thumb-operated toggle on the left hand bar.

This is displayed on an 18cm TFT screen.

Garmin Navigation is included. Also exclusive to the ‘Tech’ model is a heated seat as well as heated grips and an electric screen.

Storage space under the seat is big enough to take a full face helmet. There is also a top box with colour matched panels and a pillion backrest available as an aftermarket option.

The bike is a 2024 model and costs €16.999. While stocks last it’ll be on sale for €15.999, saving the new customer a cool €1,000. For more details talk to Jamie at Danfay Newlands on 01 6871922.

Yamaha scooter insurance quote? Call our two-wheel team on 0818 945 950.

 

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