The 2022 Yamaha TMAX Review | LAUNCH REPORT

The new TMAX is sportier than ever and gets new looks and new tech that should keep the Yamaha on top of the maxi scooter sales chart.

Yes, it was all the way back in 2001 when Yamaha launched the very first Yamaha TMAX maxi scooter. Since that initial unveiling, the sporty and capable TMAX has been a huge success for Yamaha, with 350,000 units sold worldwide, and it’s remained top of the tree despite stiff competition in the maxi scooter segment.

The TMAX has proved enduringly popular in Europe – 40% of new sales come from existing owners, which says a lot about the strength of both the product and brand – with 70% of customers opting for the top spec’ model. We travelled to southern Spain to see if Yamaha have improved the benchmark scooter in the maxi class.

For 2022 Yamaha have updated two models: the base TMAX (that one is not available in the UK), and the bike we have on test, the top-level TMAX Tech MAX. This arrives with an improved ride and sportier suspension settings, lighter wheels and a slightly different riding position that’s a tad more aggressive and there are also longer footboards. There’s also a fresh injection of tech, with a 7-inch full-colour screen and connectivity, simpler backlit switchgear, plus keyless ignition and fuel cap and, finally, a sportier, sleeker redesign.

Some aspects of the new bike remained unchanged. The TMAX is still A2 complaint, while the 562cc parallel-twin still produces the same peak power figure of 35kw/47bhp. The frame is untouched, and the upside-down forks and rear suspension are outwardly the same but now both ends have revised settings for a sportier ride.

Idiot proof?

I normally shudder at the thought of new tech and connectivity but other manufacturers could learn a thing or two from Yamaha – the TMAX’s techy stuff is simple and intuitive. Without any instructions, I immediately felt at home with the new switchgear and the operative joystick on the left bar. Everything is controlled from the left bar and almost idiot-proof. Joystick to navigate, home button to scroll back. My seven-year-old son could navigate the informative and attractive clocks without hesitation.

All mod cons

Yamaha have reduced the number of switches, with the new full-electric screen, heated grips and seat, trips reset and access to the menu of options and settings all done from the same joystick on the left bar. There are even three different displays to choose from, plus an anti-glare coating and sun visor. Furthermore, with Bluetooth connectivity and the correct app (Yamaha’s MyRide), you can make calls, listen to music or link to Garmin and transform the dash into an interactive sat nav. There is a neat little cubbyhole on the right side with a phone charging connection – the only downside is it’s not lockable.

I can’t applaud Yamaha enough for making the clocks and switchgear simple and easy to use, yet at the same time informative, useful and attractive. But the tech doesn’t end there; one-touch locking, a lockable centre stand, a keyless fuel cap and, as before, two riding modes plus traction control and ABS (not lean sensitive).

100% focussed

Leaving the Valencian seafront behind I immediately hit the early morning commute, the perfect habitat for the TMAX. As you’d expect, in this car-choked environment the new TMAX does all the good things of the older bike. It’s a little sportier than before, with lighter wheels, but the suspension is by no means harsh. It eats up the Spanish traffic with ease while the simplicity of that dash and new switchgear means I’m not distracted, allowing me to remain 100% focused on the crazy drivers and not fumbling around trying to reduce the heat of the grips. On that point, the heated grips do get reasonably warm, whereas the seat becomes roasting hot, almost too much, on the maximum setting. The only slight downside around town, especially so for me at 5ft 7ins, is that smaller riders can be on tiptoes at a standstill as the seat is still reasonably wide. And at 220kg the TMAX is no featherweight despite carrying its weight low in the chassis.

Leaving the congestion behind, we head onto the freeway, and the 560 TMAX isn’t out of its element. Don’t be fooled by the ‘scooter’ image. The TMAX will happily sit at an indicated 70-80mph and 100mph is achievable with ease – and even an indicated 115mph in favourable conditions.

Electric screen

Cruise control comes as standard, too. Set your speed, sit back and relax and, if you’re connected, make some important calls or listen to music. Yamaha have re-designed the electric screen to reduce wind noise and although it’s hard to directly compare to the old model without both bikes ridden at the same time, it’s certainly impressive. With the screen fully upright, the top of the screen is on my eyeline, so taller riders may want to opt for the larger screen. The wind protection is good enough for visor-up touring at speed.

Rider comfort

The new heated seat has an adjustable lower back support. Remove the seat, and move the small, lower pad backwards and forwards to suit, which should increase comfort over long distances. The bars are a little sportier and the footboards are longer while the pillion also gets lower pegs. Yamaha offer touring accessories, including a huge top box large enough for two full-face helmets, though under-seat storage is only large enough for one full-face or two open-face lids. We covered close to 200km in a day and there were no comfort issues; in fact, I’d take on some serious miles on the TMAX without a second thought.

Well capable

Yamaha have made the TMAX sportier than ever via revised suspensions and lighter wheels, generating 10% less inertia at the front and 8% on the rear. The 15-inch wheels now come wrapped in the latest SC2 Bridgestone rubber and it’s fair to say we had a spirited ride in the hills. It’s surprising what the TMAX is capable of (until centre and side stand ground clearance becomes the limit when you really start to have fun). In Sports mode especially, the TMAX Tech MAX will surprise a few potential owners and other riders.

The two 267mm discs with radial callipers remain unchanged, as does the ABS which is still not lean-sensitive. When riding aggressively, the brakes are just about up to the task of stopping a quoted 220kg of maxi scoot plus rider. During normal riding there are no complaints but add more luggage, or pillion, braking from a relatively high speed requires all four fingers on the levers instead of just two.

Video: On-board the TMAX Tech MAX