In summary
The TMax has been the reference point for the maxiscooter category for several years and even in the latest version it is perfectly recognisable for its elegant and aggressive lines and the high level of construction care.
Image
There is room under the seat for a full-face helmet and other small items.
The front shield is designed in a wind tunnel and does not cause turbulence at high speed, but it does not protect the legs well. The windshield on the Tech Max version tested can be adjusted electrically (the buttons are on the left block), while on the “base” Tmax it is adjusted manually. Behind the shield there is a deep compartment closed by a door: inside there is a cigarette lighter socket for charging at 12 V. The handlebar blocks are full of buttons, but well-ordered and easy to operate even with winter gloves. Some buttons are on the front of the block, but it is easy to find everything once you get used to it. The classic Tmax dashboard has two analog dials and a clear central TFT display full of information. The under-seat compartment opens by raising the tip of the saddle and is more capacious than some competitors: it can hold a full-face helmet or two jet helmets. At the tip of the saddle there is the fuel cap that is opened by pressing one of the two buttons near the door. The other is used to unlock the saddle itself and access the compartment.
Image
The transmission is by toothed belt, the swingarm is in aluminium
The 562 cc twin-cylinder engine has dual overhead camshaft timing, electronic throttle and belt final drive. Two selectable mappings: sporty S and more docile T. The frame is made of aluminum. Traction control (disengageable), Smart Key remote control ignition and (on the Tech Max) cruise control are standard, as well as heated grips and seat. The exhaust system is a two-in-one type with two catalytic converters (one front and one rear). The dark and aggressive sound is beautiful, which so excites the owners of this maxi-scooter.
How is it going
The riding position is comfortable, “Tmax-like”: the saddle is wide, the handlebars low and quite far away, the footrests are deep but it is not possible to move your feet back due to the bulk of the engine, which forces you to keep them forward. Even the passenger seat portion of the Tmax is comfortable, wide and raised, leaving taller people exposed to the air. The footrests are a bit high, but the handles are comfortable and at the right height. Comfort is appreciable: the Yamaha scooter has a sporty setting but the electric windshield protects well, only a little air reaches the legs.
Image
The performance is always brilliant and above all exploitable in every situation. The recovery is very good: the Tmax has a classic automatic scooter transmission, but the two mappings change the delivery a lot (grittier in S, more docile in T): while the fluid progression guaranteed by the variator does not change. The calibration of the fork and shock absorbers is “sustained”, but it adapts well to all road surfaces: the road holding is good at all speeds thanks to the double perimeter beam frame and the well-tuned suspensions. The entry into the turn is sincere and sufficiently precise, the weight is not a problem, the 15″ wheel behaves well. As for the brakes, the two front discs and the rear one are aggressive and powerful, but well controlled by the ABS.
Image
The TMax does very well on the highway, thanks to a “motorcycle” chassis and the brilliant performance of the engine. Comfort is very good, the cruise control it is equipped with is very convenient. The vibrations are limited and never annoying, they are felt just on the handlebars. In the city, with the T mapping, it shows off a smooth delivery, which together with the variator makes the ride smooth. The weight under 220 kilos makes it agile and quick. The driest potholes are felt, but the shock absorbers work correctly. Braking is good, the system responds promptly and the controls are well modulated; the traction control system is also convincing, well calibrated. As for consumption, don’t expect miracles: the Yamaha twin-cylinder is not a large displacement, but when the pace increases it “drinks” a little more than other scooters.
