Yamaha TMAX (2025 - ) review

Good design doesn’t always mean wholesale change and the eighth-generation TMAX was already the ‘best of breed’ having been refined and improved repeatedly since 2001. The TMAX concept of using a motorcycle mindset – specifically ‘proper’ forks, big brakes, bigger wheels, a die-cast aluminium frame and monoshock suspension – has proven itself in delivering the best of bike performance with scooter convenience. Yamaha’s intention this time, therefore, was simply a series of subtle updates to improve refinement and equipment. This has been attempted via an evolved all-new look, which is more rounded with a less pointy nose. There are also updates to the powertrain, brakes and equipment and, although the overall effect is subtle, the attention to detail is fastidious. Its sound has been acoustically enhanced via new inlet trumpets, the exhaust tracts are TiG welded to smooth gas flow and even the heated grips have been improved. There are also two new colours, comprising grey and ‘Magma’.

No changes here but, again, there wasn’t much wrong with the old one. The seat is spacious and plush even if it’s more step-over than true step-through and the pillion pad is even larger. Both are three-way heat adjustable. The riding position is upright with feet slightly forward and arms extended to the bars while the 7.0-inch TFT dash is contained within a voluminous fairing with a big, electrically adjustable screen capable of deflecting the wind even at a fast motorway cruise. Riding positions don’t get much more cossetted.

Scooters are all about practicality and the latest TMAX, even if it is a 100mph, £14,000 one, is no different. As a traditional twist-and-go, riding it is as easy as pie, even if does require an A2 licence. It’s large enough to be comfy for all, fast enough, has a reasonable luggage compartment under the seat with room for your lid and there’s a cubby in the fairing where you can store and charge your phone. Keyless start, heated grips and seats, that adjustable screen and the fully connected dash with Bluetooth and a free sat-nav download makes it all second only to full dress tourers like Honda Goldwings. There’s even a parking brake.

Yes, as it’s capable of over 110mph and, as such, is possibly the fastest scooter available. At the end of the day, though, the 47 horsepower required by A2 licence rules is still ‘just’ 47 horsepower. So, while the bespoke 560cc parallel twin makes it brisk and entertaining it’s nothing special in the wider motorcycle world. Euro5+ inspired tweaks include a new exhaust while the Touring (T) and Sport (S) riding modes have also been recalibrated, this most noticeable around town in the now much mellower T setting. Claimed improvements to initial acceleration via revised clutch settings are probably only noticeable ridden back to back with the previous version and, otherwise, performance is as before. Braking has been subtly improved, too. The 2025 TMAX sees the debut of what Yamaha calls ‘Brake Control’, which is claimed to be similar to motorcycle cornering ABS, not that I noticed, and the whole system, also now gets ‘Emergency stop signalling’, where the indicators flash under extreme braking.

No major changes here but, again, there was no real need for them. Forks are the same motorcycle style 41mm USDs, there’s a monoshock rear and lightweight 15-inch ‘SpinForged wheels wearing specially developed Bridgestone tyres. Yes, the TMAX is still a small-wheeled scooter with a low slung, feet forward riding position, but once you’ve tuned into it, it handles far more sportily and entertainingly than anyone would expect. Ride is good, but not perfect – due to the riding position and short-travel suspension, speed bumps and potholes jar through your lower spine, while the front end can sometimes feel a little remote. On the whole, though, it’s good enough to scrap with some sports bikes and, in our experience, they don’t like it when you do!

Usually, scooters are about as cheap to buy and run as powered two-wheelers get. But the TMAX isn’t your usual scooter. Instead, it’s more some kind of ultimate form of personal luxury transport. That said, it’s still more economical than many motorcycles and much more so than a car. Price aside, its hunger for consumables such as fuel, tyres, brake pads and so on is no worse than a typical middleweight bike and the only aspect to be particularly aware of is insurance given they’re a very popular theft target.

Again, there’s nothing to be wary of here. Although the latest TMAX is still a high performance, highly-specced scooter, virtually all its componentry has been proven over many years, so you should have few causes for concern. The only new, so unproven, features this time round are the updated TFT dash and new ‘Brake Control’ system.

Yamaha fairly recently extended is standard manufacturer warranty from two years to three years, and this applies to the new TMAX, too. Servicing-wise, the TMAX also has a fairly typical maintenance schedule in that it requires servicing annually or every 6,000 miles, with the more extensive valve adjustment service due at 24,000 miles.

The TMAX has always been so luxurious and lavishly equipped, and this has generally been improved to the extent it’s now more of a case of what HASN’T the TMAX got. As mentioned, there are heated grips and seats, an electrically adjustable screen, a flashy fully connected TFT dash, cruise control, luggage provision under the seat – the list goes on. And, if all that isn’t enough, there are now 47 official accessories including everything from winter ‘skirts’ to an Akrapovič exhaust you can bundle into six cost-saving packs. There is even a dedicated leisure clothing collection.

Since its launch if you wanted the sportiest and arguably most luxurious and classy maxi scooter, the TMAX was already the best. This time round they’ve made it better. That said, its UK appeal seems to be limited. Although a huge hit in France, Italy and Spain, big, expensive scooters don’t have the same success in the UK, partly due to both culture and climate. But if it’s what you want (and you can stomach the price) it’s truly a two-wheeled executive express.