Yamaha TMAX Tech Max 2025 Review

When you think of scooters in Germany and Austria, Vespa is usually the first brand that comes to mind. Then come the agile, compact scooters, typically 125cc, around 10 to 15 horsepower, weighing about 100 kilograms—just charming little city runabouts. But when you look to Italy, Spain, and France, you'll see full-sized scooters parked along coastal roads and in front of cafés, often with aftermarket exhausts and expensive helmets hanging from the mirrors. These are the thousands of Maxi-Scooters that sell like hotcakes in Southern Europe but are far less popular in our regions.

For years, the king of Maxi-Scooters has been the Yamaha TMAX, with its high-end variant, the Tech Max, standing as the pinnacle in the Maxi-Scooter segment. Only the Honda Forza 750 plays in a similar league, having recently given the class leader a run for its money. Yamaha has responded by giving the new generation TMAX Tech Max a moderate update. All the details can be found here. But how well does this seasoned Maxi-Scooter, essentially a hybrid between a motorcycle and a scooter, actually ride?

The engine remains largely untouched for 2025. A necessary Euro 5+ update was implemented, but the core specs remain the same: the liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine delivers 35 kW (47.6 hp) at 7,000 rpm and a robust 55 Nm of torque at 5,250 rpm from its 562 cc displacement. Power is transferred to the rear wheel via a CVT belt drive.

What's new is a slightly adjusted clutch for smoother acceleration, especially useful in stop-and-go traffic. The intake channels have been revised for a better, less intrusive sound, and the exhaust benefits from a new welding technology (borrowed from the R1 and R6 sport models) for a more linear throttle response. The two riding modes, S (Sport) and T (Touring), are not new but have been recalibrated. The difference is now more pronounced; the peak power remains the same, but in T mode, power delivery is noticeably smoother and less direct. Both modes work flawlessly, and riders with a steady throttle hand can manage well in Sport mode too.

The TMAX never overwhelms. Its power delivery is consistently predictable and forgiving. From mid-range onwards, you can feel the force of up to 55 Nm of torque more distinctly, allowing for brisk acceleration. This is done without fear, thanks to the standard traction control that intervenes if the rider gets too eager or the grip is insufficient. For those who prefer a relaxed ride, the cruise control is also available and works impeccably.

It's not necessarily the powerful engine that defines the TMAX; it's the stable chassis. The 15-inch front wheel is guided by a finely tuned USD fork with 120 mm of travel, skillfully smoothing out rough asphalt. The fork operates at motorcycle level, offering ample feedback and a harmonious suspension feel. Whether you're braking hard or inadvertently hitting a manhole cover a bit too fast, the fork remains composed and keeps the front wheel confidently on track.

Complementing this is the stiff, lightweight aluminum frame and the equally comfortable rear suspension with ample reserves in the well-crafted swingarm. This is where the Maxi-Scooter distinguishes itself from a regular scooter: suspension, chassis, ride feel. It's not about maximum agility; it's about creating a planted ride feel, offering the rider safety and comfort. And the TMAX Tech Max delivers on that. The machined alloy wheels on the Tech Max and the dual disc brakes (267 mm in diameter) with strong four-piston radial calipers not only look sporty but also deliver reliable stopping power.

At the rear, a 267 mm brake disc is also used, which is easily modulated via the left hand lever, transmitting significant braking force thanks to the near 50/50 weight distribution and low center of gravity. Coupled with a long wheelbase of 1,575 mm, the TMAX Tech Max remains very stable even during hard braking maneuvers. New is the Brake Control, an angle-dependent ABS, offering even more safety for riders. The tires, sized at 120/70 R15 at the front and 160/60 R15 at the rear, provide a good mix of agility at low speeds (such as in urban environments) and sufficient stability at higher speeds on the highway.

The grippy Bridgestone Scooter Sport tires contribute to this. It's a sophisticated suspension concept refined over the years, showcasing its maturity with every meter. It’s fun, it's safe, and it generates pure riding joy.

At 221 kilograms fully fueled and ready to ride, the TMAX Tech Max is in the same weight class as motorcycles, yet it doesn't feel heavy or cumbersome. While it may not have the playful lightness of a 125cc scooter, it shines as a reliable companion in all weather conditions and at speeds ranging from ten to 150 kilometers per hour.

The extra weight compared to a small city scooter isn't just due to the larger engine, stronger frame, and simply better suspension components and brakes. It's also the comfort features that add to the kilos: seat and grip heaters with three settings, an electronically adjustable windshield (with an 11-centimeter range between the lowest and highest positions), and a large 7-inch TFT display with extensive connectivity and Garmin navigation integration (now free for TMAX owners, replacing the previous subscription model). New additions include a tire pressure monitoring system. There’s also a large compartment under the seat, which is, of course, electronically lockable and supported by a gas strut. Keyless Go is a given, as is a small compartment with a USB port in front of the right knee—allowing you to charge your paired smartphone while riding.

Additionally, the extensive front fairing provides excellent wind protection. Speaking of protection: Weather protection is a crucial aspect for scooters, as these vehicles are used practically daily and year-round in Southern Europe. This is one reason why the TMAX is so popular: it offers plenty of it. Optional weather protection packages are available to further enhance riding comfort on cold and rainy days. Thoughtfully designed and practical.

So much praise, so little criticism? Yes, but be prepared, as the price of the TMAX Tech Max might be a key reason why it struggles more in our regions compared to the South, where the scooter can be used daily. In Germany, the TMAX starts at €14,149, while the Tech Max begins at €16,049. In Austria, the TMAX starts at €15,399, with the Tech Max at €17,699. In Switzerland, the TMAX starts at 13,990 CHF, with the better-equipped Tech Max priced from 16,490 CHF.

The Tech Max is available in two colors: Ceramic Grey and Dark Magma. The standard TMAX comes in Icon Black and Tech Kamo.