The $22K Scooter That Actually Makes Sense
Yamaha TMAX Tech Max Review: The $22K Scooter That Actually Makes Sense
Look, when Yamaha first told me they had a scooter that costs nearly twenty-two grand, I'll be honest – I laughed. Twenty-two thousand dollars for a scooter? Come on. But after spending some proper time with the TMAX Tech Max, I'm eating my words. This machine has genuinely surprised me, and not just because it's fast (though it bloody well is).
This Scooter Actually Goes
Let's start with the elephant in the room – that 560cc twin-cylinder engine. I went into this expecting typical scooter performance: adequate for getting around town, maybe a bit wheezy on the highway. Boy, was I wrong. This bike has serious grunt. We're talking about beating motorcycles off the line, even with a pillion on board. The looks on those riders' faces? Priceless.
The automatic CVT is smooth as silk, and there's plenty of power for highway work or city commuting. What really got me was finding out this is actually a learner-approved bike. Seriously? This much power in an L-plater machine? That's impressive stuff from Yamaha.
Comfort Like You Wouldn't Believe
Here's where the TMAX really shines – comfort. The suspension is absolutely brilliant, soaking up everything the road throws at it. The seat is plush and supportive, with this little ridge at the back that holds you in position perfectly. Even Tegan found it comfortable on the back, which is saying something.
But the real game-changer? Heated grips and heated seat. I've always joked about wanting a bike with a heated seat, and finally, here it is. Three heat settings, and trust me, level three will cook you. Sometimes I had to dial it back to one because it got too hot! Your bum and hands stay toasty while the rest of you freezes – it's brilliant.
The foot positioning is clever too. You can ride with your feet down like a traditional scooter, or stretch them out highway-peg style for longer rides. I found the handling was actually better with feet in the traditional position, especially at city speeds.
Tech That Actually Works
That 7-inch TFT screen is a beauty. Clear, easy to read, with different themes to choose from (Tegan and I naturally picked different ones). The joystick control on the left makes navigation simple, even with winter gloves on. Well, mostly simple – I did keep hitting the indicator button by mistake, but you'd get used to that.
The connectivity features are there, though I'll be honest, I gave up trying to connect my phone after a few minutes. Life's too short, and I just wanted to ride. Tegan had better luck but said the audio quality was pretty ordinary.
One feature I absolutely loved was the parking brake. It's a proper, physical cable-actuated system that you flip over to engage. Brilliant bit of engineering – you literally can't forget it's on because it gets in the way of your hand when you try to ride off. Simple, effective, foolproof.
Premium Feel (Mostly)
The TMAX feels genuinely premium in most areas. The keyless system works perfectly – bike starts, storage opens, even the fuel cap unlocks without fumbling for keys. The 15-litre tank gives decent range, and the fuel economy is pretty good for something with this much performance.
Storage is generous too. Big under-seat compartment that'll take a full-face helmet (though you might need to get creative with the positioning). There's also a handy front compartment with USB charging, though it's smaller than it looks – really only fits your phone and keys.
The front brakes are excellent – sharp and effective. The rear brake has ABS, though it kicks in a bit too eagerly for my liking. Sometimes it felt intrusive during normal riding.
Not Everything's Perfect
Look, no bike is perfect, and the TMAX has its quirks. The power delivery at very low speeds isn't as smooth as I'd like – there's a bit of a "vroom vroom" feel when you're just tapping the throttle in city traffic. The rider modes (Sport and Touring) are there, but honestly, I could barely tell the difference between them.
The optional accessories on our test bike were a mixed bag. The low screen looked good but did absolutely nothing for wind protection. The repositioned mirrors looked stylish but weren't as adjustable as I'd prefer. If you're serious about touring, stick with the standard screen.
And let's talk about getting on this scooter. It's not quite a step-through, not quite a swing-over. It's like a "skip-through" – you'll figure it out, but it feels a bit awkward at first.
Who's This Bike For?
Here's the interesting bit – Yamaha reckons a lot of buyers are people who already own other bikes, even Harleys, and use the TMAX for touring. I'll be honest, I don't quite get it, but maybe that's the point. This isn't trying to be everything to everyone.
What it is, is a machine for people who want performance with convenience. You get the punch of a proper motorcycle with the ease of a scooter. No clutch, no gears, just twist and go. But with 560cc of grunt behind it.
The Bottom Line
At $21,799, the TMAX Tech Max isn't cheap. But you know what? It's not trying to be. This is a premium machine that delivers a genuinely unique riding experience. The comfort is exceptional, the performance is surprising, and the convenience factor is off the charts.
Is it for everyone? Absolutely not. If you want maximum bang for your buck, look elsewhere. But if you want something different – something that combines the best bits of scooters and motorcycles into one premium package – the TMAX makes a compelling case.