Yamaha TMAX Tech Max 2025 Review

When you think of scooters in Germany and Austria, Vespa probably springs to mind first. Then come the agile, compact scooters, usually with 125cc engines, around 10 to 15 horsepower, weighing about 100 kilograms—your typical zippy city runabouts. But turn your gaze to Italy, Spain, and France, and you'll see full-sized scooters parked along the coastal roads and outside cafés, often decked out 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 aren't nearly as popular here.

The king of the Maxi-Scooters has long been the Yamaha TMAX, with its high-end Tech Max variant reigning supreme in this segment. Only the Honda Forza 750 competes in the same league, having heated up the competition lately. 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 matured Maxi-Scooter, which is practically a hybrid between a motorcycle and a scooter, actually ride?

The engine remains largely unchanged for 2025. A moderate Euro 5+ update was necessary, but the core specs haven't shifted: the liquid-cooled twin-cylinder cranks out 35 kW (47.6 HP) at 7,000 RPM and a solid 55 Nm of torque at 5,250 RPM. Power is delivered to the rear wheel via a belt-drive automatic system.

New for this year is a slightly modified clutch for smoother acceleration, particularly useful in stop-and-go traffic jams. The intake channels have been reworked for improved, less intrusive sound, and a new welding technology—borrowed from the R1 and R6 sport models—has been applied to the exhaust for a more linear throttle response. The riding modes, S (Sport) and T (Touring), aren’t new but have been recalibrated. The distinction is now more pronounced; peak power remains the same, but in T-mode, the power delivery is noticeably smoother and less immediate. Both modes work flawlessly, and riders with a steady throttle hand can comfortably handle everything in Sport mode.

The TMAX doesn't overwhelm. Its power delivery is consistently predictable and forgiving. From mid-range RPMs, you can feel the punch of up to 55 Nm of torque more clearly, allowing for aggressive acceleration. No fear here either, as the standard traction control kicks in if you get too eager or if grip is lacking. For those wanting a more relaxed ride, the cruise control operates seamlessly.

It's not necessarily the punchy engine that sets the TMAX apart; it's the solid chassis. The 15-inch front wheel is guided by a finely-tuned USD fork that effortlessly smooths out even the roughest asphalt with its 120 mm of travel. The fork operates at a motorcycle level, offering excellent feedback and a harmonious damping feel. Whether you're braking hard or accidentally hitting a manhole cover a bit too fast, the fork maintains control and guides the front wheel reassuringly.

Complementing this is the stiff yet lightweight aluminum frame and the comfortable rear suspension with reserves, housed in a beautifully crafted swingarm. This is where you notice the difference between a Maxi-Scooter and a regular scooter: the suspension, chassis, and riding feel. It's not about maximum agility; it's about creating a solid riding experience that offers the rider safety and comfort. And the TMAX Tech Max delivers on that. The machined rims on the Tech Max and the dual disc brakes (267 mm diameter) with powerful four-piston radial calipers not only look sporty but also provide reliable stopping power.

The rear also features a 267 mm brake disc, easily modulated via the left-hand lever, and thanks to the nearly 50/50 weight distribution and low center of gravity, it delivers substantial braking force. 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-sensitive ABS, providing even more safety for riders. The tires, 120/70 R15 at the front and 160/60 R15 at the rear, offer a good balance of agility at low speeds (like in urban environments) and sufficient stability at higher speeds on the highway.

The grippy Bridgestone Scooter Sport tires play their part. It's a sophisticated suspension concept that has been refined over the years, and you can feel its maturity with every meter. It's fun, it's certain, and it delivers riding joy.

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

The extra weight compared to a small city scooter comes not just from the larger engine, stronger frame, and superior suspension components and brakes, but also from the comfort features that add to the mass: heated seats and grips with three settings, an electronically adjustable windshield (offering a range of 11 centimeters from lowest to highest position), 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 this year is a tire pressure monitoring system. There's also a spacious compartment under the seat, which is electronically lockable and supported by gas struts. 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 connected smartphone on the go.

The extensive front fairing provides excellent wind protection. Speaking of protection: weather protection is a critical factor for scooters, as these vehicles are used almost 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 wet days. Thoughtful and practical.

So much praise, so little criticism? Indeed, but brace yourself, as the price for the TMAX Tech Max might be the reason it struggles in our regions compared to the South, where the scooter can be used daily. In Germany, the TMAX starts at €14,149, with the Tech Max at €16,049. In Austria, the TMAX begins at €15,399, while the Tech Max starts at €17,699. In Switzerland, prices start at 13,990 CHF for the TMAX and from 16,490 CHF for the better-equipped Tech Max.

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