Why it’s time you ditched the car for the latest Yamaha TMAX 560
Yamaha’s fully-updated TMAX 560 has raised the maxi scooter bar for 2020
We’ve never embraced maxi scooters like the TMAX in the UK. But over in mainland Europe, especially France and Italy, they’re everywhere and that’s helped Yamaha sell over 330,000 of them since 2001. Think of the TMAX as the ultimate commuter - a fast, practical, jambusting alternative to a car or annual train ticket. It’s also a two-up holiday buddy that’ll swallow your groceries one minute and scratch through back roads the next. This is the new sharper, more powerful seventh-generation TMAX, available in £10,199 base trim and £11,649 Tech Max form when it arrives next month. Pricey? Definitely. Is it worth it? We hit the roads around Lisbon to find out.
More poke
Increasing capacity seems to be the way manufacturers are hitting Euro5 emissions targets without sacrificing power and the TMAX motor has grown from 530 to 562cc. Power is up 2bhp to an A2 licence-friendly 47bhp and torque is boosted by 6%. The parallel twin also gets bigger intake valves, new pistons, con rods, camshaft and a lighter crank, improved cooling, new throttle body, injectors, air filter and a twin cat Euro5 exhaust. CVT gearing is tweaked for stronger acceleration and lower rpm cruising. Yamaha claim 10% better fuel consumption and a couple more mph top speed. One of the joys of the current TMAX is that it doesn’t hang around. It’ll top 115mph and has enough get up and go to win most traffic light GPs. The 2020 model is subtly crisper and more urgent on the throttle, but still smooth at cruising speeds with friendly throttle manners in traffic.
Max poise
Beneath its new bodywork is a twin spar alloy frame, the secret to its bike-like handling, plus it has inverted forks, single rear shock (preload and rebound adjustable on the Tech Max), 15in wheels and fourpiston radial brakes.
For 2020 the suspension gets stiffer springs at each end and revised damping, giving it even more poise and sharper steering for when you’re feeling racy (never underestimate the speed of a well ridden TMAX), but for cruising and around town it’s still comfortable, light-steering and easy to ride.
Wide boy? Not anymore.
Everything about the TMAX is big, from its engine, speed, price tag and physical dimensions. At 220kg, 4kg more the current model, it isn’t heavy or awkward at any speed, but it’s long and wide, which can make it a leg-splayer for rider and pillion. For 2020 Yamaha have slimmed down the tail section and seats. It’s easier to get feet down at a standstill, but still broad. The big seat does give the TMAX a palatial robustness that sets it apart from regular scoots but with all your weight on your coccyx and arms/feet stretched out, back pain can set in on long rides.
Tourer-like toys
The top-spec Tech Max replaces the DX and comes with the same array of bells and whistles. The base model now has more equipment including the locking centrestand, keyless ignition, modes and traction control. Up front, new LED indicators are the biggest change, but the rear has been sharpened and tail and stop lights are formed in a ‘T’. In addition to official accessories, Yamaha will sell you Sport Pack, which includes tail tidy and small screen, Urban Pack with extra storage and Winter Pack featuring a ‘scooter blanket’ to keep you warm.