2023 Yamaha TMAX

An efficient 560 cc engine, upgraded suspension, and better handling come to bear on Yamaha's newest TMAX

Yamaha's "MAX" family has long been among the leaders in top-shelf, metro-tastic scooters, and the factory extends that legacy yet again with the TMAX model. The upgraded wheels and suspension come wrapped in compact new bodywork for a fresh look and better handling than the outgoing generation. A light and efficient 560 cc engine complete the package.

In an unusual move for a scooter builder, the Tuning Fork Company stuffed a liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine in the TMAX instead of the typical air-cooled thumper. Dual over-head cams time the four-valve head, and fuel injectors deliver the precisely-metered fuel with none of the drawbacks associated with carburetors. This is actually a long-stroke engine with a 68 mm bore and 73 mm stroke to give it a total displacement of 530 cc with a medium-hot 10.9-to-1 compression ratio.

Unlike its big brother the TMAX Tech Max, the base TMAX rolls sans traction control and infotainment goodies, so the engine control is fairly direct and simple. The Yamaha TMAX produces 45.8 horsepower and 38.5 pound-feet of torque. Power flows through some sort of centrifugal clutch-type device before hitting the V-Belt Automatic transmission that delivers the twist-and-go operation scooter riders expect.

A low-maintenance, carbon-reinforced belt-and-pulley final drive quietly carries power to the rear wheel. The Yamaha TMAX top speed is 100 mph (160 km/h).

Engine & Drivetrain

Engine:

Forward-inclined parallel 2-cylinder, Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valves

Displacement:

530.0 cc

Bore x Stroke:

68.0 mm x 73.0 mm

Compression ratio:

10:9 : 1

Maximum power:

45.8 hp (34.2 kW) @ 6,750 rpm

Maximum Torque:

38.6 lb-ft (52.3 Nm) @ 5,250 rpm

Lubrication system:

Dry sump

Fuel system:

Fuel Injection

Ignition system:

TCI

Starter system:

Electric

Transmission:

V-Belt Automatic

Yamaha managed to brush up the TMAX's looks and make the bodywork more compact overall while maintaining that well-established metro-commuter appeal. A stylish fender and wind tunnel-tested front cowl lead the way to change the very visage the TMAX presents to the world.

Dual headlights split the night and come stock with built-in DRL bars and turn signals housed within the upper edge of the scoop. LED emitters make up all of the lighting for excellent two-way visibility day or night.

Blackout radiator shrouds meet a color-matched belly pan, while up top, an adjustable windscreen extends the protection upwards. A pair of analog gauges join with an LCD screen to deliver all of the pertinent metrics.

There's a Smartkey feature that allows for push-button starts while the key stays in your pocket and there's a cubbyhole complete with a 12-volt outlet so you can plug your phone in and charge it underway.

The step-through is all but completely blocked by the tunnel ahead of the long pilot's seat. The seat hides even more storage beneath in typical scooter fashion, but it only accommodates one full-face helmet or maybe 2 smaller lids.

There's a nice butt-stop cushion to segregate the pilot from the pillion. Fold-up footpegs and a beefy J.C. rail ensure your passenger's comfort.

The rear lighting contains more LED yummygoodness. The taillight comes to a point at the terminus of the tail, which is edgy looking. It comes flanked by recessed turn signals to match the front. A mudguard assembly completes the rear coverage and carries the license plate to finish the gear in the rear.

Yamaha TMAX Specs:

Overall length:

86.6 in (2,200 mm)

Overall width:

30.5 in (775 mm)

Overall height:

55.9 in – 58.1 in (1,420-1,475 mm) (adjustable windscreen)

Seat height:

31.5 in (800 mm)

Wheelbase:

62.2 in (1,580 mm)

Minimum ground clearance:

4.9 in (125 mm)

Wet Weight (without ABS/with ABS):

482.8 lbs/489.4 (219 kg/222 kg)

Fuel tank capacity:

3.9 gals (15.0 liters)

A lightweight aluminum casting on the Yamaha TMAX serves as the main structure with the typical swing-mount drive system. It uses both the engine and transmission as stressed members to act as one side of the swingarm while the other half is more motorcycle-like in its construction.

It's much the same with the front end that rocks 41 mm usd forks like a larger machine, but with none of the adjustments that can be present on bigger bikes. The front forks turn in 4.72 inches of travel to soak up the abuse, while the rear suspension sports 4.56 inches of travel, both of which are more than sufficient for use in civilized areas.

Cast 15-inch wheels round out the rolling chassis, which really is quite generous for a scooter. The rims come lined with a 120/70 ahead of a 160/60 in a street-style tread.

Credit where it's due, the factory makes sure you have the means to slow things down with dual, 267 mm front discs and twin-piston anchors. ABS is available as an option to serve as the only safety electronics feature if you pony up for it.

Chassis & Suspension

Front suspension/ Travel:

Telescopic fork/ 4.7 in (120 mm)

Rear suspension/ Travel:

Swingarm/ 4.6 in (116 mm)

Front brake:

Hydraulic dual disc, 267 mm

Rear brake:

Hydraulic single disc, 282 mm

Front tire:

120/70-15

Rear tire:

160/60-15

Yamaha provides a narrow range of entirely monochromatic paint schemes on the Yamaha TMAX. You have a choice between Blazing Grey or Sonic Grey. Urban camouflage, anybody? The 2023 Yamaha TMAX costs 13,599.00 €.

Yamaha TMAX Price

Colors:

Blazing Grey, Sonic Grey

Price:

13,599 €

The TMAX lands in an odd place. It's about equal in most ways except the engine to Suzuki's Burgman 400. The Burgman only produces 29 ponies to fall well behind the TMAX's twin, and at 7,649 €, the Yammie is almost twice as much.

I thought BMW may be my Huckleberry with its metro-fabulous C 400 GT, but again power drops way off with the 33.5-horsepower thumper. There's also a concurrent trade-off at the checkout in the 7,646 € sticker that again leaves a lot of cheese on the table. I hate to say it, but I think Yamaha may have priced itself out of competition, except for the rare sport-scooter fan who will be willing to pony up for those extra ponies.

"Credit where it's due, Yamaha can build a heck of a scooter. The parallel-twin engine is a genius move as far as the power goes, but I fear it contributes an outsized boost to the base price. Well, they do bill it as a 'sport-scooter,' and at the end of the day, we can call that a refreshing bit of truth in advertising."

My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says, "If storage space is a priority, you might be better off looking at the XMAX. If single-helmet secure storage is adequate for your needs, the TMAX is worth a look. Its responsive handling, comfortable seating, and zippy acceleration make it a really nice scooter, albeit a little pricy. For extra added luxury, the TMAX shares a stable with the TMAX Tech Max that adds nice exclusive features."

Yamaha TMAX Tech Max features

-Heated seat with improved temperature control

-7-inch TFT display

-Electrically adjustable windscreen

-Cruise Control

-Backlit handlebar and center switches

-Adjustable rear suspension

-Premium interior

Read more Yamaha news.

TJ got an early start from his father and other family members who owned and rode motorcycles, and by helping with various mechanical repairs throughout childhood. That planted a seed that grew into a well-rounded appreciation of all things mechanical, and eventually, into a formal education of same. Though primarily a Harley rider, he has an appreciation for all sorts of bikes and doesn't discriminate against any particular brand or region of origin. He currently holds an Associate's degree in applied mechanical science from his time at the M.M.I.