New Yamaha sports scooters - TMAX and TMAX Tech MAX!

Reading time 11 Min.

Straight to the MAX. The TMAX has been the most successful sports scooter in Europe for 20 years. Many thousands of drivers have chosen this legendary scooter. In order to meet their requirements, it has been continuously developed and optimized. For 2022, the TMAX will have a radically new design inspired by the Supersport models. This includes a more compact fairing as well as upgraded wheels and suspension elements that offer even sportier handling. It is the smartest and most technically sophisticated sports scooter from Yamaha, equipped with a 7-inch TFT color display with Garmin navigation. * The eighth generation of the TMAX and TMAX Tech MAX models are sportier, slimmer and offer the ultimate fully automated driving experience.

The origins of the TMAX

With the introduction of the first TMAX in 2001, the world of two-wheelers changed forever. There was never anything like it before. It was a unique, incomparable scooter that delivered exciting performance while being easy to use. He also showed serious long-distance qualities with a high top speed and unbeatable everyday comfort. Since the company's inception, Yamaha's innovative designers have been known for creating exciting and radically new concepts that open up entirely new market segments. One example of this are the Deltabox lightweight frames.

They fundamentally changed the super sports scene in the 1980s. Or the currently booming world of adventure bikes, which originated in the Yamaha models of the Dakar winners 40 years ago. So it was hardly surprising that it was the Yamaha Motor Company that built the very first sports scooter 20 years ago - a vehicle that brought the worlds of motorcycle and scooter together. Since its launch in 2001, this groundbreaking Yamaha scooter has been the top-selling sports scooter in Europe every year for two decades.

Compact and dynamic new cladding

The completely new fairing of the TMAX is more compact than ever and shows a radically new face with aggressively shaped wings and distinctive air inlets as well as a narrower LED double headlight with integrated indicators. While the 2022 model is still recognizable as the iconic TMAX, virtually every component and piece of the fairing has been redesigned for 2022. The bestseller was given a more dynamic and angular appearance, which shows clear parallels to some of the super sports cars in the R series.

The changes also include a completely new windshield. All innovations contribute to its compact appearance and improve the ride quality. In addition, the waist of the scooter is significantly slimmer, which gives the driver more freedom of movement. The newly designed, narrower rear area with its T-shaped taillight emphasizes the smooth and sporty lines and the boomerang-shaped side parts and panels fit perfectly into the new cladding. The 2022 model has a fresh and attractive new look that still carries the DNA of the legendary TMAX.

Color version Extreme Yellow

As a homage to the first model, the new TMAX is available in Extreme Yellow. This strong and distinctive color is firmly associated with the world's first sports scooter. It perfectly reflects the dynamism and zest for life of the number 1 sports scooter in Europe. The other color options are Icon Blue and Sword Gray.

7 inch TFT color display with connectivity

The premium equipment of the new TMAX is also evident in the cockpit: Here you will find a state-of-the-art 7-inch TFT color display with connectivity function. The driver can choose how the easy-to-read information should be displayed according to his personal taste. There are three display styles to choose from: "Sporty", "Intelligent" and "Authentic". The “Intelligent” style also has animated elements.

Smartphone connectivity

The smartphone can be connected to the new TMAX via Bluetooth, WLAN or USB. The USB port is located in the waterproof front storage compartment, which also houses a special mobile phone holder. The driver can control the functions using the joystick and the home button on the left of the handlebars - for example, music playback, receiving messages, the local weather report and much more. A headset ** connected via Bluetooth is required to listen to music or take calls - texts can be displayed as soon as the TMAX is parked.

Garmin navigation system with extensive map material *

Thanks to the integration of the Garmin navigation system, the driver always has an overview of the correct route and traffic. The PhotoReal Junction View from Garmin realistically shows road junctions and junctions along the route for easy navigation. A bright colored arrow shows the TMAX driver the right lane. The driver can also use voice navigation via a Bluetooth headset **.

The Garmin Rider Alerts provide a lot of information about hazards on the route ahead, such as tight bends. It also advises the driver of speed limits, schools and much more. The fuel tracking calculates the approximate distance to the next necessary refueling and suggests locations for this. The comprehensive map material of the Garmin navigation system of the TMAX also shows weather conditions in real time and gives a forecast for the day.

Lightweight Spin Forged aluminum rims

The new, light, 10-spoke rims also contribute to the improved handling of the TMAX. Thanks to the special Spin Forged manufacturing technology developed by Yamaha, the profiles of the rims can be made significantly thinner with the same strength. These new, lighter wheels reduce the weight of the unsprung masses and thus ensure better responsiveness of the suspension elements. The moment of inertia was reduced by approx. 10% at the front and 6% at the rear in order to achieve a sportier ride and easier handling.

New adjustment of the suspension elements and new Bridgestone tires

With the 41 mm upside-down telescopic fork and an articulated rear wheel suspension, the motorcycle-like TMAX chassis offers excellent handling properties and excellent stability in all speed ranges. The new TMAX will receive revised suspension settings for 2022. They are designed to achieve a higher level of front wheel feel combined with improved agility. This was achieved through increased damping, which results in a somewhat tighter suspension behavior. The sporty handling and stability at higher speeds are also improved by the new, model-specific Bridgestone Battlax SC2 tires. They were developed in parallel to the Yamaha exclusive, Spin Forged rims and the revisions to the chassis.

Sportier seating position

A revised seating position gives the driver the opportunity to use the full sporting potential of the powerful 560 cc engine and the light aluminum chassis. All parameters of the driver's seating position have been changed in order to achieve a slightly more forward-leaning driver position. A newly formed, forged aluminum handlebar is used for this.

The backward and downward cranking has been reduced and, thanks to a longer bench seat and longer running boards, there is more freedom of movement for the driver. This sportier, forward-oriented seating position, together with the new handlebar shape, gives the driver a better feel for the front wheel and thus provides more direct contact with the road. The high quality of the forged aluminum handlebar underlines the premium finish and the excellent specification of this top seller among sports scooters.

Adjustable driver backrest

The longer bench has a driver's backrest that can be adjusted lengthways by 30 mm. This support provides support when accelerating and more comfort on longer tours. Together with the longer running boards and the new handlebar, the extended seat improves ergonomics and enables drivers of different sizes to find the most comfortable seating position for them. The narrower waist area of ​​the TMAX and the seat bench, which is narrower in the area of ​​the thighs, facilitate support when standing. For increased passenger comfort on longer journeys, the footrests are 5 mm lower and the hip position 15 mm higher.

Compact, low-noise, adjustable windshield

The TMAX has a redesigned, adjustable windscreen that is tailored to the more compact overall design. An important feature of the new windshield is the central air intake. It reduces the pressure on the driver's upper body at higher speeds and ensures a more comfortable and pleasant ride. The wind noise has also been significantly reduced.

Yamaha Chip Controlled-Throttle (YCC-T) with APSG

Europe's No. 1 sports scooter receives the complete ride-by-wire technology package in the form of a new APSG throttle grip (Accelerator Position Sensor Grip) that works together with the electronic throttle valve control YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle). The new APSG replaces the conventional system of accelerator cable and tension pulley. It has a magnet and a sensor that detects the throttle position and sends the data to the YCC-T. This lightweight unit contains a spring, a slide and a gear that creates a position-dependent resistance. This creates the familiar feeling of a traditional throttle grip.

Headlights in the style of a super sports car & T-shaped rear light

The TMAX is the most modern scooter ever built by Yamaha. With its aggressive front, the 2022 model goes one step further into the world of motorcycles and doesn't have to hide next to an R-series super sports car. The newly designed, slimmer double LED headlights have monofocus lenses. They project a brilliant beam of light and ensure excellent visibility when driving at night and easy to be seen. The compact and sporty design is complemented by integrated indicators, which underline the refined premium appearance and the high status of this first-class sports scooter. The rear view of the TMAX is just as impressive as its front. The new taillight has a model-specific T-shaped design with integrated indicators that emphasize the strong and confident presence of this high-performance scooter.

560 cc high-performance engine

A key feature of the powerful 560 cc two-cylinder in-line engine is its 360-degree crankshaft and the horizontally counter-rotating compensating piston mechanism. This unique construction is not used on any other motorcycle or scooter and helps to eliminate vibrations without conventional balance shafts. In this way, the overall height of the engine could be reduced and the space gained is used for the storage space under the seat bench. This exclusive Yamaha technology made it possible for the engineers to design a motor for the TMAX that is powerful, compact and smooth-running, i.e. offers ideal properties for a sports scooter. The original TMAX was also the first sports scooter to have the engine rigidly built into a tubular frame - a key feature that gave riders motorcycle-like performance for the first time.

Special exhaust sound

The TMAX is known for its powerful, distinctive exhaust tone, which is unique to this iconic sports scooter. Its unmistakable sound creates a direct, emotional connection between man and machine. This pleasant, deep sound conveys a feeling of power even at low engine speeds and ensures an emotional driving experience in all engine speed ranges.

Redesigned switches and keyless operation with smart keys 

The TMAX can be conveniently operated with the smart key in your pocket. As part of the new features of the 2022 model, the switches have also been redesigned in order to simplify the entire operating process. Many functions have been brought together in a new central switch. With it, the driver can switch the ignition on and off, operate the lock on the main stand and the steering or even open the seat in just a few steps.

Electrically operated aero-style fuel filler cap

The TMAX is the first Yamaha vehicle to feature an aero-style smart fuel filler cap. After switching off the main switch, you have two minutes to open the tank lid. The fuel filler cap will lock automatically after two minutes. In addition, when the ignition is switched on, a warning signal sounds if the fuel cap is not properly closed.

Important features of the TMAX

• New, networked 7 inch TFT color display
•  Smartphone connectivity using the MyRide app and MyRide link
•  Garmin navigation system with extensive map material *
•  Waterproof smartphone storage compartment with USB port
• Backlit, fluorescent main switch
• Powerful 560 cc EURO5 two-cylinder engine that is rigidly bolted to the frame
•  Soft and efficient working CVT belt transmission
• 35 kW (48 PS), driving license class A2
• Deep and distinctive engine sound
• At 218 kg, the lightest model in its class when ready to drive
• Dynamic, new design of the sports fairing - front view inspired by super athletes
• Slimmer waist
• Redesigned, adjustable windshield with central air inlet
• New "slimline" LED double headlights with integrated indicators
• TMAX exclusive T-shaped LED rear light with integrated turn signals
• Sportier seating position
• Improved ergonomics for the driver and front passenger
• Extended bench with adjustable driver's backrest
• Longer running boards
• Redesigned, boomerang-shaped side panels
• Redesigned handlebars made of forged aluminum
• Electrically and keyless gas cap in aero style
• All-round premium components
• Keyless operation with smart keys and simplified switches
• Control of the display functions via a joystick on the handlebar
• Lightweight aluminum CF die-cast frame
• Radially mounted four-piston brake calipers at the front
• New, lightweight Spin Forged 10-spoke rims
• Newly developed, model-specific Bridgestone Battlax SC2 tires
• 41 mm upside-down telescopic fork and articulated rear suspension
• Sportier damping adjustment of the spring elements
• Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T)
• Accelerator Position Sensor Grip (APSG)
• traction control
• Motor characteristics selectable via D-MODE
• Large, illuminated storage space - space for a full-face helmet or briefcase / laptop
• Main stand with anti-theft protection

TMAX Tech MAX: the icon.

The new TMAX Tech MAX is Yamaha's ultimate sports scooter. It is aimed at drivers who basically only expect the best. The basis for the TMAX Tech MAX is provided by the technical data of the TMAX 2022, refined with a number of additional features that lead to an even higher quality driving experience. The Tech MAX windshield is electrically adjustable. This allows the driver to change the height quickly and adapt it as best as possible to the respective driving situation. The windshield offers comfortable driving, especially at higher speeds, and significantly reduces wind noise.

Owners of a TMAX Tech MAX are often all-weather riders who use their scooter to go to work during the week and for tours at the weekend. The heated seats and grips offer increased driving comfort in all seasons, even on longer journeys. The cruise control system is also part of the standard scope of delivery. This is particularly useful on long tours and also helps to keep the speed limits. The articulated rear suspension of the TMAX Tech MAX is adjustable and therefore easy to adapt for solo rides or trips for two. Backlit switches are also standard and only premium materials are used for the interior trim. This underlines the status of the Tech MAX as the ultimate sports scooter.

Exclusive features TMAX Tech MAX

• Seat heating with improved temperature control
• Heated handle
• Electrically adjustable windscreen
• Cruise control system
• Main and handlebar switches are backlit and fluorescent
• Adjustable rear suspension
• High quality material of the interior lining
• 220 kg weight ready to drive

TMAX and TMAX Tech MAX - colors, availability and prices

The TMAX is offered in three colors: Extreme Yellow, Icon Blue and Sword Gray. The TMAX Tech MAX will be available in two colors: Dark petrol and Power Gray. Delivery to the German Yamaha partners will begin in March 2022. The recommended retail prices will be announced shortly.

* Garmin navigation with extensive map material requires a subscription and is not available in all countries. Some navigation functions are not available in all countries. Contact Garmin for availability information.
** The headset is not included with the TMAX.

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Photo credit: Yamaha

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