“What the hell are you?” Arnie says as he gazes upon the alien oozing luminescent blood in the '80s sci-fi flick Predator. It's a good question - and one I'm sure I muttered to myself when I first rode Yamaha's TMAX back in the early 2000s, back when Yamaha arguably kicked off the whole maxi-scooter madness.
I asked the question, and I received the answer once I returned from my first ride grinning like an idiot. The TMAX was - and is - a hilarious combination of scooter comfort and convenience with motorcycle-esque levels of swagger, performance, and stability.
What was then a bare-bones, fun and practical machine is now, in 2025, still a blast to ride - only now it's dripping in tech.
2025 has seen Yamaha throw a bunch of mild updates the way of its TMAX Tech MAX. It's not just the top dog of Yamaha's scooter range, but arguably the most tech-packed, go-fast grocery-getter money can buy. And for this year, it's had a facelift, a software update, and a solid session at the gym.
The first thing you'll clock is the new front end. Gone are the slightly sleepy headlights of yore - replaced by aggressive, dual-eye LEDs with built-in position lights that give the TMAX a leaner, meaner look. The bodywork's been sharpened up too and is now more compact. Add in the iconic boomerang side panels, sculpted seat, and upswept exhaust, and it's an altogether aggressive-looking machine that will make other scooter owners weep with envy.
Underneath the slick panels, the 560cc parallel twin remains the heart of the beast. It's been refined for lower emissions this year, but don't mistake that for going soft. You still get a solid torque curve peaking at 5,250rpm and smooth, twist-and-go delivery through a V-belt transmission. The clutch settings are revised too - offering smoother launches.
It looks slick and it goes, but where the TMAX really shines - and distances itself from its twist-and-go competition - is all down to its chassis. Where most scooters can feel a bit flighty at speed, the TMAX feels planted, stable, and reassuring. Thanks to its motorcycle-spec aluminium frame, long swingarm, USD forks, and 15-inch SpinForged wheels, it handles real-world roads with a level of confidence that normal scooter riders could only dream of.
It doesn't just ride like a big scooter - it rides like a proper mid-size bike.
The brakes are another highlight: twin 267mm front discs haul the TMAX down with authority, backed up by the fresh addition of cornering ABS derived from Yamaha's supersport lineup. It's not just impressive for a scooter - it's impressive, full stop.
The Tech MAX comes armed with a full deck of electronic wizardry, such as D-MODE letting you dial in the engine response depending on your mood or environment, and traction control keeping the rear in check when the roads are greasy.
Topping it all off is a seven-inch full-colour TFT dash that offers three layout options, smartphone connectivity via the MyRide app, and full Garmin navigation. You can take calls, play music, and check emails.
The sculpted dual seat is plush and heated, as are the grips, to keep your derrière and digits warm. The electronically adjustable screen has 110mm of range, and cruise control makes highway stints a total breeze.
Underseat space is generous enough for a full-face lid or two smaller open-face jobs, depending on shape - although I couldn't fit my extra-large Arai Concept XE in there. There's keyless ignition, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and all the switches are backlit. Premium touches that make this scooter feel every bit the premium machine it is.
So, who's it for? If you're picturing a retiree in loafers, think again. The TMAX Tech MAX is for the rider who wants the performance, tech, and comfort of a mid-size sport tourer - but wrapped in something easier to live with every day. No chain lube, no clutch lever, no worries.
If I have anything negative to say about the TMAX, it's that I don't know where the hell it fits in the world and who the bloody hell it's for. Yes, it has many of the positive attributes of a motorcycle - good handling, good brakes, and a fair turn of speed - and many of the positive attributes of a scooter - comfort and storage. But it also carries some of the negative attributes as well - motorcycle weight, with the compromise borne out by its scooter form and small wheels. It also sports a $21,000-plus price tag that pits it against a regular motorcycle on the showroom floor, so you really gotta want a scooter to justify the purchase. And there's nothing wrong with that.
With all that said, if you're a scooter fan and you simply need the biggest, baddest twist-and-go available, then there is no other choice. It bangs like a bike, with all the convenience of a scooter, and it has the chops to keep up with your mates on their regular bikes at the Sunday street races. It's the ultimate sleeper.
