2025 Yamaha TMAX Tech MAX – What’s new? | REVIEW

If you’re in mainland Europe and looking for the most luxurious and high-performance large-capacity sports maxi-scooter, you’re likely eyeing up Yamaha’s top-selling TMAX.

Among Yamaha’s sports scooter lineup, the flagship model is the TMAX Tech MAX. This is also the only version you can buy in the UK this year.

The mighty TMAX has received several updates for 2025, enhancing its already impressive set of features.

To see how the new updates affect the bike’s performance, I took the 2025 TMAX Tech MAX out for a spin in and around Benidorm, where I put it through its paces over 120 miles of mountain roads and dual carriageways.

Let’s dive into the changes and how it rides…

Minor changes for 2025

The TMAX Tech MAX hasn’t seen a complete overhaul this year; instead, the 2025 model comes with some notable refinements in style, mechanics, and technology. While the previous generation wasn’t that long ago (we also had the 2018 TMAX on long-term loan), this model benefits from some key updates. Before we get to those, it’s important to note that it still includes features like tyre pressure monitors, an electronically adjusted screen, a heated rider’s seat, and heated grips as standard.

A significant mechanical update is the revised clutch, which now features new balance weights and tension springs. These tweaks aim to improve accuracy when pulling away and offer more refined control.

Technical

On the technical side, the 2025 model comes with updates to the exhaust and intake systems, mostly to meet Euro 5+ emissions standards but also to improve performance. The bike now includes Yamaha’s Brake Control system, a form of cornering ABS. In addition, the cruise control has been updated to allow speed adjustments of plus or minus 10 km/h, and Yamaha has further differentiated the bike’s Sport and Touring modes to provide a more distinct riding experience. The new bike features the same TFT as before, although now it includes Bluetooth connectivity and the use of the Garmin Motorize navigation app—free to all customers.

Styling

Finally, the styling has been subtly refined for 2025. The front fairing has been downsized, giving the bike a sleeker look and making it seem less bulky from the side. This design tweak is also said to improve weather protection for both the rider and pillion. As seen on some of Yamaha’s other models, the TMAX features Spinforged wheels, and for 2025, they include a neat-looking machined rim to help them stand out from the crowd.

Review

Starting the ride in the hotel courtyard and riding straight through reception was a new one on me, but it did at least show off the new bike’s clutch as being significantly better than before. As I imagined the bike veering through the hotel doors if I miscalculated a turn, running through my brain, I was happy that the new clutch engages significantly smoother than before, even when the engine is cold. The previous bike tended to grab when moving off from a stop, which could make low-speed manoeuvres feel a bit jerky. The updated clutch on the 2025 model is much smoother, making the ride feel more natural, especially when dealing with slow-speed traffic or tight corners.

The unusual start also highlighted one factor that can be an issue: The TMAX feels like a tall bike. While the seat height at 800mm isn’t the issue, the high step-over makes it tricky for shorter riders like me to plant both feet firmly on the ground. Despite this, it’s a trade-off worth making, considering the TMAX’s impressive 563cc parallel twin-cylinder engine shares the space that the cavernous under-seat storage also inhabits.

Power & torque

That engine is as good as ever, and with 47bhp and 40 lb-ft of torque, the TMAX accelerates quickly (for a 200 kg+ bike) and will easily hit over 100mph while maintaining excellent fuel economy (around 50- 60 mpg). The changes to the Sport and Touring modes are subtle, with the Sport mode offering a bit more urgency when overtaking. Ultimately, these modes are finely tuned, and the difference between them I found to be fairly minimal. If anything, I’d just like a bit more character from the engine, although with Euro5+ doing its best to squeeze the fun out of two-wheelers, that is hardly a surprise. Even the bikes on the launch with the Akrapovic exhaust system sound almost identical to the stock bike. It makes you wonder where your £1,800 is going!

Brake Control System

The brakes are incredibly strong, as always, and the new Brake Control System is a standout feature. It’s Yamaha’s own-brand cornering ABS, and while it’s overly intrusive at times, it works fantastically well. In hard braking situations, it doesn’t simply reduce pressure on the lever but instead pushes it back into your hand, allowing you to squeeze again once the system has adjusted. This feature makes the bike feel more forgiving and agile, even when leaning into corners at aggressive angles. I hasten to say it, but on the brakes and in tight, twisty corners, the new TMAX now feels almost uncrashable, thanks to its trick electronics and excellent road-holding.

Exhilerating

Once we hit the open roads and climbed into the mountains, the ride became more exhilarating. The TMAX is incredibly fun on fast, sweeping roads. It handles remarkably well for a bike of its size. It’s stable and composed, even if it’s not the quickest to change direction. But once you get it into a fast corner, it feels glued to the road.

Comfort

As we cruised back on the dual carriageway toward the hotel, I adjusted the screen to its full height, which eliminated the wind noise and buffeting I had endured all day. The relaxed riding position, especially with the feet-forward stance, made the ride comfortable, and I didn’t experience any back pain, despite spending hours on the bike. That said, a slightly plusher seat would make long-distance rides even more comfortable.

The verdict

If you’re looking for the ultimate maxi-scooter, the Yamaha TMAX Tech MAX remains the top contender in the market. The 2025 updates, including the Brake Control system and revised clutch, make the bike even more refined, while the styling changes give it a sleeker, less bulky look.

If there is anything I didn’t like, it’d be the screen, for starters. On its lowest setting, the buffeting is very bad, meaning if you aren’t keen on staring at the road through the expansive curved fishbowl, you’re going to have to invest in some weapons-grade earplugs! Other than that, a slightly narrower seat would be a bonus and might make life easier for shorter riders to feel comfortable when riding around town. Lastly, it’s the mirrors; as at anything above 60mph, the vibrations make them all but useless – although it’s worth noting none of those vibes find their way to the rider.

Of course, the price tag will be an issue for many riders in the UK and possibly the main reason these bikes sell in such small numbers compared to our European neighbours. At nearly £14,500, it’s a lot of money for a bike like this. But the thing about TMAX owners is that they are fiercely protective over their bikes. The TMAX is not about raw performance or track capabilities, but rather its practicality and refined features. If you’re someone who values comfort, stability, and practicality, especially in a city or on long touring trips, the TMAX is still the best option in the maxi-scooter category.

Words: Matt Adamson