TMAX Tech Max: Access All Areas
Staff Test Review | Yamaha TMAX 560 Scooter
Devoted Yamaha MT-10SP rider, Chris Dobie, has rarely strayed away from Yamaha’s big 998cc CP4-powered Hypernaked over the years. He tried the YZF-R1M and a Tracer 900 GT, but always returned to the top-dog naked bike, and is now onto his fourth.
As much as he loves his powerful beast, he knows that practicality has never been its strong suit. So, when the chance came to test-ride the new Yamaha TMAX Tech Max scooter for a week, it was a chance for Chris to get a healthy dose of practicality. What he didn’t expect was the fun, sporty and comfortable ride that also came with the deal.
It's not only easy to ride, it's a heap of fun and much easier than a car
Chris kicked off the one-week TMAX Tech MAX adventure with his daily 150km commute to the office and back. Setting off in the cold winter pre-dawn morning, he flicked the heated grip and seat warmers to full. He then discovered that the 560cc twin-cylinder liquid-cooled engine delivered more than enough power for the freeway, so he flicked on the cruise control, used the thumb-operated TFT dash interface to adjust the electric screen to the desired height, and enjoyed the ride.
First impressions were all about convenience. Unlike his MT-10SP, which requires a large rack-mounted top box to transport gear, the TMAX swallowed everything snugly under its seat. The large TFT dashboard with a 7-inch colour screen also received a glowing appraisal, with Chris comparing it to a spacecraft cockpit, displaying all necessary information clearly. Thanks to its easy-to-navigate interface, Chris also announced the thumb-operated joystick as a game changer, and the smart key keyless ignition and security system also received top marks.
Like his MT-10SP, lane filtering was effortless, thanks to the TMAX’s agile handling and excellent visibility from the cockpit. However, the real test of its usability came on the weekend when Chris and his wife Mary decided to take the TMAX from their South Coast base into the centre of Sydney for lunch and some sightseeing. Usually a daunting task by car due to congestion, the TMAX Tech Max handled the tight streets and busy traffic with ease. Whether in Eco mode for economy, Touring mode for comfort or Sport mode for a bit more fun, the scooter’s performance was impressive. Sipping at the fuel at a rate of just 4.1Ltrs of per 100km, it was also a much more affordable day out than when they take the four-wheeled gas-guzzler. Even carrying two adults, the TMAX cruised along effortlessly and lost none of its traffic-busting agility or performance. Chris said that at one point, he needed to check to make sure he had not left Mary behind.
Parking was another revelation. Everywhere they needed to stop, they claimed a Rockstar parking spot directly in front of their destination, while cars were circling the block, looking out for someone leaving. The TMAX made city navigation feel like a VIP experience.
Encouraged to get behind the controls of a motorcycle for the first time in many years, Mary found the TMAX’s twist-and-go CVT transmission wonderfully simple. No clutch to worry about meant one less thing to think about as she reacquainted herself with the joy of two wheels. She said he found the scooter incredibly easy to ride. So much so that she took off on her own adventure, riding along the beachfront to catch up with friends, returning with a smile and saying it was more enjoyable and convenient than driving her car.
Returning the scoot, Chris admitted the TMAX was a surprise packet with its combination of practicality and performance. The ample under-seat storage, heated comforts, and adjustable screen were all highlights, and the scooter’s LAMS approval meant it would be suitable for his daughter to learn to ride on. Clocking up 500 kilometers on the machine, it had impressed with its all-around ability. From daily commutes to leisurely cruises, it proved its versatility and convenience as well as revealing a sporty personality that matched its sporty looks.
While Chris will keep an MT-10SP in his garage for a little longer, his time on the TMAX has shown him that practicality doesn’t have to come at the expense of enjoyment.