13 August 2026

Maxxing out

For a big lad like Paul Browne, it’s usually big bikes all the way.

But once upon a time, a scooter turned his head.

That scooter, or maxi-scooter, was Yamaha’s appropriately named TMax, which this year celebrates its 25th birthday with a limited anniversary edition.

 

Way back – like way, way back, twenty five years ago back – we all knew that scooters were awful contraptions and were not in anyway to be taken seriously by any of us ‘real motorcyclists’.

Then Yamaha launched the first of the super scooters, a machine called a TMax.

They were powered by a parallel twin 500cc motor and, while they didn’t make a whole lot of power, they made more than enough to get about a busy city.

For those of us who dared to step down to one they were a revelation.

Silver dated

Now, a quarter of a century later, they have continued to evolve and are a premium piece of two-wheeled excellence.

Yamaha have celebrated with a 25th anniversary model.

This echoes the colour scheme of the original, but features all the technology of the latest machine.

The finish is excellent with a contrasting paint scheme and a beautiful double stitched seat.

The machined wheels and the very cool anodised engine protector make it stand out from the ‘standard’ model.

Getaway vehicle

While it’s still a parallel twin, the new TMax’s capacity is up to 560cc and it produces 47bhp – more than enough for the real world!

This is assisted by an array of the kind of electrical toys we have come to expect as standard on the modern motorcycle, including traction control, ABS and brake control.

There’s also a choice of two fuelling modes, one for intelligent city riding and one for the rapid acceleration that’s needed to make a getaway from whatever you need get away from!

The front brakes are even radially mounted, exactly as they are on my MT 10.

Screen time

The screen is, of course, a TFT affair and Garmin navigation is included with the bike (see what happened there? I referred to it as a bike, that’s how good it is).

The rear light is a different and outstanding shape.

Features such as a main and side stand, as well as a deep seat and lots of foot space for the taller among us, make it so much easier to use.

Even the under seat storage has its own light! I could fit my helmet, gloves and my Knox urban pro under armour in it when parked up and carry my man bag and a lock when under way.

Sounds of the city (optional)

Then there are the optional accessories which include a choice of top box – either 34 or 45 litres – and an Akrapovič exhaust system from which a sublime sound emerges!

A sport screen is much shorter than standard and, in my humble opinion, compliments the bike’s styling much better than the standard one.

The 25th anniversary TMax is being made in limited numbers and will only be available until the end of the year.

They cost €15,499 and are available from Danfay Newlands.

Motorcycle, moped and scooter insurance quotes? We’ve got you covered. Call 0818 945 950.

 

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