Times change, fashions change and the public is no longer the same. Quite the opposite of what has happened with the Yamaha TMAX that has followed its path during its 21 years of existence as if nothing had happened. Without flinching before the competitors that generation after generation have been coming out. It must be for a reason… Yes, the Japanese were completely right in a concept that in 2001 was a shock among maxiscooters and today it returns to the fray with the eighth generation…
2001, odyssey in… the market
When the Yamaha TMAX arrived on the international market in 2001, it came to revolutionize a segment -until then- dominated by scooters far removed from the sensations of conventional motorcycles. We could say that this new model took the best of both worlds and, based on a frame completely different from what was known to date, and which allowed it an incredibly low center of gravity, more or less conventional suspensions were installed, allowing a dynamism and sportiness that any model known to date lacked. An icon was born.
That base came to life thanks to a parallel Twin engine that, as the generations succeeded each other, grew in displacement and very little in power. From 500 cc, it went on to 530 and reached the more than 560 cc of the latest editions and which is at the limit of 48 CV allowed by the A2 driving license.
The new Yamaha TMAX is presented in 2022 with a great aesthetic renovation, improved equipment and two versions, one standard and the top of the range Tech Max
The most curious thing is that, throughout its history, there have been many brands that have tried to create models to rival without achieving their goal. Models with much more power, top speed, electronic systems or load capacity could not overshadow the TMAX which, after eight generations, is still the reference.
In 2022 it receives a new aesthetic and equipment improvements that raise it almost to the level of competition like the Honda Forza 750, its latest and greatest rival today. Gone are the BMW C 600/650 Sport, the KYMCO AK550 or, further back in time, the Gilera GP800…
350,000 units sold!
It is said soon, but this new generation comes after more than 350,000 units sold worldwide and the truth is that despite being the eighth, it continues to arouse much interest among the public. In Spain, the third country in sales, after Italy and France, which are the two main ones, is in good shape.
This eighth generation of the Yamaha TMAX maintains the recipe for success since 2001…
Although it maintains the base of the present generation where the 562cc parallel twin engine is at the limit of the power of the A2, that is, 35 kW (48 hp) and a torque of 55.7 Nm, the first thing that jumps to the view is the work done on the layout. Here the Japanese have returned to the fray with a more aggressive front line where the higher front optics, a T-shaped rear light and a somewhat more marked side boomerang line stand out, especially due to the silver tone that the models combine. in yellow.
The truth is that this model now looks more stylized, but keeping the entire cycle part practically intact. Except for small adjustments in the settings of the suspensions, we will have to go to the ergonomic section to find some more considerable differences, such as the elongated footrest surface and with more space that allows a better reach to the ground. For its part, the handlebar offers a somewhat more sporty posture together with a seat that has a small adjustable backrest in three positions for the driver simply by pressing a button located under it.
The Yamaha TMAX 2022 will arrive in yellow, a color that was already present in its origins
Something more current…
The new 7” TFT color screen with connectivity, Garmin navigation and manageable by means of a joystick located on the left pineapple is obvious once you get on its controls. It has three tachometer themes and although its size is considerable, the graphics and definition could have been at another level and some information details such as tire pressure are still missing. Of course, it has an anti-reflective protection as well as a sun visor… On the good side, its operation and navigation are very intuitive, allowing you to select between the different functions and menus in a fluid way and without having to take an adaptation course.
The highest version of the range and called Tech Max that differs from the basic one by incorporating elements such as heated grips and seat, backlit buttons, electrically adjustable screen, central stand with anti-theft system, speed control and rear shock absorber dimmable in addition to two exclusive colors. In any of the versions we will find a new Smart Key button panel with keyless start which, the latter in the case of the Tech Max, allows the two-cylinder to be started with an instant press, that is, without the need to wait a few seconds as is usual…
The riding position and foot space have been improved on this 2022 Yamaha TMAX
On the go with the new Yamaha TMAX 2022
Once underway, the TMAX offers almost the same sensations as the previous generation. Of course, the slight changes in ergonomics make the posture a little more forced in terms of the arms, especially if you are not taller than 1.75m as is my case. The good thing is that the electrically adjustable screen allows you to play with its height depending on the circumstances and the road on which we are driving. Although up to 100-110 km/h taking it in the highest note a great protection, from that speed on fast roads, you feel like a suction forward…
Except for that small detail, that the turn signal button is in a strange position, very close to the joystick and sometimes you get confused by its pulsation or the vibrations of the mirrors, the new TMAX stands out for the smoothness of its electronic accelerator in either of the two Driving modes available T or Touring and S or Sport that vary the instantaneous response and delivery of power and torque. There is also no lack of traction control, which, even in the low-grip conditions we had during the first part of the day, did not make an appearance, evidencing the smoothness of the transmission and supported by a team of Bridgestone Battlax Scooter SC2 tires from great grip. In this sense, it should be noted that the new generation is equipped with new, lighter rims that reduce inertia by 10% in the front and 6% in the rear.
The excellent dynamic behavior continues to be one of the great assets of the Yamaha TMAX
The 2022 TMAX maintains the dynamism, driveability and poise of all previous editions. With him you can go at a good pace but without overdoing it. Because if the limits are exceeded, the sides will rub excessively and the suspensions will say this far we have come. Like the brakes with an ABS on the rear that jumps too easily if we force the pressure on the left lever… So we must not forget that it is a scooter, sports but a scooter, with its limitations and considerable weight.
Of course, as an all-purpose vehicle it is still ideal and if you prefer not to complicate your life with gear changes, to be seated more comfortably or protected, the option is clear, adding that it is a model with low depreciation as it has shown to throughout his years of life…
What price is the new Yamaha TMAX 2022?
The new TMAX range starts at €13,299 for the standard version, while the top of the range or Tech Max will cost €15,499.
It should be noted that there will be up to 30 accessories available, including the Akrapovic exhaust in two colors and three packs, Sport, Urban 34l and Urban 45l, these last two that differ in the size of the Top Box.
Among the accessories available, the new Yamaha TMAX 2022 range has 30 options and three packs
If you want to see all the Yamaha TMAX for sale on motos.net click here…