A sports bike, a scooter, and an ultra-comfortable tourer. Yamaha “TMAX560 TECH MAX” test ride report

You can ride it in a forward-leaning position like a sports bike, or with your legs stretched out like a cruiser. Its cornering performance is in a league of its own compared to ordinary scooters.

Completely new design, further evolution of suspension and electronics

The 2025 model of Yamaha’s premium sports scooter, the TMAX560 TECH MAX, has arrived. Enormously popular in Europe, this series continues to evolve as a flagship model, combining sporty riding performance with touring-class comfort.

The first TMAX was released in 2001. It distinguished itself from conventional big scooters by embracing a unique “automatic supersport” approach, thoroughly refining its riding performance. In 2020, the TMAX560 was released with an increased engine displacement, and the premium TECH MAX model, featuring luxurious equipment, was also introduced. Following improvements in 2022, the 2025 model boasts a revamped design and significant improvements in safety and convenience, including cornering ABS, brake control (BC), and enhanced smartphone connectivity.

Its heart is a water-cooled, in-line twin-cylinder DOHC 4-valve 560cc engine. While complying with Euro 5+ regulations, the bike’s torque at low and mid-range speeds has been meticulously tuned, and its combination with a CVT delivers smooth, powerful acceleration. The aluminum twin-spar frame’s rigidity also enhances sporty riding. The suspension is also fully equipped, featuring a 41mm inverted fork and a link-type rear suspension. Revised damping characteristics provide excellent stability, even when riding tandem or at high speeds. The front brakes feature a dual-disc, radial-mount caliper setup with the latest generation ABS and BC, optimizing braking force according to road conditions and lean angle. This bike achieves a high level of both sportiness and safety.

Electronic control has also been further improved. Two riding modes (T mode/S mode) are now easier to use, and high-precision traction control optimizes power control according to the situation. The newly designed 7-inch TFT display supports full-map navigation and customizable notifications, and riding logs and vehicle status can be checked via a dedicated app. A USB-C port has also been added, further enhancing the practicality befitting a top-of-the-line model.

Ride that rivals sports bikes

The new bike looks sharper and more manly. The slim and sharp LED headlights, along with the edgy body lines and elegant side view, are reminiscent of a sports bike. The urban, sophisticated, and premium feel is unique to the TMAX. The moment

you saddle up, your conventional perception of a scooter is overturned. The liquid-cooled, parallel-twin 560cc engine delivers a clear pulse and powerful torque thanks to its 360-degree crank. Despite its large, voluminous body, the low- to mid-range torque and smooth CVT make stop-and-go performance a

snap. The automatic centrifugal clutch provides direct engagement, meaning there’s little time lag when accelerating with the throttle on. This makes it easy to handle around town, and its excellent acceleration response and inherent power make overtaking on highways a breeze. It feels as powerful as a mid-class sports bike, yet its easy handling makes it fast and easy to ride.

The rigid body and large-diameter wheels offer a stable and comfortable ride reminiscent of a sports tourer. The riding modes are also practical, with even clearer distinctions between “sport” and “comfort,” allowing you to freely enjoy riding in any situation. Cornering ABS and brake control are also newly installed, supporting sporty riding with a sense of security.

Incidentally, conventional scooters have limitations in rigidity due to their structure not having a center frame, and the large unsprung weight caused by small diameter wheels and the unit swing system that combines the engine and drivetrain are also negative factors in terms of stability and handling. In contrast, the TMAX’s aluminum twin-spar frame and swingarm, combined with 15-inch wheels front and rear, give it a body structure on par with that of a regular sports bike. It truly lets you experience a sporty spirit that goes beyond the boundaries of a scooter.

A versatile machine that can be used as both a cruiser and a tourer

The TMAX excels on winding roads. In addition to its highly rigid chassis, the 41mm inverted forks and link-type rear suspension provide a supple grip on the road, providing a sense of security. The riding position is comfortable, even with arms folded and leaned forward, and the outside foothold on the side of the seat allows for cornering with a sense of unity like a sports bike. Extending your legs forward on the step boards also provides better support during braking, allowing for a comfortable cruiser-like riding position. The wide, thick seat and backrest evenly distribute your weight, making long-distance travel a breeze, making this a truly versatile machine with a wide range of riding capabilities.

Electronic controls have also been further enhanced. High-precision traction control provides a sense of security even on wet roads, while features like an electric screen that can be quickly adjusted with the flip of a switch, cruise control, and heated seats and grips significantly reduce fatigue on long rides. The improved 7-inch TFT display supports full-map navigation, and the addition of a USB-C port for smartphone connectivity further enhances convenience.

Also, the convenience of a large-capacity under-seat trunk that can fit a helmet as well as small luggage

is can offer. On the other hand, the seat height tends to be quite high, but we’re happy to accept that as a trade-off for convenience. Rather, the true essence of the TMAX560 TECHMAX lies in its newly designed styling, premium equipment, and the high level of perfection that combines the appeal of both a sport and a touring bike. This is a bike that is perfect for riders who find value in these things.

The powerful and responsive engine and rigid body and suspension give you a sense of sportiness even when taking small curves around town.

styling

Not only does it boast driving performance, but the silhouette exudes dignity and elegance that even adults can look good in. Its imposing size, on a par with that of a large sports tourer, also highlights its unique presence in this genre.

Riding position (rider height 179cm)

The riding position follows the conventional model. The handlebars are slightly lower than those of a normal scooter, and the footpegs are positioned higher, giving it a sporty impression. The seat height is 800 mm, which is numerically normal, but the width of the vehicle means that foot reach may be somewhat compromised. The rider is 179 cm tall and weighs 73 kg.

Detailed explanation

The front end in particular has been brushed up. While retaining its sharp look, it has been refined to have a more subdued and mature look. The electric windscreen, exclusive to the TECH MAX, can be smoothly adjusted in height with a single switch on the left grip.

The seat is wide and flat, giving a sense of stability, and the sides are shaped to blend in with the tank and body, making it easy to hold on. The backrest is large and practical, providing reassuring support for the lower back over long distances. TECHMAX also offers exclusive seat leather and seat heaters.

The under-seat luggage space has a capacity of 35L, which is large enough to easily fit a helmet and rain gear. A 45L top case is also available as an official option.

The design, which integrates the flashers into the taillights, follows the previous model but is more masculine. Like the front, the rear also features a T motif, emphasizing the TMAX identity.

The 561cc in-line 2-cylinder engine, which produces a maximum output of 48ps, remains the same as before. The 360-degree crank is combined with a unique horizontally opposed reciprocating piston balancer to achieve low vibration and smooth rotation. The exhaust system has also been improved.

The suspension, equipped with an inverted suspension with a φ41mm diameter inner tube and opposed 4-piston radial mount calipers and double discs, shows that this is a machine designed for serious driving.

The rear brake is a single disc type. The brake caliper is located diagonally below and in front of the disc. The parking lock is located diagonally above and to the rear, and is operated with a lever near the left grip.

The rear is fitted with a swingarm similar to that of a regular bike, combined with a link-type monoshock. The drive system is also belt-driven, making it maintenance-free.

It uses a 7-inch TFT display. The display pattern can be selected from three different themes, and is designed to intuitively understand the riding situation. It also uses D-MODE, which allows you to choose between two riding modes: Sport mode (S) and Touring mode (T), so you can choose according to the riding environment and the rider’s preferences.

Operations such as switching the display can be done intuitively using the joystick on the left handlebar. The TECH MAX is also equipped with cruise control.

The right side is equipped with a flap-type storage compartment, which also contains a USB power supply and a compartment for installing an ETC onboard unit.

Specifications

Length/Width/Height: 2,195mm/780mm/1,415mmSeat

Height: 800mmWheel

Distance: 1,575mmGround

Clearance: 135mmVehicle

Weight: 221kgFuel

Economy: 35.5km/L (60km/h) with 2 occupantsWMTC

Mode: 21.3km/L with 1 occupantEngine

: Water-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valveCylinder

Arrangement: Inline, 2-cylinderTotal

Displacement: 561cm3Bore

x Stroke: 70.0mm x 73.0mmCompression

Ratio: 10.9:1Maximum

Output: 35kW (48PS) / 7,000 r/minMaximum

Torque: 55N・m (5.6kgf・m) / 5,250 r/minStarting

Method: SelfLubrication

Method: Dry

SumpEngine Oil Capacity: 3.50LFuel

Tank Capacity: 15L (unleaded premium gasoline required)

Intake/Fuel system/Fuel supply system: Fuel injection

Primary reduction ratio/Secondary reduction ratio: 1.000/5.771 (52/32×36/23×59/26)

Clutch type: Wet, centrifugal, multi-plate

transmission/Transmission system: V-belt continuously variable/automatic

Transmission ratio: 2.041-0.758: Continuously variable

Frame type: Diamond

Caster/Trail: 26°00′/98mm

Tire size (front/rear):

120/70R15M/C (56H) (tubeless)/ 160/60R15M/C (67H) (tubeless)

Braking system type (front/rear): Hydraulic double disc brake/hydraulic single disc

brake

Suspension system (front/rear): Telescopic/Swing arm (link type)

Headlamp bulb type/Headlamp LED

passenger capacity: 2 people