The Yamaha TMAX (or T-Max) series of mega-scooters has been manufactured by Yamaha Motor Company for the European market since its debut at July 2000 press events in Naples, Italy and Iwata, Japan,[15] combining motorcycle performance with the convenience and flexibility for commuting of a scooter.

This model includes D-Mode which lets the rider select a sportier engine running mode for more thrilling performance.

[17] Yamaha used the designation XP500 for all previous model years; more than 233,000 TMAX scooters have been sold in Europe.

Their objective was to create a mega-scooter suitable for high-speed motorways, such as the German Autobahn system or the Autostrade of Italy, and better suited to European physiques than the Majesty (designed for the Japanese market).

Yamaha estimated there were millions of holders of full motorcycle licenses in Europe no longer riding any kind of two-wheeler.

Yamaha bolted the engine to the frame, but much farther forward, arriving at the weight distribution of a typical motorcycle.

Engine upgrades for the 2004 model year included replacing the twin carburetors with fuel injection, and raising the compression ratio, to boost horsepower and torque.

[31][32][33] To mark the tenth anniversary of the TMAX roll-out, Yamaha produced a WHITE MAX special edition for 2010.

[19] Other engine modifications included a newly designed pent-roof combustion chamber and a reworking of the fuel injection.

[36][37][38] Front suspension was revamped on the fifth generation TMAX with an upside down (inverted) telescopic fork with radial-mounted brake calipers.