Yamaha T-Max review - Telegraph This means the whole engine moves as the rear wheel tracks over bumps, which is fine on a smaller machine but unmanageable with larger, heavier power units such as the Yamaha's. To counter this, the 2012 T-Max has an aluminium swingarm, which reduces unsprung mass while moving the centre of gravity further forward - a rearward bias is the norm for scooters, usually meaning vague steering and a lack of cornering finesse. There's one notable omission. ABS braking isn't available, even as an option. BMW's C-series and most rivals have it, but Yamaha says that fitting ABS to the T-Max would make it too expensive for the UK market - it's already £8,699. There's no power point either, precluding phone-charging or powering a satnav, and where some scooters have enough storage for a pair of helmets the T-Max only has room for one. However, it does have some useful cubby holes in the fairing. The chassis changes keep the T-Max at the top of the class for handling. It's not quite at the level of a "proper" motorcycle that some would have you believe but it's still accurate, although the long wheelbase and low centre of gravity mean you need what feels like excessive lean angles to get around corners, especially tighter ones. The engine gives you a good kick from standstill and plenty of acceleration up to 60mph. It's smooth and although automatic scooter transmissions are relatively inefficient, the T-Max isn't as thirsty as I was expecting. In urban riding, with heavy stop-start traffic, you'll get 38-40mpg and on longer trips that rises to 60mpg, more if you're easy on the throttle. That means a 200-mile range, which is very respectable. Comfort is fine, meaning you could actually ride that distance, although adjusting the screen height is fiddly, demanding an Allen key when a lever would be far better. You don't want to be sitting on the back, however - it looks plush but the passenger's legs are pushed outwards into the slipstream. The projector headlamps impress at night with their penetration, and being a Yamaha the build quality generally is outstanding. So, apart from reservations about two-up riding, the latest T-Max is a fine example of the breed. The price is unlikely to make British buyers change their thinking, but for the few who are looking at this sector the T-Max is a front-runner. Yamaha T-Max Price/on sale: £8,699/now Power/torque: 46bhp @ 6,750rpm/39lb ft @ 5,250rpm Fuel tank/range: 3.3 gallons/180 miles Verdict: Satisfying to ride, well put together, reasonably economical but poor passenger ergonomics and it's expensive, especially as there's no ABS braking If you thought the Yamaha was pricey, think again. The 650cc C600 is the cheapest version of the BMW and the most direct rival to the Yamaha. The handling is almost as good and it has more storage but Yamaha's build quality and reliability are the best. Piaggio X10, £4,999 You don't have to match the cost of a small car to buy an executive scooter. The X10 is well equipped, including ABS and traction control, looks fabulous and is well made. Its 330cc single-cylinder engine is punchy in town but less capable on fast roads. 70mpg-plus is possible. Suzuki Burgman 650 ABS, £8,175 Less sporty than the T-Max but with cavernous luggage space, an auto/push-button manual gearchange and with ABS, all for £500 less. It's wallowy in corners but the engine is strong and it's well built. It's also more practical, which suits the UK market better.