2020 Yamaha S Max

Scooter design has been well defined for many years now, and the Tuning Fork company toed the category line when setting up the 155cc SMAX scooter. A fairly full front fairing shunts the wind aside to protect the rider’s legs, and the aftermarket "Givi" brand windshield extends that protection to the rider’s chest. The step-through frame makes for easy mounting and dismounting, and serves as something of a light cargo deck, with cargo box, to supplement the eight-gallon underseat storage for grocery-getting missions. Alternately, the storage compartment will hold a full-face helmet plus a fistful of possibles.  The passenger comfort got a boost over the previous year’s model with increased padding in the pillion seat, and new LED marker lights on the front fairing improve safety by increasing front-on visibility, and they just plain look cool.    

The one-cylinder, water-cooled mill runs with fuel injection and transistor-controlled ignition, and provides a decent 81 mpg, depending on load, riding style and altitude, of course. A constantly-variable transmission (CVT) provides twist-it-and-forget-it operation with no need for a clutch.

 According to Top Speed Motorcycles.com, Performance is rather important, given that this scoot is meant for commutes that include freeway travel. The SMAX will manage 60 mph at sea level, slightly less at altitude, and up to 65 with a good tailwind, plenty enough to prevent getting run over when you hit the superslab.  This one has 7,155 miles on it!!