At first glance, Luca’s Yamaha TMAX looked like any other well-used daily commuter. But parked near pit lane at Jerez race track, the story quickly unraveled into something far more interesting. Luca, just 19 years old and local to a village outside the famous Spanish circuit, had turned his trusty maxi scooter into a full-blown track day surprise. What started as a practical choice quickly turned into a passion project that’s capturing attention for all the right reasons.
From Daily Rider to Track Machine
With a limited budget and a healthy obsession for motorcycles, Luca wanted in on the track day action. But instead of chasing a budget sport bike or building something from scratch, he looked at what he already had his daily Yamaha TMAX. Not one to be held back by convention, Luca began stripping down the scooter. Off came the pillion handles, oversized mirrors, center stand, and anything that didn’t serve the cause. The tall windscreen was swapped for a short sport version, and race-inspired decals gave it just the right attitude.
Without access to racing slicks for scooters, Luca mounted the stickiest road legal scooter tires he could source, focusing on compounds used in urban performance riding. What emerged was a lighter, more aggressive, corner-hungry machine — ready for track life. He even adjusted suspension preload and swapped in upgraded brake pads for better bite. It wasn’t just a cosmetic job — Luca had transformed his everyday ride into a machine that could hold its own on Spain’s most famous curves.
Mid-Pack Pace on a Maxi Scooter
Despite its large frame and CVT transmission, Luca’s TMAX quickly proved capable. By staying in the middle track day group, he has earned the respect of other riders. It might not have the speed of a 600 or the agility of a supermoto, but his knowledge of how to maximize every ounce of performance sets him apart.
On the track, Luca’s lines were wide and smooth, conserving momentum in a way that almost seemed effortless. His braking points were late, but controlled. Through tight sections, the TMAX’s low center of gravity gave it a surprising edge. Luca’s riding wasn’t flashy — it was efficient, fluid, and confident. Fellow riders initially laughed, then nodded in appreciation.
When I asked Luca for advice on how to ride a big scooter fast on track, he smiled, leaned in, and delivered a masterclass of hard-earned experience.
Luca’s 10+1 Rules for Scootering at Speed
- Pin It Everywhere – The throttle must be wide open unless you’re braking. CVTs love momentum. Use it.
- Brake Late with Both Ends – Use both front and rear brakes. Trail into the corner and keep both engaged slightly through the apex as you let of the front brake start to trail off the rear. Then refer to point 1.
- Keep Momentum – Do not over-brake. The long chassis rewards corner speed more than stop-go tactics. You have a slower terminal speed approaching the corner and you can reel in bigger bikes. Keep your nerve and brake late and not too much.
- Overlap Gas and Brake – Never have a dead zone. Apply throttle before fully releasing the rear brake as you exit the corner. Refer to point 2 and then point 1!
- Tuck Like You Mean It – Aerodynamics matter. Get low behind the screen even if it looks ridiculous. Every and any straight, you need to tuck!
- Plan Your Arcs – Ground clearance is limited. Open up the corner where possible to keep from scraping.
- Hang Off Big – Keep the bike upright by exaggerating body position. Treat it like a low-slung sport tourer. This will help the bike travel faster and quicker through the corner by not scraping.
- Repeat: Pin It Everywhere – Luca insisted. Momentum is life.
- Manage Tire Pressures – Start low to end up around 30 psi front and 27 psi rear when hot.
- Read the Grip – The tires will move and squirm after a few laps. As your on effectively sporty scooter tyres, which are essential sport touring tyres. Embrace it and understand it, however ease off for one or two cooler laps and the tyres will firm up on the edges. The refer to point 1.
Laugh! While You Ride – “This is the best part,” Luca said. “This isn’t racing. It’s joy. It’s riding a scooter like Yamaha never imagined.”
Bigger Picture: Riding Beyond the Rulebook
Luca’s scooter story is more than a quirky anecdote. It represents a shift in how young riders approach motorcycling. Instead of following a strict rulebook, they innovate with what’s available. Luca didn’t need a superbike or race tires. He used his tools, his creativity, and his skills to make something fun, functional, and totally unexpected.
In doing so, he also found a community. Riders once skeptical now come over to ask questions, check his setup, or just shake his hand. Luca’s track days are more than personal progress, they’re a rolling statement that joy, skill, and passion can come from any machine.
Final Lap
Luca’s TMAX adventure is a lesson in doing more with what you have. It’s easy to get caught up in spec sheets and lap times, but watching a teenager wring every ounce out of his oversized scooter, and do it with joy! Its a reminder that the best machine is the one that makes you ride. In a sea of serious faces and high-end bikes, Luca and his TMAX brought something essential back to the paddock: unfiltered fun. And for those who think scooters are just for cities and commutes, think again. At Jerez, Luca proved they might just belong in the fast lane too.
