After viewing the TMAX without it’s bulky bodywork and liking what he saw Sands decided to embrace the basic form of the TMAX frame. With all that bodywork thrown in the bin he tucked away exposed wiring and running gear behind custom made paneling. The frame didn’t go untouched though, custom foot wells with guard rails were welded on each side and a new rear loop was added to fit the wasps tail with integrated filler cap.
“People think I’m into cruisers but I’m more driven by dirt bikes and racers, but there is no way I’m letting the Hyper Modified TMAX go. I’ve got a scooter in my garage now – I didn’t think that would happen! ”
Sands also added paneling to the front and under the rear to protect the internals from road debris and used mesh in areas where airflow was required for cooling. Engine covers were also carved open to expose the bikes belt drives and shave off even more weight. The pipes are race bred giving the bike a throaty roar that’d you’d never expect to hear from a scooter, even if it is a “maxi” one and a set of off road style Renthal bars set the rider up for good old elbows out fun.
I’m a huge fan of Roland Sands custom motorcycle builds. His designs are unconventional and each build is performance proven by the man himself when he gives them a ceremonial thrashing. This particular build was completed for Yamaha Motorcycles as part of their Hyper Modified campaign. The bike used to be a brand new 2012 500cc TMAX ‘maxi-scooter’ but you’d be hard pressed recognising it now.
