Hello! This is Gin, a Webike staff member. I'll be reporting on my reviews of Yamaha's new NMAX125 after actually riding it around my 30km one-way commuting route.
I usually commute to work on my Yamaha NMAX (2016), which is about 30 km each way. The route is about 1/3 is a stop and go road with heavy traffic congestion and a lot of slip throughs, and 2/3 is a route that rides on the main road of the national highway with a fast flow, mainly Route 246. This new NMAX is also riding on the same route.
So much evolution from the old model that owners can easily recognize it just by starting the engine.
Yamaha's NMAX is a 125 cc moped scooter that rivals Honda's PCX in terms of performance, styling and variable valve engine characteristics. I own a 2016 NMAX for commuting and riding around town, and I'm fully satisfied with its performance.
The new model of NMAX was announced overseas in 2020, and it finally went on sale in Japan this summer. This time, as an owner of the old model, I would like to report the comparison with the new NMAX.
Both the engine and the frame of the new NMAX are newly designed, but the impression when you straddle it is almost the same as the old model. The design around the rear has been refined, and it gives the impression of a more stylish design.
The NMAX, which debuted in Japan in 2016, has evolved into the second generation. The engine not only complies with emissions regulations, but is also newly equipped with an idling stop mechanism. It's also compatible with a smartphone app that notifies you of incoming call notifications, etc.
The riding position for a rider 170cm tall is not cramped, and the ability to move the legs back and forth makes long distance riding easy. The screen is more upright than the PCX, so it looks like it has good wind protection.
Weighing 65kg, the heel lifts a little. The specs are almost the same for the NMAX (765mm) and PCX (764mm), but the PCX had perfect ground contact, so the seat width and suspension settings must be different.
Start the engine and you'll immediately notice a clear difference from the old model. The "Smart Motor Generator" adopted in the new model eliminates the "curling" motion of the cell, and the engine starts smoothly. The vibration of the engine, which was one of the major differences between the PCX and its predecessor, has been greatly reduced, and the engine accelerates quietly and smoothly.
The old model that I am currently riding was a fun scooter that accelerated at a higher engine speed when the throttle was opened, which was typical of a variable valve actuation (VVA) engine. The new model has the same quiet and smooth acceleration feeling as the PCX.
The feeling of the old model was also attractive to me, but the smooth and quiet speed of the new model makes me feel that it has evolved into a high-quality commuter. The new model also has an idling stop system, which is now evenly equipped with the PCX. It is very smooth to start from the engine stop state and to start.
As far as fuel efficiency is concerned, the idling stop mechanism has improved over the previous generation. On my commuting route, the old model got about 43 kilometers per liter, but the new model got about 48 kilometers. The fuel tank is also larger, at 7.1 liters, so I can drive 250 to 300 kilometers on a single refueling.
The engine has been upgraded to meet 2020 emissions standards with improved intake and exhaust specifications and FI settings. The output remains at 12PS, but the engine speed has been increased from 7500 to 8000rpm, and the VVA that switches at 6000rpm is still fitted.
The major change is the Smart Motor Generator, which combines the functions of an engine starting motor and a generator into one unit, the same equipment as on the PCX, and also introduces an idling stop mechanism.
The body performance that had a high reputation even in the old model is still alive and well in the new model! Even if it compares with PCX, NMAX is superior!
Compared with the PCX, the body performance that was highly reputed even in the old model is still alive and well in the new model. Even if you go over ruts and bumps on the main road while cruising at high speed, it runs without any anxiety at all, and cornering has a response or a sense of grounding that is not like a scooter. I felt that the NMAX is superior to the new PCX in this respect.
As the test vehicle was a new motorcycle with only 200km on the odometer, the rear suspension in particular felt stiff as expected, but the new model is conveniently designed to accommodate two people, with the preload easily adjustable by hand.
In addition to the improved frame, new lightweight cast wheels are used on both the front and rear of the NMAX.
The frame has improved engine hangers to reduce vibration. The rear suspension has a new mechanism that allows two-stage initial adjustment.
As for the capacity under the seat, which is important in terms of usability, there is almost no difference between the old and new models. The addition of a mechanism that keeps the seat raised is a nice improvement in the small details. A 12V DC socket in the front pocket is also standard equipment. Along with the smart key system, the part that I envied as an old type owner compared with PCX is equipped from the beginning.
It is the new NMAX, but the word "normal evolution" is just the right finish. The design, driving performance, and equipment of the new NMAX all seem to have become a step higher in quality. However, because of the higher rank of the body and equipment, I personally have the impression that it would be a waste to limit it to the 125 cc moped category. I feel that the new NMAX155, which is expected to be released within this year, will be able to fully demonstrate the charm and performance of the new NMAX. As a purchaser, it is really troubling because the maintenance cost will change in terms of tax and insurance. We can't wait for the new NMAX 155 to make its debut!
There is 23 liters of space under the seat. Helmets can be stored and there are two helmet holders in the front.
On the left is a small box with a 12VDC jack and on the right is a storage box with a lid. In the center is the ignition switch.
This is the first time the NMAX has been equipped with a smart key. With this, the PCX is no longer inferior in terms of equipment.
The meter is a multi-function display that also shows fuel consumption and voltage. The photo shows the newly adopted traction control status display.
The new headlights have been redesigned with six bright lights while retaining the image of the previous model.
The tail lights are also stylish with the use of line emitting LEDs.
2021 NMAX ABS main specifications
Overall length x width x height: 1935 x 740 x 1160 mm
Wheelbase: 1340mm
Seat height: 765mm
Vehicle weight: 131kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, SOHC, 4-valve, 124cc
Maximum output: 12PS/8000rpm
Maximum torque: 1.1 kgm/6000rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 7.1L
Transmission: V-belt type unauthorized transmission
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc
Tire: F=110/70-13, R=130/70-13
Price: 368,500 yen
